Directed by: Chris Noonan
Written by: Chris Noonan, and George Miller
Based on the book by: Dick King-Smith
Produced by: George Miller, Bill Miller, and Doug Mitchell
Starring: James Cromwell, Magda Szubanski, Paul Goddard, Zoe Burton, Brittany Brynes, Mary Acres
Voices of: Christine Cavanaugh, Miriam Margolyes, Hugo Weaving, Danny Mann, Russi Taylor, Miriam Flynn, Michael Edward-Stevens

In one of the very rare good talking animal pictures, director Chris Noonan doesn't make it look really ridiculous. At an animal fair, the nice Farmer Hoggett buys a pig named Babe. When, he arrives at the farm, everyone is surprised to see him. Soon, he becomes everyone's best friend, and Hoggett starts to see his talents come to life. He soon becomes the first sheep-pig in the history of sheep-dog competition. A really charming story, Babe is the best talking animal ever made, and an incredible picture. James Cromwell adds a lot to the cast, which is mostly animals which have the power to communicate thanks to stunning special effects.

Oscar: Best Visual Effects
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (James Cromwell), Best Director (Chris Noonan), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing

Directed by: George Miller
Written by: George Miller, Judy Morris, and Mark Lamprell
Based on characters by: Dick King-Smith
Produced by: George Miller, Bill Miller, and Doug Mitchell
Starring: Magda Szubanski, Mary Stein, Mickey Rooney, James Cromwell, Julie Godfrey, Paul Livingston
Voices of: Elizabeth Daily, Danny Mann, Glenne Headly, Steven Wright, James Cosmo, Nathan Kress, Stanley Ralph Ross

In this disappointing sequel to the wonderful Babe, everyone's favourite sheep-pig moves to the big city with tepid results. When Farmer Hoggett injures himself thanks to an accident, he falls behind on his bills, so now his wife takes his prize-winning pig with her to the city. There, they stay at an animal-loving hotel, where the pig becomes the center of talking from the monkey clowns, to the opera-singing cats. Soon enough, his duck friend, Ferdinand flies all the way to visit him. The main reason, this sequel doesn't work is that director Chris Noonan isn't sitting on the chair. It was him that the first Babe such a classic. Fans of the first film will be really disappointed with this effort.

Oscar nomination: Best Original Song ("That'll Do")

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Written by: Robert Zemeckis, and Bob Gale
Produced by: Bob Gale, and Neil Canton
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Thomas F. Wilson, Claudia Wells, James Tolkan

Marty McFly doesn't think his parents were ever teenagers. That is until he steps inside a time-traveling DeLorean, and goes back to the year, 1955. Once there, he accidentally stops his parents from meeting, thus him and his older brother and sister, would never even been born. To make matters worst, his mother falls in love with him. Now Marty has to put them together to fix the space-time continuum. And Biff Tannen, the big bully on campus isn't going to make his assignment any easier. This is the ultimate science-fiction film that will always be remembered. Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale wrote an amazingly funny screenplay with Christopher Lloyd giving one of the best supporting performances in film history.

Oscar: Best Sound Editing
Other Oscar nominations: Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song ("The Power of Love"), Best Sound

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Written by: Bob Gale
Produced by: Bob Gale, and Neil Canton
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Thomas F. Wilson, Lea Thompson, Elizabeth Shue, Jeffrey Weissman, James Tolkan

Picking off where the first Back to the Future took off, when Marty, Jennifer, and Doc blast off. It seems Marty's children are about to get arrested, and now he must stop it. After stopping it, he buys an almanac to bet all the winners from the sports. Doc confiscates it, and Marty's arch-rival, Biff gets a hold of it. Going back to 1955, he gives it to his younger self. When, Marty goes back to 1985, he realizes that Biff has taken over, and is a multi-millionaire. Now, Marty has to go back in time once again to get things right, again. The special effects have improved, but the story is darker, and more confusing. Besides this, the humour stays, and Christopher Lloyd still steals the show.

Oscar nomination: Best Visual Effects

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Written by: Bob Gale
Produced by: Bob Gale, and Neil Ganton
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Thomas F. Wilson, Mary Steenburgen, Lea Thompson, James Tolkan, Matt Clark

Continuing just before Doc gets struck by lightning in Part II, Marty gets the Doc from 1955 to find the DeLorean so he can get back to 1985. They then find out that Doc was shot a week after his arrival. Marty soon goes back in time once again to save him. There, Doc gets a love interest and Marty names himself Clint Eastwood, when he meets his ancestors. Meanwhile, Biff's relative, Mad Dog has now set up a duel with Marty. Part III is the weakest of the trilogy, but still good-hearted fun. It's very fast-paced, and funny, but Clara wasn't needed, despite being important to the story.

Saturn Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Thomas F. Wilson), Best Music
Other Saturn Award nomination: Best DVD Classic Film Release

Directed by: Tim Burton
Written by: Sam Hamm, and Warren Skaaren
Based on the characters by: Bob Kane
Produced by: Peter Guber, and Jon Peters
Starring: Michael Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kim Basinger, Pat Hingle, Billy Dee Williams, Robert Wuhl, Michael Gough, Jack Palance, Tracy Walter

This dark adaptation of the Batman comic books is simply wonderful to look at. Bruce Wayne is a good-hearted millionaire whose only friend is his butler, Alfred. Bruce, also is the infamous superhero, Batman who guards over the city of Gotham. One night, he encounters a new, but uncanny villain called the Joker. He's always smiling, has green hair, and plans to make everyone really happy. Now, Batman has to stop him, before he turns his gloomy hometown into a circus. The music, sets, and camera work are stunning. Jack Nicholson steals the show as the Joker, but Michael is also amazing. This is a joy to watch despite it's dark atmosphere.

Oscar: Best Art Direction

Directed by: Joel Schumacher
Written by: Akiva Goldsman
Based on the characters by: Bob Kane
Produced by: Peter MacGregor-Scott
Starring: George Clooney, Chris O'Donnell, George Clooney, Uma Thurman, Alicia Silverstone, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, John Glover, Vivica A. Fox

In his fourth outing, Batman goes up against two really strange villains. Mr. Freeze plans to turns the world into an iceberg, while Poison Ivy wants it to be a rainforest. Batman soon starts fights his sidekick Robin for the love of Poison Ivy, because of her ravishing odor. The butler Alfred is dying, so her niece Barbara comes to visit. She then decides go with the fun, and becomes Batgirl. This sequel is dreadful with horrible performances, and a badly-written screenplay. Even the amazing sets from the previous films have been turned into a ugly mess. Only, Danny Elfman's music saved this from destruction. Even so, you can just buy the original soundtrack.

Golden Reel Award nomination: Best Sound Editing

Directed by: Joel Schumacher
Written by: Lee Batchler, Janet Scott Batchler, and Akiva Goldsman
Based on the characters by: Bob Kane
Produced by: Tim Burton, and Peter MacGregor-Scott
Starring: Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, Chris O'Donnell, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, Drew Barrymore

After the disappointment of Batman Returns, director Joel Schumacher changed the series to something less dark, while also creating the best (and worst) film in the franchise. Val Kilmer replaces Michael Keaton, and gives the best performances of all the Batman, while Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey are incredible as the villains. Bruce Wayne starts to have nightmares about how he became the Bat, while also falling the lovely Dr. Chase Maridian. He als encounters two new villains to deal with, Two-Face and the Riddler, who both have the same opinion on Batman. He also meets his new sidekick, Dick Grayson, who later becomes Robin. A wild ride with amazing sets, it also gives some much needed light to the otherwise dark films.

Oscar nominations: Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, Best Cinematography

Directed by: Tim Burton
Written by: Daniel Waters
Based on the characters by: Bob Kane
Produced by: Tim Burton, and Denise Di Novi
Starring: Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Michael Gough, Michael Murphy, Pat Hingle, Andrew Bryniarski

This sequel to the hit film, Batman is darker, and less amusing the original. The Penguin was abandoned by his parents as a baby. One day, he decides to set out into the world, where he is then shunned. Only, Max Shreck feels his pain and gets him to run for mayor. Meanwhile, his secretary finds out about an evil scheme of his, and then becomes the evil Catwoman. Now with two villains on the streets of Gotham, Batman is having a difficult time. The film has many low points, and high points. Michael Keaton's performance is actually better, but Danny DeVito is just plain annoying as the Penguin. Overall, the amazing makeup, sets, and music stay the same.

Oscar nominations: Best Makeup, Best Visual Effects

Directed by: Ron Howard
Written by: Akiva Goldsman
Based on the book by: Sylvia Nasar
Produced by: Ron Howard, and Brian Grazer
Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Paul Bettany, Christopher Plummer, Josh Lucas, Adam Goldberg

In this wonderfully directed, acted, and written bio-pic, we see John Nash became the Nobel Prize winner he is today. John Nash is a mathematician going to university, who attempts to create his most famous discovery, the game theory. In one of his classes, he meets Alicia Larde, who he falls madly in love with. He then meets agent, William Parcher, who follows him all around, and causes destruction to his life. Soon, people think he's crazy and put him in a mental institute. After he marries Alicia, he discovers that he has schizophrenia. Ron Howard gives a solid direction, and Russell Crowe gives the best performance of his distinguished career. It's Jennifer Connelly, though, who steals the show as Alicia Nash. Despite slow at times, it keeps your interest.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Jennifer Connelly), Best Director (Ron Howard), Best Adapted Screenplay
Other Oscar nominations: Best Actor (Russell Crowe), Best Makeup, Best Original Score, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Gary Trousdale, and Kirk Wise
Written by: Linda Woolverton
Produced by: Don Hahn
Voices of: Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, David Ogden Stiers, Angela Lansbury, Jerry Orbach, Bradley Pierce, Rex Everhart

In this charming Disney cartoon, Belle is a girl who wishes for life outside of her small-town village. When her father is imprisoned by a beast, Belle goes to save him. She then decides to make a deal, so her father goes back home, and Belle takes his place. Throughout the days, Belle and the Beast become closer and closer until they fall in love. With the help of some enchanted objects, they spent the night away dancing, until Belle sees that her father is sick. The beast lets her go home, and save her father. Meanwhile, the he-man of the village, Gaston, who is in love with Belle, is jealous of the Beast's win over her. He decides to kill him. This film is very magical, and lovely. The animation is splendid, and the ballroom scene is marvelous. The music is beautiful, and the film is deserved of it's Best Picture nomination.

Oscars: Best Original Score, Best Original Song ("Beauty and the Beast")
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Original Song ("Be Our Guest"), Best Original Song ("Belle"), Best Sound

Directed by: Robert Stevenson
Written by: Bill Walsh, and Don DaGradi
Based on the book by: Mary Norton
Produced by: Bill Walsh
Starring: Angela Lansbury, David Tomlinson, Ian Weighill, Roy Snart, Cindy O'Callaghan, Roddy MacDowall, Lennie Weinrib (voice)

Disney attempts to repeat the success of Mary Poppins, and fails in this adaptation of Mary Norton children's book. Angela Lansbury gives a nice performance as Mrs. Price, a witch studying her old magic. When three children come to stay with her, she takes them on a visual splendor ride using a magical bedknob. Soon, they see animals playing football, but in the Nazis come knocking at her door. Enchanting in the beginning, but the end just doesn't work. Nazis look out of place in a Disney film. Anyway, the special effects are good.

Oscar: Best Visual Effects
Other Oscar nominations: Best Original Song Score and/or it's Adaptation, Best Original Song ("The Age of Not Believing"), Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design

Directed by: Tim Burton
Written by: Warren Skaaren
Produced by: Michael Bender, Richard Hashimoto, and Larry Wilson
Starring: Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jeffrey Jones, Catherine O'Hara, Maurice Page, Annie McEnroe

Before he resurrected Batman, Tim Burton made this really peculiar, and funny horror comedy. Adam and Barbara are a happy couple living a strange house on top of a hill. When they both die in a car accident, they return as ghosts. When a new family moves in, they decide to scare them out. When this fails they call the help of Betelgeuse, an Exorcist-loving demon who just causes mischief. Even though, the title character only has limited screen time, he manages to get the best lines and work. Michael Keaton gives a brilliant comic performance as Betelgeuse, while the sets, and makeup range in the technical areas. Overall, these help a so-so script from getting a recommendation.

Oscar: Best Makeup

Directed by: Spike Jonze
Written by: Charlie Kaufman
Produced by: Steve Golin, Vincent Landay, Sandy Stern, and Michael Stipe
Starring: John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, Catherine Keener, Orson Bean, John Malkovich, Charlie Sheen, Ned Bellamy

Craig is a puppeteer, who decides to get a real job. He then gets a job as a filer in a building with a floor that's really low. One day, a file slips behind the cabinet. He moves it, only to find a little door. He entered it and sees things through John Malkovich's head. He then lands in a turnpike. He tells this to his love interest, Maxine and they start a business where for $100, people can go into the portal. Things then go terribly wrong, though, when Craig overdoes the door's power, and becomes Malkovich, himself. This film is very well made, and entertaining. Chatherine Keener steals the show as Maxine, with Cameron Diaz also doing very well. Although the ending is a bit off, this film is truly amazing.

Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actress (Catherine Keener), Best Director (Spike Jonze), Best Original Screenplay

Directed by: Hal Ashby
Written by: Jerry Sosinski
Based on the book by: Jerry Sosinki
Produced by: Andrew Braunsberg
Starring: Peter Sellers, Shirley MacLaine, Melvyn Douglas, Jack Warden, Richard Basehart, Richard A. Dysart, Ruth Attaway

Peter Sellers gives his best (and last) performance in this charming comedy about a simple gardener. When his master dies, he goes out into the world with just a suitcase and a television clicker. When he is accidentally run over, the rich Rand family brings him, and cares for him. When, he becomes much better, he meets the President of United States, who then quotes him in a press conference. He is soon really famous, but he doesn't care at all. He just wants to watch television. Peter Sellers gives a wonderful performance as Chauncey, while Melvyn Douglas also gives a nice performance as the rich man who befriends him. Despite being rather slow, it has one of the best written screenplays ever written.

Oscar: Best Supporting Actor (Melvyn Douglas)
Other Oscar nomination: Best Actor (Peter Sellers)

Directed by: William Wyler
Written by: Karl Tunberg
Based on the book by: Lew Wallace
Produced by: Sam Zimbalist
Starring: Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griffith, Haya Harareet, Martha Scott, Cathy O'Donnell

In this epic film from William Wyler, Charlton Heston gives an incredible performance as Judah Ben-Hur. When he is arrested, and his mother and sister are killed, he decided to go back ala Monty Cristo and take revenge. He becomes a slave on a boat, and then races in a horse chariot race. Despite it's extremely long running time, Ben-Hur is one amazing experience that has one great action sequence to another. The chariot race is a spectacle to behold.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor (Charlton Heston), Best Supporting Actor (Hugh Griffith), Best Director (William Wyler), Best Best Scoring for a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Best Sound, Best Special Effects, Best Color Art Direction, Best Color Costume Design, Best Color Cinematography, Best Film Editing
Other Oscar nomination: Best Adapted Screenplay

Directed by: Gurinder Chadha
Written by: Gurinder Chadha, Paul Mayeda Berges, and Guljit Bindra
Produced by: Gurinder Chadha, and Deepak Nayar
Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightly, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Shaznay Lewis, Anupam Kher, Archie Panjabi, Juliet Stevenson, Frank Harper

Bend It Like Beckham is a brilliant feel-good comedy that will warm your heart. Jess is an Indian girl living in England, who wants to play football like her idol, David Beckham. Her family, meanwhile, isn't too fond of her love for him. They want her to marry a nice Indian boy, and make Aloo Gobi. Jess then joins a girl's football team, and makes friends with her coach, Joe and her team-mate, Jules. Day after day, Jess sneaks out of the house to play in the games. When her parents find out, they aren't too happy, especially with Jess's sister wedding, they don't have time for her shenanigans. Soon, she winds up in a lot of trouble when the family thinks she's gay, and when she's almost caught drinking. When, Jess wants to play football in England, that's is when the real trouble comes. This is a wonderfully written piece with wonderful comedic touches ruled in. Parminder K. Nagra may have more screen time as Jess, but it's Keira Knightly who's the star in her amazing comedic performance as Jules.

Golden Globe nomination: Best Motion Picture-Comedy/Musical

"Film Website" Award: Best Supporting Actress (Keira Knightly)
Other "Film Website" nomination: Best Original Screenplay

Directed by: Martin Brest
Written by: Danilo Bach, and Daniel Petrie Jr.
Produced by: Jerry Bruckheimer, and Don Simpson
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Ronny Cox, Lisa Eilbacher, Steven Berkoff, James Russo

Detroit is the most beautiful or organized of cities. Beverly Hills on the other hand is the very opposite of Detroit. I have never been to either city, but by Eddie Murphy's incredibly funny performance as policeman from Detroit in Beverly Hills, you can see how different they are. Axel Foley is one of Detroit's most dedicated cops despite getting into a lot of trouble with the force. When his best friend is killed, he goes on holiday to Beverly Hills to find the murderer, and arrest him. Once there, he already gets in trouble with the LAPD, and is arrested. His friend, Jenny, then bails him out, and helps him find the murderer. With two policemen on their tail, they have to be careful, but Axel has some tricks up his sleeve. When the two cops decide to team up with Axel, they get in a lot of trouble, especially when they visit a strip club. When they find the murderer, they decide to finally catch him, and put him behind the bars. This is an incredibly funny film with a very funny performance by Murphy. The best scene comes when Axel orders food for the police while on a stakeout, and when one of them called Foley a foul-mouth. Bronson Pinchot also gives an incredible funny cameo as a Swedish art dealer. This is a wonderfully written film, and one of the only Jerry Bruckheimer films to not have action as a main attraction, but comedy.

Oscar nomination: Best Original Screenplay

Directed by: Nora Ephron
Written by: Nora Ephron, and Delia Ephron
Based on the television series by: Sol Saks
Produced by: Lucy Fisher, Penny Marshall, and Douglas Wick
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Will Ferrell, Jason Schwartzman, Stephen Colbert, Kristen Chenoweth, Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine, Steve Carell

Instead of going with the usual route of adapting a television series to the big screen, Nora Ephron decided to make a film about making a show. Nicole Kidman plays Isabel Bigalow, a witch who decides to live a life without the aid of magic. Meanwhile, a has-been film star is working on a remake of the "Bewitched" and chooses Isabel without any knowledge of her being a witch. This new version ends up concentrating on Darren and not Samantha which makes Isabel decide to ruin his life. The idea is highly original and the Ephon sisters' screenplay is well written. Michael Caine, Shirley MacLaine and Steve Carell are the highlights of the cast, though. Will Ferrell is too over-rated in my book and Nicole Kidman isn't very good at tackling American accents. Then again, she is vastly improved from her performance in The Stepford Wives.

Razzie Award: Worst Screen Couple (Will Ferrell and Nicole Kidman)
Other Razzie Award nominations: Worst Actor (Will Ferrell), Worst Director (Nora Ephron), Worst Remake or Sequel, Worst Screenplay

Directed by: Chris Columbus
Written by: Nicholas Kazan
Based on the book by: Issac Asimov, and Robert Silverberg
Produced by: Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan, Gail Katz, Laurence Mark, Neal Miller, Wolfgang Petersen, and Mark Radcliffe
Starring: Robin Williams, Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz, Oliver Platt, Wendy Crewson, Kiersten Warren, Hallie Kate Eisenberg

In this disappointing sci-fi drama, Robin Williams plays a robot who wants to become a human. This film has nothing special, and just drags along. The only enjoyments, though, are Robin Williams and the special effects used to create the future world. If you want a good science-fiction film, just rent Star Wars.

Oscar nomination: Best Makeup

Directed by: Penny Marshall
Written by: Gary Ross, and Anne Spielberg
Produced by: James L. Brooks, and Robert Greenhut
Starring: Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, John Heard, Jared Rushton, Robert Loggia, David Moscow, John Lovitz, Mercedes Ruehl

Tom Hanks gives his first great performance as a young boy who wishes he were big. When he turns into an adult, he runs away from home, and becomes a big executive in a big toy company. He soon falls madly in love with his co-worker, Susan. He soon turns into an adult in the inside, as well as outside. Gary Ross, and Anne Spielberg create a well-written screenplay with a solid direction by Penny Marshall, who continues to prove that she is the best female director working today.

Oscar nominations: Best Actor (Tom Hanks), Best Original Screenplay

Directed by: Dennis Dugan
Written by: Steve Franks, Tim Herlihy, and Adam Sandler
Produced by: Sidney Ganis, and Jack Giarraputo
Starring: Adam Sandler, Cole Sprouse, Dylan Sprouse, Joey Lauren Adams, Jon Stewart, Josh Mostel, Rob Schneider, Leslie Mann

Adam Sandler is the least-funniest person on the planet, and this tepid so-called comedy proves it. Sonny is a very immature poll booth collector, who is always in trouble with his girlfriend. When a young boy is dropped down at his house, Sonny takes him in, but wants to get rid of him right away. He then starts to like the kid, and decides to keep him, to show his girlfriend that he's responsible. Adam Sandler tries to be a nice man, but ends up looking like a complete idiot. Rob Schneider is also terrible, along with a really bad script. The only good parts in this film are the ones containing Steve Busceimi as a McDonalds obsessed homeless man.

MTV Movie Award: Best Comedic Performance (Adam Sandler)
Other MTV Movie Award nominations: Best Male Peformance (Adam Sandler), Best On-Screen Duo

Directed by: Shawn Levy
Written by: Dan Schneider
Produced by: Brian Robbins, and Michael Tollin
Starring: Frankie Muniz, Paul Giamatti, Amanda Bynes, Amanda Detner, Donald Faison, Russell Hornsby, Michael Bryan French

In this surprisingly funny comedy, we look at the dark and sinister side of Hollywood. Jason Shepard lies a lot of times, but he is not a very good one. When a big film producer steals his homework, no one believes him. Soon his story, "Big Fat Liar" is set to become the biggest summer blockbuster, since Jurassic Park. To extract his revenge, Jason along with his best friend, Kaylee travel to Los Angeles to get the credit he deserves for the screenplay. Although, most of the time it feels like a family friendly Farrelly Brothers comedy, Big Fat Liar has a lot of fun moments in it.

Young Artist Award nominations: Best Family Feature Film-Comedy, Best Leading Young Actress (Amanda Bynes)

Directed by: Tim Burton
Written by: John August
Based on the book by: Daniel Wallace
Produced by: Bruce Cohen, Dan Jinks, and Richard D. Zanuck
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Billy Crudup, Helena Boham Carter, Alison Lohman, Jessica Lange, Marion Cotillard

Tim Burton has been known for very dark films such as Batman, and Beetlejuice. In Big Fish, he takes on a new side of himself with this warm-warming father-son tale. Edward Bloom has enchanted many with the stories of his life. His son, William, now grown up, has grown tired of them. Now his father is dying, and must come to grips and see him for some final talks with him. We then see his stories in many flashbacks while coming back to reality. The young Edward made friends with a giant, found the perfect town but refused to stay, fought in the Korean War, and the list of stories go on and on. The most beautiful story in the film is when Edward meets the love of his life, Sandra. Time stops, and Edward agrees to work in the circus to find out where she lives. The makeup effects, special effects, and music really bring out in the technical department. The best work in the film, though, are done by Albert Finney's wonderful performance as Old Edward, Tim Burton's fanciful direction, and a lovely screenplay by John August.

Oscar nomination: Best Original Score

"Film Website" nominations: Best Makeup, Best Original Song ("Man of the Hour")
Other "Film Website" nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Albert Finney), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Stephen Daldry
Written by: Lee Hall
Produced by: Greg Brenman, and Jonathan Finn
Starring: Jamie Bell, Gary Lewis, Jamie Draven, Julie Walters, Jean Heywood, Mike Elliot, Stuart Wells, Billy Fane, Nicola Blackwell

This charming British film by stage director, Stephen Daldry, making his feature film debut, stars newcomer Jamie Bell as a boy practicing boxing. When he accidentally stumbles into a ballerina class, he becomes interested in the dance. He is soon taking dancing lessons behind his father's back, who already has a lot to worry about because of a coal miner's strike. Julie Walters gives a magnificent performance as the teacher, who tells him to forget his father's angriness and look on forth. Jamie Bell, and Stephen Daldry are brilliant in their first time features, while Lee Hall writes an amazing writes an amazing screenplay that is sure to touch the hearts of everyone (even if it has a tad too much profanity).

Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actress (Julie Walters), Best Director (Stephen Daldry), Best Original Screenplay

Directed by: Friz Freleng
Written by: Warren Foster
Produced by: Edward Selzer
Voice of: Mel Blanc

Another classic cartoon from the dynamic duo of Sylvester and Tweety Bird, Birds Anonymous is a brilliant animated short that pokes fun at all those "______ Anonymous" groups all over the place. Sylvestor once again attempts to catch the little yellow bird, but is stopped by Clarence who tells him about a group of his called Birds Anonymous, which teaches cats to love birds, mice, and other animals they would other wise. Sylvestor decides to join the program and forget about eating Tweety. However, his instincts get the better of him and he starts his usual routine and starts chasing him again. However, Clarence reappears and hits him on the head with a frying pan. So he goes to huge attempts to forget about birds, but everywhere he turns there is something about them. He then hand cuffs himself to an air conditioner, but, well you can figure out the rest. This is a very good cartoon with probably the best voice work ever done by Mel Blanc. A high recommendation.

Oscar: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Gil Junger
Written by: Darryl Quarles, Peter Gaulke, and Gerry Swallow
Produced by: Darryl Quarles, Michael Green, Arnon Milchan, and Paul Schiff
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Marsha Thomason, Tom Wilkinson, Vincent Regan, Daryl Mitchell, Kevin Conway, Michael Countryman

Martin Lawrence gives an un-funny, terrible performance in another tepid take on "A Conneticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court." Jamal works at Medievel World, an amusement park set in medievel times. The park is going completely under, and with a big franchise moving in right across the street, they are headed to bankruptcy. When Jamal is accidentally transported to those times, he is mistaken for a French messenger, and brought into the castle. He soon joins a group of activists planning to de-throne the king, but only to make it with the leader, Victoria. The comedy is not very funny, and is only able to give you a few chuckles throughout the whole proceedings. Meanwhile, the sets are completely fake, and look like they were recycled from the old sets of The Lion in Winter. Anyway, this film is only recommended for fans of Martin Lawrence.

Golden Reel Award nomination: Best Sound Editing

Directed by: Mel Brooks
Written by: Mel Brooks, Norman Steinberg, Andrew Bergman, Richard Pryor, and Alan Uger
Produced by: Michael Hertzberg
Starring: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Harry Korman, Slim Pickens, Madeline Kahn, Alex Karras, Mel Brooks, David Huddleston, Liam Dunn

Mel Brooks is a very funny man, and Blazing Saddles, along with The Producers and Young Frankenstein proves it. When an evil railroad builder wants to build a track through a small little Western town, he kills the town's sheriff. When he has to choose a new sheriff, he appoints a black railroad worker much to the dismay of the townspeople. Along with his best friend, Jim and a big dummy called Mongo, he attempts to save the town from destruction with his Bugs Bunny-style techniques. Like always, Mel Brooks crafts a brilliantly funny screenplay with very original characters that not even Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid would want to fight. He also gets great performances from the entire cast, especially himself, Harvey Korman, and his secret weapon, Gene Wilder. You will have a roar-ripping good time with Blazing Saddles.

Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actress (Madeline Kahn), Best Original Song ("Blazing Saddles"), Best Film Editing

Directed by: Les Mayfield
Written by: Michael Berry, John Blumenthal, and Stephen Carpenter
Produced by: Toby Jaffe, and Neal H. Moritz
Starring: Martin Lawrence, Luke Wilson, Peter Greene, David Chapelle, Graham Beckel, Robert Miranda, Nicole Ari Parker, Richard C. Sarafian

In this funny police comedy, Martin Lawrence gives a good Eddie Murphy-style performance. Miles is about to make the robbery that he dreamed. He is about to steal a blue diamond, when the police see him and start to run after him. He then hides the diamond in a construction site, and returns years later to retrieve it. To his horror, the building has been completed and it's now a police station. He soon pretends to be a policeman, and soon becomes the head of the burglary department. Martin Lawrence plays really well, and without him on board, this picture would have gone down under. This is an enjoyable film that chronicles the days when Eddie Murphy was actually funny.

Directed by: John Landis
Written by: John Landis, and Dan Aykroyd
Produced by: Robert K. Weiss
Starring: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown, John Candy, Ray Charles, Carrie Fisher, Henry Gibson, Steve Cropper

In this SNL-inspired comedy, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd give performances that they were born to play. When two former blues musicians find out that their beloved orphanages has gone bankrupt, they decide to go "on a mission from God" and save it. They round up all the old band members, but while not creating trouble at the same time. Soon, they end up being chased by the policemen, Nazis, a country club, and John Belushi's ex-girlfriend. Despite having an extremely long running time, this film gives a toe-tapping good time. With very funny performances by the two lead actors, along with some great musical numbers, this is a very well-done musical comedy.

Golden Reel Award: Best Sound Editing

Directed by: Arthur Penn
Written by: David Newman, and Robert Benton
Produced by: Warren Beatty
Starring: Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Gene Hackman, Michael J. Pollard, Estelle Parsons, Dub Taylor, Evans Evans, Gene Wilder

Bonnie is a simple country girl until she meets Clyde, a back robber who just got out of prison. Clyde shows her a robbing technique, and then she instantly falls in love with him. The two then meet a young petrol station assistant named C.W. who decides to join their little club. They are then joined by Clyde's brother, Buck, and his fiancée, Blanche. A group is formed. They are later chased by police men, and almost shot. Their adventures go from running in a field to money problems. The entire cast makes career best performances, with Gene Hackman and Gene Wilder making their big-screen debuts. An all important film that hasn't aged a bit with a witty screenplay and a smooth direction and cinematography. Very controversial at it's time, this is a must see for any film buff.

Oscars: Best Supporting Actress (Estelle Parsons), Best Cinematography
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Warren Beatty), Best Actress (Faye Dunaway), Best Supporting Actor (Gene Hackman), Best Supporting Actor (Michael J. Pollard), Best Director (Arthur Penn), Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Written by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Produced by: Paul Thomas Anderson, Lloyd Levin, John S. Lyons, and Joanne Seller
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, John C. Reily, Heather Graham, Philip Seymour Hoffman, William H. Macy

Paul Thomas Anderson gives an interesting look at the pornographic film industry thanks to a great ensemble cast. Mark Wahlberg gives a really good performance as Eddie Adams, a normal person until he is discovered by the ultimate pornography director. He changes his name to Dirk Diggler and soon meets a strange group of characters. There's an actress who only wears roller skates even in nude scenes, a stereo-selling cowboy and a producer whose wife is always cheating on him. Soon, he becomes a big star in the porn film scene winning many fans and awards. However, things start to change when he develops a drug addiction and pornographic films start heading straight to video. Paul Thomas Anderson is a talented writer, but he is an even better director. This film (as well as the superior Magnolia proves how great he is at directing actors. The cast in Boogie Nights are all great most especially Burt Reynolds as the big porn director and Philip Seymour Hoffman as a gay soundman. The beginning is very well-done, but it starts to slid a lot at the end.

Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Burt Reynolds), Best Supporting Actress (Julianne Moore), Best Original Screenplay

Directed by: Michael Moore
Written by: Michael Moore
Produced by: Michael Moore, Charles Bishop, Jim Czarnecki, Michael Donovan, and Kathleen Glynn
Starring: Michael Moore, Charleton Heston, Marilyn Manson, Matt Stone, Dick Hurlin, Michael Cardwell, Barry Glassner

Everyone's favourite hardcore liberal filmmaker, Michael Moore now takes on America's obsession with firearms in this interesting, yet flawed documentary. The story starts with the infamous Columbine school shooting of 1999 where two students brought guns to school and killed fellow pupils, teacher, and even themselves. Throughout the film, Moore talks to actor and NRA president, Charleton Heston, makeup-laden rock musician, Marilyn Monroe, and South Park creator and former Columbine student, Matt Stone. He also takes two Columbine victims to K-Mart to buy all the bullets so that they don't get in the wrong hands. Moore provides the usual satirical humour we see in his other films, the funniest part being when he visits Canada. There are also many sad moments, most especially with Moore's interview with Heston. This is an important film that every gun owner should see.

Oscar: Best Documentary Feature

"Film Website" nomination: Best Documentary

Produced by: William K.L. Dickson
Starring: Henry Welton

This incredibly short silent film from the 1800's is strange, but good. It doesn't have much of a plot and just involves two cats have a boxing match with Henry Welton playing the referee. This film's funny and isn't boring because it doesn't over-stay it's welcome.

Directed by: Burt Gillett
Produced by: Walt Disney, and John Sutherland
Voices of: Walt Disney, Marcellite Garner

Once again, Disney triumphs with this new cartoon based a favourite bedtime story. This film sadly lost the Oscar to Ferdinand the Bull (another Disney creation), but should have won. A small possibly European town is very scared of a giant that lives high above them. A tailor (played by everyone's favourite rodent) starts boasting that he blew three giants in one blow, although it's actually flies he's talking about. The town then makes the tailor go and fight the giant. This lovable fairy tale is wonderfully animated (like many other Disney short films), and is a great starring vehicle for Mickey Mouse. Also, look for a quick reference to Jiminy Cricket.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: David Lean
Written by: Michael Wilson, and Carl Foreman
Based on the book by: Pierre Boulle
Produced by: Sam Spiegel
Starring: William Holden, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Sessue Hayakawa, James Donald, Geoffrey Horne, Peter Williams

David Lean directed a brilliant follow-up to Lawrence of Arabia with this World War II spectacle that is simply breathtaking. A Japanese army front kidnaps a group of British soldiers to build a bridge on the title river. The lead Colonel Nicholson tries to explains the Geneva Convention to the head of the Japanese military, Colonel Saito but he, unfortunately reins supreme over Nicholson. Now the British soldiers are put to hard work to finish the said bridge or they will be killed. When one of the front's prisoners, Major Shears escapes, he joins a secret group to destroy the bridge once it is completed. David Lean gives a brilliant and flawless direction as usual as is star Alec Guinness as Colonel Nicholson. This is a riveting war epic that is not to be missed.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor (Alec Guinness), Best Director (David Lean), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing
Other Oscar nomination: Best Supporting Actor (Sessue Hayakawa)

Directed by: James L. Brooks
Written by: James L. Brooks
Produced by: James L. Brooks
Starring: William Hurt, Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks, Robert Prosky, Joan Cusack, Jack Nicholson, Lois Chiles, Peter Hackes

In this wonderful comedy from none other then James L. Brooks, the entire cast give great performances along with a nice screenplay. The news team of Broadcast News are all good friends and working partners. When the new head anchorman comes to town, everyone woos over him including Jane, Aaron's best friend. This is all leads to a bunch of madcap adventures, including a very funny scene where Aaron sweats uncontrollably on the live news. This is a very funny film that is sure to keep you laughing.

Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (William Hurt), Best Actress (Holly Hunter), Best Supporting Actor (Albert Brooks), Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Aaron Blaise, and Robert Walker
Written by: Tab Murphy
Produced by: Chuck Williams
Voices of: Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Suarez, Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas, D.B. Sweeney, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jason Raize

Kenoia is the youngest of three brothers, who isn't very pleased with the totem he has received, a bear. When his oldest brother, Sitka, is killed by a bear, Kenoia goes out to kill it. When he does so, the spirits turn him into a bear. To change back to normal, he must go to where the light touches the earth. Along the way he meets a talkative cub named Koda, and two not very bright Canadian moose called Rutt and Tuke. This isn't the best of Disney films, but still provides good fun. The story isn't that interesting, but it's Rick Moranis and Dave Thomas who are the stars as the moose.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Film

Directed by: Tom Shadyac
Written by: Steve Koren, Mark O'Keefe, and Steve Oedekerk
Produced by: Tom Shadyac, Steve Koren, Mark O'Keefe, Michael Bostick, James D. Brubaker, and Jim Carrey
Starring: Jim Carrey, Morgan Freeman, Jennifer Aniston, Catherine Bell, Steve Carell, Jack Jozefson, Philip Baker Hall, Lisa Ann Walter

After some dramatic flops, Jim Carrey returns to his usual schtick with this comedy by Tom Shadyac. Bruce Nolan is a human issues news reporter, who longs for the top anchor job, which is given to his rival, Evan Baxter. After a bad day, he blames The Almighty for all the bad things that have happened to him. The Big Man Upstairs then comes to him, and to see if Bruce can do it better, He gives him all his powers. Bruce starts off by making his life great. He starts buying expensive things like houses and cars for his girlfriend, Grace, and then gets the anchor job. He then cares for other people, and answers their prayers, but answers "yes" to all of them. Everyone starts winning the lottery, and the Buffalo hockey team wins every game. The city goes crazy, and Bruce might lose Grace. Jim Carrey is amazing, and so is Morgan Freeman as G-d, but Jennifer Aniston gives a wonderful performance as Grace. The writing is really funny, and the scenes where Bruce's dog uses the toilet, and when Bruce turns into Clint Eastwood are laugh-out-loud funny. Although not perfect, it's good entertainment.

MTV Movie Award nominations: Best Comedic Performance (Jim Carrey), Best Kiss (Jim Carrey, Jennifer Aniston)

Directed by: John Lasseter
Written by: Andrew Stanton, Don McEnery, and Bob Shaw
Produced by: Darla K. Anderson, and Kevin Reher
Voices of: Dave Foley, Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Phyllis Diller, David Hyde Pierce, Joe Ranft, Dennis Leary, Hayden Panettiere, Madeline Kahn, Bonnie Hunt

In this fun animated film from the creators of Toy Story, we meet Flik, an ant trying to help the colony. It's spring again, and that means that the grasshoppers are coming to collect the ant's food. Flik then accidently destroys the food, and this doesn't make the grasshoppers happy. They give the ants a second chance, though, and now they must collect food by autumn. Flik then gets an idea to get warriors, and fight them. Instead of getting warriors, Flik gets circus performers. Now, Flik must create an army to fight the grasshoppers. The computer animation is amazing, and this film is really funny. Ex-Seinfeld star, Louis-Dreyfus is brilliant as the Princess of the ants, while Kevin Spacey is wonderfully evil as the leader of the grasshoppers. Unlike, that other computer-animated insect film, Antz, this film is fun to watch.

Oscar nomination: Best Original Musical/Comedy Score

Directed by: Chris Wedge
Written by: Chris Wedge
Produced by: Nina Rappaport

Before Blue Sky made the very funny Ice Age, they made this subpar serious short which was written and directed by Ice Age scribe, Chris Wedge. The animation style is superb and the people at Pixar would be very jealous if they saw it, but only because of the animation. This short film concentrates on a rabbit trying to back a cake, but is distracted by an annoying fly. She is soon attempting to rid of the multiple-sighted pest by any means possible. It's a very interesting short but the ending is very confusing. It's not 2001 confusing, it's just plain confusing.

Oscar: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: George Roy Hill
Written by: William Goldman
Produced by: John Foreman
Starring: Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Katherine Ross, Jeff Corey, Strother Martin, Ted Cassidy, George Furth, Kenneth Mars

Based on the true story of two famous bank robbers, Butch Cassidy puts Paul Newman and Robert Redford together with wonderfully funny results. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid are two robbers who go through their normal robberies attempting not to get caught by the police. Along with their girlfriend, Etta, the two concoct one big scheme after another big scheme. There are brilliantly done scenes all around such as Sundance saying at the worst time that he can't swim and a bank robbery in Cuba that doesn't go as well as planned. Of corse, who could forget the bicycle with one of the greatest songs ever recorded, that will never leave your head. Redford gives his best performance to date and the direction and screenplay are classic cinematic set-pieces. The only problem I had with this film is that it's too slow.

Oscars: Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Original Song ("Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head"), Best Cinematography
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (George Roy Hill), Best Sound