Al's Top Rated Films: 1998
One of the better years for film in the '90s for me. 5 personal 10/10 classics, and some near classics in the bunch. Once again, Farrelly brothers take my top spot!
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- DirectorBobby FarrellyPeter FarrellyStarsCameron DiazMatt DillonBen StillerA man gets a chance to meet up with his dream girl from high school, even though his date with her back then was a complete disaster.Bobby Farrelly & Peter Farrelly (The Farrelly Brothers) are couple of my all-time favorite movie makers. This is their 2nd best film in my book (behind Kingpin). Excellent story about a man who tracks down his dream girl from high-school 13 years after a hilariously unfortunate accident that occurred the day they were supposed to go to prom. Things seem to be going great as they rekindle their relationship, until he finds out the private investigator, a pizza boy, his best friend, and Brett Favre are all in love and completely obsessed with Mary as well. I had a huge crush on Cameron Diaz upon this film's release, and I still love her as Mary to this day. Definitely the finest lead role of her career. I'd also have to say Ben Stiller and Matt Dillon fit their roles perfectly, and also deliver their best roles. Lee Evans, Chris Elliott, Lin Shaye, Jeffrey Tambor, Markie Post, and Keith David all had nice roles among the supporting cast. Also another great soundtrack, like all The Farrelly Brothers films.
- DirectorPeter WeirStarsJim CarreyEd HarrisLaura LinneyAn insurance salesman discovers his whole life is actually a reality TV show.Fantastic and unique comedy drama about a reality TV show that stars Truman Burbank. As far as Truman is concerned, he's been living a normal life in a normal town since birth—completely unaware of the thousands of hidden cameras that follow him 24 hours a day for the world's entertainment. As an adult, Truman slowly starts to uncover all the lies and actors in his life, and it's a battle between him and the show's producer to break free to actual reality. This may be Jim Carey's critically best performance in my opinion. He proved he could tackle a dramatic role just as superbly as a comedic role. Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich, and Natascha McElhone are all excellent among a great supporting cast.
- DirectorGary RossStarsTobey MaguireJeff DanielsJoan AllenTwo 1990s teenage siblings find themselves transported to a 1950s sitcom where their influence begins to profoundly change that colorless, complacent world.One of the most beautifully shot films I've ever seen. Excellent fantasy-driven comedy drama from Gary Ross about a teenage brother and sister from the 1990s who get magically sucked into the TV, and find themselves playing the children of the classic 1950s sitcom, "Pleasantville". As their 1990s values and lifestyles clash with their 1950s counterparts, many are eager to learn and grow. Those who do magically turn from black-and-white to color. Many fight against the changes and the people who's flesh change color, much like certain individuals and groups may react in a newly developed society. Great messages and story throughout. Tobey Maguire delivered my favorite lead performance of his young career. His innocence and nerdiness unravels nicely as he breaks out of his shell. Reese Witherspoon, Jeff Daniels, Joan Allen, William H. Macy, and the rest of the supporting cast brought their A-game. Also a nice modern small role for Don Knotts. Visually stunning and beautifully done in every way.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom HanksMatt DamonTom SizemoreFollowing the Normandy Landings, a group of U.S. soldiers go behind enemy lines to retrieve a paratrooper whose brothers have been killed in action.Epic World War II drama from Steven Spielberg starting with the allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, then following a group of soldiers that go behind enemy lines to track down and rescue a paratrooper named Private James F. Ryan, as all the men struggle with uncertainty of the mission, along with the vicious realities of the horrific war. I'd have to say it's my favorite war movie of all time. Incredibly well shot, written and acted for such dreadful historical events. Tom Hanks delivers an absolutely amazing performance...arguably his very best. Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, Barry Pepper, Adam Goldberg, Giovanni Ribisi, Jeremy Davies, and Matt Damon had excellent roles, among many others.
- DirectorTamra DavisStarsDave ChappelleGuillermo DiazJim BreuerThe story of three not so bright men who come up with a series of crazy schemes to get a friend out of jail.One of my most watched and beloved comedies, and also the best marijuana inspired film ever in my book. Hilarious story about 3 buddies who try several comical tactics to raise enough money to get their friend out of jail after he fed all their nighty munchies to a cop's diabetic horse; accidentally killing him. Eventually they start stealing medical marijuana from the hospital and making big money off the sales, until a distinguished drug kingpin named Samson Simpson gets involved in their business. This was Dave Chappelle's very first lead movie role, and he hit star-status with it. He was phenomenal as Thurgood Jenkins and also the hilarious weed-smoking rapper, Sir Smoke-a-Lot. Guillermo Díaz, Jim Breuer, and Harland Williams also deliver the best and funniest lead performances of their careers. Rachel True, Clarence Williams III, Laura Silverman, and Tommy Chong all had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorTony KayeStarsEdward NortonEdward FurlongBeverly D'AngeloLiving a life marked by violence, neo-Nazi Derek finally goes to prison after killing two black youths. Upon his release, Derek vows to change; he hopes to prevent his brother, Danny, who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps.Very powerful film about a neo-nazi skinhead who was the leader of a white supremacist gang that committed racially motivated crimes throughout Los Angeles. After brutally killing two black men when breaking into his truck, he's sent to prison for 3 years. While in prison, he makes a black friend and sees that horrifying consequences of his hateful actions, and decides to make pivotal life changes. When he gets out, he finds his younger brother is heading down the same path of hatred that once plagued him; with the same dangerous and bigoted friends he once ran with. Edward Norton and Edward Furlong both deliver the best lead performances of their careers. Ethan Suplee, Fairuza Balk, Beverly D'Angelo, Avery Brooks, Stacy Keach, Jennifer Lien, Elliott Gould, and several others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorSam RaimiStarsBill PaxtonBilly Bob ThorntonBridget FondaThree blue-collar acquaintances come across millions of dollars in lost cash and make a plan to keep their find from the authorities, but it isn't long before complications and mistrust weave their way into the plan.Fantastic crime drama from Sam Raimi set in a rural Minnesota town during the snowiest time of the winter. The story follows an honest working-class feed store manager named Hank, who meets up with his naive and simple-minded brother Jacob, and Jacob's crude and vulgar friend Lou. They find themselves walking through the woods when they randomly stable across a crashed airplane covered in snow. Inside they find a dead pilot being eaten by crows, and a duffle bag containing $4.4 million in cash. After arguing whether or not they should keep the money, Hank comes up with 'a simple plan' to hold on the money until Spring, and if nobody comes looking for it, they will split the money three ways. After Hank's wife gets in on the secret, the control over the money brings out greed, mistrust, and massive tension between them all; which sets them down the path of murdering anyone who stands in their way. Fantastic story with an incredible cast. Bill Paxton delivers his all-time best lead performance in my book. Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda, and Brent Briscoe also had fantastic starring roles. Chelcie Ross, Becky Ann Baker, Gary Cole, Bob Davis, Peter Syvertsen, John Paxton, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorTerry GilliamStarsJohnny DeppBenicio Del ToroTobey MaguireAn oddball journalist and his psychopathic lawyer travel to Las Vegas for a series of psychedelic escapades.Excellent comedy drama based on Hunter S. Thompson's novel. This film is a crazy psychedelic drug-induced ride from start to finish. Disturbing and unique story about a bizarre journalist and his deranged lawyer, who travel to Las Vegas with a convertible loaded with every psychedelic drug in the book as they trip through self-discovery and mass disorder among the public. Visually stunning and unique film. Johnny Depp performance as Hunter S. Thompson is phenomenal, as is that of Benicio Del Toro. Tobey Maguire, Cameron Diaz, Flea, Gary Busey, Harry Dean Stanton, and so many other big stars have small and interesting roles that add nicely to the film.
- DirectorDavid ZuckerStarsTrey ParkerMatt StoneDian BacharTwo childhood friends are pro athletes of a national sport called BASEketball, a hybrid of baseball and basketball, and must deal with a greedy businessman scheming against their team.Hilarious and underrated sports comedy from hysterical film director David Zucker and South Park's Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Great story about two best friends and slackers who invent a sport that's a hybrid of baseball and basketball, called "BASEketball". When the sport goes national and there is serious money to be made, a greedy businessman tries to take control and make changes to the sport for his and the stockholders' benefit. Trey Parker and Matt Stone both deliver hilarious and excellent lead performances. Dian Bachar, Ernest Borgnine, Yasmine Bleeth, Robert Vaughn, Jenny McCarthy, Trevor Einhorn, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorFrank CoraciStarsAdam SandlerKathy BatesHenry WinklerA waterboy for a college football team discovers he has a unique tackling ability and becomes a member of the team.Hilarious sports comedy about a simple and socially inept waterboy who's constantly being bullied by the University of Louisiana Cougars football team, and gets fired for "distracting" the players. When he starts working as waterboy for the South Central Louisiana State University Mud Dogs, they discover he is a savagely fierce tackler, and becomes the star player of the worst college team in the league. Along with Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore, this rounds out my favorite trio of Adam Sandler movies. He was superb throughout. I'd have to say it's probably my favorite football movie as well. Kathy Bates, Henry Winkler, and Fairuza Balk, Jerry Reed, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Blake Clark, Jonathan Loughran, and Peter Dante all had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSpike LeeStarsDenzel WashingtonMilla JovovichRay AllenA basketball player's father must try to convince him to go to a college so he can get a shorter sentence.Excellent sports drama from Spike Lee about a man who's spent 6 years in prison for involuntary manslaughter, and gets the opportunity to get out early if he's able to convince his son and star basketball prospect to go to college at Big State at the request of the New York governor. As his son comes up in the poor area of Coney Island, everyone from his girlfriend to his coaches and family members whats a piece of his future money and success. This film is so great because of the excellent character development and sincere dialogue. Denzel Washington and Ray Allen both deliver superb lead performances, while Rosario Dawson and Milla Jovovich both hold down complex co-starring roles. Hill Harper, Roger Guenveur Smith, Jim Brown, Bill Nunn, Ned Beatty, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorTony ScottStarsWill SmithGene HackmanJon VoightA lawyer becomes targeted by a corrupt politician and his N.S.A. goons when he accidentally receives key evidence to a politically motivated crime.Excellent action-packed crime drama/thriller from Tony Scott that follows a successful lawyer named Robert Clayton Dean that inadvertently comes into possession of a videotape that shows the mysterious murder of Congressman Phil Hammersley at the hands of a corrupt senior NSA agent named Thomas Reynolds. Reynolds immediately abuses all of his power and has the NSA tap into Dean's his life to start systematically destroying it as they work to track down the videotape. Tensions rise even further when a retired NSA agent named Edward Lyle who shares some links in Dean's life becomes involved in the mayhem. Great story all around with fantastic action/thrills and an outstanding cast. Will Smith and Gene Hackman both deliver a couple of their finest lead performances. Jon Voight also had an excellent starring role. Regina King, Lisa Bonet, Barry Pepper, Jack Black, Loren Dean, Scott Caan, Tom Sizemore, Jason Lee, Gabriel Byrne, Jason Robards, Philip Baker Hall, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsSamuel L. JacksonKevin SpaceyDavid MorseIn a desperate attempt to prove his innocence, a skilled police negotiator accused of corruption and murder takes hostages in a government office to gain the time he needs to find the truth.Great action-packed crime drama about an experienced negotiator for the Chicago Police Department, who's been accused of corruption and murder. In a last-ditch effort to prove his innocence, he takes a handful of hostages he feels has information to help his case, while he and an outside negotiator work through his questions and demands that uncovers sensitive details of rampant police corruption in the department. Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey both deliver excellent lead performances. J.T. Walsh, Paul Giamatti, Ron Rifkin, David Morse, John Spencer, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Stephen Lee, and plenty others had very nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorTom TykwerStarsFranka PotenteMoritz BleibtreuHerbert KnaupAfter a botched money delivery, Lola has 20 minutes to come up with 100,000 Deutschmarks.Excellent and unique action-packed crime thriller about a woman who has 20 minutes to come up with 100,000 Deutschmarks, otherwise her boyfriend will rob a grocery store to get it. The film cleverly runs through 3 possible outcomes to the story. This was the first German/non-English language film I've seen, and it's a great thriller with great cinematography and structure. Franka Potente delivered an excellent lead performance as Lola. Moritz Bleibtreu was also very good among the supporting cast.
- DirectorJoel CoenEthan CoenStarsJeff BridgesJohn GoodmanJulianne MooreJeff "The Dude" Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire of the same name, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it.Great Coen Brothers crime comedy about a lazy White Russian drinking free spirited man named "The Dude", who's looking for compensation for the rug two debt collectors urinated on when questioning him about a debt he isn't involved with. Clever premise with a lot of memorable characters and scenes along the way. Jeff Bridges was made the play "The Dude". His performance is one of his finest. John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, John Turturro, Sam Elliott, David Huddleston, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tara Reid, and others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn BoormanStarsBrendan GleesonAdrian DunbarSean McGinleyThe real-life story of Dublin folk hero and criminal Martin Cahill, who pulled off two daring robberies in Ireland with his team, but attracted unwanted attention from the police, the I.R.A., the U.V.F., and members of his own team.Excellent crime drama and biography from John Boorman set in 1980s Ireland, and follows the true story of an extremely clever thief and criminal mastermind named Martin Cahill. Growing up in the slums of Dublin, he's been a thief since he was a young teen, and never considers an honest life outside of crime. As an older man, he is able to cleverly pull off elaborate heists directly under the noses of the police. In time he becomes the most wanted man in the country, and they can't pin a single crime on him. While Martin doesn't use drugs, much of his team does, which puts them in real trouble with the IRA. The film also covers his unorthodox marriage and relationship with his wife's sister, despite being a loving father. Superb story and fantastic dark comedy and drama lurking around every corner. Brendan Gleeson arguably delivers his best and most complex lead performance to date. Adrian Dunbar, Sean McGinley, Jon Voight, Eanna MacLiam, Ned Dennehy, Pat Laffan, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Angeline Ball, Eamonn Owens, Don Wycherley, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorGregory HoblitStarsDenzel WashingtonJohn GoodmanDonald SutherlandHomicide detective John Hobbes witnesses the execution of serial killer Edgar Reese. Soon after the execution, the killings start again, and they are very similar to Reese's style.Excellent crime mystery that follows a Philadelphia homicide detective who took down a crazed serial killer, who is executed for his wrongdoings. Soon after, the horrific killings similar to the serial killer's work starts to happen again. He soon discovers there is a cursed fallen angel named Azazel is possessing bodies and is able to jump to different bodies with a simple touch. While the story seems a bit far-fetched, it was done very well and really turned out an entertaining an interesting film. Denzel Washington delivers another excellent lead performance. John Goodman, Donald Sutherland, Embeth Davidtz, James Gandolfini, Elias Koteas, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn DahlStarsMatt DamonEdward NortonGretchen MolA young, reformed gambler must return to playing high stakes poker to help a friend pay off loan sharks, while balancing his relationship with his girlfriend and his commitments to law school.Great crime drama about an ex-gambler who ditched the game after losing his entire savings to Russian club owner. When his old gambling buddy is released from prison, he convinces him to jump back into the game at the risk of his relationship and career. Things take a turn for the worse when his buddy wraps him up in paying back a $15,000 prison debt. Nicely done poker inspired drama with a great cast. Matt Damon and Edward Norton both deliver great lead performances. Gretchen Mol, John Malkovich, John Turturro, Michael Rispoli, and others had very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorRob CohenStarsRay LiottaJoe MantegnaDon CheadleThe public and private lives of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Peter Lawford.Excellent historical biography from Rob Cohen on the life of the famous jazz collective "The Rat Pack", which featured Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr.. The film also dives fairly deep into the controversial lifestyle of President John F. Kennedy and his brother-in-law, Peter Lawford. The film takes place in the 1950s and 1960s, with Frank Sinatra's relationships with the mafia, his friendship and overwhelming support for John F. Kennedy campaign, and his time with Ava Gardner. It also follows Sammy Davis Jr. and his struggles with racism, and his controversial marriage to white woman, as well as Dean Martin's easy-going and quick-witted life as a family man. Ray Liotta gets the most screen time in the film, and he delivered one of his very best lead performances. Joe Mantegna and Don Cheadle also nailed their roles. Angus Macfadyen and William Petersen also has great starring roles. Zeljko Ivanek, Bobby Slayton, Megan Dodds, Deborah Kara Unger, Veronica Cartwright, Dan O'Herlihy, Robert Miranda, Barbara Niven, Michelle Grace, Tyrees Allen, and many others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorSteven SoderberghStarsGeorge ClooneyJennifer LopezVing RhamesA career bank robber breaks out of jail, and shares a moment of mutual attraction with a U.S. Marshal he has kidnapped.Underrated comedy crime drama from Steven Soderbergh that follows a skilled bank robber named Jack Foley, his partner Buddy Bragg, and a handful of other convicts who learn that their extremely wealthy cell-mate Richard Ripley who's doing time for embezzlement, keeps a fortune worth of uncut diamonds in his Detroit home. The score could be so great, that they all break out of prison in hopes of reaching the diamonds first. As Jack is breaking out of prison, he and Buddy end up kidnapping a gorgeous US Marshal who gets in their way. After she makes her escape, she battles with an intense attraction for Jack and wants to help and protect him, while simultaneously having to take him down and do her job. Excellent story, as well as the excellent editing and movement of the story (both received Oscar nominations). The cast was incredible. George Clooney, Ving Rhames, and Jennifer Lopez all delivered some of their best lead performances. Steve Zahn, Don Cheadle, Albert Brooks, Dennis Farina, Catherine Keener, Isaiah Washington, Keith Loneker, Luis Guzmán, Paul Soileau, James Black, and Nancy Allen all had great supporting roles. Viola Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Keaton also had fun cameos.
- DirectorRichard BenjaminStarsKelsey GrammerCary ElwesViola DavisStory of a cover up in the military.Hilarious satirical comedy based on the true story of the epic $14 billion, 17-year endeavor to develop the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle. In the mid-1980s, they assign an Air Force colonel to head-up testing for the Bradley, which started out as an Army troop carrier/scout vehicle, and was slowly manipulated to be a killing machine. He discovers it's a safety nightmare, and could be a death trap for any soldier who's inside. But the military leaders and politicians keep covering up these eye-opening tests to line their own pockets and advance themselves to higher positions in government. Kelsey Grammer and Cary Elwes both deliver a couple of their finest lead performances. Viola Davis, John C. McGinley, Tom Wright, Clifton Powell, Richard Schiff, Olympia Dukakis, Richard Benjamin, and many others had excellent supporting roles.
- DirectorTodd SolondzStarsJane AdamsJon LovitzPhilip Seymour HoffmanThe lives of several individuals intertwine as they go about their lives in their own unique ways, engaging in acts which society as a whole might find disturbing in a desperate search for human connection.Powerful and eye-opening comedy drama from Todd Solondz that follows several different individuals with intertwining lives, stories, and relationships, that takes a shocking look at the desperate moves some people make to achieve pleasure, love, or any sort of worthwhile relationship. Much of the material is very disturbing, and tackles subjects severe depression, pretentiousness, failed marriage, suicide, sexual frustration, sexual harassment, pedophilia, rape. It's a powerful and well-done film all around, but it's definitely not for everybody, and is plenty worthy of it's NC-17 rating. The performances from the entire cast were excellent, and nobody held back. Jane Adams, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Dylan Baker all had the main focus of the storylines, and all delivered excellent lead performances. Cynthia Stevenson, Lara Flynn Boyle, Justin Elvin, Jon Lovitz, Rufus Read, Louise Lasser, Ben Gazzara, Camryn Manheim, Molly Shannon, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorShekhar KapurStarsCate BlanchettLiz GilesRod CulbertsonThe early years of the reign of Elizabeth I of England and her difficult task of learning what is necessary to be a monarch.Excellent historical biography from Shekhar Kapur set in 1553 England, and follows the early years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth the First. She's named Queen following the death of King Henry VIII and her half-sister Queen Mary, who was a devoted Catholic. Many people believed Elizabeth should be killed for being a Protestant and heretic. As her rise in power begins, she has no husband, very few friends, and several enemies that wish to see her overthrown. Her intelligence, education, and her lack of fear lead to a triumphant 45-year reign, and one of England's most glorious times in history. Cate Blanchett delivered a fantastic lead performance. Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes, and Richard Attenborough also delivered excellent starring roles. Christopher Eccleston, Kathy Burke, Amanda Ryan, James Frain, Jamie Foreman, Edward Hardwicke, Emily Mortimer, Kelly Macdonald, Eric Cantona, Fanny Ardant, Daniel Craig, Vincent Cassel, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorMaya AngelouStarsAlfre WoodardAl Freeman Jr.Mary AliceIn a desperate attempt to change her life, Loretta -- a troubled single mother from a tough Chicago neighborhood -- is sent to spend a summer at her family's ancestral home in rural Mississippi.Excellent drama from Maya Angelou that follows a troubled single-mother named Loretta with a young son and autistic daughter, who struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, and lives with her disappointed mother Rosa Lynn. Rosa works and runs their impoverished inner-city Chicago household until tensions reach a boiling point, when she decides they need a change. So she contacts her successful brother in rural Mississippi Delta, and sends Loretta and her kids there for the summer, in hopes that they will be reborn and reinvigorated with life in the country rather than the bleak drug-infested streets of Chicago. Great story and a great cast all around. Alfre Woodard delivers one of her best lead performances. Al Freeman Jr. and Mary Alice also delivered a couple of their best starring roles. Wesley Snipes, Loretta Devine, Esther Rolle, Mpho Koaho, and many others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorDarren AronofskyStarsSean GulletteMark MargolisBen ShenkmanA paranoid mathematician searches for a key number that will unlock the universal patterns found in nature.Bizarre and unique psychological horror/drama/mystery from Darren Aronofsky that follows an eccentric and heavily medicated man who struggles with headaches, fearful hallucinations, and intense paranoia stemming from childhood trauma and other mysterious mental conditions. Above all, he's a brilliant mathematician who becomes obsessed with finding patterns in numbers, and feels math and numbers are the language of nature. Before long, he becomes obsessed with a 216-digit number that his computer spits out after malfunctioning, and eventually drives himself to madness trying to unlock the mystery. I can't say I've ever seen a film like this, and has so many great qualities in its originality. Sean Gullette delivered an excellent and complex lead performance. Mark Margolis, Ben Shenkman, Pamela Hart, Stephen Pearlman, Samia Shoaib, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorLeon IchasoStarsSidney PoitierSydney Tamiia PoitierPhylicia RashadA black girl seeks a tutor, hoping a good education will help her escape from poor housing projects.Underrated drama that follows an 18-year-old African-American girl who lives in the notoriously poor Eden Projects of Brooklyn, New York, and struggles to deal with her alcoholic unsupportive mother, her underachieving friends, and the violence in her neighborhood. When she witnesses the murder of two of her co-workers at the fast food restaurant she works at, she decides she wants to make a life change and improve her education so she can be 'free of Eden' one day. She ends up convincing a highly respected and educated former teacher and businessman to help her through her struggles, which greatly affects both of their lives. This is obviously a very special movie for Sidney Poitier, given that his daughter Sydney Tamiia Poitier is the lead star of the film. They both delivered excellent lead performances. This is arguably my favorite film of Poitier's later career. Phylicia Rashad, Robert Hooks, Khalil Kain, Saundra McClain, Eugene Clark, Netfa Perry, Naomi Gaskin, and others also had great supporting roles.
- DirectorFrank CoraciStarsAdam SandlerDrew BarrymoreChristine TaylorRobbie, a singer, and Julia, a waitress, are both engaged, but to the wrong people. Fortune intervenes to help them discover each other.Hilarious nostalgic music inspired comedy/romance about a waitress and a singer who performs 1980s hits at a wedding venue they both work at. When both of them become engaged to different people, it becomes clear they're actually made for each other, through a string of comical situations. Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore prove to have nice chemistry together. They both deliver excellent lead performances. Christine Taylor, Allen Covert, Matthew Glave, Billy Idol, Ellen Albertini Dow, Angela Featherstone, Alexis Arquette, Christina Pickles, Frank Sivero, Steve Buscemi, and many others have great supporting roles.
- DirectorStephen NorringtonStarsWesley SnipesStephen DorffKris KristoffersonA half-vampire, half-mortal man becomes a protector of the mortal race, while slaying evil vampires.Excellent action-packed sci-fi horror flick that follows a half-vampire, half-human warrior who has dedicated his life to protecting the human race by killing evil vampires that are taking over the city, and aim to take control of the world. Wesley Snipes delivers one of his most iconic lead performances to date. Kris Kristofferson and N'Bushe Wright were also excellent, as well as Stephen Dorff's performances as Frost. Donal Logue, Udo Kier, Arly Jover, and Traci Lords also had great roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorPat ProftStarsLeslie NielsenRichard CrennaKelly LeBrockRyan Harrison is framed for murder and must prove himself innocent by finding a mysterious one-eyed, one-armed, one-legged man after escaping from a bus accident on the way to jail.Hilarious action-packed comedy from Pat Proft that brilliantly spoofs the classic crime drama The Fugitive (1993). It follows violin superstar Ryan Harrison who's framed for murder, then breaks free from police custody after the bus transporting them to prison crashes. He then sets out to find the one-eyed, one-armed, one-legged man that framed him for murder and prove his innocence. There are some nice tweaks and writing that twists up the plot of the originally nicely. It also spoofs several other popular films, which makes it even better. Hilarious and entertaining throughout. Leslie Nielsen delivers one of his best lead performances. Richard Crenna, Kelly LeBrock, Melinda McGraw, Michael York, Sandra Bernhard, and several others had great supporting roles.
- DirectorBob SagetStarsNorm MacDonaldJack WardenArtie LangeA loser finds success in the revenge-for-hire business.Hilarious and underrated comedy from Bob Saget and Norm MacDonald. The laughs are huge and the story is unexpectedly well-done all around. When two slackers have to come up with $50,000 to pay for hospital bills for the father of one of the guys, they go into the "Revenge For Hire" business. Norm MacDonald delivers an excellent lead performances along with Jack Warden and Artie Lange. Top-notch supporting roles from Traylor Howard, Christopher McDonald, Chevy Chase, Don Rickles, and Chris Farley, along with plenty of great cameos from comedy greats.
- DirectorRobert BentonStarsPaul NewmanSusan SarandonGene HackmanA retired detective accepts a simple task, unaware that it will tear open old, forgotten, but deadly wounds.Underrated crime drama about a retired detective that investigates a 20-year-old missing persons case that involves his old friend and wife, and uncovers a mysterious and deadly past. While the story isn't overly ambitious, it succeeds with its simplicity and good characters. 73-year old Paul Newman was great throughout as we've come to expect. Susan Sarandon, Gene Hackman, Reese Witherspoon, and James Garner all have nice performances among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorJohn FrankenheimerStarsRobert De NiroJean RenoNatascha McElhoneA freelancing former U.S. Intelligence Agent tries to track down a mysterious package that is wanted by the Irish and the Russians.Very nice action-packed crime drama about a former U.S. Intelligence Agent that tries to track down case with mysterious content before the before a team of international professional killers gets to it first. Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgård, Sean Bean, and many others had nice roles among a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsMel GibsonDanny GloverJoe PesciWith personal crises and age weighing in on them, LAPD officers Riggs and Murtaugh must contend with deadly Chinese triads that are trying to free their former leaders out of prison and onto American soil.Very nice sequel to end the Lethal Weapon series. All the films are solid, but I personally even enjoyed part 4 even more than part 3. Nice story which follows aging rebel cops Riggs and Murtaugh struggling with personal/family issues when they have to track down Asian mobster Wah Sing Ku who has imported Chinese slaves to pay for an artist to create counterfeit Chinese currency. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover deliver great lead performances as usual. Joe Pesci, Rene Russo, Chris Rock, and Jet Li all have very nice supporting roles.
- DirectorJohn FortenberryStarsChris KattanWill FerrellRaquel GardnerTwo dim-witted brothers dream of owning their own dance club or at least getting into the coolest and most exclusive club in town, The Roxbury.Hilarious comedy based on the original Saturday Night Live sketches starting in 1996. Nice story about two foolish brothers who are all about the late-night club life, and dream of running the coolest and most exclusive in town, since they are often turned down at all the most glamorous clubs in town. Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan both delivered great lead performances just like the classic sketches. Molly Shannon, Dan Hedaya, Loni Anderson, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael Clarke Duncan, and plenty others have nice supporting roles.
- DirectorRobert RodriguezStarsJordana BrewsterClea DuVallLaura HarrisWhen Casey Connor, Herrington High School's newspaper photographer, witnesses the murder of a nurse and sees her alive again, he decides to investigate the bizarre happenings.Very nice horror flick from Robert Rodriguez about a small town high school newspaper photographer that witnesses the strangulation of a nurse by two teachers who are acting strangely, only to find she is still alive, but has also changed like the teachers have. They soon discover an alien infection has changed everyone in school, and the methods to kill them off before they spread beyond the small town. Jordana Brewster, Clea DuVall, Laura Harris, Josh Hartnett, Shawn Hatosy, Bebe Neuwirth, Salma Hayek, Piper Laurie, and many others had nice supporting roles.
- DirectorSteve MinerStarsJamie Lee CurtisJosh HartnettAdam ArkinLaurie Strode, now the dean of a Northern California private school with an assumed name, must battle the Shape one last time, as the life of her own son hangs in the balance.As a big fan of the Halloween franchise, I found this to be one of the best of the many sequels to John Carpenter's original classic. Solid story which follows Laurie Strode faking her own death and changing her identity after escaping from Haddonfield and moving to Northern California. Michael uncovers her false identity and aims to finally kill her, while her grown son's life hangs in the balance. Jamie Lee Curtis, Josh Hartnett, Adam Arkin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michelle Williams, LL Cool J, Adam Hann-Byrd, Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, Janet Leigh, and others had nice performances.
- DirectorJohn LasseterAndrew StantonStarsKevin SpaceyDave FoleyJulia Louis-DreyfusA misfit ant, looking for "warriors" to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe.Very nice comedy adventure about how an eccentric ant named Flik that assembles a team of "warrior" bugs to fight off the predatory grasshoppers who demand the ants share the food they collect with them. David Foley delivered a great lead voice performance as Flik. Kevin Spacey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Hayden Panettiere, Phyllis Diller, Richard Kind, David Hyde Pierce, Joe Ranft, Denis Leary, Madeline Kahn, Bonnie Hunt, John Ratzenberger, and many others had very nice roles.
- DirectorBrett RatnerStarsJackie ChanChris TuckerKen LeungA loyal and dedicated Hong Kong Inspector teams up with a reckless and loudmouthed L.A.P.D. detective to rescue the Chinese Consul's kidnapped daughter, while trying to arrest a dangerous crime lord along the way.Very funny action-packed crime comedy about a devoted and experienced inspector from Hong Kong that teams up with a loud and impulsive detective from the Los Angeles Police Department, to rescue the Chinese Consul's kidnapped 11-year-old daughter. Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker both deliver nice performances and have plenty of funny interactions with each other along the way, along with a solid supporting cast.
- DirectorEric DarnellTim JohnsonLawrence GutermanStarsWoody AllenSharon StoneGene HackmanA rather neurotic ant tries to break from his totalitarian society while trying to win the affection of the princess he loves.Nice comedy adventure which follows a worker ant named Z, who falls in love with ant-Princess Bala, and strives to see more individuality within the society of his fellow worker ants as they fight back against the evil General Mandible, who threatens to wipe out their whole colony. Solid Dreamworks flick, but not one of my favorites. Woody Allen, Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Dan Aykroyd, Anne Bancroft, Jane Curtin, Danny Glover, and plenty others in the star-studded cast deliver nice voice performances.