My Favorite Movies

Mel Gibson's monumental masterpiece, of which he is both the leading star and the director, is a sweeping and majestic ode to one of history's most beloved heroes, William Wallace. Each and every scene a pure cinematic delight, this is a motion picture for the ages, that just gets better and more dazzling with time. Breathtaking scenery, sensational, Oscar-winning action scenes and one of the most beautifully orchestrated music scores ever produced, merits this grand and stunning epic a very special place in my movie-loving heart. Say what you will about Mel Gibson's sanity and the historical accuracy of the film. For at the end of the day, he knows how to make quality that counts.

Cinematic perfection! An unforgettable and masterfully directed epic, from the brilliant mind who brought us such timeless classics as "Alien" and "Blade Runner". It's not often I use the word masterpiece for a film, but this spectacular piece of historical action deserves nothing less. The story, of a Roman general named Maximus, who goes from a soldier to a slave to a gladiator champion in the majestic Colosseum, is one of the most moving, impressive and triumphant tales ever told. Roused by the amazing battles and stirred by its emotional power, I always come out of this film with a lingering sense of awe and wonder. I wish I could erase my memory, only to experience it for the first time again. For this is epic story-telling at its finest hour and one of my favourite movies of all-time. If you haven't seen it yet, you have certainly missed something!

Greatest fantasy film ever made! Even if it isn't full-on perfect, I still regard it as a 4.9 out of 5. I'm a real sucker for the Lord of the Rings and fantasy in general, but this one is very special to me. Kudos to Peter Jackson for making such a triumphant and awe-inspiring adaptation to screen. It really deserves its twelve Oscars. Love every second of it, from start to finish. One of the few full pointers I've ever given a movie, which is saying a lot.

How do you write a worthy review for a movie trilogy that means so much to you, that you keep returning to it year after year for inspiration and joy? The truth is I can't, for no matter how many adjectives of praise I throw at it, it can never do justice to the unparallelled magic found within their frames. Although "The Empire Strikes Back" is my absolute favourite, I have just as much love for "A New Hope" and "Return of the Jedi". Heck, I even like the Ewoks, despite being savage little furballs who nearly made a BBQ out of our heroes. I still remember to this day the first time I saw these amazingly wonderful classics. I was at my grandma's house and found some VHS tapes she had labeled "space adventure". Little did I know that they would contain the greatest adventure of them all. George Lucas' opus is every sci-fi nerd's ultimate fantasy. It wouldn't be fair to accredit him alone though for its spectacular and ever-growing success. If it wasn't for directors and screenwriters Irvin Kershner, Richard Marquand, Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, along with the wonderful cast and special effect makers, they wouldn't even be half the movies that they are. Now, if only Georgie Boy would have left them alone, I would have been a content and sound-sleeping fan, but I suppose his alterations is something I'm gonna have to learn to live with. In any case, this galaxy far far away will forever remain my favourite destination.

Words cannot describe how much I love this movie. It was one of the first films I ever saw in the cinema, and I remember until this day how I excited I felt afterwards. Not only does it brilliantly entertain my love and fascination for dinosaurs, but it's such a magical viewing experience, that I can watch it a hundred times over and never lose interest. Here's just a few of the reasons why it's made such a profound imprint on me:

* Steven Spielberg's Directing: Flawless, wonderful and perfectly paced. The craftmanship of a true genius and visionary.

* The Special Effects: Monumental and groundbreaking for their time. Even now, almost 20 years later, they still stand firmly against contemporary CGI films.

* John William's Music Score: Only surpassed by his soundtrack for the Star Wars movies, this is some of the finest, most goosebump-inducing work he's ever done. I still listen to its themes for inspiration, whenever I work on my own artistic projects.

* The Cast: Every actor involved, even the youngest ones, does an applaud-worthy job in making the story fully believable. Their reactions and performances - impeccable without question.

* The Story: One of the most exciting (and original at the time) to ever be put on screen. I loved the book by Michael Crichton, and in the hands of Spielberg, the story became even better.

I could go on all day with this, but the point I'm trying to make here is that this is so much more than just a movie about dinosaurs running amok. That may be true for the sequels, but this first film in the trilogy is nothing short of pure Hollywood magic. A spellbinding adventure story, that moves, entertains and invites you to a world unlike anything you've ever seen. So when I say that this is one of my all-time favourite movies, I really mean that with every fibre in my being.

Spielberg sure hit a home run with this one. Not only do I think it's the best of all the Indy movies, but it's also what I'd like to call the perfect adventure flick. Everything is simply top notch here: the acting, the directing, the story, the dialogue and last but not least, the brilliantly composed soundtrack by John Williams. The only thing that keeps me from giving this a full five stars, is the fact that the special effects are a bit dated by now. I still think I'd wanna keep them as they are though, because I'd hate to see these classics destroyed by George Lucas soulless urge to "re-master" them. Altough, with Spielberg still at the helm of things, I suppose we can allow ourselves to breathe a sigh of relief.

Very rarily does a sequel match the greatness of the original, but with "Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade" it all shines just as brightly. There's nothing I don't love about this stellar adventure gem, that tells us more of Indy's backstory and invites us to some of the key events that made him what he is. In the heart of the film, we also have the strained and intricate relationship between Indiana and his father Henry (played by a wonderful Sean Connery), that adds a bit of family drama to the plot and makes it perhaps the most emotionally powerful in the whole series. That scene towards the end where they rescue each other from certain death, is two incredibly touching moments, that I regard as among the finest in all of Hollywood's long history. The hilarious interplay between Ford and Connery gives it quite a humorous touch as well, with some of the most memorable lines of dialogue ever written for cinema. Nowadays, we'd be lucky to even get one such piece of extraordinary wit. The only thing in this film that can be considered a flaw is the awfully dated blue-screen effects. Easily neglectable, however, as you're having too much fun to be bothered by such trifles. Because in all other regards, this is pure adventurous perfection. A phenomenally entertaining entry, in a trilogy that never withers, but just gets better and more valuable as time trudges on (and yes, I'm saying "trilogy", because I refuse to acknowledge the fourth film as part of the franchise). Simply put, it's Spielberg at his very best and a masterpiece of which qualities I doubt will ever be re-created. Now, if only it could have ended here, with Indy and his friends riding off into the sunset. Then I could have slept really well at night, knowing there would never be any aliens to drop a deuce upon my childhood memories. But alas, the fridge was nuked nevertheless.

There's not enough words in the dictionary to truly justify this movie's greatness. It's like asking what Einstein is to science or Leonardo Da Vinci is to art. No matter how well you try to summarize, you're not gonna be able to encompass every facet of their brilliance. The same thing goes for this masterpiece, which to this day (and probably until the day I depart from this world), ranks as the best sci-fi comedy I've ever seen. My love for it, after what I reckon to be about 10-12 viewings, is still as immense as to be called inmeasurable. I know it may sound like I'm exaggerating, but that's how much it means to me. Watching it for the first time, was one of the great highlights of my childhood, and also a significant contributor in what got me interested in movies in the first place. So to me, this is so much more than just two hours of great entertainment. It's one of the profounding sparks that ignited my imagination and creativity (something for which I'll be forever thankful). Director Robert Zemeckis, along with dream-team producers Spielberg-Kennedy-Marshall, has truly captured lightning in a bottle here. An amazing sci-fi comedy altogether, that ironically enough, remains a timeless piece of pure Hollywood magic.

My absolute favourite of all the Alien movies. A masterpiece of the genre that endures infinite re-watches.

Picture this: You're stuck in a time loop, waking up every morning at 6 a.m to Sonny & Cher's "I Got You Babe"; forced to re-live the same day in a seemingly endless cycle, with no one in the world to believe what you're going through. Well, that's precisely what happens to TV meteorologist Phil Connors (Bill Murray), who by some unseen magic enters a bizarre metaphysical situation, which ultimately leads him to discovering his true potential as a human being. This may sound like a fantasy film, but it's also profoundly heartwarming romantic comedy, where Murray shines like never before, in a virtuoso performance that really cements his comical genius. Yet, it isn't his film alone. Wonderful supporting actors like Andie McDowell, Chris Elliott and Stephen Tobolowsky, add their talent to the pot, making every little scene a total delight. To say that director Harold Ramis struck gold with this movie, would be the understatement of the century. The philosophy, humor and high concept storyline, is all flawlessly merged in a heavenly medley that you can't help but love and be inspired by. If you get this on Blu-ray or DVD, there are some really fun interviews with Harold Ramis, where he fondly talks of the great impact his movie has made, among various spiritual and religious groups, all across the world. Everyone seems to take away something really meaningful from this film, whether it be in the attitude towards other people, or something beyond our physical reality. Either way, it shares with us some truly valuable lessons, which is what makes it so much more than a piece of stellar entertainment. In my eyes, this is the ultimate marriage between romance, comedy and lighthearted existensialism. A hilariously funny masterpiece, of which quality and worth I think we'll never see again. Because after nearly two decades since its making, "Groundhog Day" still holds the crown for the greatest comedy I've ever seen!

When it first set sail to the theaters in 1997, Titanic was a box-office giant, that broke all prior records and earned an unfathomable 600 million dollars in the U.S alone. For 12 consecutive years it would sit upon this throne, until finally surpassed in 2009 by James Cameron's other mega hit, the epic science fiction wonder, Avatar. Besides the astounding success in the financial department, it's also a technical marvel, with award-winning special effects that still look fantastic by today's exceptional standards. At it's heart we also have the engaging love story, between adventurous charmer Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) and an upper class girl named Rose (Kate Winslet), who against all odds and some extremely precarious situations, break free from the shackles placed upon them (in one scene quite literally), and let their love for each other guide their fates, to whatever uncertain end. Then, of course, there's the historically famous ship, which is like a character in itself with its sheer breath-taking size and majestic interiors. In the hands of any other film-maker, say Roland Emmerich for instance, this would have been a forgettable CGI-fest, with one-dimensional characters and a throw-away plot. But with James Cameron it became something else entirely, as he took the tragic fate of the RMS Titanic, and moulded it into a timeless, beautiful and grand piece of cinema. A triumphant picture, that is one of the most moving and gripping experiences I've ever had as a movie-goer. And even more so when seeing it now in 3D, which turned up the intensity and visual enchantment to even further extents. Simply put, I love this film, and will always regard as one of the greatest stories ever told. A real tear-jerker of a movie, that despite being over 3 hours long, is spellbinding, exciting and pure magic all the way!

There are times, even though they are few, when Hollywood gets everything right. When a movie blows you away to a degree where you can't help but kneel down and thank the heavens you're alive. This was one of those all-too-rare moments.

With its crisp dialogue, stunning action scenes and some of the best actors ever to grace the screen in our modern age, you got everything you need for a great evening rife with goosebumps, excitement and 100% pure entertainment.

That being said, it's my great pleasure to confirm that Christopher Nolan has done it again. As if Batman Begins wasn't enough to please our appetite, he has brought us yet another fantastic comic book adaptation. In fact, this movie is so unbelievably good, that if I had my own award show, these are just some of the titles I would honor it with:

* Best movie of 2008

* Best Batman movie ever

* Best comic-book movie ever

* One of the best action films of all-time

* One of the top 10 movies of the decade

I could go on and on all day long with this. My point is, The Dark Knight is not just a movie, it's a cinematic masterpiece that will have you coming back for more. It's the bright ray of hope that Hollywood so desperately needed, to get itself up on its feet again and stand tall like never before. It's the movie that, once and for all, proves that good things come to those who wait.

Masterfully directed crime epic, by one of the world's most ingenious story-tellers, Martin Scorsese. Spanning across several decades, this stellarly crafted biopic invites us to an exclusive sphere of luxury and extreme violence, where everything can and does happen. For me, this is the mob movie of mob movies. All due respect to "The Godfather", but it's got nothing on the sheer excitement and amazing cast of this film. No matter how many times I watch it, I never cease to be mesmerized by the perfectly executed true story. Stylish, insightful, bloody and compelling, it's the work of a true artist, whose every touch and influence, makes for nothing short of pure cinematic magic. A must-see gangster drama and one of my favourite movies of all-time!

What can I say about this wonderful film, that critics and fellow movie-goers haven't already captured in their written acclaim? Well, from a personal standpoint, and as someone who has never before experienced the great wonders of the silent film era, I was both delighted and overwhelmed by how much a movie so muted, can speak in such in tremendous and emotional volumes. From its very first moments, I was absorbed into this black-and-white sensation of a film, and never wanted to leave as it came to a close. Everything has been done so impeccably, so elaborately beautiful in its very essence, that you feel nothing but admiration for the cast and crew behind its making. Director Michel Hazanavicious has succeeded in the near-impossible; bringing back a classic format, that hasn't seen the light of day since 1929. A mesmerizing homage, that not only re-captures the techniques flawlessly, but entertains, moves and sweeps you off into a state of pure awe and inspiration. Yes, The Artist is every bit as amazing as they say. Deserving of all its praise and worthy of all the Oscars that are bound to come in its way. A fantastic, original and incredibly uplifting tour-de-force, that makes everything else in the repertoire look like the work of untalented hacks. A standing ovation and hats off into the air, for this magically brilliant masterpiece, that leaves you as speechless and lost for words as its gifted performers.

Instant classic :-)

My least favourite in the trilogy, but an awesome movie nonetheless, that is still leagues better than most fantasy films out there.

Original, captivating, exciting, cool, ground-breaking...just some of the words that describe this masterpiece. Too bad the sequels didn't live up to the greatness of the first one.

Amazing in so many ways that it almost leaves me lost for words. The CGI and special effects are brilliant for their time, and even after almost 20 years they still hold up. In fact, they are so good as to actually give certain newer movies a run for their money. A true sci-fi masterpiece and of my favourite films of all-time.

One of my favourite dramas of all time. It also reminds me a lot of the first season of Prison Break, which makes it pretty evident where they got the inspiration for that show :-)

Touching, funny, amazingly entertaining...and these just are just a few of the qualities that make up this masterpiece. A true gem of the 90's, and one that I'll never get tired of watching. If only all of Robert Zemeckis' films were this awesome.

When I first saw this in the cinema, in 1996, I thought it was the best movie ever. Now, thirteen years and a few hundred movies later, I'm not sure I would say the same thing. It's still a near-perfect action/sci-fi flick though, with a wonderful cast, superb music, awesome special effects and a kick-ass story. In fact, it's still one of the twenty best movies I've ever seen, and that's coming from a guy who has seen plenty mind you. It's the kind of movie that'll probably never win the hearts of the critics, but which will keep you highly entertained from beginning to end, leaving you with a big smile on your face as the end credits roll. Yes, this is indeed a true gem of the 90's and a movie I'll never get tired of watching. I simply love it!

Highly underrated sci-fi adventure, that delivers some of the coolest and most exciting battle sequences ever made for the big screen. Just the fact that I've seen it about ten times by now should speak for how much I love it. What makes it so special and outstanding is that, unlike most other films within the genre, it actually has some genuine intelligence to it. Okay, so it's not Oscar-material script-wise, but it's got such an incredibly cool and exhilarating story, while cleverly satiring political propaganda films (like those produced by the Nazis during WWII). So don't mistake this for just another dumb action movie, because although it may look like one on the surface, this film has lot to say about war and the violence that comes with it. Furthermore, it's got some truly awesome special effects, which still look great and really spectacular by today's refined standards. Be sure to watch it on Blu-ray for the best possible viewing experience. Because as much of a visual treat as this movie is, it truly deserves to be seen in high-definition. An all-around amazing rollercoaster ride, that gets nothing less than my highest recommendation!

Parenthood is a wonderfully written family film, directed by the infinitely brilliant Ron Howard. Now, I don't have any kids myself, but I can bet the farm on the hypothesis that there's a lot of parents out there who can relate to the situations in this story.

I remember when I was a teenager and watched this with my mom, and she loved it for its honesty and thought it perfectly encapsulated everything it means to be a parent. Not a single a detail has been overlooked, from the teen boy who just discovers the wonders of sex (resulting in a lot of sneaking around with a paper bag full of porn), or the father who raises his 5-year old daughter to be the next Nobel Prize winner. Every type of family and behavior is flawlessly covered. And as if that wasn't enough to wow us, comical genius Steve Martin gives one of his all-time greatest performances, along with the rest of the cast whom are all stellar as well.

One thing I didn't notice until now (by my third viewing or so), is that the previously mentioned adolescent is actually played by Joaquin Phoenix. He's so young in this film, that it had previously escaped me. Keanu Reeves is really fun also, with a character that reminded me a lot of his Bill & Ted days (that is to say, before he got all corpse-like and humorless).

By far the best movie Ron Howard has ever made, and that's should be saying a lot, considering he's the mastermind behind such cinematic jewels as Cocoon and Frost/Nixon. From the deepest places in my heart, I love this film to bits. It's hilarious, yet dashed with melancholy and pathos. Wacky and out of control, yet always down-to-earth.

Simply put: the greatest film I've ever seen about family life, parenting and the beautiful bonds that ties it altogether. I couldn't possibly give it any higher recommendation. It's just one of those movies you have to see!

Swedish comedy classic and one of my top 30 favourite movies of all-time. If you ever wanna know what Swedes are really like as a people, then be sure to watch this, because this movie has captured us in a nutshell. A masterpiece, in its own charming and odd little way.

Just saw this for about the fourth time now and it's still as fantastic as ever. Although The Dark Knight has pushed it down to a runner-up position for all-time best Batman feature, it's still a masterpiece of a comic-book film, that I hold in very high regard. My utmost admiration for Christopher Nolan, who took the mythos of the character and made him the coolest, most believable superhero to have ever existed on the big screen. Thanks to his amazing genius, we finally got the Batman movie of our dreams. One that gets everything right and leaves you with an imminent desire to watch it again.

Joss Whedon's epic superhero spectacle is everything I could have ever hoped it to be and more! Where most directors would settle for a run-of-the-mill money-maker, Whedon has gone beyond our collective dreams, pouring all his heart, soul and talent into a creation that can only be described as a godly entity of the comic book world. It's to Marvel's great universe what The Dark Knight is to DC's. An all-around stellar achievement, that brings out the best of all its characters, with great humor, warmth and phenomenally directed action. I mean, I knew it would be good, but I wasn't quite ready for this thoroughly mind-blowing experience.

Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johanssen and all the rest - there's not a performance in here that isn't absolutely smashing (quite literally in The Hulk's case). And what amazing chemistry between the lot, if not to rank it as utter perfection! The way they work together as a team, poking fun at each other's differences while uniting their various strengths in bona fide comradery, makes not only for grandiose entertainment, but also scenes of pure poignancy, when the common cause leaps into true friendship, involving audacious derring-dos and heart-gripping sacrifice.

Action-wise, it's a real powerhouse as well. I have seen some breath-taking battles through the years, but nothing could have prepared me for the awesome showdown of the film's monolithic third act. State-of-the-art visuals, coupled with an incredibly thrilling soundtrack and edge-of-your-seat suspense, leaves you with minimal room to catch your breath and goosebumps so frequent, it feels like the bumps on your skin are gonna stay permanently in that state. Additionally, the film boasts a strikingly cool villain, in the form of the powerful demi-god Loki, played with intensity and malice by a terrific Tom Hiddleston.

Easily the best film of the year so far and an extraordinarily stunning crowd-pleaser, that will have you laughing, applauding and overwhelmed with all possible emotions. And that's just to give the sum of it. In the details dwells so much more, and a movie so wealthy in excitement, that you never want it to end.

Blockbusters as fantastic as these only come out once every 5 years or so, and it's definitely gonna give Prometheus and The Dark Knight Rises a run for its money. An auteur's vision realized; filled to the brim with fireworks for the eyes and intellect alike. Yet no words can truly it do justice. Like the great arts and wonders of the world, you just have to see and experience it for yourself.

Spellbinding finale to one of the greatest film series ever made! In this concluding chapter of the Harry Potter saga, we're invited to a showdown of truly epic proportions. Not since The Return of the King has a fantasy film been this grand and exciting. Old and new alike, even the smallest of characters gets their time to shine, as wizards, giants and all manner of magical creatures clash together in fiery engagement. And as for the deciding dual between Harry and Voldemort, let me tell you it couldn't have been any more perfect. Truth be told, I was really taken aback. I just never expected it to be this amazing. Especially not after being so let down by the previous two installments. But gone now is sigh-inducing teen angst, and back is the magic I thought to be forever lost. Emotionally omnipotent and breathtaking in the action, it's a battle of wills you won't soon forget. So as a last word to the captain of this great vessel, I just like to say the following: All is forgiven now Mr. Yates, for finally getting everything right. You started out good, became weak in the middle, but then eventually pulled out every ace in your pockets. And what a phenomenal redemption at that!

My favourite in the Die Hard series and one of extremely few action movies that I've given more than four stars. It doesn't get much better than this :-)

Some love it, some hate it. I'm one of those who love it.

What a great time to be alive! A time when James Cameron is back on top of his game, and when the magic of special effects and CGI have become as breath-takingly flawless as it is. And breath-taking is truly the word here. Because not only is Avatar a fantastic sci-fi film, but it's taken movies in general to a whole new dimension, far beyond everything we've previously seen. The CGI looks so real that you can almost touch it (especially in 3D), and it's hard to believe that Pandora and its inhabitants were all made in a bunch of computers. That's just how amazing this movie looks.

My only complaint concerns the story and some of the dialogue, as its highly predictable and quite thin. Most of the plot events feel very familiar, and is unfortunately rife with clichés and stereotypes. It's a pity, because it dragged down the overall experience a bit. Even so, it's still an amazing movie that made my jaw drop more than a few times. And to give you an idea of just how awesome it really is, I've here gathered some of the titles it deserves to be awarded with:

* Best movie of 2009

* Best CGI effects of all-time

* One of my top 30 favourite movies

* Most realistic animation ever created

* One of the top 10 films of the decade

* One of the greatest sci-fi movies ever made

The bottomline is: this is no ordinary cinematic experience. It's a mindblowing and emotional thrill ride, that'll take you to a place beyond your wildest dreams. A visual masterpiece, that truly leaves you lost for words.

Awesome special effects, brilliant story and one of my favourite adventure movies of all time. This is so much more than a mere monster flick. It's a visual extravaganza that also happens to be really captivating and well-written (which isn't exactly a common thing within the genre). So if this is the Jurassic Park of the 21th century, Peter Jackson must surely be the new Spielberg. Or rather to say, in the same extraordinary league.

No film has ever evoked such a strong emotional response out of me as this one has. I mean, I seldom cry from watching a movie to begin with, but this one felt so real that it had had me tear up in a way I never thought possible (and yeah, I'm not ashamed to admit that). While having me truly hate some of its characters, it simultaneously had me love and feel a strong sense of compassion towards others.

It's been about eight years since I saw it the first time and I still haven't forgotten about it, which is just another testimony to how amazing it is. And what's more, it even outshines the novel it's based on, although I don't really like making comparisons between the two. Anyway, if you haven't seen it yet, be sure you do, because drama films sure doesn't get much better than this.

The horror-thriller masterpiece that put M. Night Shyamalan on the map. Everything about it is of near-perfect quality, including the stunningly good ending, which holds one of the best plot twists I've ever seen in a movie. It's just a shame that Shyamalan's other films aren't as brilliant, because then we'd truly have a reason to jump for joy.

Jagshemash! Probably the most hilarious film I've ever seen! Politically incorrect and pokes fun at everyone. I've never laughed so hard and constantly as when I saw this movie for the first time in the cinema. Perfect comedic timing and a must-see. Love it! :-D

Time-traveling has never been as exciting, cool and fun as it is in the Back to the Future movies. Altough this one isn't as amazing as the original, it's still a great sequel that I can watch just as many times. It's just too bad the year 2015 won't be as awesome in real life. No flying cars, no holograms and certainly no hoverboards. But who knows, maybe in another 20 years or so ;-)

Whenever I hear the word "timeless" I think of movies like this one. I mean, considering it's still scary, and still looks good after almost 30 years since it premiered, is a true testimony to Ridley Scott's brilliance as a director. It may not be my favourite among the Alien films (the sequel by James Cameron still holds the crown to me), but it's still one of the best movies ever made, in the sci-fi and horror category alike. I think I've seen it about 6-7 times by now, and I'm bound to see it many times more.

They just don't make movies like this anymore. Spielberg's directing, John Williams music score...there's nothing that even gets close to that perfect combination of talent. But above all, it holds a wonderful story that still touches the heart. One I think everyone should take part of at least once in their lifetime. Because as far as family films go, this one ranks as one of the best ever made. A childhood favourite of mine and the very definition of movie magic.

Call me crazy, but I have a hard time understanding why so many people dislike this movie. Granted that Tom Cruise is mentally deranged and ought to be thrown into the looney bin (he even tried recruiting people to his scientology bull**** during the shooting of this film) , but as an actor he does his job exemplary and as is true for the rest of the cast here. Alien invasion stories is obviously nothing new, but Spielberg has brought his own touch to it that to me felt very fresh and inventive. Especially as you follow the turn of events from the perspective of an innocent family. Another strong point - and much of the reason why I love it so - is that it feels genuinely realistic. You truly experience the terror along with its characters - to me also heightened on a personal level as it reminded me a lot of some vivid nightmares I've had. The only part that falls short of greatness is the overly rushed ending, which felt a bit unsatisfying and left me with many questions unanswered. Other than that though, it's an incredibly thrilling sci-fi gem with perfect directing and state-of-the-art special effects. Definitely within the Top 5 among my all-time favourite Spielberg movies.

Love every second of it. Great cast, great story. Best science vs religion movie ever made!

Doesn't quite live up to the greatness of the original, but still a very good sequel, despite leaving much to desire script-wise. My review is a bit biased though as I'm a big Spielberg fan and happen to love everything that involves dinosaurs. But if you enjoyed the thrills and excitement of the first one, chances are high that you'll like this one as well.

My definite favourite among the three Spider-Man flicks. Great plot, cool villain and highly entertaining action scenes. There's a lot more I could say about it, but I think all you need to know is that it's one of best comic book flicks ever made. It's just too bad the third movie didn't keep the same high quality.

Spider-Man has always been one of my favourite superheroes. I suppose it's because he's one of the most human and believable there is, and has such great arsenal of villains and supporting characters around him. Either way, Tobey McGuire sure couldn't have been a better pick for the role, nor Sam Raimi for the director's chair. Because together they create Hollywood magic that knocks the breath out of most of its competitors. Maybe not as brilliant as the second movie, but still one of the best comic book flicks I've ever had the pleasure to lay my eyes upon.

Best in the new trilogy, but still suffers from bad acting, too much CGI and wooden dialogue. The last 20 minutes or so are as wonderful as the old Trilogy, but it's still far from a masterpiece. Let's hope the upcoming TV series will be better.

My absolute favourite of the five Harry Potter movies that have been made thus far. What separates this from the previous films is that the characters and the story have grown much more mature and allows for a darker and more interesting atmosphere. Furthermore, the movie also has a more epic feel, which I suppose we should thank Lord of the Rings movies for, from which it seems to have drawn much of its inspiration. It's too bad Order of the Phoenix wasn't quite as brilliant, but I guess we can't expect them to hit a home run every time.

1999 was obviously a great year for the movie world. Not only did we get masterpieces like Gladiator and The Matrix, but also the true gem of American Beauty. A movie that can only be described as honest, genuine and the perfect blend of drama and dark humour. Along with that you get a equally perfect cast, with acting that truly is award-deserving. It's no wonder it go so many Oscars.

When it comes to war movies, this is one of my all-time favourites. Spielberg teamed up with Tom Hanks is a match made in heaven. Particularily in its first 30 min, which are beyond phenomenal. The Omaha Beach scene is as close to perfect directing as you could possibly come. It feels amazingly real and truly transports you back to the events that took place there. Gruesome and adrenaline-pumping action, is intermingled with powerful and heartwrenching performances. The only bad thing I have to say about it, is that it tends to drag on a bit here and there. But it still makes good use of every minute with its superlative acting and writing. And in the end, you don't just feel satisfied by having seen a first-rate action-drama, but also very touched by the characters' comradery and sacrifices. It's what makes this movie stand out from similiar productions. Because when it comes down to the bottomline, this is a WWII film that really knocks it out of the park. Perhaps not as amazing as to be labeled a masterpiece, but certainly not that far from it either. A movie that endures repeated viewings, and just gets better and better for each time I see it.

Superb thriller and one of the top ten best I've ever seen! It's a pity they seldom make them this good anymore. Great acting as well by Harrison and Tommy Lee. I didn't surprise me to hear that Jones received an Oscar for best supporting role.

This movie has a little bit of everything: great action, a highly suspenseful plot, some very cool sci-fi elements, a mutant chick with three boobs (don't ask lol), some nice tongue-in-cheek humor and, as you might expect, some hilarious one-liners that only someone like Schwarzenegger knows how to deliver with perfection. Beyond all that, it also happens to be a given favourite of mine in the category of sci-fi flicks. It didn't surprise me at all when I found out it was made by the same guy who gave us Starship Troopers, namely Paul Verhoeven, because it has the same great quality to it, even if some of the effects are pretty dated by now. It looks and feels very 80's, but with the story being as exciting and well-written as it is, I can't say I'm bothered by any of it's superficial flaws. Because in my world, substance always comes before beauty.

This is the monster movie, that all other monster movies wants to be. Already back in 1975, Spielberg was a visionary genius, and this is the title that put him on the map. High-calibred directing, accompanied by its classic music theme, are just a few of the countless reasons as to what makes it so brilliant. Two hours of blood-pumping thrills and a horror flick that still defeats all its competitors on the market. A masterfully crafted, edge-of-your-seat experience, that long after the first viewing, still makes me think twice about swimming in the ocean.

A sci-fi masterpiece that has me glued to my seat everytime I see it. Story-wise it reminds me a lot of Close Encounters of the Third Degree and the first two Alien movies, and the screenplay (as always by James Cameron) is top notch, with characters and dialogue that feels very natural and believable. My only regret is that I never had the chance to see this one in the cinema, as it would have been an incredible experience; especially as the special effects were groundbreaking for its time. And in the end, after almost 3 hours of captivating entertainment, you realise that the movie doesn't just have a great story to tell, but also provides a good message. One that is as true today as it was back then.

Magical and underrated, this wonderful sci-fi story still gives me goosebumps. I know many don't love it as much as I do, but there's just something about it that has me captivated every time. One thing is the amazing music score, which some of you may note has been re-employed in the trailers for J.J Abrams' Super 8. Another is the cast, who are all very endearing in the characters they portray. Finally, I'd also like to give credit to the special effects team, who really did the best job possible with the technology available at the time. The ending especially is quite spectacular. Not a film for everyone, but in my book it counts as one of the best "alien visitation" films ever made. A delightful, although bittersweet experience, that has truly stood the test of time.

Stunningly good! When I first heard this movie was in the making, and that J.J. Abrams was the guy helming it, I had a feeling it'd be something way beyond the average. The trailer alone gave me goosebumps and the movie, despite all my fears, did live up to the promise. Not only is it an awesome, grand and in many ways fantastic sci-fi film, but it's given Star Trek a new face, and reinvented the whole franchise into something more modern and exhilarating. And it couldn't have come at a better time. Because after the soulless Star Trek: Enterprise series, along with the highly disappointing Insurrection and Nemesis movie, this is just what we fans needed.

Many trekkies (at least all the hardcore purist ones) are likely to complain about the changes in design and what not, and that it doesn't stay 100% true to the original series, but personally I couldn't care less. Because what J.J. and his crew has done here, is given Star Trek a good name again. Sure, it may lack some of the philosophical and deep-thinking qualities that the franchise is known for, but it compensates for that by being incredibly exciting and well-directed instead. I for one loved every second of it and can see myself watching it many times over in the near future. An amazing movie altogether and the best I've seen this year so far.

Finally, I just like to say one thing: may this new take on Star Trek live long and prosper! :-)

Stand aside Thor, because you've just been outclassed! However much I enjoyed the adventure of said lightning god, I'm afraid the title for best comic flick of the year has now been snatched by the X-Men. With a sophistication and quality comparable to the old classic Bond movies with Sean Connery, this prequel does the impossible and gives the word a whole new positive aura. A stellar script put to its full potential, and cast members of such excellence that every second with them is a cinematic gift. Just like Kick-Ass was my favourite movie of last year, director Matthew Vaughn has now topped my lists with yet another awesome superhero flick. Stylish, exciting and first class indeed!

What would the world be like if it didn't have directors like Bryan Singer? Well, if that question was directed towards me, I'd probably say "a whole lot duller and greyish", and this movie proves why. It's not just the best of all the X-Men movies (a title I seriously doubt the new Wolverine flick will snatch away), but also one of the greatest comic-book films ever made. Not many sequels manage to outshine the original, but this one does by far.

Now this is what I call a comic book flick with class! Not only was it very entertaining, but it brought something to this genre that we surely don't get too often as movie-goers: namely something as rare as an intelligent script, with a plot that cares more about developing its characters, than it does about the action. It's so rare in fact, that I'd more likely call this a well-forged drama-thriller, rather than your typical comic book movie.

With it's tongue-in-cheek attitude, brilliant writing, awesome special effects and even better cast, I'd like to thank Jon Favreau (who by the way does a fun cameo in the film as one of Tony Stark's body guards) for giving us a movie that combines great action and drama, while making me care about it's characters, despite the fact that I haven't read as much as a single page of the source material.

The only thing that weighed the movie down a bit for me was its slow-natured pacing, as it did tend to drag at times. It also felt a bit overly long, but I suppose it's something I can live with. Another thing I wasn't all too excited about was the main villian, which wasn't that interesting of a character to me, even though he was brilliantly played by Jeff Bridges. In fact, I'd say the whole cast was nothing short of excellent. Especially Robert Downey Jr, who carried the movie well on his shoulders, with a sense of dignity and coolness that few actors ever manage to come close to.

All in all, a great comic book flick that left me pleased and wishing for more. And that's probably a wish I'm gonna get granted in the future, as things were obviously left open for a sequel :-)

Update: After seeing it for the second time, I liked it even better than when I saw it the cinema, and therefore moved by rating up a notch, from 3½ to 4 stars, which I can now confidently say that it truly deserves.

What's not to love about the Muppets? I had a feeling this would be a fun time at the movies, but I didn't quite anticipate it would be so charmingly brilliant. They took everything I've ever loved about these wonderful characters, placed them in a modern environment, and brought out the best of both worlds. To simply say it's good, would be like saying that Jim Henson was a fairly creative guy. What I can express in words though, is that it's a joyous celebration of life, music and everything inbetween. An upbeat and nostalgic festival of fun, that brings out the inner child in all of us. And the fact that they've been around since the 70's, certainly goes to show that they're anything but an expiring gimmick. Most kid shows from that era are now mere outdated relics, but the Muppets have indubiately proved that they can outlive anything. Seriously, throw a nuclear holocaust at them and you'll still find them doing song numbers in the aftermath. You'd have to be the most cynical person on Earth not to like them. I've seen about every Muppet movie there is to see now, and I can easily say that this is by far the best entry. All due respect to the classics, but this is the one that really won me over. Simple for sure, yet also amazingly clever with its self-aware blend of old, new and something blue (that would be Gonzo). Not to forget all the great wisecracks and play on words (especially by Statler and Waldorf), which has ever been one of my favourite elements within the core of these films. Because with the Muppets, the fun never stops, and whether you're 9 or 99, you'll find that it has something you can enjoy and take to heart. Not just enjoy, but love and cherish for many years to come.

Dream duo Jackson and Spielberg brings us a beautifully rendered adventure, filled with humor, action and tons of breath-taking visuals. Reminiscent of Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean, it's a fusion of two matinée genres that I've loved ever since I was a child. I never read much of the Tintin comics, but I've always had a predilection for stories that involve pirates and treasure hunting. As for the voice-cast, they really couldn't have given the jobs to any better actors. Jamie Bell perfectly nails my idea of what Tintin's voice should sound like, while Andy Serkis is as brilliant as ever as the whimsical and eccentric Captain Haddock. And with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost as the Thompson twins, you really couldn't ask for more. With this and James Cameron's Avatar, the veil between animation and reality is growing ever thinner. Some shots are so spectacularly executed, that you'll be sitting with your jaw open, marveling at the cinematic wonders unfolding on screen. One thing that delighted me in particular was its fantastic sense of humor. I knew it would good adventure-wise, but I never quite imagined it would be so outrageously funny. And not just in a couple of scenes, but practically every single one. I'm really glad that Spielberg and Jackson paired up for this project, because the latter seems to have brought out Spielberg's joy in film-making again. His magic, his sense of fun and all the great things that I've missed from his classics. As opposed to his recent collaborations with the nowadays-soulless George Lucas, whose bitterness and apparent lack of passion, have only served to poison and obstruct him from greatness. Anyways, as a final note, I might also add that my friends whom I saw it with, all agreed with me unanimously on this being a supremely entertaining film. Usually our tastes are extremely divergent, but this was one of the rare exceptions where we all concurred. I guess it just shows how universally qualitative it truly is. You can be old or young, intelligent or dumb, and still find some gold in this film to take tremendous pleasure in. My only gripe concerns the ending, which was a bit of an anti-climax. But I'm happy nonetheless about the possibility of more Tintin movies coming our way. Because if they're anything like this one, then we have a lot to look forward to in the future.

What a great year this has been for the comic book genre. First the mighty entertaining Thor, then the X-traordinary X-Men: First Class, and now this: a brillantly crafted depiction of the pure-hearted Captain America. What I first feared would be tiresome superhero fluff - reeking of the worst kind of patriotic cheese - actually turned out to be a really fun ride. Joe Johnston exhibits talents I never thought he had, but I suppose the real credit here goes to the marvellous cast. Favourite thespians of mine like Hugo Weaving and Tommy Lee Jones (whom both are perfectly cast for their roles by the way), do wonderful work with their characters, and Chris Evans brings a performance so genuine and sympathetic, that's it up there among great icons like Christopher Reeve's Superman. Moreover, we're treated to state-of-the-art special effects, a terrific music score by Alan Silvestri and loads of other creative delights for the senses to take pleasure in. Captain America is a movie that could easily have become a turkey (just look at the 1990 version, and you'll know what I mean), but instead it does just the opposite, and delivers a fun, heartfelt and pulse-pounding story, with a superhero so likeable, that his every triumph feels like a victory of your own. Of course it has its blemishes and things that could have been done better, but they're really too insignificant to be taken into consideration. There's just one thing alone that's really bad about this film: the fact that it makes the wait for The Avengers so much harder to endure. That being said, it's definitely a feature that ought to be caught at the theatres. A smashing, grandiose and supremely directed action-fest, that not only entertains to the fullest extent, but also bears within a rare spirit of heart and true heroism.

Saddle up and get ready for action, because this is one exciting ride of a movie that is guaranteed to knock your socks off. For some reason beyond me though, opinions seem to be very diverted about this film. Some have naught but love for it, while others express severe disappointment. Well, I can tell you right now that I'm permanently settled in the "loved it" camp. I mean, how can you not like a movie with such a heaven-sent ensemble of phenomenal thespians? There's Harrison Ford, who still plays all his aces. Olivia Wilde, as the stunning and mysterious Ella Swenson. Daniel Craig, who I thought was even better here than in the Bond movies. Not to mention Sam Rockwell, Clancy Brown, Paul Dano and Keith Carradine. As one of my friends pointed out, there's not much of a plot, but what it's got in abundance is a great sense of fun and adventure. Everything is set up to near-perfection, for what culminates in a epic battle between cowboys, aliens and a few other unexpected factions which I'm gonna refrain from spoiling here. Let's just say that there's some cool and interesting twists to the story, that added extra spice to the already well-tasting soup. I had a feeling I was in for some good popcorn movie fare, but I did not at all anticipate it would be this jaw-droppingly awesome. A seamless fusion between sci-fi and the Old West, that entertains, captivates and leaves you with an appetite for more. Great fun all the way and a given addition to my "Top 100 Movies of All-Time" list.

Visually stunning and 2 hours of solid entertainment. Lacks a bit in story and dialogue, but then again its meant to be visual candy :-) Best movie of 2007 so far

Dark, magical and wonderfully directed. One of my definite favourites in the Harry Potter series, especially as I love everything that has to do with time-traveling. So it's certainly not without reason that this movie ended up in my top 10 fantasy movies of all-time list.

One of the best movies of 2007 and certainly the darkest Harry Potter movie yet. It wasn't quite as good as The Goblet of Fire, nor The Prisoner of Azkaban in my opinion, but I did enjoy it more than the first two movies. Nevertheless, OOTP does have some obvious flaws. For one thing, I felt it lacked a lot of the humor and magic of the previous films. Also, it was very talky in some scenes. But these are things that are easily forgiven as this movie has a great cast (with some new and interesting characters), awe-inspiring special effects and the coolest battle sequence I've seen in the HP movies thus far.

This movie has a very special place in my heart. It's moving, suspenseful and arguably one of the greatest love stories ever told. Maybe it's because I'm such a strong believer in life after death that I like it so much, but it's also because it has a lot of heart and soul, and a great deal to say about the dark and greedy nature of mankind. Bittersweet in its ending, but that's how I like it to be, as it's found the perfect balance between melancholy and joy. And that sure can't be said for a lot of movies out there.

My number one favourite among the James Bond movies that I've seen so far.

Super is the word here, and one that can be applied to almost every aspect of this movie. And these days when Spielberg is but a shadow of his former self, I'm glad he's made the wise choice to pass the torch to J.J Abrams. He might never become the master director that Steven was during his golden years, but he sure has gotten close to that level already. In this wonderful tribute to a classic form of story-telling, Abrams' attempts to re-create some of that long lost Hollywood magic. And for the most part he succeeds brilliantly. Giving a lot of room to the characters, instead of just showering us with CGI effects like most films nowadays, made it engaging as well as incredibly entertaining. It's fun, touching and riddled with sweet nostalgia. I bet if I had lived during the 70's, I would have loved it even more. And even though I didn't, I still had a great time watching it. Anyone with a love for sci-fi (or quality films in general) owe it to themselves to go see this. Because believe me when I say that it's worth every cent of the admission fee.

Better than Episode I, but still no way near as good the classic trilogy.

Very talky and draggy in some scenes, but an otherwise highly entertaining sequel. Just like in the first film, the special effects are truly astounding to behold. The highway chase sequence is one of the best action scenes I've ever seen and pretty much the main reason to why I've given this movie such a high rating. Not as brilliant or awesome as the original, but still worthy of a spot in my top 100 movies of all-time list.

The best Disney movie of all time. Also one of the few cartoon movies that has genuinely touched me.

Great sequel and one of Pixar's finest moments. I love all the fun little movie references and the voice-acting is truly in a league of its own. I'm not sure what the upcoming third movie has in store for us, but I can only hope it will be just as funny and entertaining.

There's so much I wanna write about this film, and my complete and total experience with it, that I'm not quite sure where to begin. But if I'm gonna start somewhere, it would have to be on that magical day back in 1996, when I saw Toy Story for the first time in the cinema. I was 11 years old, and like many other kids at the time, I really had no idea what I was in for. But it did not take long for me to fall in love with it. Not only was the groundbreaking 3D-technology amazing to behold, but it had so much heart and spirit, and was so full of fun, that it left an imprint on me that would last until this very day. A memory so profound that it counts as one of the great highlights in my whole movie-watching history.

In the 14 years that have passed since then, I hadn't seen a single film to match it's greatness. That is, apart from Toy Story 2, which I think is just as wonderful. So it was with great joy I received the news that a third one was in the making. I had a feeling it would be great, but never did I imagine that Pixar would be able to maintain the brilliance of the first two. It's as if no time at all has passed in between them. It just shows once again, that altough Dreamworks and other studios have become increasingly better with the years, they still haven't put out anything as magical as the Toy Story movies.

This conlusion to the trilogy is incredibly heartwarming and moving, and really spoke to the kid in me. Woody, Buzz, Jessie and all the other characters are just as funny and endearing as I remember them. It's so much more than just a movie: it's a nostalgic revisit to my childhood, and to the feelings of pure joy that could be experienced with a little imagination and pieces of plastic. If Toy Story 3 proves anything, it's that great memories can come from the simplest of pleasures. And, of course, the technical bits are no less amazing. Top notch animation, wrapped with music by Randy Newman and some truly terrific voice acting...well, it just doesn't get much better than that.

An altogether wonderful film, that left me touched, enthralled and with a big smile on my face. So with all the forgettable and lazily-made sequels out there, I'm glad there's at least one animation company that still cares about delivering a memorable story. Anyone who is still in touch with their inner child (yours truly included), are bound to feel connected with the core and soul of this film. A fantastic movie from beginning to end and one of the best animated features I've ever seen.

There are a lot of reasons to love the 80's, and this is one of them. After seeing it now for like the zillionth time, it's still as funny and entertaining as ever. Some of the effects may look pretty crappy compared to what we're spoiled with today, but it doesn't really matter, as it's all intended to be good fun and tongue-in-cheek. Anyway, if you for one reason or another haven't seen it yet, make sure you do. Because this movie is a blast, and the perfect marriage between sci-fi and comedy.

Adam Sandler flicks are usually pretty lame and mediocre, but this one was surprisingly brilliant, and thus, the exception that confirms the rule. The storyline is great and it feels like the writers have really made the most of its initial concept, about a guy who finds a magic remote, with which he can practically control everything in his surroundings. Many of the scenes were downright hilarious and just to see David Hasselhoff get bitchslapped was totally priceless. This is, without doubt, one of the best comedies I've ever seen. I loved it!

There's a good number of reasons to why this 90's blockbuster ranks as one of my favourite movies of all time. For one thing, it has the best mix of sci-fi and comedy I think I've ever seen (not that there are a lot of sci-fi comedies out there, but still). Not to mention all the cool weapons, gismos and aliens, that are as fun as they are imaginative. Be sure to avoid the sequel though, because it sucks in comparison and isn't half as memorable.

Very enjoyable comedy. Brings back some good memories :-)

Remember the days when Eddie Murphy's movies were actually funny? It seems but a distant memory now, but every once in a while I make a little re-visit to the 80's, just to remind myself of a time when it wasn't all about fat suits and farting at the dinner table. Granted that he plays a multitude of roles in this one too, but at least the jokes are on the money and the make-up extremely convincing. A hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy, that even more than 20 years after its making, is still as side-splitting as ever. This, along with "Beverly Hills Cop", are my hands down favourite Eddie Murphy flicks, that always manages to get a laugh out of me. Not to mention the great supporting cast, which includes a prime-performing Arsenio Hall, the legendary James Earl Jones and a brief, but memorable cameo by Samuel L. Jackson. Maybe not a comedy to everyone's taste, but I for one really love it.

Love it or loathe it, this is 100% pure Jackass! I really wish I could have seen this in 3D, but due to my local cinema being run by moronic prudes, I never got the chance to. It's great fun either way though and my absolute favourite movie from last year. It's pretty amazing that - even a decade after their TV debut - they still come up with fresh ideas and hilarious new material. Not the best one in the trilogy (I like "number two" a little bit more), but better than the first film and one of the funniest productions I've ever seen. As a long-time fan, this was a laugh-fest worth the wait. I can only hope they make more before they get too old for the stunts.

Wacky, looney and amazingly entertaining! This is easily one of Carrey's best movies, and the performance he gives here almost leaves you lost for words. His energy seems completely without limit and he delivers with such perfect comedic timing, that it'd be an insult to call him anything less than a genius. Another plus is Cameron Diaz, who looks more stunning here than any other role I've ever seen her in. Don't expect your intellect to get very stimulated though, because this is more of a live-action cartoon than a regular comedy. Kind of like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, only more high tempo. So if you liked that film, you're gonna love this one.

Not quite as good as the first movie, but still a great classic!

Very good christmas comedy with a lot of heart, wit and charm. Undoubtedly the best one in the series.

There's no Christmas that goes by without me watching this at least once. I've seen it so many times now, yet it's still as side-splitting as ever. Not only do we all have something we can relate to in it, but it's also the perfect marriage between slapstick and the more intelligent kind of humor. It's my hands-down favourite "Vacation" movie, and also one of my top 3 beloved Christmas flicks, along with Home Alone 1 & 2. From the cat that gets burned into the rug to the white trash antics of Cousin Eddie, there's so much to love about this film that you'll keep coming back for more. A must-see for the holiday season, whether you're a Chevy Chase fan or not.

Best teen comedy I've ever seen! There's just so many things that I love about this movie, that it's hard to know where to begin. Everything is just spot-on, and done with such perfect comedic timing, that it puts all other films in the genre to shame (that including its many sequels). Not to mention all the great characters, like the legendary Stifler. So maybe it's no wonder why I keep coming back for a re-watch. Because this is pure comedy gold, and the movie that set the standard for how teen flicks should be made.

Great spoofs, hot girls, awesome soundtrack and a cameo by Mr.T. Yes, this movie has it all! Parodying teen flick classics such as The Breakfast Club, American Pie and 10 Things I hate About You, it's a pure joy to watch for a movie-buff like myself. If you get all the references, then you're in for a 80 minute laugh riot. If not, well, then you might not find it as funny. In my book though, this counts as one of the most underrated comedies ever made. And the musical number by the end gets more priceless for every time. In fact, I still find myself quoting this film on a regular basis. Not for everyone, but personally, I love every second.

My favourite Mel Brooks film. A hilariously witty Star Wars spoof, that includes some of the funniest lines ever written for comedy. I loved it as a kid and even more so now. It's just sad they don't make them this great anymore.

Comical virtuosos John Candy and Steve Martin star in this brilliantly hilarious road movie, about an advertising executive (Martin), who runs into all sorts of obstacles when trying to get home to his family in Chicago. What I love about this film (among a high number of other things), is that it doesn't try too hard to be funny. It just succeeds with that naturally, with its masterfully executed gags and memorable antics. The biggest credit, of course, goes to Candy and Martin, whose wonderful interplay is the heart and soul of the movie. One is an easily-irritated cynic, and the other a high-spirited blabbermouth, which becomes the basis for a great many hilarious moments. Just some of the faces that Steve Martin makes are absolutely priceless. A film where top notch humor is not an exception, but dominates the entire story. There's just so much to enjoy about it, and despite having been around for more than two decades, it never grows old and tired. In fact, it's like a fine bottle of wine that only gets better with time. And hey, that even rhymes! So if you're one of the poor, unfortunate souls who happened to have missed it, well, then I hope this review may spur you to check it out. Because in all sincerity, it deserves nothing less than my warmest recommendation. A laughter-fest of a movie, and my all-time favourite comedy by the legendary John Hughes.

"If I wanted a joke, I'd follow you to the john and watch you take a leak. Now are you gonna help me or are you gonna stand there like a slab of meat with mittons?"

When three high school friends discover a mysterious source of power, their lives are suddenly turned upside down, as their newfound abilities make their wildest dreams a reality. At first, everything plays out exactly the way you'd imagine a couple of teenagers would use their powers; as in goofing around with innocent pranks and showing off to the ladies. But like the poster says: it's all fun and games until everybody gets hurt. For as a more darker side begins to emerge along with the discovery of their gifts, their bonds of friendship become ever more strained, leading up to a dire and catastrophic turn of events, where nothing can no longer be controlled and the darkness gets the better of them.

If you think this sounds like the premise for a great and awesome movie, it's because that's exactly what it is. Fun-filled and exhilarating, I wasn't bored for a single second, and it kept on topping itself with progressively cooler special effects. The fact that almost every actor in it is completely unknown to me, only benefited the film as it made it feel more genuine. And it's this goosebump-inducing sense of realism, that makes it such a spellbinding watch. My only complaint as far as the visuals go, is that many of the moments where they fly around are too obviously done by wire. You'd think with how much technology has evolved in the past 10 years, that they'd be able to make it more convincing, but unfortunately it doesn't look much better than it did in the "olden days". I was also very annoyed by how they *spoiler alert* killed off one of my favourite characters so early on in the movie. Especially as I considered him the best of the three lead actors *end of spoiler*.

In all other regards, however, this was a phenomenally entertaining experience. It was like watching one of my own dreams on screen, in which I've fantasized about having superpowers. And although rooted in familiar themes, found in hundreds of other Hollywood features, the pragmatic execution and natural character behavior, makes you fully invested in everything that's happening. So as far as found-footage fare goes, this was quite the mind-blowing success. A fresh, action-packed and impressively made sci-fi yarn, that treats its audience with dignity, while leaving you with an appetite for more and the hope for a continous sequel.

Supremely cool and stuffed with great dialogue, Pulp Fiction is by far my all-time favourite Tarantino flick. Where most films have one or maybe two scenes worth adding to memory, this is filled to the brim with outrageously fun and instantly quotable moments. From the priceless "Butch-picks-a-weapon-scene" to the iconic dance number by Uma Thurman and John Travolta, not a minute is wasted in this ingeniously constructed attention-grabber. I'm usually of the opinion that Tarantino is somewhat overrated, but this is the one exception that lives up to all the hype and rave reviews. A little draggy here and there, but the great style and originality more than makes up for it. A truly royale piece of film-making, that I'm now incredibly delighted to own on Blu-ray. Because as far as cult fare goes, Pulp Fiction is a classic that can be seen over and over again.

Best known to the world for his wonderful gem Amélie, French director Jean-Pierre Jeunet was a rather unlikely helmsman for a project of this nature. I mean, going from flowery and lighthearted comedy to something as dark and gritty as an Alien movie, is quite the artistic leap. Even more surprising, however, is his success in adding a worthy installment to the franchise. I know many consider this the weakest in the quadrilogy - and yes, it does get a little cheesy and over the top at times - but all in all, I think it's a great and underrated installment. Having Ripley resurrected through the magic of cloning, may be a cheap way to return her to the story, but I'd rather see her present in the film, than not at all. Backed up by some really memorable supporting characters - including a half-crazy Ron Perlman and the equally exceptional Brad Dourif - it's quite the wild space ride, filled with excitement, badassery and skin-crawling close encounters. That being established, I don't really care what they critics say. Because this is a highly entertaining sequel that more than meets my requirements for a fun and action-packed evening.

Sacha Baron Cohen strikes gold once again, in this outrageously funny comedy, about a North-African dictator who goes on a mission to the U.S, with the agenda to certify that democracy never comes within an inch of his oppressive regime. Things don't go quite according to plan, however, and he suddenly finds himself stripped of his power, title and flamboyant attire to boot. What follows is a hilarious turn of events, where he meets a girl named Zoey (played by a delightful Anna Faris) and tries to make his way back to his ruling position.

Based on a novel written by Saddam Hussein, it brilliantly spoofs the sort of insane and eccentric behavior that we've seen not only in Hussein and his sons, but also other infamous dictators like Kim Jong-Il and Idi Amin. Much like in Borat and Brüno it's very vulgar and unapologetic, yet never to the point where it crosses the line (not in my eyes at least). Personally, I love this type of politically incorrect humor, where nothing is holy and everything a target for Cohen's trademark-branded humor missiles.

Joke-wise, it isn't always spot-on, and there seems to be a lot of stuff in the trailers that didn't make it into the movie. But I suppose I'll just have to enjoy those when the Blu-ray comes out instead. For in the grand jihad of things, this was a side-splitting fun-fest and the best comedy I've seen all year. A laugh-a-minute parade of hysterically funny antics and perfectly delivered punchlines. You'll either love it or hate it, but to me this was nothing short of comedy gold!

Sacha Baron Cohen does it again! Altough not the masterpiece that Borat was, this movie was a riot from beginning to end. Some of Brünos antics, like the scene with the wrestling event, are so priceless I can't even find the words for it. And in a world full of political correctness, I'm glad there's at least one comedian and film-maker out there who dares to challenge society's taboos - all in the name of good fun. What I like the most about Sacha's humor though, is that he makes fun of everyone, even minorities he himself is a part of. He isn't just controversial for the sake of it, but also tries to convey how important it is with self-distance. Because in my eyes, putting too much of a leash on what you can and cannot joke about, only serves to undermine the freedom of speech, and the liberties that we should all be able to enjoy. Anyone who feels differently, and gets offended by this film, obviously takes life way too seriously. Anyway, I'm not gonna get too long-winded here. My point is that this is no ordinary movie, but a rarity of a comedy that dares to go all the way, and hits a home-run while doing so. So if you loved Borat, I can promise you're gonna enjoy Brüno as well. Because this is, without the shadow of a doubt, the funniest comedy of 2009.

Based on the classic TV show that ran in the late 80's, "21 Jump Street" is a striking success of a re-make, that delivers scene after scene of side-splitting fun! If I were to boil it down to its essentials, I'd say there are two prime elements to which its winning formula can be linked:

First of all, there's the wonderful self-distance. It knows it's a re-make and isn't shy to poke fun at itself. Whenever you think "cliché", it immediately hits you back with a witty remark, which adresses the very stereotype that occured to you. It's almost parodic in that sense, throwing around the type of gags and meta humor you might find in one of the "Naked Gun" flicks.

More than that, it's got a great and very funny script. Jonah Hill, who did an amazing slim-down for his role, displays superb rapport with Channing Tatum, as two underachieving cops, who are sent on an undercover mission to infiltrate a local high school, in an attempt of bringing down a synthetic drug ring. Hilarity ensues, and it's just pure enjoyment watching these two trying not to screw up their assignment.

Not since Leslie Nielsen's days as Lieutenant Frank Drebin have I seen a cop comedy this funny. A crackerjack laugh riot, that will have your smile muscles working overtime and then some! Without giving anything anyway, there's also a cool surprise in the end for fans of the original show. So be sure to stick around for that supremely awesome treat!

Phenomenal fun ensues, when Agent J and K suits up for another round against alien scumbags, in this surprisingly brilliant third entry in the MIB universe. Despite reports of production problems - such as the script not even being finished when shooting began - this is Barry Sonnenfeld's best movie since the 1997 original. To say I was flabbergasted, is an understatement.

So what makes it such an unexpected success? Well, apart from the outstanding special effects and superb pacing of the plot, the movie is in possession of something that we rarely get in comedies of the kind: a big, enticing heart. It's what ultimately rockets it from run-of-the-mill popcorn fare to an experience beyond the ordinary. You'll know what I mean when you come to the end of it, where the film presents a plot twist, that is as ingeniously conceived as it is emotionally powerful. So you may want to keep a couple of handkerchiefs around, because this one is a real tear-jerker!

Furthermore, there's the magnificently enjoyable trip back to 1969. Normally, I'd see the addition of time travel as a red flag for lack of innovation, but they still managed to make it really fun; particularily with its clever homage to the old sci-fi movies of the era. Legendary creature designer Rick Baker has done an amazing job with the aliens, which come in a grand and highly imaginative variety, and added even more to the great colorfulness and vibrance of the film.

As for the cast, Will Smith turns in yet another charismatic performance, along with its fantastic newcomers, including Emma Thompson, Bill Hader and Josh Brolin. The latter is quite exceptional as young Agent K, with a spot-on imitation of Tommy Lee Jones and his dead-pan idiosyncracies. No Ballchinians or two-headed Johnny Knoxvilles this time around, and thank God for that!

A fast-paced, sharp-witted, rollercoaster of a movie, that defies the mild expectations set up by the trailers, and delivers a fun-filled sci-fi fest, that is almost as hilarious as the first film and genuinely moving to boot! An awesome beginning, to what is bound to become one of the greatest movie summers in years!