Spectatcular battle scenes (the most realistic on film, according to some) at the beginning and end - with a very boring "story" in-between. Hanks is yet again a dependable screen presence, but he doesn't have much story to work with. Look for an out-of-place Matt Damon as Private Ryan.

One of the smartest romantic comedies in recent memory. Launched Cameron Crowe's directing career, and created a pop culture icon moment with John Cusack with really tired arms holding up that boombox belting out Peter Gabriel's song "In Your Eyes".

The horror genre was revived (briefly) by this self-aware "take" on the modern horror film. At the time, the concept of a horror film fully aware (and commenting on) all of the horror conventions was revolutionary. The first film made this concept very fun, the second film enjoyable, and the third painfully overdone.

Gruesome film embraces a disturbing subject matter with a heavy sense of dread. Not for everyone, but an engaging story about a serial killer inflicting the seven deadly sins on their victims. The atmosphere builds to a startling "twist" conclusion that only drives the opressive tone of the film home.

Sleazy soft porn big budget "howler" that derailed Elizabeth Berkley's movie career before it even started. Some try to redeem the film in the "so bad it's good" sense - and they certainly have many scenes to work with in that regard. The only real survivor of the career hurting carnage is Gina Gershon.

Easily the most disturbing film to ever win a Best Picture Oscar at the Academy Awards. Jonathan Demme directs from the Thomas Harris novel. Introduced the world to Dr. Hannibal Lecter, one of the most richly drawn screen villians in recent memory. Gruesome and dark tone keeps the audience drawn in. Only flaw is a somewhat typical "Hollywood shoot-out" ending.

Easily one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. THE SIMPSONS debut season of 13 episodes is far rougher in both writing and animation than the later (and better) seasons of the show. Still, it all started here, and is a must-have set. Each episode includes commentary from the creators and writers of the show, which offer usefult insight into the creation of the shows.

The best thing about the early seasons of THE SIMPSONS is they get better each year. For the second season, the characters come more into their own and begin to hit their own stride. The animation is still a bit rough at times, but improves from the premiere season. The DVD commentary tracks are again a valued treat.

Homer finally turns into a complete idiot, moving season three of THE SIMPSONS that much closer to the later "golden age" episodes of the show. Many all-time favorites are found in this set, including an appearance by Michael Jackson. (Don't forget to listen to the DVD commentary for an interesting story about that and other episodes.)

Cameron Crowe continues his magic touch in creating interesting yet realistic relationships on film. With the background of the early 1990s grunge music scene in Seattle, SINGLES covers the intertwined love lives of a small group of friends. Sometimes funny, sometimes sweet - but a well-made and mature effort from Crowe.

Hopefully settles the score for any misinformed souls out there that believe animation is strictly a kids medium. Brilliant satire and one of the most interesting R-rated feature length cartoons you'll ever see. Show tunes abound, including the Oscar nominated song "Blame Canada".

Made Keanu Reeves into an action hero and Sandra Bullock into a star. If you can suspend disbelief long enough for that bus to jump that bridge you'll enjoy this film much more. Well staged and directed by Jan De Bont, who has never been able to match this effort since.

A few hard day's night in the life of the 90s phenoms known as the Spice Girls. Plenty of celebrity cameos, but it's difficult to breathe life into this brainless romp. Regardless, non fans need not bother with this DVD. (Note: The Spice World movie poster is by far the most infamous work I've ever done. Ouch.)

Above average but slightly bland and boring for a Hollywood superhero blockbuster film. The action and effects are there, but little else. This might be due to the fact that Tobey Maguire has absolutely no emotion in his performance - which is the same in all his films. The origin story is a mish-mash of the comics - and "organic web shooters" are absolutely the worst idea ever.

Still the best of the Star Trek feature film series. After the hollow un-Trek of the first film, it was back to basics with this sequel to the "Space Seed" episode of the original series. Manages to keep an excellent balance between story, character, and effects - something most science fiction films fail at miserably.

Big budget and polished first film of the classic Star Trek tv series. The special effects are well done but overused. The main problem with the movie, as often voiced by fans, is the lack of relationships and character development that made the television show so popular in the first place.

This movie had the unfortunate burden of being "the most anticpated film in human history". What could live up to that? This Star Wars film certainly didn't. Not as bad as the reviewers labelled it, but not a fan-boy wet-dream either. The effects and cast are excellent (except for young Jake Lloyd), the dialog is painful at times, and the outcome is somewhere around "okay".

Slight improvement over The Phantom Menace - this Clone War features some exciting action, but a somewhat absent storyline. Again, the cast is excellent, even an all-CGI Yoda who provides one of the film's ending highlights. The special effects are top-notch, but that's a given, and is something taken for granted for better or worse.

Some really beautiful special effects are surrounded by some really beautiful actors. Plays like a soap opera in space with gory "bug" effects, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Don't go looking for a profound and thought provoking science fiction film in this one.

One of my all-time favorite films. Redford and Newman reteam for the big "con" after the success of BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE kid for this winner of seven Academy Awards including Best Picture. Also revived Scott Joplin's ragtime jazz via the music score by Marvin Hamlisch.

Strange comic book film adaptation of Superman's cousin - SUPERGIRL. Helen Slater is well cast (both in acting and appearance) as Kara aka Supergirl - her flying scenes are well-done. Dunaway chews the scenery with varying degrees of success. The plot is no where to be seen.

The definitive comic book film. Richard Donner embues the origin of the Man of Steel with a strong sense of ernest and fun. The cast is excellent, especially Christopher Reeve as Superman/Clark Kent and Gene Hackman as arch-villian Lex Luther. All the more powerful now considering what Reeve has been through in recent years.

Some say it's one of the best horror films of all time. That's probably a bit overstated, but Suspiria is definately one of the most stylish and the perfect introduction to the "Italian Horror" genre. One thing that isn't overrated is the soundtrack, which ranks as one of the creepiest and best ever.

The Los Angeles (and Vegas?) "lounge" scene of the late 1990s is given the indie film treatment. Strong and observant, with a nice style of a modern day "Rat Pack". You can see Vince Vaughn turn into a star during his performance. Now if only the film was kept in focus by director Doug Liman.