I always seem to run across people who tell me that, “they don’t make movies like they used to.” That may be true some years, but not in 2007, which was a banner year at the movies thanks to an unusually strong slate of comedies, crime dramas and musicals. With that in mind, here are my thoughts on the best films from the past year.

Sorry, Michael Moore, but the year’s best documentary is the Sundance Award winning “War/Dance,” and not “Sicko.” This tale of Ugandan refugee children preparing for a school music competition is a whiplash mix of naïve enthusiasm and gut-wrenching despair. Some of these kids have seen their entire families murdered, so it’s a real joy to watch as they’re consumed by something as innocent as a simple school competition.

Judd Apatow has had a great year, with three superb comedies, two of which are so good that I can’t justify excluding either from my year end list. “Superbad,” the story of two underage teens trying to buy beer for a party may have the more overt laughs, but “Knocked Up,” the story of a slacker dealing with unexpected fatherhood has a bit more heart. Both are filled with raunchy laughs that are tempered by the sweet nature of the protagonists. Both are among the funniest films of the past decade, let alone 2007.

It shouldn’t surprise anybody to learn that Pixar Animation has gone and made another amazing film. “Ratatouille,” the story of a Parisian rat who wants to be a gourmet chef, is filled with superb visual work, a great musical score and a heart-warming, follow your dreams storyline. You know, the same stuff that we’ve come to expect time again from Pixar.

Between “Hairspray,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Enchanted” and “Across the Universe,” fans of movie musicals have had a lot to cheer about this past year. Ironically, the film they may have missed just happens to be the best of this tuneful bunch. “Once” is a melancholy romance, the story to two Irish musicians struggling with their music and their feelings for each other. The indie-rock soundtrack is top notch, and the film is a real undiscovered gem.

One of my favorite legal thrillers, “Michael Clayton” stars George Clooney in full-movie star mode, playing a guy who is part lawyer and part detective. He’s called in when another attorney has a nervous breakdown that threatens to scuttle a billion dollar class action lawsuit. This tale of corporate greed and cover up is notable for a great screenplay and a trio of superb performances. Look for Clooney, Tom Wilkinson and Tilda Swinton all to get their share of year end acting awards.

The first half is in the bag. Be sure to join us tomorrow for my Top 5 movies of 2007. I’m Sean McBride the movie guy, and I’ll see you at the movies.