Directed by: Michael McGowan
Written by: Michael McGowan
Produced by: Teza Lawrence, Andrea Mann, Seaton McLean, Michael Souther and Gordon Yang
Starring: Adam Butcher, Campbell Scott, Gordon Pinsent, Tamara Hope, Shauna McDonald, Jennifer Tilly, Michael Kanev, Frank Crudele

A Canadian film with a stellar cast, Saint Ralph overcomes the usual sports film cliches. Ralph Walker is a misfit Catholic school student with a mother in the hospital. After being told that his mother might die, he decides that it will take a miracle to cure her. So he decides to run in the Boston marathon with the help of one of his teachers. However, his headmaster is very skeptical. Fifteen year old Adam Butcher gives a very good performance in the lead and gives one of those rare child performances that aren't annoying. The supporting players most notably Campbell Scott are also very good. Director/writer Michael McGowan looks like he will be a future Atom Egoyan.

Genie nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Adam Butcher), Best Supporting Actor (Gordon Pinsent), Best Supporting Actor (Campbell Scott), Best Costume Design

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Steven Zaillian
Based on the book by: Thomas Keneally
Produced by: Steven Spielberg, Branko Lustig, and Gerald R. Molen
Starring: Liam Neeson, Ben Kingsley, Ralph Fiennes, Caroline Goodall, Embeth Davidtz, Jonathan Sagall, Shmulik Levy, Mark Ivanir

Steven Spielberg's best and most personal film to date is a disturbing look at how one man saved more then a thousand Jews during the Holocaust. Oskar Schindler is Nazi supporter who has a pot-and-pan factory where Jews build the products. When World War II starts, all the Jews are taken, but he manages to save one, Ishtar Stern, who then becomes his best friend. They then hear a thousand Jews, who are then taken away again. Schindler then moves to near a concentration camp, where Stern becomes the accountant for Nazi, Amon Goeth. He is an evil man, who wants to kill all the Jews. Schindler then crafts a list of all the Jews, he wants to work, hence creating "Schindler's List", and saving a lot of lives in the process. Spielberg gives a fantastic direction, and the script is wonderfully written. The cast is brilliant, especially Ralph Fiennes as Amon Goeth. The score, sets, and photography really being out the time period. This film will stay in your minds for a long time.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director (Steven Spielberg), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing
Other Oscar nominations: Best Actor (Liam Neeson), Best Supporting Actor (Ralph Fiennes), Best Makeup, Best Sound, Best Costume Design

Directed by: Gary Ross
Written by: Gary Ross
Based on the book by: Laura Hillenbrand
Produced by: Gary Ross, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Jane Sindell
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, William H. Macy, Gary Stevens, Elizabeth Banks, Kingston DuCoeur, Eddie Jones

This horse-racing true story manages to be feel-good and not be sappy at the same time. Red Pollard has always dreamed of being a jockey. The only problem is that he's too big to be able to ride a horse. Meanwhile, the horse whisperer, Tim Smith, has just saved a horse named Seabiscuit. Red is then in his first real horse race, thanks to a millionaire called Charles Howard. After a lot of races, Seabiscuit finally wins one with everyone's shock. He is soon winning race after race and being named an American hero. Now, he must face the all-time champion, War Admiral. This is another glorious film from Gary Ross, which features an all-star cast. Tobey Maguire shows he can do more then just Peter Parker, but it's William H. Macy who steals the show in a bit part as a creative radio newscaster. This film will be remembered for a long time.

Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing

"Film Website" nominations: Best Supporting Actor (William H. Macy), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography

Created by: Larry David, and Jerry Seinfeld
Starring: Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Michael Richards, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Estelle Harris, Jerry Stiller, Barney Martin, Liz Sheridan

The show about nothing is a pop culture phenonenom. Jerry Seinfeld is a comedian in New York. He has his regular-day adventures with Kramer, George, and Elaine. It's simply about nothing. Throughout the series, we are introduced to many funny characters, including Newman, the Soup Nazi, and Elaine and George's many bosses. This is the best sitcom ever. It has it's many great words like Yada-Yada-Yada, and Kramer's many ideas and hijinks. This is a must-see series.

Most Recent Awards:
Emmy Award nominations: Best Comedy Series, Best Supporting Actor (Jason Alexander), Best Supporting Actress (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), Best Guest Actor (Lloyd Bridges), Best Multi-Camera Picture Editing

Directed by: John Madden
Written by: Marc Norman, and Tom Stoppard
Produced by: Marc Norman, Donna Gigliotti, David Parfitt, Harvey Weinstein, and Edward Zwick
Starring: Joseph Fiennes, Gwyneth Paltrow, Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth, Tom Wilkinson, Ben Affleck, Rupert Everett, Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton

William Shakespeare is about to start his new play, "Romeo and Ethel the Pirante's Daughter", but he's stuck with writer's block. Holding auditions for the play, he meets Thomas Kent, an incredible actor, who is really a princess in disguise. He later falls in love with her, and lets her carry on in the play dispite women not being allowed to act. The princess is going to marry Lord Wessex, and Shakespeare has finally found his muse and starts writing his most famous love story, "Romeo and Juliet". This production is fantastic, and the entire cast is brilliant. Judi Dench steals the show, though, in a small role as the queen. The music is also incredible, and the costumes are fantastic.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actress (Gwyneth Paltrow), Best Supporting Actress (Judi Dench), Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Musical/Comedy Score, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design
Other Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actor (Geoffrey Rush), Best Director (John Madden), Best Makeup, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Frank Darabont
Written by: Frank Darabont
Based on the short story by: Stephen King
Produced by: Niki Marvin
Starring: Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler, Clancy Brown, Gil Bellows, Mark Rolston, James Whitmore

Andy is a banker, who is arrested for a murder he didn't do. He is soon sent to Shawshank prison, where he meets "Red" Redding, a clever prisoner who can get him anything for a price. Andy just asks for a small rock picker, and a poster of Rita Hayworth. The other prisoners, and even the guards feel sorry for him, and later Andy is the head of the prison library, and helping someone to read. This film is incredibly written, and a triumph in cinema. Frank Darabont is an incredible director, and Morgan Freeman is amazing as Redding. The cinematography is amazing, and Tim Robbins is good.

Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Actor (Morgan Freeman), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Andrew Adamson, and Vicky Jenson
Written by: Ted Elliot, Terry Rossio, Joe Stillman, and Roger S.H. Schulman
Based on the book by: William Steig
Produced by: Jeffrey Katzenberg, Aron Warner, and John H. Williams
Voices of: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent Cassel, Conrad Vernon, Chris Miller, Cody Cameron

Shrek is a lonely ogre living in a swamp by himself. When many fairy tale creatures are sent there, he must visit the evil Lord Farquaard to get ownership of his swamp back. To get it back, Shrek must go to an ancient castle guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. There, he must save the princess that is locked in the highest room of the tallest tower. Accompanied by an annoying talking donkey, he saves her only to discover she isn't want he thought she would be. They soon become closer, and closer. This is one of the funniest films in years. The princible cast is great, but Eddie Murphy is the real star as the donkey. This comedy also features many spoofs to popular films like The Matrix, and Return of the Jedi, while also poking fun at Disney.

Oscar: Best Animated Film
Other Oscar nomination: Best Adapted Screenplay

Directed by: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson, and Conrad Vernon
Written by: Andrew Adamson, Joe Stillman, J. David Stem, and David N. Weiss
Based on the book by: William Steig
Produced by: David Lipman, Aron Warner, and John H. Williams
Voices of: Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas, Jennifer Saunders, John Cleese, Rupert Everett, Larry King, Julie Andrews

In this charming and wonderfully funny sequel, Shrek and Fiona go to Far Far Away to meet the parents. Fiona's father doesn't take too lightly at Shrek so he hired the infamous ogre killer, Puss in Boots to finish him off. Soon, Puss decides to join Shrek's team, which makes Donkey very jealous. Shrek also has to put up with the evil fairy godmother, who wants Fiona to marry her son, Prince Charming. The sequel is more of an adults film, which is great, with the many jokes that will fly above the children's heads. Meanwhile, in-jokes fill every part of the screen with takes on The Lord of the Rings, Ghostbusters, and the list goes on and on. You going to have to see it more then once to catch them all. The voices are also great with Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, and John Cleese stealing the show. Overall, this is more of a stand alone film, because when compared to the first film, the original was better.

Oscar nominations: Best Animated Film, Best Original Song ("Accidently in Love")

"Film Website" nominations: Best Animated Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Song ("Accidently in Love")

Directed by: Alexander Payne
Written by: Alexander Payne, and Jim Taylor
Based on the book by: Rex Pickett
Produced by: Michael London
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Sandra Oh, Virginia Madsen, Jessica Hecht, Patrick Gallagher, Marylouise Burke, Alysia Reiner

The duo of Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor are brilliant writers as witnessed by their previous films, About Schmidt and Election and Sideways is another film added to their perfect resume'. Paul Giamatti gives yet another great performance as Miles, a writer who is waiting for his agent to call about his new book. He decides to take his friend, a failed actor named Jack on a wine-tasting trip through California before he is married. This is a simple plot, but still provides many comedic moments. Paul Giammati and Thomas Haden Church excel as the male leads, but the female characters aren't that interesting. Overall, this is a fun film that is wonderfully written like all over Payne and Taylor's other works.

Oscar: Best Adapted Screenplay
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Thomas Haden Church), Best Supporting Actress (Virginia Madsen), Best Director (Alexander Payne)

"Film Website" Award: Best Supporting Actor (Thomas Haden Church)
Other "Film Website" nominations: Best Actor (Paul Giamatti), Best Adapted Screenplay

Directed by: Jonathan Demme
Written by: Ted Tally
Based on the book by: Thomas Harris
Produced by: Ronald M. Bozman, Edward Saxon, and Kenneth Utt
Starring: Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Ted Levine, Scott Glenn, Anthony Heald, Brooke Smith, Kasi Lemmons, Frankie Faison

In this brilliant adaptation of one of the Hannibal Lecter books, Anthony Hopkins gives a brilliant performance as fava-bean loving cannibal. Detective Clarice Starling has been chosen to look into the case of infamous serial killer, Buffalo Bill and he asks the imprisoned Lecter for help. Through hidden clues, Hannibal helps Clarice helps Clarice in the most unusual and is soon taking a liking to her. Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster give really good performances along with a well-written screenplay and a great direction by Jonathan Demme, who proves why he is one of the best directors of the 90's. This is one of the most chilling films ever made.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Actor (Anthony Hopkins), Best Actress (Jodie Foster), Best Director (Jonathan Demme), Best Adapted Screenplay
Other Oscar nominations: Best Sound, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Stanley Donen, and Gene Kelly
Written by: Betty Comden, and Adolph Green
Produced by: Arthur Freed
Starring: Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Millard Mitchell, Jean Hagen, Rita Moreno, Douglas Fowley

The greatest of the classic MGM musicals of 1950's, the entire cast created an elegant picture for all ages to enjoy. Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont were the silent movie stars of their day and their films were always crowd-pleasers. When sound pictures are soon thrust into the public's eyes, they decide to make one of their own with disastrous results. Dona along with his friend, Cosmo and new girlfriend, Kathy attempt to re-create the picture as a musical dubbing in Lina's incredibly annoying voice with Kathy's. Famous for Gene Kelly's rain number, Singin' in the Rain has more to that with Donald O'Connor's "Make Em Laugh" and the triumphant "Gotta Dance." This is a film for the ages and one of the first true American classics.

Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actress (Jean Hagen), Best Scoring for a Musical Picture

Directed by: M. Night Shymalan
Written by: M. Night Shymalan
Produced by: Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Barry Mandel
Starring: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment, Toni Collette, Olivia Williams, Donnie Wahlberg, Mischa Barton, Peter Anthony Tambakis

Dr. Malcolm Crowe is an award-winning child physcologhist, who is then visited by one of his former patients called Vincent. He then shoots Crowe, and then himself. Crowe late meets Cole, a boy with the same problems as Vincent. He then decides not to make the same mistake he did with him. Throughout their talks they become closer, and become good friends. It is then that Cole tells him a dark secret. He can see dead people. This film is wonderfull written, and cunstructed with a brilliant twist ending. Bruce Willis is great, but Haley Joel Osment steals the show as Cole. This is a must-see.

Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Haley Joel Osment), Best Supporting Actress (Toni Collette), Best Director (M. Night Shymalan), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing

Directed by: Walt Disney
Written by: Ted Sears, Richard Creedon, Otto Englander, Dick Rickard, Earl Hurd, Merrill De Maris, Dorothy Ann Blank, and Webb Smith
Based on the story by: Jacob Grimm, and Wilhelm Grimm
Produced by: Walt Disney
Voices of: Adriana Caselotti, Lucille La Verne, Roy Atwell, Moroni Wilson, Harry Stockwell, Roy Atwell, Pinto Colvig, Eddie Collins

Walt Disney made an excellent transition from shorts to feature length in this wonderful fairy tale, that lives as the film that redefined animation. The story is so easy to follow, an one month old baby can understand it. When the Wicked Queen finds out that Snow White is the most beautiful princess in the land, she sends a hunter to kill her. When the hunter tells the princess of the Queen's evil plan, she runs into the forest and is soon befriended by the animals who live there. She then finds a small cottage, which Snow White soon discovers belongs to the seven dwarfs. They all become friends, and no big prize for guessing what happens in the end. The first American full-length animated film will always be loved with the beautiful animation, and the Dwarf's comic relief. Even if you're not a fan of animation this film is still highly recommended.

Oscar nomination: Best Original Score

Directed by: Dianne Jackson
Based on the book by: Raymond Briggs
Produced by: John Coates, and Iain Harvey

Based on the brilliant children's book, The Snowman has wonderful animation coupled with a great story and a memorable musical score. A young boy builds a snowman and Christmas Eve and then goes to bed. Then in the middle of the night, the boy wakes up and notices that his creation has come to life. After giving a tour of the house, the snowman takes the boy to the North Pole where he meets a very famous man. This is a very well done short that I'm surprised isn't shown during the winter holidays. The story is beautiful and children are sure to remember this treat and never look at their snowmen the same way again.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Billy Wilder
Written by: Billy Wilder, and I.A.L. Diamond
Based on the story by: Robert Thoeren, and Michael Logan
Produced by: Billy Wilder
Starring: Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, George Raft, Pat O'Brien, Joe E. Brown, John Shawlee, George E. Stone

Billy Wilder writes a very funny script, and gives a brilliant direction in this wonderful screwball comedy. Joe and Jerry are musicians trying to make a living taking in many jobs throughout Chicago. When they witness a mob hit, they dress up as women and join a women's jazz band headed for Miami. In the band, they meet Sugar, a girl trying to find a nice millionaire to marry. Joe then decides to dress as a millionaire to impress her, but this doesn't impress Jerry who has a real millionaire going after him. When the mob arrives in Miami, madcap mayhem ensures. Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe are all wonderful in possibly their best performances. Curtis and Lemmon will later be followed by other actors who have given brilliant performances dressing up as women like Dustin Hoffman and Robin Williams. This is possibly one of the funniest comedies of all-time ever written.

Oscar: Best Black-and-White Costume Design
Other Oscar nominations: Best Actor (Jack Lemmon), Best Director (Billy Wilder), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Black-and-White Art Direction, Best Black-and-White Cinematography

Directed by: Nancy Meyers
Written by: Nancy Meyers
Produced by: Nancy Meyers, and Bruce A. Block
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Keanu Reeves, Amanda Peet, Frances McDormand, Jon Favreau, Paul Michael Glaser, Rachel Ticotin

In this funny romantic comedy, Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton are a wonderful screen couple, dispite being in their 60's. Harry Sanborn is the ultimate lady's man, and is known as "The Escape Artist" for his reputation of only dating women under 30 years of age. One weekend in the Hamptons with his latest girlfriend, Marin turns upside-down when in walks her mother, Erica. They soon decide to stay there altogether, but when Harry gets a heart attack, he must stay there. Throughout that time, he gets to Marin's turtleneck-wearing mother. Soon, Harry starts to fall in love with Erica. At that same time, Harry's doctor, Julian falls for her. Now, Harry must choose between destroying his reputation and marrying Erica, or continue on dating younger women. This is a charming comedy with a touching, which relies on Diane Keaton's brilliant performance to save the show. The problem lies in the time length of 2 hours, and the other actors. Jack Nicholson is great, but just plays himself, the always great Frances McDormand isn't given enough screen time as Erica's sister, and Keanu Reeves is wooden as usual. I'm only recommending this film for Keaton's work and the charming script.

Oscar nomination: Best Actress (Diane Keaton)

"Film Website" Award: Best Actress (Diane Keaton)

Directed by: Robert Wise
Written by: Ernest Lehman
Based on the play by: Howard Lindsay, and Russel Crouse
Produced by: Robert Wise
Starring: Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn, Peggy Wood, Charmian Carr, Heather Menzies, Nicholas Hammond

One of the most beloved musicals in the world became a much beloved film as well. This well-done, though over long musical production of a feature features great performances from the cast, especially Julie Andrews. A young singing nun named Maria is hired to be the maid of an ex-naval officer who treats his children like the people he once commanded. Maria then decides to teach the children how to sing. At first their father is objective at the idea, but soon joins them and they become the Von Trapp Family Singers. When the Nazi Party start ivading Switzerland, and they have to leave at once. Along the way, they perform in a music contest. This is a much loved production, but like I said before it runs too long and is too sappy. However, I can forgive it thanks to the songs and performances from the cast.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Wise), Best Original Song Score and/or it's Adaptation, Best Sound, Best Film Editing
Other Oscar nominations: Best Actress (Julie Andrews), Best Supporting Actress (Peggy Wood), Best Color Art Direction, Best Color Costume Design, Best Color Cinematography

Directed by: Trey Parker
Written by: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, and Pam Brady
Based on the television series by: Trey Parker, and Matt Stone
Produced by: Trey Parker, and Matt Stone
Voices of: Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mary Kay Bergman, Issac Hayes, Jesse Howell, George Clooney, Eric Idle, Dave Foley, Brent Spiner

You will never see a film more crude and profane then this one. This may be a cartoon, but it is not for children. When Kyle, Cartman, Stan, and Kenny sneak into an R-rated film to see their favourite Canadian stars, Terrance and Philip, they have profanity bouncing all over the walls of the cinema (thanks to the extreamly funny musical sequence, Uncle F**ka). When they start showing off their colourful new vocabulary to their classmates, their mothers arrest Terrance and Philip and start a war with Canada. Meanwhile, Kenny dies and goes to Hell, where he sees Saddam Hussein having gay sex with the Devil. The film starts out very funny, but although when Kenny dies, it goes down a bit, but it still continues to be fun. The best thing about the whole film are the delightful songs that range from the Oscar-nominated "Blame Canada" to the Disney musical-esqe "What Would Brian Boitano?" I warn you, though. The songs will not escape from your head.

Oscar nomination: Best Original Song ("Blame Canada")

Directed by: Joe Pytka
Written by: Leo Benvenuti, Steve Rudnick, Timothy Harris, and Herschel Weingrod
Produced by: Daniel Goldberg, Joe Medjuck, Ivan Reitman, and Ron Tippe
Starring: Michael Jordon, Wayne Knight, Bill Murray, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Tyrone Bogues, Shawn Bradley
Voices of: Billy West, Dee Bradley Baker, Kath Soucie, Bill Farmer, Bob Bergen, June Foray, Maurice LaMarche, Danny DeVito

In this tiresome attempt to modernize the Looney Tunes, four martians visit Warner Land to make Bugs Bunny and folk their slaves. Since the aliens aren't really tall, they challenge them to a basketball game. The aliens then steal the powers of NBA's biggest basketball stars turning them into "monstars." The Looney Tunes soon call upon Michael Jordon, now a baseball player. This film just doesn't have enough energy, and although there is a lot of humour, it rarely centers on the cartoon characters. This film is all about Jordon, not the Toons. This is simply a rip-off of the classic Who Framed Roger Rabbit?.

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

Directed by: Mel Brooks
Written by: Mel Brooks, Thomas Meehan, and Ronny Graham
Produced by: Mel Brooks
Starring: Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis, Ron Pullman, John Candy, Daphne Zuniga, George Wyner, Dick Van Patten, Joan Rivers (voice)

In this childish Star Wars spoof, Mel Brooks creates an alternate uniserve that's nothing like the blockbuster space opera. Princess Vespa is about to marry the prince, when she decides to run away. On her way, the Spaceballs (lead by the evil Dark Helmet) catch her ship. Her father then calls for Lone Starr and his sidekick, Barf to save her.At first, Starr can't stand her, but then he falls for her. Meanwhile, Dark Helmet starts looking for them in a vast desert, and the gang between Yogurt, who tells Starr "May the Shwartz be with You." This comedy does a lot in the comedy area, and in the beginning, you will laugh but then becomes tiring. John Candy isn't really his best, Bill Pullman is wooden, but Mel Brooks and Rick Moranis steal the show in their villainous roles. Near the end of it, I was getting a bit tired of Spaceballs.

Directed by: Jan de Bont
Written by: Graham Yost
Produced by: Mark Gordon
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Daniels, Joe Morton, Alan Ruck, Glenn Plummer, Richard Lineback

Before Keanu Reeves did The Matrix, he did intelligent and worthwhile films like Speed. Were you ever on a bus, and felt like it was going to crash or explode? Speed will make you afraid of buses just as Jaws made people scared to go to the beach. The adreline already starts pumping in the first scene when LAPD officers, Jack and Howard attempt to save a falling elevator. When the passengers are saved, the bomber is killed, or so they think. Jack then recieves a telephone call from the bomber who has now planted one on a bus. When the bus goes over 50m/h, the bomb is activated, and when it goes below, it will explode. When Jack gets on the bus, the driver is accidently shot. With the help of Annie, a passenger who was taken away her driver's license for speeding is brought to the wheel. When the bus is out of the picture, the action doesn't stop there. Jack follows the bomber onto a subwa for a final show-down. This film is full of adreneline, and will keep you waiting to see what happened. This is a fun film with wonderful performances by the three leads. The believable sound effects, and comic relief by Ferris Bueller's Alan Ruck make this even more enejoyable. Rent this film when you get the chance.

Oscars: Best Sound, Best Sound Editing
Other Oscar nomination: Best Film Editing

Directed by: Sam Raimi
Written by: David Koepp
Based on the comic book by: Stan Lee, and Steve Ditko
Produced by: Ian Bryce, and Laura Ziskin
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Willem Dafoe, J.K. Simmons, Rosemary Harris, Cliff Robertson, Bill Nunn

Probably the most popular superhero in the Marvel universe, Spider-Man finally gets the big-screen treatment. Te results, however, are good but nowhere near Superman level. Peter Parker is a regular student with a school boy crush for the beautiful Mary-Jane. One day, Peter is bitten by a radio-active arachnid and gets strange spider-like powers. He is able to climb walls and shoot webbings out of his wrists. When his uncle is killed by a criminal, Peter decides to become a superhero and save the town from destruction and a new villain named the Green Goblin. Nobody is expecting Casablanca from a superhero picture, but Sam Raimi could have tried better. The action scenes are well as are the special effects but it's mostly should popcorn fluff. I am only recommending it because it is a good romp.

Oscar nominations: Best Sound, Best Visual Effects

"Film Website" Award: Best Sound
Other "Film Website" nominations: Best Original Song ("Hero"), Best Sound Editing

Directed by: Sam Raimi
Written by: Alvin Sargent
Based on the comic book by: Stan Lee, and Steve Ditko
Produced by: Avi Arad, and Laura Ziskin
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Alfred Molina, James Franco, Rosemary Harris, J.K. Simmons, Dylan Baker, Daniel Gillies, Bill Nunn

The first Spider-Man was pretty much popcorn fluff, but the sequel is sure to be remembered for a long time, as one of those rare sequels that completely exceed the original. Peter Parker aka Spider-Man is having a very hard time juggling his school work, love for Mary Jane, work at the Daily Bugle, and saving New York City. Meanwhile, his grades are falling, he fails to make it to work on time, and he seems to be losing his powers. Peter then decides to throw away his Spidey suit and make up with Mary Jane. He just happens to quit, when the city needs him the most. Dr. Otto Octavius has just made a way to power the entire city in a cheap way, but then something goes wrong and four mechanical arms get attched to his body, and he becomes crazy. Doc Ock then takes Mary Jane captive, and only Spider-Man can save her. Spider-Man 2 comepletely improves on the first film, with better special effects, and a wonderfully written screenplay by Alvin Sargent. This film could have been called Peter Parker, because the nerdy protagonist appears more then the title superhero. Just like in the first adventure, J.K. Simmons steals the show in a delightfully funny role as Peter's crazy anti-Spidey boss, and Rosemary Harris gets much more screentime than before as Peter's Aunt May. This is probably the best superhero picture, since the original Superman.

Oscar: Best Visual Effects
Other Oscar nominations: Best Sound, Best Sound Editing

"Film Website" Awards: Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects
Other "Film Website" nominations: Best Picture, Best Sound

Directed by: Trey Parker, and Matt Stone
Written by: Trey Parker, and Matt Stone
Produced by: Trey Parker
Voices of: Trey Parker, Matt Stone

Before Trey Parker and Matt Stone shocked people with their show, South Park, they made this Christmas card for the head of FOX. Kyle, Stan, Cartman and Kenny wonder one snowy say what the meaning of Christmas is. Soon, Jesus arrives and he fights with Santa because he believes that Christmas is about celebrating him and vise versa. The boys, meanwhile, wonder what would Brian Boitano do? A brilliant prelude to South Park, Jesus Vs. Santa improves greatly upon Parker and Stone's previous animated short, Jesus vs. Frosty completely. The animation, voices, and humour has become much better. This is a must-see for any fan of South Park. Everyone else, especially devout Catholics, stay away.

LAFCA Award: Best Animation

Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
Produced by: Toshio Suzuki
Voices of: Daveigh Chase, Jason Marsden, Suzanne Pleshette, David Ogden Stiers, Susan Egan, Michael Chickis, Lauren Holly

Chihiro is a 10-year-old rebelious girl who is about to move to a new home. When her parents stop at an abandoned amusement park, they start to eat a food steaming on a counter. When they turn into pigs, a boy named Haku tells to get a job at a bath house. There, gods and monsters bathe and relax. The owner, a witch called Yubaba gives her the job, and soon takes Chihiro's name, and changes it to Sen. She then has a bunch of adventures, including cleaning a water god, and cleaning a big bath. She then finds out that Haku turns into a dragon, whenever Yubaba tells him to do a bad deed. Now, Sen must find out to turn him back to normal. This is a wonderful Japanese anime film that even people who hate that style of animation (like me) will love. The music is also amazing and Spirited Away is probably the best animated film of all-time.

Oscar: Best Animated Film

"Film Website" Awards: Best Picture, Best Director (Hayao Miyazaki), Best Animated Film, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score

Directed by: Ramon Menendez
Written by: Ramon Menendez, and Tom Musca
Produced by: Tom Musca
Starring: Edward James Olmos, Mark Eliot, Will Gotay, Ingrid Oliu, Lou Diamond Phillips, Carmen Argenziano, Virginia Paris, Vanessa Marquez

Edward James Olmos gives a very inspirational performance as a mathematics teacher who attempts to make something out of his very disruptive students. He decides to hold a summer coarse for his mathematics students so that he can teach them calculus. However, when they are accused of cheating on the final exam, the teacher attempts to get them their clean names back. Edward James Olmos gives a very good performance as do the actors playing the students. You can also watch for a quick role with Andy Garcia playing a school inspector.

Oscar nomination: Best Actor (Edward James Olmos)

Directed by: George Lucas
Written by: George Lucas
Produced by: Gary Kurtz
Starring: Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, Peter Cushing, James Earl Jones (voice)

"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away", a teenage boy named Luke Skywalker buys two droids, R2D2 and C3PO. He just didn't know when he bought them that they belonged to a kidnapped princess. That is until a message appears on R2D2 with an image of the princess saying "Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi." Luke and the two droids meet Obi-Wan and soon becomes a Jedi knight. They then go off on a quest to save the princess from the evil Lord Darth Vader. Along the way they are aided by a poor lone ranger named Han Solo, and his trusty Wookie, Chewbacca. The best special effects in film history are seen in Star Wars and can't even rival the ones created on computers today. Although the acting isn't Oscar-worthy (except for the great Alec Guiness as Obi-Wan), it's a fun ride that everyone will enjoy. Lucas was so stupid to make those special editions, although I don't know why everyone hates the prequels so much.

Oscars: Best Original Score, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing
Other Oscar nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Alex Guinness), Best Director (George Lucas), Best Original Screenplay

Directed by: George Lucas
Written by: George Lucas
Produced by: Rick McCallum
Starring: Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jack Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid, Ray Park, Anthony Daniels, Frank Oz (voice), Ahmed Best (voice)

Qui-Gon, and his apprentice, Obi-Wan are on a peace mission, but something goes wrong, and they become in war. They get stranded on the planet of Tatooine with the Queen, her servant Padme, two droids, and a strange creature called Jar-Jar Binks. There, they meet young Anakin Skywalker, who Qui-Gon feels can bring order to the galaxy. He brings him with him to the Jedi Council, where Anakin is told by the master of Yoda that "sadness leads to anger, and anger lead to the dark side." This film is very masterful with it's secial effects. The best scene comes from the pod race. The annoying things in the film, though, are Jar-Jar, and Jake Lloyd. Thank goodness, Darth Vader breaths badly when he grows up. Anyway, this is a very wonderful prequel to Star Wars.

Oscar nominations: Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects

Directed by: George Lucas
Written by: George Lucas, and Jonathan Hales
Produced by: Rick McCallum
Starring: Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, Ian McDiarmid, Daniel Logan, Frank Oz (voice)

Ten years after getting Jedi training, Anakin is now a bona-fide Jedi knight. Sent on a mission to guard the counciler woman, and his love interest, Padme Amidala. Meanwhile, his trainer, Obi-Wan si trying to figure a clone mission. Anakin, and Padme then have a forbidden kiss, which they feel guilty. Anakin also goes back to his home planet to look for her dead mother. Now, a war has started, and Anakin has to risk Padme's life for the world. This film isn't as spectacular as the previous Star Wars, but the special effects are still amazing.

Oscar nomination: Best Visual Effects

"Film Website" nominations: Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, Best Costume Design

Directed by: George Lucas
Written by: George Lucas
Produced by: Rick McCallum
Starring: Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Ian McDiarmid, Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Smits, Anthony Daniels, Frank Oz (voice)

Like all the latest television shows, another series comes to an end. George Lucas manages to live up to his above average prequels with this triumphant finale to the "Star Wars" universe. It still doesn't live up to the original trilogy, but it's still a great achievement. The film starts with the usual opening crawl and familiar John Williams score and then we are pulled into a space battle. Anakin Skywalker and Obi-wan Kenobi go on a mission to save the kidnapped Chancillor Palpatine from the villainous General Greivous and Count Dooku. Dooku is killed, but Greivous escapes. Anakin is later told by the Jedi Council to spy on his good friend, Chancillor Palpatine. Meanwhile, his dreams foresee his love, Padme dying. He sees his only chance to save her is to join the dark side of the force. Thus begins his transformation into Darth Vader. George Lucas completely goes above expectations be returning to the space opera style we have grown to know to love. The last hour especially brings to mind the beginning of Episode IV when Darth Vader walks into the spaceship. The special effects are brilliant with much great work done with Yoda (Frank Oz) and the volcanic planet of Mustafu. The beginning battle could have been better and more interesting but he lives up to it in the last hour or so. George Lucas is known for his weak writing and directing actors. None of the actors, most especially Natalie Portman and Samuel Jackson. There could have been more of James Earl Jones as Darth Vader but at least there is a limited supply of Jar-Jar Binks.

Oscar nomination: Best Makeup

"Film Website" nominations: Best Makeup, Best Sound, Best Sound Editing, Best Visual Effects

Directed by: Todd Phillips
Written by: Todd Phillips, John O'Brien, and Scott Armstrong
Based on the characters by: William Blinn
Produced by: William Blinn, Stuart Cornfield, Akiva Goldsman, Tony Ludwig, and Alan Riche
Starring: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Snoop Dogg, Fred Williamson, Juliette Lewis, Jason Bateman, Will Ferrell, Carmen Electra

Old television series adapted into feature films don't work out too well, but Starsky & Hutch does a surprisingly good job at it. Ben Stiller, and Owen Wilson team up in their first film since The Royal Tenenbaums, and they make an interesting duo. David Starsky is a by-the-book policeman, who will arrest anyone even if it's just $7 that was stolen. Ken Hutchison goes by his own rules, even if it means breaking the law. Their chief decides to team them up, and so starts their first case together. A drug dealer called Reese Feldman has created an new type of cocaine that can't be detected by dogs, and seems like ordinary sugar. With the help of snitch, Huggy Bear, they will try everything to catch, and arrest Reese. This comedy delivers many laughs, including when Starsky gets high on cocaine and a clever cameo by Will Ferrell. The costumes, and cars (especially Starsky's nice-looking Ford Torino) really look like they're from the Seventies, and I spotted many big wigs throughout the film. As for the performances, Will Ferrell and Vince Vaughn give the best performances as their respective villains, while Ben Stiller does the best work out of all the heroes. This is a very funny film that recreates one of the best decades.

MTV Movie Award: Best Kiss
Other MTV Movie Award nomination: Best On-Screen Team

"Film Website" Award: Best Costume Design

Directed by: Frank Oz
Written by: Paul Rudnick
Based on the book by: Ira Levin
Produced by: Donald De Line, Gabriel Grunfeld, Scott Rudin, and Edgar J. Scherick
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Matthew Broderick, Bette Midler, Roger Bart, Christopher Walken, Glenn Close, Jon Lovitz, David Marshall Grant

Frank Oz leads a great cast into a so-so comedy that tries to lighten up the original dark tale by horror master, Ira Levin. Nicole Kidman gives probably her worst performance as Joanna Woodward, a popular television executive who gets fired after she is almost killed by one of her reality show contestants. Her husband, Walter, later quits his job and soon they are off to the perfect town of Stepford, Connecticut. However, things are a little too perfect for Joanna and she starts to suspect something wrong. Along with a messed-up writer, and a extremely gay man, she tries to crack down the case. The script has many loose ends that don't as do the performances. Kidman, Matthew Broderick, and Christopher Walken give very embarrasing performances, but Glenn Close, Bette Midler, and Roger Bart do very well. That still doesn't help the occasionly funny screenplay. While there are many funny bits, it's sad when the part you will laugh most at is a crack at AOL. The biggest flaw, though, is what you'll be wondering through the whole proceedings. Are the wives women with microchips in the brains or robots?

Golden Trailers: Best Original Trailer, Summer 2004 Blockbuster Trailer, Best in Show

Directed by: Pete Michels
Written by: Alex Borstein, Steve Callaghan, Gary Janetti, and Chris Sheridan
Based on the television series by: Seth MacFarlane
Produced by: Kara Vallow
Voices of: Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Mila Kunis, Lori Alan, Mike Henry, Noel Blanc, Rachael MacFarlane, Patrick Warburton

Seth MacFarlane's brilliant animated series, "Family Guy" is given a feature film that any fan of the series should have on their DVD shelf. After a near-death experience, Stewie the diabolical baby genius, decides to try and act nicer with so-so results. After seeing a man that could be his real father, he and Brian the family go to San Francisco to search for him. Meanwhile, the dim-witted Peter is given a job at the local television station and teaches the other children how to date. Like the series, the film pokes fun of all ethnic groups (most especially Jews, blacks and Entertainment Weekly) and contains many pop culrue references. Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story also contains MacFarlane's usual trademark flashbacks and brilliant voice work. This may be direct-to-DVD, but it is probably the freshest comedy in years.

C.A.S. Award: Best Sound for DVD Original Programming

Directed by: George Roy Hill
Written by: David S. Ward
Produced by: Tony Bill, Michael Phillips, and Julia Phillips
Starring: Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Robert Shaw, Charles Durning, Ray Walston, Eileen Brennan, Harold Gould, John Hefferman

In this highly entertaining picture, Robert Redford and Paul Newman play some intelligent gangsters, who after a mutual friend is killed by a mob boss, they try to get even by pulling off the big con on the mob boss. The story unfolds with several twists and last minute alterations. This is a brilliant and wonderfully well-done heist picture with wonderful performances by the entire cast and a great screenplay by David Ward. The Sting is something you can watch over and over again.

Oscars: Best Picture, Best Director (George Roy Hill), Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song Score/and or it's Adaptation, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing
Other Oscar nominations: Best Actor (Robert Redford), Best Sound, Best Cinematography

Directed by: Rob Minkoff
Written by: M. Night Shymalan, and Greg Brooker
Based on the book by: E.B. White
Produced by: Douglas Wick
Starring: Geena Davis, Hugh Laurie, Jonathan Lipnicki, Julia Sweeney
Voices of: Michael J. Fox, Nathan Lane, Steve Zahn, Chazz Palminteri, Bruno Kirby, Jennifer Tilly

Stuart is the only mouse in the orphanage, and he wants a home. Then, the Littles arrive and adopt him. At first, their son, George isn't very supportive of this. Then, he starts to like him. They soon become the best of friends, but the family cat wants Stuart to leave. This is a wonderful family film, that is heartwarming and fun. It's special effects are also wonderful.

Oscar nomination: Best Visual Effects

In this very entertaining Super Mario game for Game Boy, Mario must save Princess Daisy once again from Bowser. Travelling through the desert, oceans, and even Easter Island, he meets many enemies along the way. At the end of each world, Mario meets a boss which is very easy to defeat. The stress comes from the monsters popping out of nowhere to attack him. Thank godness for those mushrooms. This is a great game to play now, and then. The problem is starting the game all over again, when you die. You can't even keep your high score, because it gets erased when you switch off your Game Boy. Overall, this is a fun game, dispite irritating sometimes.

Directed by: Morgan Spurlock
Written by: Morgan Spurlock
Produced by: Morgan Spurlock
Starring: Morgan Spurlock, Alexandra Jamieson, Bridget Bennett, Dr. Daryl Issacs, Dr. Stephen Siegel, Dr. Lisa Gunjha

In this brilliant documentary, Morgan Spurlock decides to take on the fast food industry by doing the most unhealthiest thing anyone can ever think of doing. He decides to eat at McDonald's for one entire month, and nothing else. He has to follow a few rules. He can only eat something once, if it's not on the menu he can't eat, and if he is asked to super size, he has to say yes. In between meals, Morgan goes throughout the country asking people's opinions on the fast food world as a whole. By doing something that not even Michael Moore would attempt, he managed to make an educational film that everyone should see. All schools should show this documentary.

Oscar nomination: Best Documentary Feature

Film Website" nominations: Best Documenatary, Best Original Song ("Super Size Me")

Directed by: Dave Fleisher
Written by: Seymour Kneitel, and Izzy Sparber
Based on the characters by: Joe Shuster, and Jerry Siegel
Produced by: Max Fleisher
Voices of: Bud Collyer, Joan Alexander, Jack Mercer, Jackson Beck

This cartoon was the start of my interest of Superman, The Man of Steel. The animation is splendid and very ground-breaking at the time of it's release in 1941. It is also, sadly, the only film in the Superman animated series to be nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film (which it, unfortunately, lost). An evil scientist has invented a machine that can destroy all of Metropolis. He soon kidnaps Lois Lane, and only one man can save her, Superman the man of steel (who is also her best friend, Clark Kent). He's faster then a speeding speeding bullet, more powerful then a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, he's a bird, he's a plane, no, he's Superman the Man of Steel. Sorry, I couldn't resist writing that. This is a great film that your children will be amazed by.

Oscar nomination: Best Animated Short Film

Directed by: Stephen Gaghan
Written by: Stephen Gaghan
Based on the book by: Robert Baer
Produced by: Jennifer Fox, Georgia Kacandes, and Michael Nozik
Starring: George Clooney, Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Alexander Siddig, Christopher Plummer, Chris Cooper, Amanda Peet, Nadim Sawalha

Not your typical Hollywood A-list production, Syriana is an intriguing and intelligent, albeit somewhat boring picture. George Clooney plays a CIA agent who investigates the Middle Eastern oil crisis, Matt Damon is an oil broker whose son dies at the party of one of his clients and Jeffrey Wright's lawyer character looks at the merger of two powerful American oil companies. They are joined by wonderful supporting performances by Christopher Plummer, Chris Cooper, Amanda Peet and Alexander Siddig. Stephen Gaghan's screenplay and direction are able to make it easy to look at the many different character, although don't be surprised if you find yourself sleeping. Despite that one flaw, you should definitely watch Syriana which also happens to have one of the most misleading trailers of all-time.

Oscar: Best Supporting Actor (George Clooney)
Other Oscar nomination: Best Original Screenplay

"Film Website" Aaward: Best Film Editing
Other "Film Website" nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Alexander Siddig), Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography