By Gregg Shapiro

Contributing writer

Let’s be honest—there was more dreck shown on movie screens in 2007 than quality. Do you really need to be reminded about “Norbit” (if it didn’t cost Eddie Murphy the Oscar, then what did?) or the poisonous “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry”? But if you paid close attention and remained diligent, your patience was rewarded with films such as these:

1. “The Bubble”—Gay Israeli filmmaker Eytan Fox (“Walk On Water” and “Yossi & Jagger”) once again proved himself to be a gifted artist and “The Bubble,” about an intimate relationship between a gay Israeli and a gay Palestinian, is a triumph that is difficult to shake.

2. “Juno”—Pulling no punches, “Juno” knocks out “Knocked Up.” A seamless blend of cutting-edge writing (Cody Diablo), intelligent directing (Jason Reitman) and effortless acting (Ellen Page) come together to result in one of the most original and unflinchingly funny comedies in years.

3. “Atonement”—Joe Wright’s film adaptation of “Atonement,” based on the novel by Ian McEwan, is an epic achievement in terms of the emotional upheaval it stirs in both the characters and the audience and in the scope of the personal and historical events of the film.

4. “Sweeney Todd”—Even though Tim Burton appears to get more glee than necessary out of the opportunity to expand the theatrical gore (did we really need to see Todd’s slashed-throat victims repeatedly hitting the ground, head first?), this faithful adaptation by gay playwright John Logan of the Broadway musical co-written by Stephen Sondheim is certain to appeal to more than just its built-in GLBT audience. So don’t be frightened by the Goth kid standing in line in front of you at the ticket booth.

5. “Away From Her”—Julie Christie’s remarkable and brave performance and the polished and insightful direction by actress/director Sarah Polley made this story of a woman facing Alzheimer’s Disease, well, unforgettable.

6. “Once”—This untraditional musical, with non-traditional romantic leads, was the soundtrack for the summer. Watch the movie (or listen to the music) and get caught up in this wonderful love story and you will understand why, for some, “Once” was enough.

7. “I’m Not There”—Gay filmmaker Todd Haynes’s cinematic love affair with music (see “Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story” and “Velvet Goldmine”) continues with this multi-faceted portrayal at the life of Bob Dylan, “inspired by the music of the many lives” of the singer/songwriter.

Honorably mentioned:

“Hairspray”—John Travolta’s divisive performance (and mere presence) aside, “Hairspray” was a candy-colored spritz of a movie, reviving the beginning-to-sag 21st century movie musical genre.

“Bee Movie”—Was anyone really all that surprised that an animated flick in which Jerry Seinfeld was involved would be a honey of hit? Not even Renee Zellweger could dull the sting of this sweet comedy.

“Gone Baby Gone”—In which Ben Affleck proved to be a more than capable director and his hot younger brother Casey Affleck proved to be a more than capable actor, regardless of a convoluted “Mystic River” meets “The Departed” ending.

“Persepolis”—Mainly in French with English subtitles, Marjane Satrapi co-directed and co-wrote the movie adaptation of her acclaimed and personal graphic memoir and came away a winner.