Directed by: Robert Cannon
Written by: Dr. Seuss
Produced by: Stephen Bosustow
Voice of: Marvin Miller

Theodore "Seuss" Geisel is most famous for creatures like, The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, and Horton The Elephant. Gerald McBoing-Boing is a lesser known character of his who is just as funny as the previous three characters I mentioned above. Gerald McBoing-Boing looks and acts like any other boy his age, except for one very notable feature. He can only talk in sound effects. His father is very angry at this and doesn't like this, but Gerald doesn't mind and continues on his way. This short film chronicles his every day life, and is very funny. The cartoon has the usual Seuss rhyme and whimsical style to it along with a brilliant narration from Marvin Miller (although it doesn't beat Boris Karloff's narration in The Grinch cartoon).

Oscar: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Robert Cannon
Written by: Robert Cannon, and T. Hee
Produced by: Stephen Bosustow
Voice of: Marvin Miller

Gerald McBoing-Boing became a wildly popular celebrity after the first film came out, even winning an Academy Award. It was inevitable that the studio would make a sequel, and it is. A group of martian from the title planet decide to take over the Planet Earth so they abduct Gerald to learn the language of humans. They picked the wrong English teacher, because as we all know (except for the martians) that Gerald McBoing-Boing only speaks in sound effects. They then arrive on the planet thinking that all humans speak just like their abductee. The mission fails and they go back to their home planet. This is a nice short, but isn't a memorable classic like it's Oscar-winning predecessor. The reason I think why is the absence of Theodore Geisel's writing style that gave the original film it's zing. Instead he is replaced by Disney animator, Tee Hee (yes, I think it's stupid too). Overall fun, but I'd recommend you skip this.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Jan Pinkava
Written by: Jan Pinkava
Produced by: Karen Dufilho
Voice of: Bob Peterson

Pixar went for something different with this more adult-oriented film that will bore children's eyes out. Nonetheless, it's an interesting short. Appearing on the Bug's Life DVD, Geri's Game is about an old man who starts to play a game with a similar looking man who is very cunning, and dare I say, evil. In the end, we find out it is actually him, and he is a very lonely old man. It's a different change for Pixar, who only embarked once before in a boring fantasy with the terrible Red's Dream, about a unicycle who wants to go under the spotlight. Overall, it's good but, like I mentioned before, is very boring.

Oscar: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Jerry Zucker
Written by: Bruce Joel Rubin
Produced by: Howard W. Koch, and Lisa Weinstein
Starring: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Goldwyn, Susan Breslau, Martina Deignan, Rick Aviles

Airplane! director, Jerry Zucker attempts his hand at drama without much success. Sam and Molly are a happy couple living together, but all this ends when Sam gets murdered and returns as a ghost. Unfortunately, no one can see or hear him. To help him, he asks the aide of Oda Mae Brown, a psychic who can hear him. This idea looks good on paper, but doesn't translate well to the screen. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore give very stale performances, but Whoopi Goldberg steals the show as Oda Mae. Overall, a rather boring drama.

Oscars: Best Supporting Actress (Whoopi Goldberg), Best Original Screenplay
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Original Score, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Written by: Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis
Produced by: Ivan Reitman
Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Annie Potts, Rick Moranis, Ernie Hudson, William Atherton

In this incredibly funny comedy, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis play three scientests who are kicked out of their university. They then decide to start their own business fighting ghosts. At the start, they get no calls until a prestigious hotel calls them, and they become stars. Later, a musician called Dana goes to their aid saying that there is a monster in her fridge. The leader, Peter, falls in love with her, and then realizes that there is demi-god in her building, and now the Ghostbusters must stop it, before it takes over New York. This comedy is as fun as it can get, with incredible one-liners and brilliant special effects. Bill Murray leads a spectacular ensemble cast.

Oscar nominations: Best Original Song ("Ghostbusters"), Best Visual Effects

Directed by: Ivan Reitman
Written by: Harold Ramis, and Dan Aykroyd
Produced by: Ivan Reitman
Starring: Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, Ernie Hudson, Peter MacNicol

The Ghostbusters return in this sequel, that although loses the magic of the first film, is still an enjoyable romp. After the Ghostbusters freed New York City from dangerous phantoms, they are left with nothing to do. Peter hosts his own television show, while the others are hired for birthday parties. When the four find a mysterious slime in the sewers, they decide to investigate it. It all leads to an art museum, where incidentally Peter's girlfriend, Dana works. The slime is soon linked to a strange painting of an ancient god named Vigo. This is just a film to watch for fun. There are many funny jokes as always, and Rick Moranis's role as the nerdy accountant, Louis Tully is expanded. He has a fun sub-plot where he attempts to catch Slimer, the monster who "slimed" Peter in the first film. Overall, it good fun for the whole family.

Young Artist Award nomination: Best Family Motion Picture-Comedy

Directed by: Peter Webber
Written by: Olivia Hetreed
Based on the book by: Tracy Chevalier
Produced by: Andy Paterson, and Anand Tucker
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson, Judy Parfitt, Essie Davis, Cillian Murphy, Joanna Scanlan

In this wonderfully-acted period piece, Vermeer's famous painting which became the subject of a book is now a film. Griet is a teenager in a poor family, so to get money, she goes to work with the famous Dutch painter, Johannes Vermeer in Delft. Her master then becomes really fond of her, and starts off by giving her some paints, and then painting her. Griet is soon the subject of obsession from Vermeer's art buyer, Van Ruijven. She is also in love with a young butcher boy called Pieter. This is a wonderfully done film, with brilliant costumes, music, and sets. The cinematography is even more impressive, making it look like a Vermeer painting. The acting is also marvelous, with an amazing performance by Scarlett Johansson (as Griet) coming just off her great work in Lost in Translation, and Colin Firth as Vermeer. Tom Wilkinson also gives a wonderful performance in his small villainous role as Van Ruijven. The only flaws are the wooden direction by Peter Webber, and that we never find out more about the characters, and what happens to them in the end of the film. Overall, this is a very good film, although not for those who are used to dumb block-busters.

Oscar nominations: Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematograpy

"Film Website" nominations: Best Original Score, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography

Produced by: William K.L. Dickson

Probably one of the first boxing films ever made, this short Nickolodeon feature just features two anonymous boxers fighting each other. Most likely revolutionary for it's time, it doesn't have a plot and doesn't hold up well in repeat viewings. It gets a recommendation because it's fun to see what film was like before they had actual stories in them.

Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Written by: Francis Ford Coppola, and Mario Puzo
Based on the book by: Mario Puzo
Produced by: Albert S. Ruddy
Starring: Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, James Caan, Richard S. Castellano, Sterling Hayden, John Marley

Seeking the help of Don Corleone, Johnny Fontaine wants the lead role in a new picture, but the producer, Waltz, won't give him the part. Don's men give Waltz a visit, but he still refuses. They then decide to kill his horse. They do it, and Johnny gets the part. When Don gets shot his son Michael must take over as godfather of the family, taking on the responsibilities of making deals with the other families. I have not met anyone who has not liked "The Godfather." From the daughter's wedding to the gripping conclusion, this is a true American classic. Although, I prefer the sequel, and Goodfellas, it's still a great flick helped by the very quotable screenplay, Marlon Brando's performance, and the flawless direction of Francis Ford Coppola.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando), Best Adapted Screenplay
Other Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actor (James Caan), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Duvall), Best Supporting Actor (Al Pacino), Best Director (Francis Ford Coppola), Best Sound, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola
Written by: Francis Ford Coppola, and Mario Puzo
Based on the book by: Mario Puzo
Produced by: Francis Ford Coppola
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, Robert DeNiro, Talia Shire, Lee Strasberg, John Cazale, Michael V. Gazzo

In possibly, the greatest sequel of all-time, Michael Corleone takes over his father's role as Don of the family. Soon, his life in the mob takes over his family life and his wife isn't very happy. Soon, she threatens to leave Michael. Michael is "bigger then U.S. steel" and he doesn't want to stop now, especially now that he is appearing in a very high-profile trial. The film also takes back in time to when to the future Don Vito Corleone first arried to America from Sicily. He grows up to be a much talked about gangster, played brilliantly by Robert DeNiro. Al Pacino improves on his performance in the first film, as does Coppola's direction. The cinematography, art direction, screenplay, music, and the list goes on and on with all the brilliant things about this picture.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Robert DeNiro), Best Director (Francis Ford Coppola), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Dramatic Score, Best Art Direction
Other Oscar nominations: Best Actor (Al Pacino), Best Supporting Actor (Michael V. Gazzo), Best Supporting Actor (Lee Strasberg), Best Supporting Actress (Talia Shire), Best Costume Design

Directed by: Charles Chaplin
Written by: Charles Chaplin
Produced by: Charles Chaplin
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Mack Swain, Georgia Hale, Tom Murray, Henry Bergman, Malcolm Waite

A classic that stands as one of the greatest comedies of all-time, The Gold Rush will have you laughing and laughing more by each viewing. Set during the time of the Yukon gold rush, many dreamers set out into the frigid cold for some gold. Two, the Lone Prospector and Big Jim McKay, meet up by accident and soon become best friends. When they both wonder on their own ways, they encounter different discoveries. Big Jim finds a mountain but is soon given amnesia and can't remember where it is. The Lone Prospector meets the love of his life, and decides to woo her. This classic silent picture probably has the record for the most remembered scenes, including the dinner rolls dance and the house on the side of the mountain. This is the film that made Chaplin known, worldwide and is a must-own for any fan of his.

Oscar nominations: Best Scoring for a Dramatic or Comedy Picture, Best Sound

Directed by: Carlos Saldanha
Written by: William H. Frake III, Dan Shefelman, and Moroni
Produced by: John C. Donkin, Chris Kuwata, Deanna Pizzuti, Leslie Schor-Bresnahan, Irka B. Seng-Bloom, and Michael J. Travers
Voice of: Chris Wedge

Featured on the Ice Age DVD, Gone Nutty is a very funny film. It's cute with a great musical score. Like what Scrat is seen doing in Ice Age, this story depicts him trying to hide his beloved acorn out of harm's way. Although, the film's teaser trailer is funnier, Gone Nutty is still a funny short that brings back my memories of watching the Road Runner and Coyote cartoons on Saturday mornings. The funniest parts are when Scrat parachutes with the acorns with the theme from Sleeping Beauty playing in the background, and the way he scurries through the snow. Although it doesn't reach the success of the Pixar shorts, this is still a must-see and a sure-fire winner for everyone of all ages.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Victor Fleming
Written by: Sidney Howard
Based on the book by: Margaret Mitchell
Produced by: David O. Selznick
Starring: Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Olivia de Havilland, Thomas Mitchell, Leslie Howard, Ann Rutherford, Hattie McDaniel, George Reeves

Famous for it's nearly four-hour running time, Gone with the Wind is an wondrous and gigantic epic of a picture. Scarlett loves her rich Southern life with her own servants and men swooning over her. However, when the Civil War breaks out, her life changes forever. She becomes poor, hungry and even has to (gasp) work in the field. This is a wonderfully done film with great sets, masterful cinematography, flawless direction. great performances and a very quotable screenplay ("With God as my witness, I will never go hungry again." "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn." Trust me, there are a lot of famous quotes to be found in this film). The one problem I have with Gone with the Wind is the gigantic running time.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actress (Vivien Leigh), Best Supporting Actress (Hattie McDaniel), Best Director (Victor Fleming), Best Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Color Cinemtagraphy, Best Film Editing
Other Oscar nominations: Best Actor (Clark Gable), Best Supporting Actress (Olivia de Havilland), Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Special Effects

Directed by: Wolfgang Becker
Written by: Wolfgang Becker, and Bernd Lichtenberg
Produced by: Stefan Arndt
Starring: Daniel Bruhl, Katrin Sass, Chulpan Khamatova, Maria Simon, Florian Lukas, Alexander Beyer, Burghart Klaussner

Alex, and his mother and sister live happily in their German home. At a raid, Alex is arrested and his mother gets a heart attack. When Alex is freed, she is in a coma. Throughout that time, Alex gets a job as a satellite repairman, his sister works in the Drive-Thru at Burger King, and the Berlin Wall falls down. Alex even falls in love with a nurse. When his mother finally wakes up, the doctor asks him to not excite her. So that she doesn't find out about the Berlin Wall, and Coca Cola, he makes fake news shows with his friend. This dark comedy is very intelligent, and if was American, would be directed by the Coen Brothers. The film also features references to Stanley Kubrick films like 2001, and A Clockwork Orange.

Golden Globe nomination: Best Foreign Language Film

"Film Website" nominations: Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Written by: Martin Scorsese, and Nicholas Pileggi
Based on the book by: Nicholas Pileggi
Produced by: Irwin Winkler
Starring: Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, Paul Sorvino, Lorraine Bracco, Tony Darrow, Frank Sivero, Frank Vincent, Miek Starr

Martin Scorsese's gripping masterpiece stands as one of the greatest mafia films ever created, that even surpasses the first Godfather (but not the second film). Henry Hill has also wanted to be a gangster, and along with his friends, Jimmy and Tommy, he was one of the most popular. After being sent to prison, he decides to try and make his life much better then it already it is, however things take a turn for the worst. Martin Scorsese gives an amazing direction and wrote an amazing screenplay full of quotable lines. The entire cast is brilliant, most especially from Joe Pesci and Lorraine Bracco who plays Henery's wife. Robert DeNiro is also amazing (as always) and Scorsese's mother also appears in a small cameo.

Oscar: Best Supporting Actor (Joe Pesci)
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Lorraine Bracco), Best Director (Martin Scorsese), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Robert Altman
Written by: Julian Fellowes
Based on an idea by: Robert Altman, and Bob Balaban
Produced by: Robert Altman, Bob Balaban, and David Levy
Starring: Stephen Fry, Michael Gambon, Kirsten Scott Thomas, Maggie Smith, Helen Mirren, Bob Balaban, Tom Hollander, Jeremy Northam

Robert Altman attempts his hand at a Julie Christie-style murder mystery, which works very well thanks to it's brilliant cast and wonderfully-written screenplay. Many rich folks go off for a weekend at the above-titled Gosford Park to relax and have a party. Things change completely, however, when the owner of the house is murdered and everyone becomes a possible suspect. Stephen Fry gives the best performance in the film as the Inspector who is hired to find the culprit. He questions everyone, and must figure the mystery out before the weekend ends and everyone goes home. Helen Mirren and Maggie Smith also give delightful performances in the film, as do many other note-worthy actors. While it becomes very boring sometimes, the film's cast, direction, and screenplay keep it very entertaining.

Oscar: Best Original Screenplay
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Helen Mirren), Best Supporting Actress (Maggie Smith), Best Director (Robert Altman), Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design

Directed by: Mike Nichols
Written by: Calder Willingham, and Buck Henry
Based on the book by: Charles Webb
Produced by: Lawrence Turman
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft, Katharine Ross, William Daniels, Murray Hamilton, Elizabeth Wilson, Brian Avery

In this powerfully written and acted comedy, Dustin Hoffman gives a riveting performance as newly-awarded graduate, Ben. One night, Mrs. Robinson asks Ben to drive her home. She soon starts to seduce him, and then corners him into a room, naked. Ben later meets her daughter, Elaine. He is then head-over-heels in love with her. Not if Mrs. Robinson can help it, though. This is the picture that brought such popular phrases, like "One Word: Plastics" and "You're trying to seduce me, Mrs. Robinson" into the world. Dustin Hoffman gives his best performance as the nervous Ben. Anne Bancroft gives a brilliantly seductive and villainous performance as Mrs. Robinson with memorable songs by Paul Simon adding to the tension.

Oscar: Best Director (Mike Nichols)
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Dustin Hoffman), Best Actress (Anne Bancroft), Best Supporting Acress (Katharine Ross), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography

Directed by: Charles Chaplin
Written by: Charles Chaplin
Produced by: Charles Chaplin
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Jack Oakie, Reginald Gardiner, Henry Daniell, Billy Gilbert, Carter DeHaven, Grace Hayle

Charles Chaplin creates his first talkie with success, and even though it doesn't qualify as a masterpiece like The Gold Rush and Modern Times, it still is a very funny picture. After fighting in the War, a Jewish barber returns to a shop without any memory of what happened. He soon sees that his town is turned into a ghetto by a brand new government lead by Tomanian dicator, Adenoid Hynkel. Along with Bacterian dictator, Benzino Napaloni, he attempts to destroy the Jews. Meanwhile, the Jewish barber falls in love with a young girl, while in the ghetto but is soon caught and put into a concentration camp. After he is mistaken for Hynkel, the barber gives what is probably the greatest speech ever seen on film. Although not his best, Chaplin still manages to create a very funny, yet serious comedy. He gives his best performance as the Hitler-like dictator, but manages to be over-acted by his co-star, Jack Oakie playing the Mussollini-type dictator, Napaloni. Chaplin has always had a knack for great endings, and still stands as one of the greatest of all-time. This is Chaplin's last great film, before his fall.

Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Charles Chaplin), Best Supporting Actor (Jack Oakie), Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score

Directed by: Frank Darabont
Written by: Frank Darabont
Based on the book by: Stephen King
Produced by: Frank Darabont, and David Valdes
Starring: Tom Hanks, Michael Clarke Duncan, Doug Hutchison, James Cromwell, Michael Jeter, Bonnie Hunt, Sam Rockwell, Patricia Clarkson

Paul Edgecomb was a prison guard, and helped with the prison executions. He didn't believe in miracles that could save the prisoners. That was until convicted murderer, John Coffey arrives at the prison. He had a healing power to help the wounded. One of the inmates, Del had a circus mouse called Mr. Jingles, who was then run into a little room, when he was executed. When, the Warden's wife is having breathing problems, the prison guards help John bring her back to life. This film is very well-crafted with Michael Clarke Duncan doing an amazing job as Coffey. The lighting effects bring out the greenness of the "Green Mile." Overall, a very uplifting film whose only con is it's very long running time.

Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Michael Clarke Duncan), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound

Directed by: Joe Dante
Written by: Chris Columbus
Produced by: Michael Finnell
Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Polly Holliday, Frances Lee McCain, Dick Miller, Corey Feldman, Howie Mandel (voice)

Billy is a bank clerk with a boring life. That is until his father buys him a strange creature called a Mogwai. There are three rules that Billy must follow when taking care of it. He shouldn't expose it to bright light, get him wet, and most importantly feed him after midnight. When he breaks these rules, the cute furry animal mutiplies, and become fictitious little monsters. They start raving the town, causing car crashes, and even stopping at the cinema to watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This film is an amazing satire about Americans and their pointless minds. The music is amazing, and the Gremlins are amazingly well-done. Good thing, there wasn't computer animation in those days. Who knows what they would look like.

Saturn Awards: Best Horror Film, Best Supporting Actress (Polly Holliday), Best Director (Joe Dante), Best Music, Best Special Effects
Other Saturn Award nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Dick Miller), Best Performance by a Younger Actor (Corey Feldman), Best Writing, Best Makeup

Directed by: Joe Dante
Written by: Charlie Haas
Based on the characters by: Chris Columbus
Produced by: Michael Finnell
Starring: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, John Glover, Robert Picardo, Dick Miller, Robert Prosky, Christopher Lee, Gedde Watanabe
Voices of: Howie Mandel, Tony Randall, Frank Welker, Neil Ross, Jeff Bergman

Everyone's favourite mischievous green monsters are back in a sequel that just about equals the first film in sheer comedy. Billy and Kate from the original have now moved to New York City where they will attempt to have a new, Gremlin-free life. However, when Gizmo's master dies, he finds himself back in the hands of Billy. Sure enough, he is soon sprayed with water and his counterparts eat after midnight. This time, the Gremlins have all drank lab experiments and mutated into different creatures. We are introduced to a vegetable Gremlins, a bat Gremlins, a spider Gremlin and my favourite, the first fully-intelligent Gremlin (voiced brilliantly by Tony Randall). Soon, the millions of Gremlins take full control of one of the biggest buildings in New York. Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates are their usual boring selves, but as usual the Gremlins steal the show along with some great supporting actors. John Glover is the best actor in the cast playing a Donald Trump-type millionaire and we also get enjoyable cameo appearances from Christopher Lee and Leonard Malton among others.

Saturn Award nominations: Best Fantasy Film, Best Supporting Actor (John Glover), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Picardo), Best Director (Joe Dante), Best Music, Best Special Effects