Directed by: Alexander Mackendrick
Written by: William Rose
Produced by: Michael Balcon
Starring: Alec Guinness, Herbert Lom, Katie Johnson, Cecil Parker, Peter Sellers, Danny Green, Jack Warner, Philip Stainton

Long before Peter Sellers became famous with the Pink Panther films, he co-starred in this wonderfully funny film starring Alec Guiness. In the film, Guiness gives a wonderful performance as the head of a group of criminals. Guiness and his gang rent a room from an old woman, and claim to be musicians. They really are using the room to plan a robbery, and using their tenant as an advantage, they work her into the scheme. The robbery is successful, but she then finds out what they've done. They soon decide to kill her off, before she runs to the police, but no matter how much they try, they're just not able to kill her. This film is terribly funny, and will have you on the floor howling with laughter. This picture is highly recommended for fans of films by the Coen Brothers.

Oscar nomination: Best Original Screenplay

Directed by: Ethan Coen, and Joel Coen
Written by: Ethan Coen, and Joel Coen
Based on the screenplay by: William Rose
Produced by: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, Tom Jacobson, Barry Josephson, and Barry Sonnenfeld
Starring: Tom Hanks, Marlon Wayans, Irma P. Hall, J.K. Simmons, Tzi Ma, Ryan Hurst, George Wallace, Diane Delano, John McConnell

The Coen Brothers once again provide a wonderfully funny and dark comedy with great performances and a witty screenplay. Tom Hanks gives a deftly comedic performance as a perfect Southern gentleman who rents a room from a kindly old black woman. He then uses her cellar to plan a casino robbery with the help of a profane teenager, a violent Jap, an explosives expert with terrible diarrhea and a very stupid football player. However, when the old woman finds out why they are using her cellar they decide to kill her off, but it's not as easy as it looks. The Coens managed a just-as-funny remake of a comedy classic thanks to the performances and script. Stealing the show from under the belts of Tom Hanks and Marlon Wayans is Irma P. Hall who is a riot as the old woman.

Saturn Award nomination: Best Supporting Actress (Irma P. Hall)

"Film Website" nominations: Best Supporting Actress (Irma P. Hall), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Makeup

Directed by: Jack Hannah
Written by: Bill Peet, Ralph Wright, and Milt Banta
Produced by: Walt Disney
Voice of: Sterling Holloway

This very ingenious and well-done short film is a Disney classic which even surpasses many of his cartoons starring the more famous of Walt's characters. By mistake, the stork brings a family sheep a baby lion. The lion named Lambert grows up acting like a sheep instead of a carnivore-loving lion. In style of Tarzan, he is being loved by his mother, but always made fun of by the other sheep. Down trodden, and in typical cartoon fashion, Lambert packs up his things and runs away from home. Meanwhile, just when he leaves, he hears a wolf attack the sheep. Lambert goes and defeats the wolf and saves the day, earning the respect of his "fellow" sheep. This continues the usual Disney tradition with family friendly animation and a wonderful narration. This short film also has the most memorable song you'll ever hear in an animated short.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Edward Zwick
Written by: Edward Zwick, John Logan, and Marshall Herskovitz
Produced by: Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz, Tom Cruise, Tom Engelman, Scott Kroopf, and Paula Wagner
Starring: Tom Cruise, Timothy Spall, Ken Watanabe, Bill Connolly, Tony Goldwyn, Hiroyuki Sanada, Koyuki, Shichinosuke Nakamura

Nathan Algren is an American soldier called upon to teach the Japanese army to fight. On his first fight, Nathan is captured by the Samurai lead by the legendary warrior, Katsumoto. During the course of his stay as prisoner, he learns the way of the Samurai and becomes one of them. In one final battle, the Samurais fight the Japanese army that Algren himself trained. Edward Zwick has crafted an interesting story, but fails to keep it short. The only other flaw is that it's too violent. Besides those flaws, this is a brilliantly constructed story with wonderful sets, costumes, and performances to keep it going. The actor who stands out above all is Ken Watanabe as Katsumoto, not Tom Cruise, who has done better.

Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Ken Watanabe), Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design

"Film Website" Award: Best Costume Design
Other "Film Website" nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Ken Watanabe), Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography

Directed by: David Lean
Written by: Robert Bolt, and Michael Wilson
Based on the writings by: T.E. Lawrence
Produced by: Sam Spiegel
Starring: Peter O'Toole, Omar Sharif, Alec Guiness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Quayle, Claude Rains, Arthur Kennedy

An epic film that should been seen on the big screen, David Lean creates a masterful film that's although almost four hours long is still a triumph to behold. Peter O'Toole gives a memorable performance as T.E. Lawrence, a Birtish soldier who soon joins the Arabs in destroying trains and the whole sort of thing. Although extremely long, it's still a sight to behold and a classic epic that will be remembered for a long time for it's sweeping cinematography, great performances, and a nice score.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director (David Lean), Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Color Art Direction, Best Color Cinematography, Best Film Editing
Other Oscar nominations: Best Actor (Peter O'Toole), Best Supporting Actor (Omar Sharif), Best Adapted Screenplay

Directed by: Tex Avery
Written by: Michael Maltese
Produced by: Walter Lantz
Voice of: Dal McKennon

This very funny animated short subject is a classic that shouldn't be missed. Chilly Willy the Penguin is one of my favourite animated characters. He is able to make you roar with laughter, even though he doesn't speak. A polar bear attempts many times to grab a bunch of frozen fish, without waking up the guard dog. Chilly Willy, however, in pure Tex Avery fashion, wakes the dog making the bear sing "Rock a Bye Baby" to it to put it back to 40 winks. This is done so many times, yet it doesn't feel mildly repetitive. Only Chilly Willy and Tom & Jerry have managed to provide this "very used a lot" joke. Overall, this is one of the best of the Tex Avery short films.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Tom Shadyac
Written by: Paul Guay, and Stephen Mazur
Produced by: Brian Grazer
Starring: Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, Justin Cooper, Anne Haney, Jennifer Tilly, Cary Elwes, Amanda Donohoe, Jason Bernard

In this really funny comedy, Jim Carrey plays Fletcher Reede, a lawyer who can't stop lying. After his son becomes fed up of his constant lying, he wishes for him to not lie for one day. The wish comes true, hence Fletcher can't tell or even write a lie. With a big divorce case coming up, where he must lie, he tries very hard to win it by telling the truth. What is a lawyer to do? Usually, I hate Jim Carrey, but he is incredibly funny here. His constant face-making, and truthful words will make giggle. The writers, and director, Tom Shadyac have great fun keeping up with Carrey.

Golden Globe nomination: Best Actor in a Motion Picture-Comedy/Musical (Jim Carrey)

Directed by: Wes Anderson
Written by: Wes Anderson, and Noah Baumbach
Produced by: Wes Anderson, Barry Mendel, Scott Rudin, and Enzo Sisti
Starring: Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Anjelica Huston, Seu Jorge, Michael Gambon, Seymour Cassel

Wes Anderson's quirky direction and screenplay are the definite high-points in this wonderfully funny and original work of art. Anderson regular, Bill Murray plays Steve Zissou a documentary filmmaker whose best friend is eaten by a shark while shooting his next film. He then decides to take revenge by killing the beast which most people believe don't even exist. Owen Wilson also comes on board to play his supposed son. Sea pirates and his closest rival also provide distraction to his goal. As mentioned before, Wes Anderson has created a wonderful world with the help of wonderful stop-motion from Nightmare Before Christmas director, Henry Selick. The cast is also phenomenal with the best performance coming from a scene-stealing Willem Dafoe who plays Steve's best friend. Most people will find this film too strange but I really liked it.

Golden Satellite Award nominations: Best Motion Picture-Comedy/Musical, Best Actor in a Motion Picture-Comedy/Musical (Bill Murray), Best Original Screenplay

"Film Website" nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Willem Dafoe), Best Original Screenplay

Directed by: Roberto Benigni
Written by: Roberto Benigni, and Vincenzo Cerami
Produced by: Gianluigi Braschi, John M. Davis, and Elda Ferri
Starring: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, Giustino Durano, Sergio Bustric, Lidia Alfonsi

Guido is an aspiring waiter who goes to Rome to work in his uncle's restaurant. There he meets the beautiful Dora, who he instantly falls in love with. Through many ways he plans to see her, by greeting her with a happy "Bonjorno Princessa". After he finally seduces her heart, they get married nad have a son called Giosue. Now the day is unpleasant with the Nazis taking over Italy. After they are sent to a concentration camp, Guido decides to hide the horrors of it all by pretending it is all a game. In the end, the winner gets a tank. This film is wonderfully split into two parts. The first part concerns Guido wooing Dora, and the second part is about the holocaust. Benigni co-writes an incredible script, and is amazing as Guido. Trust me. You will fall in love with Life is Beautiful.

Oscars: Best Actor (Roberto Benigni), Best Original Dramatic Score, Best Foreign Language Film
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Roberto Benigni), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Terry Jones
Written by: Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle and Michael Palin
Produced by: John Goldstone
Starring: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Sue Jones-Davies, Terence Baylor, Terry Gilliam, Carol Cleveland

The great Monty Python satirised Roman life with one of the funniest comedies ever made, which went to offend everyone. Brian is a Jewish teenager who was born in the stable next to Jesus on December 25. Brian hates the Romans and wants them to leave Israel and go back home. He then joins the People's Front of Judea, but is soon arrested and sent to be crucified. This film is a must-see for people who love comedy with a satirical bite to them as well as good, old British humour. Graham Chapman is perfect as Brian, but don't count out the rest of Pythons including Terry Jones playing his mother, Michael Palin playing the emperor who is the laughing stock of the town and John Cleese whose best role in the film is playing a cruel Roman guard. It all ends with one of the greatest songs ever written called "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life." This is the Python's best film and a very enjoyable hour and a half.

Directed by: Dean DeBlois, and Chris Sanders
Written by: Dean DeBois, and Chris Sanders
Produced by: Clark Spencer
Voices of: Daveigh Chase, Chris Sanders, Tia Carrere, David Ogden Stiers, Kevin McDonald, Kevin Michael Richardson, Ving Rhames

In this charming animated film, we meet Experiment 626, an evil creation by mad scientist, Jumba. He is arrested, and 626 is convicted to a desert asteroid. He soon escapes, and lands on Earth. There, a little girl called Lilo adopted him, and names him Stitch. Jumba, and an "Earth expert" called Pleakley are sent to catch him, while Lilo's sister, Nani is having trouble with the government for the ownership of Lilo. Stitch doesn't help much in this situation, though. He is then asked to become a model citizen. Lilo decides to model Stitch after her hero, Elvis Presley. This film is really funny, and and a great return from the recent 2-D rubbish we have been seeing lately (*cough* Atlantis *cough*). Anyway, this is a real joy, with David Ogden Stiers doing a wonderful job as Stitch's creator.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Film

"Film Website" nominations: Best Animated Film, Best Original Score, Best Original Song ("Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride")

Directed by: Roger Allers, and Rob Minkoff
Written by: Irene Mecchi, Jonathan Roberts, and Linda Woolverton
Produced by: Don Hahn
Voices of: Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy Irons, Moira Kelly, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Jonathan Taylor Thomas

In this charming animated film from Disney, we meet Simba, a lion cub who is next in time to be king. His uncle, Scar is jealous, and kills Simba's father, Mufasa. Simba is so upset, he runs into the jungle and meets a wise-cracking meerkat, and warthog. They invent the philosophy, "Hakuna Matata", which means "no worries." Meanwhile, the Pride Lands have been taken over by Scar, and everyone thinks that Simba is dead. The film is beautifully well done, with incredible music by Elton John and Tim Rice. Meanwhile, Timon and Pumbaa supply the laughs.

Oscars: Best Original Score, Best Original Song ("Can You Feel The Love Tonight")
Other Oscar nominations: Best Original Song ("Circle of Life"), Best Original Song ("Hakuna Matata")

Directed by: Ron Clements, and John Musker
Written by: Ron Clements, and John Musker
Based on the fairy tale by: Hans Cristian Anderson
Produced by: John Musker, and Howard Ashman
Voices of: Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Samuel E. Wright, Pat Carroll, Jason Marin, Kenneth Mars, Buddy Hackett

Ariel is a mermaid who longs to go to the surface. His father doesn't like this obsession at all, but when Ariel rescues a drowning man, she falls in love with him. Seeking help from the evil sea witch, Ursula, Ariel trades her voice for legs. To stay a human forever, the man must kiss her. He is not only a human, but a prince and Ariel a lot of new clothes, and with Sebastian the crab keeping an eye on her, she sets off to kiss him. Ursula decides to get in the way, and becomes a human herself, and marry the Prince. This is a wonderful return to animated features that has been failing with, after Walt Disney died during production of The Jungle Book. The music is delightful, and Sam Wright gives a memorable performance as the Jamaican crab, Sebastian. This is a pure Disney classic.

Oscars: Best Original Score, Best Original Song ("Under the Sea")
Other Oscar nomination: Best Original Song ("Kiss the Girl")

Directed by: Roger Corman
Written by: Charles B. Griffith
Produced by: Roger Corman
Starring: Jonathan Haze, Mel Welles, Jackie Joseph, Myrtle Vail, Dick Miller, Wally Campo, Jack Nicholson, Charles B. Griffith (voice)

The infamous shot-in-two-days horror picture, The Little Shop of Horrors is well done, but there's no denying that is one of those rare occasions where a remake is better than the original. Seymour is a lowly flower shop employee who wants to be famous, but his shyness will just get in the way. When he grows a venus flytrap-type plant named Audrey Junior (after the girl he loves), the little shop and Seymour soon become the talk of the town. However, a lot of mysterious murders end up linking the two together. This is a fun B-movie in the way only Roger Corman could make and the screenplay and performances are also top-notch. The best work is from a young Jack Nicholson who only appears on screen for two minutes but steals the show as a torture-loving dental patient. Despite the terrible production values, this film gets a recommendation.

Directed by: Frank Oz
Written by: Howard Ashman
Based on the play by: Howard Ashman
Produced by: David Geffen
Starring: Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin, Tichina Arnold, Michelle Weeks, Tisha Campbell, Levi Stubbs (voice)

In this highly entertaining musical comedy, from the team of Ashman and Menken, you will laugh non-stop at all the amazing cameos and sight gags. Seymour is a meekish plant owner, who buys a strange Venus fly trap which feeds on human blood. He is in love with his best friend, who he names the plant after. When Adrey II turns into a singing, jazzing, and very hungry plant, he kills many people to keep it from dying, including Audrey's dentist boyfriend and the flower shop owner. When the world becomes in grave danger from the evil monster, it's up to Seymour to save the day, before it multiplies. This is a brilliantly crafted dark comedy, with brilliant songs, including "Grow for Me", "Mean Green Mother from Outer Space" and "Downtown on Skid Row" that will stay in your head for a long time. Meanwhile, Steve Martin steals the show as the crazy dentist, along with Bill Murray as one of his patients, and Audrey II itself.

Oscar nominations: Best Original Song ("Mean Green Mother from Outer Space"), Best Visual Effects

Directed by: Joe Dante
Written by: Larry Doyle
Produced by: Allison Abate, Christopher DeFaria, Bernie Goldmann, Joel Simon, and Paula Weinstein
Starring: Brendan Fraser, Jenna Elfman, Steve Martin, Timothy Dalton, Heather Locklear, Joan Cusack, Bill Goldberg
Voices of: Joe Alaskey, Jeff Bennett, Billy West, Eric Goldberg, June Foray, Bruce Lanoil, Bob Bergen, Danny Mann

In this ultra-fun spin-off of the dismal Space Jam, you will laugh a lot. Daffy Duck is upset of all the attention, and the bigger paycheck that Bugs Bunny gets. The Head of the Animation Department at Warner Brothers, Kate fires Daffy, and a security guard called Bobby. Daffy follows Bobby home, where he finds out that his secret agent father has been kidnapped by the Evil Head of the ACME Corporation, Mr. Chairman. They go off to save him. Meanwhile, back at Warner, Kate realizes that Daffy is the real star. They follow Bobby and Daffy, and start a mission to find the mystical Blue Monkey diamond. This film is very funny, and Steve Martin is amazing as Mr. Chainman. Joe Dante, who made the classic Gremlins is in top form giving many film spoofs. This isn't up there with Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, but at least it isn't Cool World.

Golden Satellite Award nomination: Best Motion Picture, Animated or Mixed Media

"Film Website" nomination: Best Animated Film

Directed by: Peter Jackson
Written by: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens
Based on the book by: J.R.R. Tolkien
Produced by: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Barrie M. Osborne, and Tim Sanders
Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Christopher Lee, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, Sean Astin

Director Peter Jackson brings Tolkien's beloved book series, and almost gets it right with the first part. Frodo Baggins is just a simple hobbit living in the Shire, up until he received a powerful ring with a dark history. He is soon going on a journey to destroy the One Ring, along with a band called 'The Fellowship of the Ring.' Aided by a powerful wizard, a human, an elf, a dwarf, and his four hobbit friends, Frodo goes on what will be the beginning of an epic journey. I almost had a good time, but not enough to get a rating higher than 6. Even though the cinematography, makeup, special effects, and Ian McKellen's performance as Gandalf are exceptional, there are a bunch of flaws stopping it from getting a recommendation from me. The music, the script, Jackson's direction, and Elijah's horrible acting and fake British accent. Save yourself the pain, and skip onto the second part of the series.

Oscars: Best Makeup, Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ian McKellen), Best Director (Peter Jackson), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Song ("May It Be"), Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Peter Jackson
Written by: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens
Based on the book by: J.R.R. Tolkien
Produced by: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Barrie M. Osborne
Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Sean Astin, Andy Serkis, Billy Boyd, Orlando Bloom, Dominic Monaghan

The first Lord of the Rings film was okay, but there was nothing triumphant about it. The Two Towers was a well-done and exciting, but still not a classic. The final chapter in the Lord of the Rings saga, The Return of the King meanwhile is a spectacle. Frodo continues his journey to destroy the One Ring. Gollum, meanwhile, is plotting to kill Frodo, but Sam is on to him. Saruman thinks that Pippin has the Ring, so Gandalf takes him to Minas Trith to protect him. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Merry are off to fight in the ongoing wars. Soon, Frodo is turning away from Sam, and believes that Gollum will help him destroy it. Peter Jackson has crafted a brilliant end to a somewhat flawed trilogy. Everything about this film is incredible from the amazing special effects, sets, costumes, photography, editing, makeup to Sean Astin's heartfelt performance as Sam. In this film, Samwise triumphs and is brought from lowly sidekick to hero. Good work, Mister Jackson. Good work.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director (Peter Jackson), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Makeup, Best Original Score, Best Original Song ("Into the West"), Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing

"Film Website" Awards: Best Picture, Best Director (Peter Jackson), Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing
Other "Film Website" nominations: Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Makeup, Best Original Song ("Into the West"), Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design

Directed by: Peter Jackson
Written by: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and Stephen Sinclair
Based on the book by: J.R.R. Tolkien
Produced by: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Barrie M. Osborne
Starring: Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Viggo Mortensen, Liv Tyler, Andy Serkis, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Orlando Bloom

In the second chapter of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the fellowship has now separated. Frodo, who has the powerful ring, meets the previous owner of the ring, Gollum. Argorn, Legolas, and Gimli meanwhile meet Gandalf again who has been resurrected. It all leads to a final half-hour battle at Helm's Deep between the humans, and the Orcs. This sequel actually is better then the first film in many ways. Not only, has the acting and directing improved, but the screenplay is more intelligent. The special effects are wonderful, especially Gollum, and the talking trees. Now, this is something to watch, when you're bored.

Oscars: Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing

"Film Website" Award: Best Makeup
Other "Film Website" nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Andy Serkis), Best Original Song ("Gollum's Song"), Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography

Directed by: Sofia Coppola
Written by: Sofia Coppola
Produced by: Sofia Coppola, and Ross Katz
Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris, Fumihiro Hayashi, Jun Maki, Hiroko Kawasaki, Akiko Monou

Bill Murray has been known to play obnoxious characters in films like Ghostbusters, and Groundhog Day, but in this nice comedy, he plays a sweet character. In Murray's best performance ever, he plays Bob Harris, a actor from the Seventies paid a gob full of money to go to Tokyo and film advertisements for Santory whiskey. In another career best, Scarlett Johansson plays Charlotte, a recent Harvard in Tokyo with her workaholic photographer husband. The two are lonely in their hotel rooms every day, and when they meet at the bar one night, they form a special bond. Director/writer/producer Sofia Coppola does a good job at not making a predictable move, and not making Bob and Charlotte's relationship sexual. The daughter of Francis Ford directs with ease, and writes an intriguing script, despite being a bit on the slow side. Coppola, Murray, and Johansson combined create a film that although won't be as memorable as the director's father's Best Picture winners, is still an interesting comedy.

Oscar: Best Original Screenplay
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Bill Murray), Best Director (Sofia Coppola)

"Film Website" Award: Best Original Screenplay
Other "Film Website" nominations: Best Actor (Bill Murray), Best Actress (Scarlett Johansson), Best Director (Sofia Coppola)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: David Koepp
Based on the book by: Michael Crichton
Produced by: Gerald R. Molen, and Colin Wilson
Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Pete Postlewaite, Vince Vaughn, Richard Attenborough, Ariana Richards, Peter Stormare

This is Steven Spielberg's first disaster. The first Jurassic Park was an entertaining and intelligent film, while the sequel is down-right stupid. Everyone decides to return to Jurassic Park to attempt it one more time. Soon, they bring the dinosaurs to San Diego, where the reptiles destroy the city, King Kong-style. Spielberg takes away all the wonderfulness of his previous films to create a violent, blood-wrenching gore-fest. The special effects are great, but that's it for this disappointing sequel.

Oscar nomination: Best Visual Effects

Directed by: Richard Curtis
Written by: Richard Curtis
Produced by: Tim Bevan, and Eric Fellner
Starring: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Martine McCutcheon

In this wonderfully funny romantic comedy, we view many stories brought together in one massive film. The stories include the Prime Minister falling for his caterer, Liam Neeson's son falling in love for the first time, A writer who loves his Portuguese assistant, and a woman suspecting her husband is having an affair. The most entertaining story of all is when an old rocker attempts to make a #1 single with a terrible song. The entire cast are all great, especially Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, and funny cameos by Rowan Atkinson and Billy Bob Thornton. Richard Curtis, who also wrote the charming Four Weddings and a Funeral, creates an amazing script here as well. I just can't get that title song out of my head. The only problem with this comedy is it runs much too long at two hours. Besides that, you will fall in love with Love Actually.

Golden Globe nominations: Best Motion Picture-Comedy/Musical, Best Screenplay

"Film Website" nomination: Best Original Screenplay

Directed by: John Lasseter
Written by: John Lasseter
Produced by: John Lasseter, and William Reeves

John Lasseter made computer animation a brilliant medium with this touching start from the Steve Jobs-based company's beginnings. The simple story involves two desk lamps, a father and his child. The child is bored and start playing with a bouncy ball. Unfortunately, the ball is accidentally broken and he soon finds another surprise for his caring father. You get all this in just two minutes, and it's a perfect short. Some incredible effects and realistic animation all add up to the technical achievement of this classic film. The desk lamp would later become Pixar's logo, and the ball would later have a cameo appearance in the company's first full-length feature, Toy Story.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film