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ROG'S TOP TEN PICKS FOR 2007
1. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE
2. DEATH AT A FUNERAL
3. ENCHANTED
4. LARS AND THE REAL GIRL
5. STARDUST
6. RATATOUILLE
7. JUNO
8. NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
9. 3:10 TO YUMA
10. THE KITE RUNNER
ROG'S TOP TEN PICKS FOR 2006
1. UNITED 93
2. SWEET LAND
3. WORLD TRADE CENTER
4. LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA
5. BOBBY
6. ROCKY BALBOA
7. THANK YOU FOR SMOKING
8. LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE
9. CASINO ROYALE
10. SCOOP
ROG'S TOP TEN PICKS FOR 2005
1. CINDERELLA MAN
2. KISS KISS, BANG BANG
3. IN HER SHOES
4. BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
5. GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK.
6. STAR WARS: EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH
7. MILLIONS
8. CRASH
9. THE FAMILY STONE
10. HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
ROG'S TOP TEN PICKS FOR 2004
1. THE AVIATOR
2. SPANGLISH
3. RAY
4. SIDEWAYS
5. SPIDER-MAN 2
6. THE INCREDIBLES
7. SHREK 2
8. THE TERMINAL
9. THE LADYKILLERS
10. HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN
ROG'S TOP TEN PICKS FOR 2003
1. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING
2. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL
3. FINDING NEMO
4. IN AMERICA
5. PIECES OF APRIL
6. GHOSTS OF THE ABYSS
7. HOLES
8. PHONE BOOTH
9. KILL BILL VOL. I
10. ELF
ROG'S TOP TEN PICKS FOR 2002
1. THE ROAD TO PERDITION
2. THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS
3. CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND
4. MINORITY REPORT
5. MOONLIGHT MILE
6. THE ROOKIE
7. WE WERE SOLDIERS
8. MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING
9. ADAPTATION
10. HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS
ROG'S TOP TEN PICKS FOR 2001
1. THE LORD OF THE RINGS : THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING
 (5 cams) PG-13
A hobbit named Frodo Baggins must destroy a magic ring of dark powers. Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen and Sean Astin star in Peter Jackson's version of J. R. R. Tolkien's classic.
2. HEARTS IN ATLANTIS
(5 cams) PG-13
A young boy (Anton Yelchin) develops a friendship with a mysterious stranger (Anthony Hopkins) in this coming-of-age story from Stephen King.
3. A BEAUTIFUL MIND
(5 cams) PG-13
Russell Crowe stars in the true story of schizophrenic Nobel Prize-winning mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr.
4. SHREK
(5 cams) PG
An ogre (Mike Myers) teams up with a donkey (Eddie Murphy) to rescue a princess (Cameron Diaz) and restore order to a fairy tale kingdom in this latest piece of computer animation.
5. MEMENTO
(5 cams) R
A man with a damaged memory chases a murderer whose identity he'll never know for sure. Stars: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss
6. THE OTHERS
(4 cams) PG-13
A woman (Nicole Kidman) who lives in a darkened old house with her two photosensitive children becomes convinced that her family home is haunted.
7. HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE
(4 cams)
The world's favorite boy wizard learns his craft at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Daniel Radcliffe stars in director Chris Columbus' version of the popular book.
8. BANDITS
(4 cams) PG-13
Two bank robbers (Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton), on a crime spree, both fall in love with the girl they've kidnapped (Cate Blanchett).
9. MOULIN ROUGE
(4 cams) PG-13
A courtesan (Nicole Kidman) and a writer (Ewan McGregor) find love in the infamous Paris nightclub, circa 1900. Baz Luhrmann directs this stylish musical.
10. MONSTERS, INC.
(4 cams) G
Monsters from the closet find their world in chaos when a little girl intrudes. This is the latest computer animated feature from Disney and Pixar.
GUIDE TO MOVIE CONTENT:
N (nudity) P (profanity) S (sex) V (graphic violence)
Please remember - if a film is rated “R,” that: “No one under 17 will be admitted to see this film unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.”
ROG'S TOP TEN PICKS FOR 2000
1. ALMOST FAMOUS - (R), 120 min., N, P, S
(5 cams)
A teen rock journalist goes on the road in 1973 to write about a band called Stillwater. The best film of the year - almost perfect! Stars: Billy Crudup, Kate Hudson, Patrick Fugit
2. QUILLS - (R), 123 min. P, S, N
(5 cams)
The account of the Marquis de Sade, who spends his last decade in a mental hospital. Brilliant. Stars: Geoffrey Rush, Kate Winslet, Michael Caine
3. BEST IN SHOW - (PG-13), 90 min., P, S
(5 cams)
Several couples and their canines converge on a national dog show. Blue ribbon winner all the way. Stars: Christopher Guest, Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy
4. CHICKEN RUN - (G), 83 min.
(5 cams)
Captive chickens attempt to fly the coop in this full-length claymation feature. StoupHENdous!! Stars voices of : Mel Gibson, Julia Sawalha, Miranda Richardson
5. FANTASIA 2000 - (G).90 min.
(5 cams)
Music and animation blend in the long anticipated update of the 1940 classic. Simply fantastic! Stars: Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck
6. THE CREW- (PG-13), 88 min. , V, N
(5 cams)
Four former mob wiseguys hatch a plan to save their retirement home. A real steal. Stars: Richard Dreyfuss, Burt Reynolds
7. FINDING FORRESTER - (PG-13), 134 min., P
(4 cams)
William Forrester, a recluse Pulitzer Prize-winning author, forms a bond with a brash young aspiring writer. Uplifting, with inspired performances by the cast. Stars: Sean Connery, Rob Brown
8. WONDER BOYS - (R), 112 min., P,S,V
(4 cams)
As a writer-blocked literary professor's life begins to unravel, he questions whether or not he has any wisdom to offer his student protege. Remarkably fresh and inventive. A class act. Stars: Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, Robert Downey, Jr.
9. THIRTEEN DAYS - (PG-13), 145 min., P
(4 cams)
True-life account of how the Kennedys dealt with the Cuban Missile Crisis. Riveting historical drama. Stars: Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood
10. GLADIATOR - (R), 160 min., V
(4 cams)
Once a great Roman General, a gladiator fights for revenge by becoming the Empire's greatest hero. Spectacular. Stars: Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Richard Harris
ROG'S TOP TEN PICKS FOR 1999
1. AMERICAN BEAUTY - (R), 115 min., P, N, S, V
(5 cams)
A married couple live the dark side of the American dream. One of the best pictures of the year. A real beauty! Stars: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening
2. OCTOBER SKY - (PG), 108 min.
(5 cams)
Four high school friends try to win scholarships to escape a coal mining future by building homemade rockets. A masterpiece! Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, and Laura Dern
3. TOY STORY 2 - (G), 90 min.
(5 cams)
Woody gets kidnapped. Buzz and the rest of the toys race to the rescue. Pure fun for the whole family. Stars voices of: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen
4. THE OTHER SISTER - (PG-13), 120 min., S
(5 cams)
A slightly retarded woman leaves her overprotective mother, attends college, and finds a boyfriend. A masterpiece filled with brilliant performances. Stars: Juliette Lewis, Diane Keaton, Tom Skerritt
5. THE GREEN MILE - (R), 187 min., P, V, N, S
(5 cams)
A prison guard encounters a condemned killer with special powers in this adaptation of a Steven King novella. One of the best films of the decade. Miles above the competition. Stars: Tom Hanks, David Morse, Michael Clarke Duncan
6. BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS - (R), 110 min., P
(5 cams)
Successful car salesman Dwayne Hoover loses touch with reality thanks to his bizarre family life. Brilliant translation of the Kurt Vonnegut novel. Outstanding performances by the stars, but the movie won't garner mass appeal. Stars: Bruce Willis, Nick Nolte, and Albert Finney
7. BEING JOHN MALKOVICH- (R), 112 min., P, S
(4 cams)
Bizarre film about a puppeteer who discovers a portal into the mind of actor John Malkovich. Highly original, mind-boggling comedy. Stars: John Cusack, Cameron Diaz, John Malkovich
8. THE CIDER HOUSE RULES - (PG-13), 131 min., N, S
(4 cams)
A young man leaves the orphanage where he grew up and discovers that his future is linked to his past. Excellent adaptation of the John Irving book. This movie rules. Stars: Tobey Maguire, Paul Rudd, Charlize Theron, Michael Caine
9. THE INSIDER - (R), 157 min., P
(4 cams)
CBS producer Lowell Bergman and tobacco industry insider Jeffrey Wigand battle CBS when their "60 Minutes" interview fails to air. Powerful docudrama with a first-rate cast. Smokin'! Stars: Al Pacino, Russell Crowe
10. THE SIXTH SENSE - (PG-13), 107 min., P, N, V
(4 cams)
A supernatural thriller about a child psychologist who tries to help a lonely little boy who sees ghosts all around him. A spooktacular winner with performances to die for. Stars: Bruce Willis, Haley Joel Osment
ROG'S TOP TEN PICKS FOR 1998
1. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN - Rated R
(5 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Following the Normandy invasion, Army captain Tom Hanks leads a patrol behind enemy lines to find a private, whose brothers have all been killed in action, and bring him back alive. This may sound like standard WW II fare, but under Steven Spielberg's direction, a cinematic masterpiece is born. I wondered how
today's finest director could top his anti-war message of "Schindler's List". "Saving Private Ryan" is the answer. Here is the greatest indictment against war ever filmed. The graphically gory battle scenes bring a new level of realism to the cinema - a level that may be too intense
for war veterans. Hanks and a supporting cast that includes Tom Sizemore, Edward Burns, and Matt Damon deliver first-rate performances amidst the breathtaking cinematography. Another rousing John Williams musical score is also present. At nearly three hours in length, this triumph in film- making moves at
a fast clip and never lets up. Not once did I ever feel like I was spending "The Longest Day" at the movies!
2. THE TRUMAN SHOW - Rated PG
(5 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Truman Burbank (Jim Carrey) has lived his whole life in the idyllic small town of Seahaven. He's led a perfect life. He has a perfect wife (Laura Linney), perfect house .... There is one catch. His entire life has been a television series. Seahaven is actually a giant domed studio. Everything is orchestrated from a
high-tech control room by creator/director Christof (Ed Harris). What seems like a bizarre premise for a movie turns into the first cinematic masterpiece of the year. Director Peter Weir has fashioned a wry commentary on today's society that succeeds on all levels. Jim Carrey delivers a subdued, less manic performance that
spotlights a flare for drama. If he stays on track, he'll duplicate Robin Williams' career. "The Truman Show" may owe its roots to an old "Twilight Zone" episode or TV's "The Prisoner," yet it's like nothing I've ever seen before. This first-class comedy/drama is "All New To Me." I'm
hooked as a viewer.
3. A BUG'S LIFE - Rated G
(5 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Every summer, a gang of menacing grasshoppers takes a large portion of the hard-earned harvest of a colony of peaceful ants. Flik, an ant who's not quite in tune with the rest of the colony, mistakenly gets outside help from an unemployed troupe of circus bugs. This delightful concoction masterfully mixes
Aesop's fable "The Grasshopper And The Ants" with "The Magnificent Seven" to create the animated surprise of the year. Rich in humor and characterization, this instant classic has something for every member of the family. Kudos to all involved including director John Lasseter, the Pixar
staff, and a voice cast led by Dave Foley (Flik) and Kevin Spacey (the grasshopper leader, Hopper). They keep you in your seat even through the hilarious final credits. Pixar is the studio that gave us the inventive "Toy Story." With "A Bug's Life," they stretch the limits of computer
animation to fluid perfection and wide-screen CinemaScope splendor. I can't wait to see what they come up with next --- now that they've worked out the bugs.
4. BULWORTH - Rated R
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Warren Beatty is incumbent Senator Jay Bulworth, on the campaign trail and on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He has a contract taken out on his life and, much to the dismay of his campaign manager (Oliver Platt), he begins to spout the truth at public appearances. When beautiful Halle Berry enters his life, Bulworth has
second thoughts about life and love. Beatty has crafted one of the finest films of his career. This piece of work is proof positive that as writer, actor, producer, and director, Warren has few equals. “Bulworth” won’t please all moviegoers. Some may be downright offended, especially by the sight of a rappin’ white
Senator. But Warren Beatty and Oliver Platt turn in such outstanding performances that I hope they will be remembered at awards time. If not, it would be un-American and a bad rap.
5. THE IMPOSTERS - Rated R
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Stanley Tucci and Oliver Platt are two unemployed actors who, on the run from the law, stow away on a cruise ship. They run into a boatload of crazies and they're not too stable themselves. Here's that rare find: a small-budget film that's a big surprise. This little gem is obviously a labor of love for
the entire cast, and what a stellar cast it is. Campbell Scott, Tony Shalhoub, and Lili Taylor are the crew from hell. Alfred Molina is a bullish actor out for the blood of Tucci and Platt. Billy Connolly and Isabella Rossellini ham it up while Steve Buscemi shines as Happy Franks, a less than cheerful
lounge singer. Stanley Tucci also wrote and directed this comedic farce that harkens back to the days of the Marx Brothers. There are plenty of movies masquerading as comedies this year, but "The Impostors" is the real thing!
6. PRIMARY COLORS - Rated R
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
A governor's campaign race for the Presidency is the subject of one of the best political films of the century. John Travolta leads a stellar cast in a stellar cinematic gem. As Governor Jack Stanton, Travolta delivers a dead-on characterization of a certain President who's been in the news lately. Emma
Thompson is his equal as the wife who must contend not only with the campaign, but her husband's extramarital activities. Adrian Lester as the new addition to the staff and Billy Bob Thornton as the governor's political strategist add to the proceedings. But Kathy Bates steals the show as a brash campaign
troubleshooter. This is her best role yet - a titanic performance. With the exception of a few slow moments, this is a near work of art. Director Mike Nichols and screenwriter Elaine May are still one of the greatest teams in the entertainment world. "Primary Colors" is a screen triumph
for the ol' Red, White, and Blue.
7. THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY - Rated R
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Loser in life, Ben Stiller has had a crush on Cameron Diaz (Mary) since high school. An embarrassing incident on prom night has kept him away from her. Years later, he hires sleazy private investigator Matt Dillon to find her. Unfortunately, Dillon falls in love with her - as does every man she comes in
contact with. The Farrelly Brothers ("Dumb And Dumber") have fashioned one of the funniest and grossest comedies in years. Loaded with sex jokes and bathroom humor, this demented comedy is not for everyone. My wife (and editor), Janet, was totally turned off. The traveling minstrels who
advance the story in song, the cute little attack dog, and a supporting cast that includes Chris Elliott and Lee Evans ("Mouse Hunt") make it all work for me. At times, I tried hard not to laugh. But there is just something about Mary...
8. EVER AFTER - Rated PG-13
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Once upon a time, the powers that be at Twentieth Century Fox decided to film a live- action version of "Cinderella." I had my reservations, but this little gem works oh so well. Drew Barrymore is Danielle, who's in love with a prince (Dougray Scott) and under the thumb of her stepmother (Anjelica
Huston). Instead of magic and a fairy godmother, Leonardo da Vinci guides the couple on the course to true romance. The cast, under the direction of Andy Tennant, is superb. Huston, as the near evil Rodmilla, adds a human touch and gives surprising depth to the character. She could easily turn up at
awards time. If this movie succeeds at the box-office, look for many other children's classics to be updated. How happy (and rich) Hollywood would be. It could be a true fairytale ending for the studios.
9. THE X-FILES - Rated PG-13
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
For the multitude of fans, the long-awaited big screen version of the popular television series has arrived. FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate a mysterious bombing that isn't at all what it seems. Alien encounters and other paranormal activities are the order of the day.
This dark, witty, intelligent sci-fi event cleverly ties in with the series, yet surprisingly works as a stand-alone movie for those not familiar with the "X-Files." Credit for this amazing feat goes to creator/producer Chris Carter and director Rob Bowman. Not only did they make a believer out of me, but my
teenage X-phile daughter was Xstatic. (She's already seen it twice.) A new movie franchise is born. X marks the spot for what certainly turns out to be Mulder and Scully's most Xcellent adventure.
10. ARMAGEDDON - Rated PG-13
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
An asteroid is on a collision course with Earth. Hasn't this happened before? This time around, expert oil driller Bruce Willis and his ragtag group of heroes are recruited to intercept the deadly rock and blow it away from our planet. Ben Affleck, Steve Buscemi, and Will Patton make up part of the team
in this cleverly disguised version of "The Dirty Dozen." Billy Bob Thornton commands mission control while Liv Tyler, as Willis' daughter, provides the love interest for Ben Affleck. The entire cast is terrific and director Michael Bay keeps the action at such a frenetic pace, you'll swear
you're watching a trailer. Science fact is not a consideration here. This is the nonstop, no-brainer, Sci-Fi summer blockbuster. "Armageddon" rocks!
ROG'S TOP TEN PICKS FOR 1997
1. L.A. CONFIDENTIAL - Rated R
(5 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Until now, "Chinatown" was my all-time favorite epic crime drama. It has been replaced by this flawless, intelligent tale of 1950s Hollywood. Chaos reigns in downtown L. A. and bloody turf wars are the order of the day. Three cops are assigned to solve a multiple murder at a local diner. They
uncover corruption at the highest level. Maybe a familiar plot, but it's done here oh-so-well. Director Curtis Hanson has assembled a non-stellar cast that delivers stellar performances. Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, and Kevin Spacey are the three cops. James Cromwell as their superior, Danny DeVito's sleazy tabloid reporter,
and Kim Basinger as a Veronica Lake look-alike hooker, lend added credibility to the story. There are plots, sub-plots, and character developments that demand attention but are well worth the effort. I could go so far as to say this superb motion picture will win many awards. Confidentially speaking, of course.
2. TITANIC - Rated PG-13
(5 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Take two major studios (Paramount and Twentieth Century Fox), add one of today's leading directors (James Cameron). The result: a near perfect epic in every sense of the word. A modern-day treasure hunt forms the framework leading to a tragic romance aboard the unsinkable ocean liner. Leonardo DiCaprio and
Kate Winslet are the star-crossed lovers. Billy Zane is the antagonistic fiance of Winslet, while Kathy Bates delivers an incredible portrayal of Molly Brown (although I'll never forget Debbie Reynolds). The special effects are awesome and even the 3 hours and 14 minutes, which is longer than the actual sinking, doesn't
work against it. In 1953, Fox had a popular version of "Titanic" and now will far surpass that feat with one of the greatest films of all time. This version includes actual footage of the Titanic that lends an eerie sadness and realism to an already overpowering dramatic event. Truly a cinematic masterpiece of
titanic proportions!
3. AIR FORCE ONE - Rated R
& 1/2 (4 & 1/2 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
The President's plane is hijacked with the First Family on board. Sound preposterous? Well, Harrison Ford is on board as the Chief Executive. He is one of the world's greatest actors and makes the unbelievable ... believable. Gary Oldman is almost his equal as the Russian terrorist bent on achieving his
goal. A fine supporting cast, including Glenn Close as the Vice President, and an outstanding directorial effort by Wolfgang Petersen ("Das Boot") add up to one of the best movies of the decade. The slow, deliberately-paced open builds to high-flying, non-stop action that will keep you glued to your seat. This
class act made me forget all my troubles for a couple of hours. What more can you ask of a movie. Maybe Ford will sign up for a sequel. I can't wait for "Air Force Two."
4. AS GOOD AS IT GETS - Rated PG-13
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Jack Nicholson is truly back in fine form. As Melvin Udall, a romance novelist who always speaks his mind and has an obsessive-compulsive disorder, Jack returns to the type of character he was born to play. After a string of less than quality roles, this is a welcome event. Here he interacts with his gay
painter neighbor (Greg Kinnear) and a waitress (Helen Hunt) with an asthmatic son. Their relationship develops through clever writing and twists and turns under the masterful eye of writer/director James L. Brooks. Kinnear and Hunt are near equals to Nicholson and deserve all the accolades that'll be tossed their way. A
performer to watch is Kinnear's cute little dog --- who during the course of the movie manages to capture the mannerisms of Jack. This most enjoyable comedy is as good as it gets and that's the truth! Can you handle it?
5. WAG THE DOG - Rated R
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
When a scandal erupts close to election day, a presidential spin doctor (Robert De Niro) teams with a famous Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman) to manufacture a fake war. Director Barry Levinson has managed to create a wry, witty satire on the power of the media to manipulate politics and the American
people. De Niro, Hoffman and the entire supporting cast including Anne Heche, Denis Leary, and Willie Nelson are superb. This is the kind of movie that should garner multiple awards, provided it doesn't get lost in the holiday shuffle. Unfortunately, "Tomorrow Never Dies" (the latest Bond adventure) also covers
press manipulation, but on a much grander scale. With a small budget, "Wag The Dog" relies on intelligent storytelling and strong character development. Most of the masses will rush out to see Bond. "Wag The Dog" will be forgotten. Levinson needs to hire a spin doctor, create a diversion that focuses on
his film ...
6. THE FULL MONTY - Rated R
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
It appears to be shaping up as another year where the small independent films will be the leading contenders for all the awards. So far, my favorite has been "Brassed Off." Now comes this new comedy. After the Chippendale dancers perform in their town, six unemployed steelworkers try to turn things
around by forming an unlikely strip act. Robert Carlyle ("Priest") stars as a divorced father who needs cash to gain joint custody of his son. He drags his best friends into his strip for cash scheme. The whole cast is excellent. It's a hilarious turn of events as this group learns to dance and tries to find the
courage for the big night. Together they prepare for a show that will culminate in "The Full Monty" - taking it all off. Sure to be one of the best movies of the year, it is also quite "bareable" entertainment.
7. MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING - Rated PG-13
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Julia Roberts is back in her best film since "Pretty Woman." In this bright, witty, romantic comedy Julia discovers she's in love with her best friend Dermot Mulroney on the day he tells her of his impending marriage to Cameron Diaz. As a lonely restaurant critic, Julia is determined to stop the
wedding at all costs. This includes passing off her gay editor (Rupert Everett) as her fiance'. Everett makes the most of his supporting role. He is, by far, the best character in this movie. At one point, Rupert leads a packed restaurant in a sing-along rendition of "I Say A Little Prayer." When he's not on
screen, the plot drags a bit. But this is a minor complaint for a motion picture that rivals some of the great screwball comedies with a near-perfect marriage of humor and music. Look for a unique version of John Denver's "Annie's Song." It's the icing on the cake.
8. AMISTAD - Rated R
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
Steven Spielberg returns with an entertaining and thought-provoking look at the 1839 revolt aboard the Spanish slave ship La Amistad. The captured Africans' cause led to a history-making decision when abolitionists took the case to the U. S. Supreme Court. A fine cast, including Matthew McConaughey, Morgan
Freeman, and Djimon Hounsou helps maintain interest in the proceedings. A truly mesmorizing performance by Anthony Hopkins as ex-President John Quincy Adams will keep your eyes wide-open. At times, I felt that Mr. Spielberg was attempting to duplicate "Schindler's List." "Amistad" doesn't draw the
characters quite as well and, thus, lacks the emotional impact. But the past is kept alive with this epic drama. Since those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it, this motion picture will become a valuable history tool. Welcome back Steven. You have found yourself after being "lost" in the summer
"world" of sequels.
9. MEN IN BLACK - Rated PG-13
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
For the first time this season, a movie has come along that could have been longer. It's a wild and crazy sci-fi joyride that left me wanting more. I credit the deft hand of director Barry Sonnenfeld ("Get Shorty") for guiding this tale of a secret organization that monitors alien life on earth. He
has crafted a fast-paced mix of humor and terror. While primarily a comedy, there are a few jolts to keep you on edge. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones prove once more that they are first-rate big screen stars. They are the Men In Black who discover an alien terrorist plot that could destroy the world. Linda Fiorentino, Rip
Torn, and Vincent D'Onofrio (the alien terrorist in a human body) lead a fine supporting cast. Check out the "friendly" worm creatures. They nearly steal the show. While I bemoan the length, I'm sure we haven't seen the last of the MIB. This most certainly is the start of another successful franchise that will
keep the Men In Black in the black for quite some time.
10. ANASTASIA - Rated G
(4 cams)
ROG'S VIEWPOINT
In what has been a disappointing year for animation so far, along comes a genuine four star challenger to the Disney dynasty. Anya (voiced by Meg Ryan) is a young woman searching for her identity with the help of con artist Dimitri (John Cusack). She poses as the long-lost Russian princess and encounters the
evil Rasputin, brilliantly brought to life by Christopher Lloyd. This is one memorable villain, whose body is comically and literally falling apart. Director Don Bluth ("An American Tail") is a genius who has fashioned another unforgettable masterpiece complete with memorable score and richly detailed, fluid
animation. There are even two songs I remember. Only a few slow moments and a couple of forgettable, generic tunes kept me from giving "Anastasia" a full five cams. This is the best animated film since "The Lion King." By today's standards, it's certainly a Herculean feat and a royal treat. |
