Directed by: Robert Cannon
Written by: Ludwig Bemelmans
Produced by: John Hubley
Voice of: Gladys Holland

The Madeline books were always popular. Recently, Columbia released a live action film version with Frances McDormand and Disney made a popular animated television series. The first screen appearance of the little French orphan, though, is this lesser known short film that was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. This cartoon pretty much follows the storyline and exact same words from the first book in the series written by Ludwig Bemelmans. The orphans of that house covered with vines follow the exact same procedure every day. One day, the smallest of the girls, Madeline feels sick. She is soon rushed to the hospital and impresses everyone with her brand new scar. This is a interesting and quite different cartoon for it's day. The animation isn't that good when compared to the Disney and Warner shorts of those days, but it still gets a recommendation for being very cute.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Written by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Produced by: Paul Thomas Anderson, and Joanne Sellar
Starring: Jason Robards, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, John C. Reily, Melora Waters, Philip Baker Hall, William Macy

Paul Thomas Anderson's wonderfully brilliant directing brings together some great performances from an all-star cast. Magnolia is an unusual feature that looks into the lives of many different people and how they are connected to a popular game show in which children compete against adults by answering skill-testing questions. The creator of the show is on his death bed and his last wish is to see his son who he hasn't seen in a very long time. His son, T.J. Mackey is a sex guru who teaches other men how to pleasure their women. A child competing on the game show is in dire need to go to the bathroom which results in him answering questions incorrectly. These are the most interesting stories in the film along with many others that connect together in the end. Anderson improves greatly on his less than perfect Boogie Nights with a better screenplay and his usual great actor directing. The entire cast is brilliant, most especially from Tom Cruise as Mackey and Julianne Moore as the game show creator's trophy wife. Some people might find it strange, but most people will be completely blown away by it.

Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Tom Cruise), Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song ("Save Me")

Directed by: Henry Lehman
Written by: Reed Heustis
Produced by: Mack Sennett
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Henry Lehman, Virginia Kirtley, Minta Durfee, Chester Conklin, Alice Davenport

Charlie Chaplin was a genius, but his first short films were okay to completely poor. His first time in front of a camera was not his best time in front of a camera. Chaplin plays a villainous rival reporter who attempts to steal a story from someone else after a train accident occurs. Not much happens from there and the film is just boring and un-funny. This is not the Charlie Chaplin of Modern Times and City Lights.

Directed by: Joel Coen
Written by: Joel Coen, and Ethan Coen
Produced by: Ethan Coen
Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Frances McDormand, James Gandolfini, Tony Shalhoub, Michael Badalucco, Richard Jenkins

The Coens continue their usual theme with murders gone wrong, but lose the humour to make a more serious film. Ed Crane is a barber who loves his wife, Doris. Soon, he finds out that she is having an affair with his boss, Big Dave. Ed then kills Dave, but Doris is accused of the crime. His barbershop is soon bankrupt and is subject to close. The Coens have been known for comedies, but this is an interesting drama. Billy Bob Thornton does really well, despite the few words his character says. Frances McDormand doesn't reach the level of her pregnant sheriff in Fargo, but she still does really well in the film. This is an enjoyable different Coens picture.

Oscar nomination: Best Cinematography

Directed by: John Frankenheimer
Written by: George Axelrod
Based on the book by: Richard Conlon
Produced by: John Frankenheimer, and George Axelrod
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Angela Lansbury, Janet Leigh, Henry Silva, James Gregory, Leslie Parrish, John McGiver

The most thrilling film ever made, The Manchurian Candidate is an excellent classic that will have you at the age of your seat (I hate using film critic clichés). After fighting in the Korean War, Sergeant Raymond Shaw returns to the United States as a war hero. However, he and his troops have just been brainwashed by the Koreans to kill the president in the forth-coming election. Only Major Bennett Marco, the only one not to be brainwashed can solve the problem before Raymond kills the president. The entire cast is brilliant, but most especially Angela Lansbury playing the greatest female villain in film history. This is a shocking film that was actually pulled from release after the attempted assassination of President Reagan, and is just as thrilling today as in 1962.

Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actress (Angela Lansbury), Best Film Editing

Directed by: Robert Altman
Written by: Ring Lardner Jr.
Based on the book by: Richard Hooker
Produced by: Ingo Preminger
Starring: Elliot Gould, Donald Sutherland, Robert Duvall, Sally Kellerman, Roger Brown, Gary Burghoff, Fred Williamson

Trapper, and Hawkeye have just been enlisted to become surgeons at the 4077th Mobie Army Surgical Hospital. There they meet a lot of strange characters. Two majors have a not-so-secret love for each other. The colonel's assistant can tell when helicopters with patients will arrive, before they plan to. Through all their mad-cap adventures we see how Hawk and Trap try to humorise the war. The film is quite funny despite its slow pace. Sutherland is amazing and Robert Altman is working a smooth crew. The best, and funniest scenes come from the surgical scenes.

Oscar: Best Adapted Screenplay
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Sally Kellerman), Best Director (Robert Altman), Best Film Editing

Directed by: Chuck Russell
Written by: Mike Werb
Produced by: Robert Engelman
Starring: Jim Carrey, Cameron Diaz, Peter Greene, Peter Riegert, Amy Yasbeck, Richard Jeni, Orestes Matacena, Tim Bagley

We've seen Clark Kent transform into Superman by going into a telephone booth, and Bruce Wayne turn into Batman by sliding down a pole into the Batcave, but this superhero has the most interesting way of turning from his former nerdy self to a hero. Stanley Ipkiss is a bank clerk who isn't very good at defending himself, and is always in the dumps. One night, after being kicked out of a jazzy night club, he sees a man drowning in the river. He jumps down to save him, but instead finds out it's just a regular old mask. When he puts the mask on, he transforms into a dancing, Genie-type superhero. Stanley soon falls in love with the night-club singer, Tina, and uses the mask to woo her. He also becomes more motivated, and has a detective going after him, but a mob boss wants to get the mask. Jim Carrey explodes in one of his best performances, but the same can't be said for the screenplay. The script is interesting when Stanley wears the mask, but when it's off nothing much happens, expect for him stuttering lines to Tina. I'm almost recommending this film for Carrey fans, and for the wonderful special effects.

Oscar nomination: Best Visual Effects

Directed by: Peter Weir
Written by: Peter Weir, and John Collee
Based on the book by: Patrick O'Brian
Produced by: Peter Weir, Samuel Goldwyn Jr., and Duncan Henderson
Starring: Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James D'Arcy, Max Pirkis, Edward Woodall, Chris Larkin, Jack Randall, Max Benitz

In this wonderfully constructed film, we meet Captain John Aubrey who captains a ship in the battle of Trafalger. He has a very good relationship with the surgeon, Dr. Maturin. Throughout the journey, they think up schemes to fool the French. One intelligent idea is when Aubrey makes the ship look like a whaler. This film is wonderfully written, with Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany doing a great job as Aubrey, and the surgeon, respectively. Peter Weir, who has already handled the amish in Witness, and reality television in The Truman Show does a wonderful job handling the time of the Napoleonic war. This is probably the most historically correct film I've seen (despite the characters being fictional).

Oscars: Best Sound Editing, Best Cinematography
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Peter Weir), Best Makeup, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing

"Film Website" Awards: Best Sound, Best Sound Editing
Other "Film Website" nominations: Best Picture, Best Director (Peter Weir), Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Andy Wachowski, and Larry Wachowski
Written by: Andy Wachowski, and Larry Wachowski
Produced by: Joel Silver
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving, Carrie-Anne Moss, Gloria Foster, Joe Pantoliano, Marcus Chong

In this extremely confusing film, we meet Neo, a computer freak who transported into the Matrix. After that, we go through many mind-blowing special effects, and martial arts moves. Along the way we meet needless characters, and a boring screenplay. There is nothing to see in The Matrix, except the special effects.

Oscars: Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Jay Roach
Written by: James Herzfeld, and John Hamberg
Based on the screenplay by: Greg Gilenna, and Mary Ruth Clarke
Produced by: Jay Roach, Robert DeNiro, Jane Rosenthal, and Nancy Tenenbaum
Starring: Ben Stiller, Robert DeNiro, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, Nicole DeHuff, James Rebhorn, Jon Abrahams, Thomas McCarthy, Owen Wilson

In this fun comedy of manners that spoofs the old Woody Allen pictures of the 70's, Ben Stiller and Robert DeNiro are a brilliant comedic duo. Greg wants to marry his girlfriend, Pam, but when he finds out he need to ask her father's permission to get engaged, they go to Oyster Bay to visit him. Jack doesn't take too lightly to Greg, and continues on throughout his visit. Soon, Jack is putting him on a lie detector machine, and watching his every move with hidden cameras. Later, Greg is told that Pam's father was actually in the CIA. The nervous Greg is soon giving Pam's sister a black eye to losing the family cat. This a wonderfully funny comedy with a laugh in each scene. It is incredibly funny when Greg explains how he milked a cat once, and is soon giving one big lie after another. This film is also full of jokes about Jews and male nurses, and brilliant performances by the two leads. It gets really sappy near the end, but it's still really fun.

Oscar nomination: Best Original Song ("A Fool in Love")

Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Written by: Christopher Nolan
Based on the short story by: Jonathan Nolan
Produced by: Jennifer Todd, and Suzanne Todd
Starring: Guy Pearce, Joe Pantoliano, Carrie-Anne Moss, Mark Boone Junior, Callum Keith Rennie, Jorja Fox, Larry Holden

Different and breakthrough films are rarely seen anymore, but Memento is a recent film that most oviously falls into both categories. Detective Leonard Selby has a condition that is like asomnia, but it isn't. Along the way, he attempts to put the puzzle together however he forgets very quickly what is going on. The surprise ending (or should I say "surprise beginning") is wonderfully done and the editing is probably the best in cinema history. Guy Guy Pearce also gives a brilliant performance as the lead and Joe Pantoliano provides some comic fun in a supporting role.

Oscar nominations: Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld
Written by: Ed Soloman
Based on the comic book by: Lowell Cunningham
Produced by: Laurie McDonald, and Walter F. Parkes
Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Rip Torn, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D'Onofrio, Tony Shalhoub, Siobham Fallon

In this fun comedy, a New York policeman sees an alien and is suddenly part of the FBI. Teaming up with veteran Man In Black, Agent Kay, he is renamed Agent Jay. They soon set off to save the world from alien scum. They later find out of a martian's secret plot to destroy the galaxy, and they must stop him. Will Smith looks like he is having a blast as Jay, and Tommy Lee Jones is amazing as Kay. Industrial Light and Magic once again have created some amazing special effects, and Rick Baker contributes some amazing makeup work.

Oscar: Best Makeup
Other Oscar nominations: Best Original Musical/Comedy Score, Best Art Direction

Directed by: Charles A. Nichols
Written by: Nick George, and Milt Schaffer
Produced by: Walt Disney, and John Sutherland
Voice of: James MacDonald

Entering the post-war era, Walt Disney made a lot of changes to the Mickey Mouse character. He gave him regular everyday clothes, taking away the universally famous red shorts. He put him a modern suburbia with a regular house with regular features. He spruces up the animation department. Walt Disney also handed the reins of voicing his most beloved character to sound designer, James McDonald. If IMDb didn't list him on the front page, I would thought it was Disney once again supplying the voice. Anyway, here's the story. Mickey goes to the zoo and sees the seal exhibit. One of the younger seals slips into Mickey's basket, and is soon taken home without the mouse's knowledge. Pluto spots the seal, and tries to tell his owner about it, but he thinks that his dog's crazy. This is such a good, and very under rated cartoon. The seal would be re-used many times later, and also appeared in a similar cartoon on Mickey Mouse Works.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Burny Mattinson
Written by: Burny Mattinson, Tony L. Marino, Ed Gombert, Don Griffith, Alan Young, and Alan Dinehart
Based on the book by: Charles Dickens
Produced by: Burny Mattinson
Voices of: Alan Young, Wayne Allwine, Will Ryan, Hal Smith, Eddie Carroll, Patricia Parris, Clarence Nash, Jim Cummings, Dick Billingsley

Mickey Mouse's first short film in decades is a brilliant return for him, although the film centers more on Scrooge McDuck. This is a very cute cartoon that your family will love. Since everyone knows the story I don't think I need to explain it, but I will anyway. Ebenezer is a grumpy old miser with a hatred for Christmas and the entire holiday season. One Christmas Eve, he is told by the Ghost of his previous partner, Jacob Marley (played by Goofy) that he will be visited by three ghosts. Throughout the night he is taken back and forward in time by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future (played by Jiminy Cricket, the giant from Fun and Fancy Free, and Pete, respectively). In the end, Scrooge has learned his lesson and soon makes Bob Crachitt (played by Mickey) his partner. This is a charming little cartoon that although isn't a classic like The Grinch, it's still a triumphant return for Disney.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Pete Doctor, and Roger Gould
Written by: Pete Doctor, Roger Gould, Jeff Pigeon, and Rob Gibbs
Produced by: Gale Gortney
Voices of: Billy Crystal, John Goodman

Pixar triumphed again with this cute short that appears on the Monsters, Inc. DVD. Mike has just bought his dream car, an SUV. Deciding to take him and Sulley for a test drive, they both hop for a wild adventure. However, the car has a mind of his own and is soon torturing them in the worst way possible, most especially Mike. In the end, Mike blames it all on Sulley and throws him out. The mini fat cyclops skids off and soon crashes to which he utters the last (and very funny) line, "I miss my old car." Although it's not as superb as the actual feature, it's still very sweet, and it's great to see Billy Crystal and John Goodman voice their characters.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Clint Eastwood
Written by: Paul Haggis
Based on the stories by: F.X. Toole
Produced by: Clint Eastwood, Paul Haggis, Tom Rosenberg, and Albert S. Ruddy
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel, Brian F. O'Byrne, Mike Colter, Lucia Rijker

A cliched boxing film, Million Dollar Baby doesn't reach the heights of such great boxing films like Raging Bull and Rocky. Clint Eastwood gives a very one-note performance as Frankie Dunn, a boxing trainer who is at first reluctant to train a girl but then decides that he will. She then becomes a major success but is soon injured. The two lead's acting aren't anything special, but it is Morgan Freeman who acts up a storm playing Frankie's best friend. Despite the tepid writing, it's still gets a recommendation for its strong opening.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actress (Hilary Swank), Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman), Best Director (Clint Eastwood)
Other Oscar nominations: Best Actor (Clint Eastwood), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing

"Film Website" nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman), Best Original Score, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Charles Chaplin
Written by: Charles Chaplin
Produced by: Charles Chaplin
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Tiny Sanford, Al Ernest Garcia, Henry Bergman, Hank Mann, Cecil Reynolds

In what probably stands as Chaplin's greatest masterpiece, he takes the way machines are taking over our lives. A factory worker has just been fired from his job and he is now on the streets looking for one. He is soon arrested, drugged up, and later becomes a hero for saving the prison guards. He is then set free, but misses the prison so much that he decides to attempt to go back. He then means an orphan living on the streets, and they soon befriend each other. Soon the two get a job in a cheque restaurant, but the policemen go after them, which soon leads to the Tramp's final appearance. Chaplin did this last "silent" film before moving on to the talkies starting with The Great Dictator, and what a great exit it is. This is Chaplin's best film, ever.

National Film Registry Award Winner

Directed by: Joan C. Gratz
Produced by: Joan C. Gratz
Voice of: Jean G. Poulot

This very well-animated film doesn't work very well. The idea of combining famous paintings by many artists is creative, but just does not work well, especially since this short is so boring. The colourful images are wasted in this otherwise un-asked for film. At least you can watch it for free on the director's website instead of paying for it.

Oscar: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Charles Chaplin
Written by: Charles Chaplin
Based on an idea by: Orson Welles
Produced by: Charles Chaplin
Starring: Charles Chaplin, Martha Raye, Isobel Elsom, Audrey Betz, Robert Lewis, Mary Correll, Allison Roddan, Ada May, Marilyn Nash

Charlie Chaplin goes completely against type in this rather different comedy based on an idea by Orson Welles. In the midst of the Great Depression in France, a bank clerk takes on an unusual living to support his wife and children. He marries rich widows, kills them, and then steals their money in their name. Throughout the film, we see Verdoux's many attempts to kill the annoyingly rich Annabella Bonheur without much success. Meanwhile, one of his victim's family grows very suspicious, and soon talk to the police. This soon leads to a nation-wide investigation. Things go from bad to worse, when the stock market completely crashes. Chaplin gives a devilish performance as Verdoux, and Martha Raye is just as funny as Annabella along with a very witty screenplay. Although it's not a classic on the lines of The Great Dictator or any of his silents, it's still a wickedly funny comedy.

Oscar nomination: Best Original Screenplay

Click here to read the review of the DVD.

Directed by: Pete Doctor
Written by: Dan Gerson, and Andrew Stanton
Produced by: Darla K. Anderson
Voices of: John Goodman, Billy Crystal, Mary Gibbs, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn, Jennifer Tilly, Bob Peterson, Frank Oz, Dan Gerson

In this charming animated comedy from Disney/Pixar, we found out more about the monsters in our cupboards. Monsters, Inc. is the largest scare factory in the monster world. Using children's screams, they power the city. Children aren't as scared as they used to be, so there is a power shortage. Monsters, meanwhile, are scared of children, because they consider them toxic. Sulley is the top scarer at Monsters, Inc., but when he accidentally lets a little girl into the monster world, everyone becomes chaotic. Now, he must bring her back. While the race is on to bring her home, Sulley becomes more attached to the girl, and names her Boo. Despite this being annoying to his best friend, Mike, he still helps him. A chameleon-like monster decides to stop them from bringing her home. This film is funny and fresh, and the animation is incredible. The way the Pixar artists make fur, and clothing is incredible. Billy Crystal, who missed a chance to play Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story is brilliant as Mike, with Steve Buscemi having great fun as the villain.

Oscar: Best Original Song ("If I Didn't Have You")
Other Oscar nominations: Best Animated Film, Best Original Score, Best Sound Editing

Directed by: Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones
Written by: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin
Produced by: Mark Forstater and Michael White
Starring: Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, Carol Cleveland, John Young, Neil Innes

England's best comedy troupe went on to feature films with this hilarious send-up on King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. King Arthur is looking to round up other kings in England to join him in Camelot, but when he rounds them up, he decides not to go back there because it's a silly place. God then appears and tells them to go on a journey to find the Holy Grail. This then leads them to go on a crazy adventure and encounter many obstacles like The Knights That Say Ni and The Black Knight. Those two incidents provide the funniest moments in the film as well as many other scenes. This is one of those films that I highly doubt that people will hate, because it's so hard not to laugh. The entire cast is brilliant and spot-on with their performances which proves that no comedy team beats Monty Python.

Hugo nomination: Best Dramatic Presentation

Created by: Victor Wilson
Starring: Shingo Yanagisawa, Takeshi Kitano, Hayato Tani
Voices of: Victor Wilson, Christopher Darga, John Cervenka, Mary Scheer

Reality programs don't get more stupid then this. Along with American Idol and The Bachelor, this is one of the most stupid programs on television today. Two very stupid commentators, a silly little man in a safari hat, and an optimistic captain are all part of the stupidity that is MXC. Many idiotic contestants try to go through many courses and most of them fail. They are either crushed, bombed, tripped, or completely down-right embarrassed by the silly comments from the judges. If they aren't offended once, they are again when they show the "Most Painful Eliminations of the Day." This show is downright stupid. "Right you are, Kenny."

MXC

Directed by: Baz Luhrmann
Written by: Baz Luhrmann, and Craig Pearce
Produced by: Baz Luhrmann, Fred Baron, and Martin Brown
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Richard Roxburgh, Jim Broadbent, John Leguizamo, Jacek Korman, Garry McDonald

Christian is an English writer, who moves to France to start a new life. After being hired as the writer for a play, he goes to the Moulin Rouge, and falls in love with the main attraction, Satine. After being confused as a Duke, he meets Satine, and they fall in a Romeo and Juliet-type love. Satine can only fall in love, if people pay her, and the Duke has his heart set on her. Now she has to choose between the money of the Duke, or the good-looks of Christian. This film is visually entertaining, with amazing sets and costumes, and a brilliant performance by Kidman. This film is not for everyone, though.

Oscars: Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Actress (Nicole Kidman), Best Makeup, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Frez Freleng
Voices of: Mel Blanc, Daws Butler

One of the rare Warner Brothers cartoons to feature Sylvestor and Tweety Bird is a riot. It's very funny, and received a well deserved Oscar nomination for Best Animated Short Film (which it should have won). Sylvestor and his friend, Sam are looking for food and find a small mouse who they decide to share for breakfast the next day. Throughout the night, they both wake up to eat the mouse for themselves. However, one of them is always catching them committing the crime, and then going back and doing the same thing. This occurs the entire night time and everything that happens is extremely funny and a real treat for fans of the mischievous cat. This cartoon also provides a sigh of relief for those who can't stand the little yellow featured bird.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Jack Arnold
Written by: Roger MacDougall, and Stanley Mann
Based on the book by: Leonard Wibberley
Produced by: Carl Foreman, Jon Penington, and Walter Shenson
Starring: Peter Sellers, Jean Seberg, William Hartnell, David Kossoff, Leo McKern, MacDonald Parke, Austin Willis, Timothy Bateson

Peter Sellers gives stellar performances in this wonderfully comedic satire. Grand Fenwick is the smallest country in the world, that is close to getting very poor. The Prime Minister then decides to declare war on the United States, but lose and collect the post-war aid. The most idiotic citizen in Grand Fenwick is declared general of the army, and then steals a bomb that could destroy the whole of Eastern Europe. What's worse is they actually win the war. This is a brilliantly devised comic masterpiece that will live for a long time. Peter Sellers plays his three roles with brilliant wit and humour, while also poking fun at the Americans.

Directed by: Frank Capra
Written by: Sidney Buchman
Produced by: Frank Capra
Starring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Harry Carey, Guy Kibbee, Thomas Mitchell, Eugene Pallette

After much hesitation, I decided to watch a Frank Capra picture. I rented his most acclaimed film, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and as you can see by the rating I gave it, I didn't give it the same response that the critics and general public have. A boy scout leader is asked to fill a vacancy is the United States Senate. Soon, he decides to make a national boys' camp, and the senate decides to bring him down and turn him into rubble. This film has a completely confusing plot with no interesting plots or points. I liked James Stewart's performance as the title role and there were a few funny parts, but it just didn't work that well. It just tried to be like a Citizen Kane-wannabe. To answer your question, I am not a Washington film critic.

Oscar: Best Original Story
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (James Stewart), Best Supporting Actor (Harry Carey), Best Supporting Actor (Claude Rains), Best Director (Frank Capra), Best Screenplay, Best Scoring, Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Chris Columbus
Written by: Randi Mayem Singer, and Leslie Dixon
Based on the book by: Anne Fine
Produced by: Mark Radciffe, Marsha Garces Williams, and Robin Williams
Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field, Matthew Lawrence, Mara Wilson, Lisa Lakub, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Polly Holliday

Daniel Hillard isn't the best of parents. After being divorced, he is forced to only see his children on the weekends. He then decides to dress as an English nanny called Mrs. Doubtfire to spend more time with them. The family loves her. Meanwhile, Daniel is looking for another job, and his wife is in love with another man. This film is very, very funny with Robin Williams giving an over-the-top performance. The makeup effects are incredible, and Chris Columbus runs a smooth direction. You will watch this film over, and over again.

Oscar: Best Makeup

Directed by: James Frawley
Written by: Jack Burns, and Jerry Juhl
Produced by: Jim Henson
Voices of: Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, Carroll Spinney
Starring: Charles Durning, Austin Pendleton, Mel Brooks, Milton Berle, Dom DeLuise, Orson Welles, Cloris Leachman, Scott Walker

Jim Henson's muppets make their big screen debut in this fun film that sees the fuzzy animals taking a road trip to Hollywood. Kermit the Frog decides to leave his swamp for the big time of movies. Along the way he meets a rather interesting crew of characters. Fozzie Bear, The Great Gonzo, Rowlf the Dog, Dr. Honeydew, Beaker, Dr. Teeth and many other muppets join him on his adventure. He then falls in love with Miss Piggy, who also wants to make the big time. Along the way, they meet a frog killer, and a crazy professor. This is a fun film which everyone of any age are going to love. Many celebrities make fun cameos, including Mel Brooks, Orson Welles, Steve Martin, and Big Bird. The great music also add to the fun.

Oscar nominations: Best Original Song Score and/or it's Adaptation, Best Original Song ("The Rainbow Connection")