Directed by: Chris Wedge
Written by: Michael Berg, Michael J. Wilson, and Peter Ackerman
Produced by: Lori Forte
Voices of: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Jack Black, Goran Visnjic, Cedric the Entertainer, Stephen Root, Chris Wedge

The ice age is coming, and all the animals are moving down to hotter territory. Manny the mammoth likes to do things differently, and instead goes his own way. Along the way he meets Sid, an annoying sloth who was abandoned by his pack. Meanwhile, a group of saber-toothed tigers plan to feast on a human baby. When, Manny and Sid get hold him, Diego decides to bring them to his pride for a dinner. Throughout, Diego then starts becoming fond of them, and decide to let them go. Along the way, they also encounter Scrat, a saber-toothed squirrel with a mission of his own. To dig a place for his prized nut. Ice Age is funny, and charming and definitely something to watch. John Leguizamo supplies the laughs as Sid, with Scrat also being on the side plate. Let me tell you, you'll laugh, you will cry, and you will love this animated comedy.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Film

"Film Website" nomination: Best Animated Film

Directed by: Charles Chaplin
Written by: Charles Chaplin, Vincent Bryan, and Maverick Terrell
Produced by: Charles Chaplin, Henry P. Caulfield, and John Jasper
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Edna Purviance, Eric Campbell, Henry Bergman, Albert Austin, Kitty Bradbury, Frank J. Coleman

One of the greatest of Charlie Chaplin's short films, The Immigrant will have you laughing a lot. Chaplin's use of physical comedy is the work of a brilliant genius. The Tramp is arriving in America to start a new life. On the boat leading there, he meets another poor person who he donates gambling money to. They become friends and then part their separate ways. Poor and hungry, the Tramp finds a coin on the ground and then walks into a nearby restaurant, but unbeknownst to him, he drops the coin. As usual, Chaplin is wonderful in both direction and acting. His flawless comedy skills excel beyond everything. I give The Immigrant much high praise.

National Film Registry Award Winner

Directed by: Norman Jewison
Written by: Stirling Silliphant
Based on the book by: John Ball
Produced by: Walter Mirisch
Starring: Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Lee Grant, Larry Gates, James Patterson, William Schallert, Beah Richards, Peter Whitney

Racism in Southern America is the subject for Norman Jewison's murder mystery, and the film that skyrocketed him to fame. Sidney Poitier gives a wonderful performance as Det. Virgil Tibbs who is accused of murdering a rich white millionaire, and because he is black, that's more then enough proof to arrest him. When the police soon find out that he is a very famous homicide detective, they ask him to find out who the murderer is. He is then assisted by Police Chief Bill Gilliespie, and they soon grow to be best friends. A rather chilling thriller, Norman Jewison gives a solid direction, and Sidney Poitier gives an amazing performance that was completely snubbed by the Academy.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor (Rod Steiger), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Film Editing
Other Oscar nominations: Best Director (Norman Jewison), Best Sound Effects

Directed by: Brad Bird
Written by: Brad Bird
Produced by: John Walker
Voices of: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Jason Lee, Spencer Fox, Sarah Vowell, Brad Bird, Samuel L. Jackson, Eli Fucile, Maeve Andrews

Pixar does something completely different from their usual fare and end up with great results. In a spoof of The Fantastic Four, the animation in the picture are completely realistic accompanied by a touching story. Mister Incredible loves saving the world, but things completely changes for him when all super-heroes are banned from using their powers and are put under a witness protection program. Mister Incredible, now under the name, Bob Parr, decides to use this ban to raise his family. The Parr family consists of his very flexible wife, super fast son, invisible teenage daughter, and a baby who doesn't have any super powers at all. However, when he gets a strange message to go a new mission, he grabs his super suit, and jumps to the chance to once again save the world. Things go very wrong for him, though, when he founds out it's a trap set up an ex-fan of his. Now, it's up to his family to save him. Brad Bird gives a great direction in this rather different superhero story. Unlike other Pixar features however, this film concentrates more on action then on humour which doesn't work. As well, the voice cast aren't that great with the only wonderful voice-over is by director Bird in a funny role as a Edith Head-style fashion designer. Anyway, this is still a very well animated film and one of the best superhero pictures.

Oscars: Best Animated Film, Best Sound Editing
Other Oscar nominations: Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound

"Film Website" Awards: Best Animated Film, Best Original Score
Other "Film Website" nominations: Best Sound, Best Sound Editing

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Jeffrey Boam
Produced by: Robert Watts
Starring: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Alison Doody, Denholm Elliot, John Rhys-Davies, Julian Glover, Michael Bryne, River Phoenix

On his search for the holy grail, Henry Jones is kidnapped by the Nazis, who want it's power to make people live forever. His son, Indiana must now go on a journey to look for him. Bringing along his friend, Marcus, and accompanied by Austrian, Elsa Schneider, they go in search of Henry. After his father is shot, Indiana now has to find the grail to cure him, even if it means giving it to the Nazis after. After the less then exciting Temple of Doom, Spielberg brought the Indiana Jones series back to life with this incredible final(?) installment that stands as the best in the trilogy(?). Sean Connery gives a wonderful and humorous performance as Indy's father while the special effects continue to triumph.

Oscar: Best Sound Editing
Other Oscar nominations: Best Original Score, Best Sound

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Willard Huyck, and Gloria Katz
Produced by: Robert Watts
Starring: Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Jonathan Ke Quan, Amrish Puri, Roshan Seth, Philip Stone, Roy Chiao, David Yip, Dan Aykroyd

Taking a darker turn from Raiders of the Lost Ark, this sequel is gruesome at it's best. The film starts out with Indiana running from some Chinese thieves, after stealing their jewel. Now joined with singer, Willie Scott, and his sidekick, Short Round, he goes to India and finds a village in need of help. Their sacred stone, which keeps the city lit has been stolen, and now Indy must find it. He stops at a temple, where he stays to eat and sleep. Indy then finds where the stones are hidden. Temple of Doom doesn't have the magic of the first, and third films, but still great entertainment. Future Mrs. Spielberg, Kate Capshaw is really annoying, and the banquet scenes will make you lose your lunch. Even so, this film is good, but not for weak stomachs.

Oscar: Best Visual Effects
Other Oscar nomination: Best Original Score

Directed by: Michael Mann
Written by: Michael Mann, and Eric Roth
Based on the article by: Marie Brenner
Produced by: Michael Mann, and Pieter Jan Brugge
Starring: Russell Crowe, Al Pacino, Christopher Plummer, Diane Venora, Colm Feore, Philip Baker Hall, Lindsay Crouse, Michael Gambon

Jeffrey Wigand has just been fired by the cigarette company. So what he decides to do is expose the truth on "60 Minutes." Soon, the company is sending death threats to him, which forces him to move. This then goes on to become the case of the century. NBC though, decides to censor Wigand's interview, which upsets the "60 Minutes" producer, Lowell Bergman. This film is really moving, and wonderfully written. Everyone is great, but the best performance comes from Christopher Plummer for his performance as Mike Wallace. This is a wonderful film for everyone.

Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Russell Crowe), Best Director (Michael Mann), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Joel Coen
Written by: Joel Coen, Robert Ramsey, Matthew Stone, and Ethan Coen
Produced by: Ethan Coen, and Brian Grazer
Starring: George Clooney, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Edward Herrman, Geoffrey Rush, Cedric the Entertainer, Richard Jenkins, Billy Bob Thornton

Miles Massey is the ultimate divorce attorney. He has never fallen in love with any of his female costumers. That is until he meets Marilyn, the wive of one of his costumers, Rex Rexroth. He starts to seduce her, but she keeps on firm. As they recite poems to each other, they grow closer. That is until one day, Marilyn gets married to an oil millionaire called Howard. Miles is still fighting, though, to win her over. This film by the Coen Brothers is very funny and intelligent, despite not being in the league of previous offerings like Fargo, and O Brother, Where Art Thou?. Catherine Zeta-Jones is wonderful as Marilyn, while Cedric the Entertainer is very funny is a small role. The best part in the whole film, though, involves an air puffer.

Empire Award nomination: Best Director (Joel Coen)

Directed by: F. Gary Gray
Written by: Donna Powers, and Wayne Powers
Based on the screenplay by: Troy Kennedy-Martin
Produced by: Donald De Line
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Jason Statham, Seth Green, Mos Def, Donald Sutherland

In this stylish remake of the Michael Caine caper flick, the entire cast takes us on a wild ride (with the help of Mini Coopers). The wonderfully directed opening sequence sets up the action to follow as a group of criminals steal a safe full of gold, and plan to use the gold for their own guilty pleasures. Soon, one of them, Steve, takes the gold from them, and kills the leader. A few years later and teaming up with the dead leader's save-cracking daughter, Stella, they get ready to take what rightfully belongs to them. Lead by Charlie, they go to Hollywood to steal from Steve. This film is filled with action, and unlike other big summer block-busters, this has wit and humour. The entire cast give brilliant performances, especially Charlize Theron as Stella and Edward Norton as Steve. Meanwhile, Seth Green steals the show as a computer hacker who claims to have invented Napster. This is big fun for everyone.

Saturn Award nomination: Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film