Al's Top Rated Films: 2002
My favorites from 2002. Another great year for film!
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- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsLeonardo DiCaprioTom HanksChristopher WalkenBarely 17 yet, Frank is a skilled forger who has passed as a doctor, lawyer and pilot. FBI agent Carl becomes obsessed with tracking down the con man, who only revels in the pursuit.Excellent crime drama and biopic from Steven Spielberg about the legendary con-artist Frank Abagnale Jr.—who defrauded millions of dollars worth of forged checks as an airline pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer—all before age 21. It also follows Carl Hanratty—the FBI agent who tracked him down for 18 years—and the special partnership they formed with Frank's exceptional knowledge of counterfeiting. Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks both deliver some of their finest performances of their careers. They were both fantastic and had some great interactions together. Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Amy Adams, Nathalie Baye, Jennifer Garner, Elizabeth Banks, and many others had great roles among a fantastic supporting cast.
- DirectorSam MendesStarsTom HanksTyler HoechlinPaul NewmanA mob enforcer's son in 1930s Illinois witnesses a murder, forcing him and his father to take to the road, and his father down a path of redemption and revenge.Great crime drama/thriller from Sam Mendes set in 1931 about an Irish-American mobster's 12-year-old son who witnesses a murder he shouldn't have seen. Even though he swore to keep it a secret, the mob decided they need to tie-up loose ends and attempts to kill the boy, the father, and the rest of their family. The father and son hit the road to protect their family and take revenge on the mobsters who turned against him. Great score and visually remarkable. Tom Hanks and Jude Law both deliver excellent lead performances. Paul Newman was also great at 77 years of age. Tyler Hoechlin, Daniel Craig, Liam Aiken, Ciarán Hinds, Dylan Baker, Stanley Tucci, and Jennifer Jason Leigh all have nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorFernando MeirellesKátia LundStarsAlexandre RodriguesLeandro FirminoMatheus NachtergaeleIn the slums of Rio, two kids' paths diverge as one struggles to become a photographer and the other a kingpin.Extremely powerful crime drama about the relentless struggles of the worst slums in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Very gripping story that revolves around two kids that take very different paths in life. Li'l Zé wishes to be a kingpin among the fear mongering and violent gangs in the streets, while Rocket yearns for a peaceful life as a photographer. This brutal story is told and shown from his perspective. Alexandre Rodrigues (Rocket) and Leandro Firmino (Li'l Zé) both delivered superb lead performances, among an excellent supporting cast.
- DirectorDenzel WashingtonStarsDenzel WashingtonDerek LukeJoy BryantAntwone Fisher, a young navy man, is forced to see a psychiatrist after a violent outburst against a fellow crewman. During the course of treatment a painful past is revealed and a new hope begins.Excellent biopic directed by and starring Denzel Washington about a young Navy sailor who's required to see a psychiatrist after getting into a fight with another man in his crew. After he reluctantly opens up, a dark and painful past resurfaces, triggering more drama and conflict he needs to face head-on in order to heal and find closure in his life and relationships. Great writing and powerful acting throughout. Derek Luke and Denzel Washington were both superb and delivered excellent lead performances and had great chemistry. Malcolm David Kelley, Cory Hodges, Joy Bryant, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorPaul Thomas AndersonStarsAdam SandlerEmily WatsonPhilip Seymour HoffmanSocially frustrated Barry Egan calls a phone-sex line to curb his loneliness. Little does he know it will land him in deep trouble and will jeopardize his burgeoning romance with the mysterious Lena.Fantastic comedy drama/romance from Paul Thomas Anderson that follows an eccentric business owner named Barry Egan who suffers from severe social anxiety. His troubles intensify when his 7 insensitive and overbearing sisters continually insult him and try to run his life. When things become too intense, he has very violent outbursts. On a dark and lonely night, he calls a phone-sex line for some companionship. After collecting his credit card information and social security number, he immediately becomes a victim as the phone sex operator and her boss try to extort money from Barry. Meanwhile, he almost instantly falls in love with a woman named Lena Leonard who understands Barry and is deeply attached to him, no matter what she hears from his sisters. Before long the two situations collide and create serious drama. Fantastic comedy, drama, and dialogue all around. Adam Sandler delivers one of all-time best lead performances. Emily Watson also had an excellent starring role. Mary Lynn Rajskub, Luis Guzmán, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Karen Kilgariff, Robert Smigel, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorTodd HaynesStarsJulianne MooreDennis QuaidDennis HaysbertIn 1950s Connecticut, a flustered housewife faces a marital crisis and mounting racial tensions in the outside world.Excellent drama from Todd Haynes set in 1950s Connecticut that follows a housewife who's seemingly perfect life gets turned upside down when she finds her husband kissing another man. Their marriage goes through more troubles as he goes to therapy in attempt to become heterosexual, while she catches a severe backlash from her racist friends a community when she befriends the black man that works as her gardener. Julianne Moore delivered my favorite lead performance I've seen from her yet. Dennis Quaid, Dennis Haysbert, Patricia Clarkson, and Viola Davis all had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorAlexander PayneStarsJack NicholsonHope DavisDermot MulroneyA recently retired man embarks on a journey to his estranged daughter's wedding, only to discover more about himself and life than he ever expected.Excellent drama from Alexander Payne that follows the troubled life of a recently retired Nebraska man. His longtime work in the insurance business was a huge part of his life, and he finds himself unsure about his future. When his wife unexpectedly dies, he decides to embark on road trip to Colorado for his beloved daughter's wedding, and hopefully sabotage the relationship since he feels she is too good for her new fiancé. Along the way, he writes letters a young Tanzanian boy named Ndugu that he has sponsored through a television ad, and learns a great deal about himself as he shares his life story and his most personal thoughts with him. Fantastic and touching story. Jack Nicholson delivers one of his all time best lead performances. Hope Davis and Dermot Mulroney also had great starring roles. Kathy Bates, June Squibb, Howard Hesseman, Harry Groener, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsEdward NortonBarry PepperPhilip Seymour HoffmanCornered by the DEA, convicted New York drug dealer Montgomery Brogan reevaluates his life in the 24 remaining hours before facing a seven-year jail term.Great drama from Spike Lee about a New York drug dealer who reevaluates his life decisions in the day before facing a 7-year jail term. Great writing and dialogue throughout with a fantastic and shocking ending sequence. Edward Norton, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper, Rosario Dawson, Anna Paquin, and Brian Cox all had excellent lead performances. Tony Siragusa, Levani, Isiah Whitlock Jr., and others had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorJoel SchumacherStarsColin FarrellKiefer SutherlandForest WhitakerPublicist Stuart Shepard finds himself trapped in a phone booth, pinned down by an extortionist's sniper rifle. Unable to leave or receive outside help, Stuart's negotiation with the caller leads to a jaw-dropping climax.Excellent crime thriller that follows a sleazy, womanizing, fast-talking publicist who uses one of the only private single-standing phone booths left in New York City to call his mistress, when gets a mysterious return phone call from a stranger. It turns our to be a psychopathic sniper who knows everything about the bad things he's done, and blackmails him to expose himself publicly and reveal his true self if he doesn't want to be shot and killed. The whole film takes place in the phone booth, and it was gripping throughout. Colin Farrell delivered a fantastic lead performance. Kiefer Sutherland also delivered one his greatest roles, even though you only hear his voice most of the film. Forest Whitaker was also excellent as the police detective working to resolve the situation. Radha Mitchell, Katie Holmes, Paula Jai Parker, Arian Ash, Tia Texada, John Enos III, Richard T. Jones, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorDoug LimanStarsFranka PotenteMatt DamonChris CooperA man is picked up by a fishing boat, bullet-riddled and suffering from amnesia, before racing to elude assassins and attempting to regain his memory.Excellent mystery/thriller and debut to the action-packed Bourne franchise from Robert Ludlum and Tony Gilroy. When a young man suffering from bullet wounds and severe amnesia is pulled out of the Mediterranean Sea and saved by a fishing crew. He eventually remembers his name is Jason Bourne, has mysterious fighting skills, and is good with a gun. He then embarks on a mission to find his identity, and why the assassins on his tail want him dead. Matt Damon delivered one of his most badass lead performances. Franka Potente, Chris Cooper, Clive Owen, Brian Cox, Julia Stiles, and many others had nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorStephen FrearsStarsChiwetel EjioforAudrey TautouSophie OkonedoIrregular migrants Okwe and Senay work at a posh London hotel and live in constant fear of deportation. One night Okwe stumbles across evidence of a bizarre murder, setting off a series of events that could lead to disaster or freedom.Excellent crime drama set in London, and follows an illegal Nigerian immigrant that eats khat to stay awake and alert so he can work his days as a cab driver and his nights at an elegant hotel to raise funds to leave and be free. It also follows his Turkish Muslim friend who has problems with her own with immigration services. One day the man comes across evidence of a bizarre murder at the hotel, and must choose to keep quiet and move along with his plans for freedom, or take dangerous and deadly action. Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a fantastic and complex lead performance, along with Audrey Tautou's great starring role. Sergi López, Sophie Okonedo, Jeffery Kissoon, Benedict Wong, Barber Ali, and others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorJoe CarnahanStarsRay LiottaJason PatricChi McBrideWhen the trail goes cold on a murder investigation of a policeman, an undercover narcotics officer is lured back to the force to help solve the case.Excellent crime drama/mystery from Joe Carnahan that follows a skilled undercover cop with a deadly and troubled past named Nick Tellis, who reluctantly accepts a job investigating the murder of an undercover narcotics officer named Michael Calvess when the investigation goes cold. He teams up with a veteran cop named Henry Oak, who was best friends with Michael, and has a reputation for being intently aggressive and "bending" the rules to get the job done. As Nick digs deeper into the investigation, he finds many links that Henry has had throughout the process of the investigation, and starts to open up a string of corruption and lies the lead up to Michael's murder. Jason Patric and Ray Liotta both delivered fantastic lead performances...arguably the best of their careers. They had great chemistry together. Krista Bridges, Chi McBride, Busta Rhymes, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom CruiseColin FarrellSamantha MortonJohn works with the PreCrime police which stop crimes before they take place, with the help of three 'PreCogs' who can foresee crimes. Events ensue when John finds himself framed for a future murder.Excellent action-packed sci-fi crime mystery/thriller from Steven Spielberg set in the year 2054 Washington D.C., where technology exists to identify murderers before they kill their victims. They call it the "Precrime" system, and it's been 6 years since a murder had taken place in D.C.. John Anderton heads up the unit, and strongly believes in his work after his son was killed years earlier. However, when John himself is suspected of a future murder, he goes on the run to prove his innocence and uncover the mystery while confronting demons from his past in the process. Great story and excellent action all around. I'm not normally a big sci-fi fan, but this was one of the more entertaining films I've seen from the genre. Tom Cruise delivers one of his best lead performances. Colin Farrell, Samantha Morton, and Max von Sydow also had excellent starring roles. Steve Harris, Neal McDonough, Patrick Kilpatrick, Lois Smith, Anna Maria Horsford, Daniel London, Michael Dickman, Matthew Dickman, Tim Blake Nelson, Kathryn Morris, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorDavid FincherStarsJodie FosterKristen StewartForest WhitakerA divorced woman and her diabetic daughter take refuge in their newly-purchased house's safe room when three men break-in, searching for a missing fortune.Excellent home invasion crime drama/thriller from David Fincher that follows a recently divorced and emotionally distressed woman named Meg Altman and her diabetic daughter Sarah, who buy a huge New York brownstone/townhome (funded by her rich soon-to-be ex-husband) that includes a super high-tech steel encased hidden panic room. That same night they move in, they end up testing every aspect of the room when three men break into the house to steal millions of dollars located in the panic room Meg and Sarah have taken refuge in. The men weren't expecting anyone to be home, but that's not going to stop them from going to the extremes to complete their job. Tensions rise when their level headed security expert Burnham clashes with the violent tendencies of the other two men. Great story and acting from the fantastic cast all around. Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart, and Forest Whitaker all delivered excellent lead performances. Dwight Yoakam and Jared Leto also had great starring roles. Patrick Bauchau and Paul Schulze also had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsLeonardo DiCaprioCameron DiazDaniel Day-LewisIn 1862, Amsterdam Vallon returns to the Five Points area of New York City seeking revenge against Bill the Butcher, his father's killer.Great Civil War-era crime drama from Martin Scorsese set in the Five Points area of Lower Manhattan 1862; where crime, prostitution, theft, and murder are running rampant, and is heavily controlled by the corrupt Bill "The Butcher" Cutting. After 16 years, a man named Amsterdam Vallon returns to the crime-ridden town to avenge the murder of his father, which Cutting is responsible for. Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, and Cameron Diaz all deliver great lead performances. John C. Reilly, Liam Neeson, Jim Broadbent, Brendan Gleeson, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsAdrien BrodyThomas KretschmannFrank FinlayDuring WWII, acclaimed Polish musician Wladyslaw faces various struggles as he loses contact with his family. As the situation worsens, he hides in the ruins of Warsaw in order to survive.Very powerful World War II music drama and biopic from Roman Polanski about Polish Jewish musician Wladyslaw Szpilman. Based on his autobiography covering years 1939–1945—it follows his life as he works as a radio station pianist and his struggles to survive in the poverty-stricken Warsaw ghetto as the terrifying war rages on. Adrien Brody delivered an excellent lead performance. Frank Finlay, Ed Stoppard, Maureen Lipman, Jessica Kate Meyer, Julia Rayner, Emilia Fox, and others had a great supporting roles.
- DirectorJulie DashStarsAngela BassettPeter Francis JamesTonea StewartA seamstress recalls events leading to her act of peaceful defiance that prompted the 1955 bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama.Fantastic historical biopic from Julie Dash that follows the life of Mrs. Rosa Parks from her early educated upbringing in the 1920s, to being a key figure in the civil rights movement of the 1950s. The film focuses on Parks' frustration concerning the freedom and treatment of black people, which leads up to her December 1, 1955 arrest following her refusal to give up her seat to a white man on a city bus. That ultimately leads to the Montgomery bus boycott, which lasted 381 days from 1955 to 1956. Along the way, Parks also struggles with her husband Raymond over the decisions she makes that he doesn't approve of. While this film isn't a blockbuster of any sorts, it's undoubtedly one of Angela Bassett's best lead performances of all time. She was absolutely phenomenal. Peter Francis James also delivered a great lead performance. Tonea Stewart, Mike Pniewski, Cicely Tyson, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorStephen DaldryStarsMeryl StreepNicole KidmanJulianne MooreThe story of how the novel "Mrs. Dalloway" affects three generations of women, all of whom, in one way or another, have had to deal with suicide in their lives.Powerful and dark drama that follows the troubled lives of 3 women, and examines their relationships, happiness, their suffering from depression, and contemplation of suicide. Each woman's story has a correlation with Virginia Woolf's 1923 novel, "Mrs. Dalloway". Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep, and Julianne Moore all put on superb performances lead performances. Ed Harris, Miranda Richardson, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels, Jack Rovello, Stephen Dillane, John C. Reilly, and Margo Martindale all had very nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorTodd LouisoStarsPhilip Seymour HoffmanAnnie MorganKathy BatesA depressed widower spends his time huffing gasoline fumes, buying toy planes and acting reckless in public while avoiding reading his wife's suicide note.Powerful drama from Todd Louiso that follows a man named Wilson Joel who's deeply troubled and depressed followed the unexplained suicide of his wife Liza. The pain and anguish is so bad that he turns to huffing gasoline fumes to sideline his suffering. While his mother-in-law, employers, friends and family want to do everything they can to help him, he's bound to breakdown at any moment. When a possible job prospect and an obsession with remote control airplanes helps him move forward to some sense of normalcy, inevitable trauma rears its ugly head when he must face the demons he's been avoiding. Great story all around, and definitely one of the best and most complex lead performances I've seen from Philip Seymour Hoffman. He was outstanding and put his entire. self into the role. Kathy Bates, J.D. Walsh, Stephen Tobolowsky, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodJeff DanielsAnjelica HustonStill recovering from a heart transplant, retired F.B.I. profiler Terry McCaleb returns to service when his own blood analysis offers clues to the identity of a serial killer.Excellent crime drama/thriller from Clint Eastwood that follows a famous FBI homicide detective named Terry McCaleb who was forced into retirement after having a heart attack while running to catch a killer nicknamed the "code murderer", which has caused a media circus since the killer is obsessed with McCaleb and leaves him notes at his horrific crime scenes. Two years later, McCaleb is retired, healthy, and lucky to have gotten a new heart due to his rare blood type. He's later approached by a grieving woman named Graciella, who's sister (who has the same rare blood type as McCaleb) was murdered during a robbery, and her heart went to McCaleb. He may not be alive if it weren't for her, and Graciella wants his expert help in solving the murder case, which ends up linking up with McCaleb's past demons. Underrated crime drama all around. The story is excellent, it's entertaining throughout, and boasts a great cast. Clint Eastwood delivered an excellent lead performance. Jeff Daniels and Wanda De Jesus also had great starring roles. Anjelica Huston, Tina Lifford, Paul Rodriguez, Dylan Walsh, and many others also had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorMoisés KaufmanStarsChristina RicciSteve BuscemiKathleen ChalfantThe true story of an American town in the wake of the murder of Matthew Shepard.Powerful historical crime drama based on a play called "The Laramie Project", which dives deep into the investigation and aftermath of the horrifying murder of 21-year-old Matthew Shepard in the small quiet town of Laramie, Wyoming. Matt was a gay man, and the case was a wake-up call to America and sparked another chapter in the anti-hate crime movement. The film was based on over 200 interviews that were taken from local residents, doctors, police officers, and other officials. It really exemplifies the pain the Shepard family endures, along with the entire town. Years later, the town is still in pain, and is known for the terrifying and hateful murder that took place. Great story with powerful dialogue and a great cast of actors. Laura Linney, Nestor Carbonell, Jeremy Davies, Camryn Manheim, Andy Paris, Kelli Simpkins, Clea DuVall, Margo Martindale, Steve Buscemi, Christina Ricci, Janeane Garofalo, Ben Foster, Lois Smith, Amy Madigan, Clancy Brown, Dylan Baker, Richard Riehle, and many others had great performances.
- DirectorNick CassavetesStarsDenzel WashingtonRobert DuvallGabriela OlteanJohn Quincy Archibald takes a hospital emergency room hostage when his insurance won't cover his son's heart transplant.Powerful and thrilling crime drama about a mother and father who do everything they can to raise $75,000 as a down-payment for a heart transplant when their 9-year-old collapses at a little league baseball game, and the man is told his insurance won't cover the surgery. When they tell him they must release his son and take him off life support for financial reasons—which will ultimately kill the boy—he decides to take matters into his own hands, and desperately holds the hospital emergency room hostage until they meet his demands to get his son a new heart. The story was solid, but it was the superb performances by Denzel Washington, Kimberly Elise, and the young Daniel E. Smith, that really drove the story home. Robert Duvall, Ray Liotta, David Thornton, Laura Harring, James Woods, Kevin Connolly, Larissa Laskin, Anne Heche, Ethan Suplee, Eddie Griffin, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorMiguel ArtetaStarsJennifer AnistonJake GyllenhaalDeborah RushA discount store clerk strikes up an affair with a stock boy who considers himself the incarnation of Holden Caulfield.Underrated drama from Miguel Arteta set in a small Texas town, and follows a 30-year-old discount store clerk named Justine Last, who struggles with resentment for her job, her co-workers, her monotonous marriage, and finding any inspiration or happiness in life. When an immature 22-year-old man named Holden Worther takes a job at Retail Rodeo where she works, she becomes enamored with his dark and unique personality, and ends up having an affair with him. The excitement breaks Justine out of immediate funk, but when their secret is exposed, intense drama shakes up all of their lives. The story was great, and Jennifer Aniston arguably delivers her best and most layered lead performance to date. Jake Gyllenhaal and John C. Reilly also delivered excellent starring roles. Deborah Rush, Mike White, John Carroll Lynch, Zooey Deschanel, Tim Blake Nelson, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorBrett RatnerStarsAnthony HopkinsEdward NortonRalph FiennesA retired FBI agent with psychological gifts is assigned to help track down "The Tooth Fairy", a mysterious serial killer. Aiding him is imprisoned forensic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal "The Cannibal" Lecter.Excellent prequel to the classic crime thriller "The Silence of the Lambs" (1991). Brett Ratner handles the direction this time, with the timeline starting in 1980; roughly 10 years before the events of the first film. The story follows F.B.I. Agent Will Graham who reluctantly comes out of retirement to help the bureau track down a mysterious serial killer known as "The Tooth Fairy". He ends up consulting with the imprisoned cannibalistic murderer Dr. Hannibal Lecter to aid his investigation, who he put behind bars 6 years earlier and almost lost his life in the process. I'd have to say I enjoyed this film even more than Hannibal (2001). It was a great story with a great cast throughout. Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, and Ralph Fiennes all delivered excellent lead performances. Harvey Keitel, Emily Watson, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Mary-Louise Parker, Anthony Heald, Ken Leung, Frankie Faison, Tyler Patrick Jones, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsTobey MaguireKirsten DunstWillem DafoeAfter being bitten by a genetically-modified spider, a shy teenager gains spider-like abilities that he uses to fight injustice as a masked superhero and face a vengeful enemy.Everybody has a favorite Spider-Man flick. While this isn't nearly the highest rated, I've always really liked the Tobey Maguire collection. Sam Raimi did a nice job with the direction of the film. Nice origin story about how Peter Parker acquires the powers of Spider-Man. When a power-hungry millionaire tests a performance enhancing drug on himself, Green Goblin is born; and Spider-Man must stop him from terrorizing the city. Tobey Maguire delivered an excellent lead performance. Willem Dafoe, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Cliff Robertson, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, Joe Manganiello, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSpike JonzeStarsNicolas CageMeryl StreepChris CooperA lovelorn screenwriter becomes desperate as he tries and fails to adapt 'The Orchid Thief' by Susan Orlean for the screen.Excellent comedy drama that follows a lonely and depressed social misfit and well-known Hollywood screenwriter, who attempts to adapt Susan Orlean's book 'The Orchid Thief' into a movie, and ends up running into multiple road blocks along the way. It also follows Susan's life, and her unique relationship with the rare orchid hunter John Laroche. Lots of dramatic twists and turns throughout the story, along with a stellar cast, really helps the story shine. Nicolas Cage delivered a superb and complex lead performance. One of his finest. Chris Cooper delivered an Oscar-worthy performance, and Meryl Streep was excellent as usual. Cara Seymour, Tilda Swinton, Judy Greer, Brian Cox, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorMars CallahanStarsMars CallahanChazz PalminteriMichael RosenbaumA talented pool hustler who has stayed out of the game for years must return to his old ways when his little brother gets involved with his enemy--the very man who held him back from greatness.Great indy sports drama/comedy about a promising young pool hustler who breaks free from his controlling mentor who ran his life behind the table—which ends with his mentor getting beaten up by his friends. He ends up quitting the game, but when his mentor comes back looking for revenge with new talent and his little brother gets involved, a high stakes game of 9-ball is set for the final face-off. The relatively unknown stars do a great job, and it was nice to see some heavy-hitters in the mix. Mars Callahan and Chazz Palminteri delivered great lead performances. Rod Steiger, Michael Rosenbaum, Ricky Schroder, Alison Eastwood, and Christopher Walken all had great supporting roles.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsAl PacinoRobin WilliamsHilary SwankTwo Los Angeles homicide detectives are dispatched to a northern town where the sun doesn't set to investigate the methodical murder of a local teen.Very good mystery/thriller from Christopher Nolan about a couple of Los Angeles homicide detectives who are sent to Alaska to investigate the murder of a 17-year old girl. One of the detectives has severe insomnia and becomes delusional as their main suspect plays psychological games about the murder. Al Pacino, Robin Williams, and Hilary Swank all deliver great lead performances. Maura Tierney, Katharine Isabelle, and Martin Donovan also had nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorChris WedgeCarlos SaldanhaStarsDenis LearyJohn LeguizamoRay RomanoThe story revolves around sub-zero heroes: a woolly mammoth, a saber-toothed tiger, a sloth and a prehistoric combination of a squirrel and rat, known as Scrat.Very funny comedy circa 20,000 B.C. when the Ice Age is about to hit. Great adventure about a Woolly mammoth, a saber-toothed tiger, and a sloth who join forces to return an Eskimo human baby back to its tribe while braving the glacier-filled elements. Ray Romano (Manfred), Denis Leary (Diego), and John (Sid) Leguizamo all deliver great lead voice performances. Goran Visnjic, Jack Black, Cedric the Entertainer, Stephen Root, Diedrich Bader, Alan Tudyk, Lorri Bagley, and others had nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorWalt BeckerStarsRyan ReynoldsTara ReidTim MathesonThe most popular kid on campus meets a beautiful journalist who makes him realize that maybe he's afraid to graduate.Very funny college comedy about a student named Van Wilder, who is a local celebrity at Coolidge College. He loves college life, but instead of attending classes, he plans parties, fundraisers, and social events. He even hires a personal assistant to help him manage his busy schedule. But after hitting it off with the beautiful school journalist who's doing a story on him, he realizes he's afraid to move forward with life beyond college. Ryan Reynolds really made this movie fun to match with his excellent dialogue and great lead performance. Tara Reid played her part well, but they could have gotten a better actress for the role. Kal Penn was great among the supporting cast.
- DirectorSteven BrillStarsAdam SandlerWinona RyderJohn TurturroA sweet-natured, small-town guy inherits a controlling stake in a media conglomerate and begins to do business his way.Solid remake of Frank Capra's comedy classic "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" (1936), about a naive and good-natured young man who inherits $40 billion from his deceased uncle, and the swarm of folks looking to cash-in on a piece of the action. Not nearly as good as Capra's film, but it's a very funny modern day take on the film. Adam Sandler and Winona Ryder both deliver very nice lead performances. Peter Gallagher, John Turturro, Jared Harris, Erick Avari, and Steve Buscemi had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJonas ÅkerlundStarsJason SchwartzmanJohn LeguizamoPatrick FugitA drug dealer introduces one of his customers, a 'speed freak', to the man who runs the meth lab. A crazy three-day adventure ensues.Very nice crime comedy/drama about a speed crazed methamphetamine manufacturer and dealer, several other junkies, and the chaotic span of 3-day drug binge of drama and paranoia. Definitely some heavy drama involved for being a "dark comedy". John Leguizamo, Jason Schwartzman, Mickey Rourke, Mena Suvari, and Brittany Murphy all have nice performances among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorTom TykwerStarsCate BlanchettGiovanni RibisiRemo GironeA woman takes the law into her own hands after police ignore her pleas to arrest the man responsible for her husband's death, and finds herself not only under arrest for murder but falling in love with an officer.Very nice crime drama/romance from Tom Tykwer set in Turin, Italy, and follows a woman named Philippa Paccard who is deeply disturbed by her husband's death, which was brought on by a drug overdose supplied by Turnin's most powerful drug kingpin. When the police completely ignore her pleas to do anything about it, she takes matters into her own hands, and plants a home-made bomb in the drug dealer's cover office that fails in the worst way. Now under arrest for murder with bleak outcomes all around, she's befriended by a young young Italian Carabinieri clerk named Filippo, who falls in love with her, and wants to help her escape. The story is nice and the cinematography is excellent, but the dialogue is sparse. Cate Blanchett and Giovanni Ribisi are a couple of my favorite actors, but the dialogue wasn't very powerful, and left much to be desired. The do undoubtedly give very good lead performances for the style of film Tykwer is going for. Remo Girone, Stefania Rocca, and others also have very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsHayden ChristensenNatalie PortmanEwan McGregorTen years after initially meeting, Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padmé Amidala, while Obi-Wan Kenobi discovers a secret clone army crafted for the Jedi.Solid sequel to "Episode I - The Phantom Menace" (1999), but it's still a far cry from the original trilogy quality. The story is set 10 years after its predecessor, finding a relationship blossoming between Anakin and Padmé, and Obi-Wan Kenobi of a secret clone army to protect the Republic. Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, Frank Oz, and others deliver nice performances among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorJay RoachStarsMike MyersBeyoncéSeth GreenUpon learning that his father has been kidnapped, Austin Powers must travel to 1975 and defeat the aptly named villain Goldmember, who is working with Dr. Evil.Goldmember is a solid sequel, but a slightly disappointing end to the trilogy since it didn't quite live up to the first two Austin Powers films. This time we find Austin time traveling to 1975 to stop Dr. Evil and the new gold-loving villain Goldmember, after kidnapping his father Nigel Powers. Still a fun movie with plenty of laughs overall. Mike Myers, Beyoncé, and Michael Caine all deliver nice lead performances. Seth Green, Michael York, Robert Wagner, Mindy Sterling, Verne Troyer, Fred Savage, and plenty others have nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJake KasdanStarsColin HanksJack BlackSchuyler FiskA guidance counselor mistakenly sends out the wrong transcripts to Stanford University under the name of an over-achieving high schooler.Very funny comedy drama about a promising young Orange County student who dreams of going to Stanford and becoming a writer. When his application is rejected by mistake, he, his girlfriend, and comically drugged-out brother, drive out to Stanford to take every step they can to get him accepted. Colin Hanks delivered a fine lead performance. Jack Black was the highlight of the film, even if it isn't one of his best efforts. Schuyler Fisk, Harold Ramis, Catherine O'Hara, Chevy Chase, and others had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorRob CohenStarsVin DieselAsia ArgentoMarton CsokasThe US government recruits extreme sports athlete Xander Cage to infiltrate a Russian criminal ring, which is plotting the destruction of the world.Action-packed thriller about an extreme sports athlete named Xander "XXX" Cage, who's known for his fierce and adventurous exploits. After his latest run-in with the law, a government agent forces him to join in on a special mission to avoid doing prison time. It was a fun action flick you don't have to think too hard about it, but not one of the best of its genre. Vin Diesel delivers a nice lead performance. Samuel L. Jackson, Asia Argento, Marton Csokas, and others had nice supporting roles.