Separated by a gulf of 30 years, an unsolved mystery serves as the backdrop for this compelling look at the relationship between father and son. In 1999, John Sullivan finds that he can communicate with his presently deceased father back in 1969 through a ham radio and uncommon solar flare activities. John embarks on a quest to avert the demise of his dad but finds that altering the past is not as simple as it might seem. Changing one aspect of history begins a cascade of chain reactions that threaten to destroy all John values in his 1999 world. However, the science fiction trappings are there to support the main focus of the film: the drama between the characters.

This clever and heartfelt film deals with actors of the cancelled TV show "Galaxy Quest" being mistaken for the heroic characters they once portrayed and getting recruited by real aliens to aid in their intergalactic struggles. The smart screenplay and direction gives enough of a nod to the "Star Trek" mythos to make the crazed fans and tensions between castmates familiar, but there is enough divergence that the characters can have their own identities and paths of evolution. Tim Allen effectively balances the comedy that arises from his ego-driven lead actor with the dramatic elements in his relationships with others. The members of the cast all rise to the challenge of effectively showcasing the individual foibles and personalities of their respective characters. The creature effects by Stan Winston Studios and the space special effects by Industrial Light and Magic provide the film with a seamless quality where the effects are dazzling enough to elicit a sense of wonder and awe but are ultimately subservient to the tightly-plotted story. One element that is both unexpected and ingenious is the contrast between moments of hilarity and scenes of surprising poignancy and emotional power. Perhaps the most endearing trait of "Galaxy Quest" is its incisive perceptions of various human emotions. From the tensions and camraderie between co-workers to the joys and woes of the fan/professional relationship, this movie ultimately succeeds in highlighting the positive qualities in people and life.
 
 

This film is a wonderfully moody and evocative sci-fi tale that eschews the conventional idea of flashy special effects in place of unobtrusive visuals that never call attention to themselves. Instead, a very strong story, rich with ideas and emotion, propels the movie along. Dealing with characters in the near-future who can interface with a computer-generated virtual Los Angeles of the 1930's, the plot is a cleverly constructed mystery which has enough twists to constantly surprise the viewer. Craig Bierko, Armin  Mueller-Stahl, Gretchen Mol, Vincent D’Onofrio and Dennis Haysbert give outstanding performaces, and their talents are given the opportunity to shine in a most unorthodox manner. The characters are all engaging and have a tremendous sense of humanity about them; even the worst of them manage to ellicit a small measure of sympathy as human beings. The look of nostalgic L.A. is decadently beautiful, and the modern-day incarnation of that megapolis is an amazing sensory montage of skyscapers at dusk and night which flow like rivers of molten chrome. Deftly directed byJosef Rusnak, the whole film is a masterful blend of a great story, engaging characters, intriguing ideas and an original and wonderfully imaginative visual style.
 
 

As portrayed by Gabriel Byrne, John Malkovich, Jeremy Irons and Gerard
Depardieu, the famous Four Musketeers come to life with passion and vibrancy. Since the story takes place in the waning years of the lives of these four friends, there is a rich history to the characters that cannot be duplicated in movies where the protagonists are just starting their journeys. With the superb nuanced performances given by these fine actors, a sense of camaraderie, friendship and shared past adventures dominates the quartet, although the viewer never feels left out or scrambling to catch up.  Each actor fuels his specific character with ambitions and motivations that creates a bounty of fascinating personalities to watch. Even Leonardo DiCaprio does an admirable job of subtly portraying two very disparate characters.

The story itself is a marvel of construction and poetry. Every character has powerful passions which propel them through the plot, creating a engrossing web of love and hate, treachery and loyalty. Because each character is so interesting to watch, there is never a dull moment on the screen, no matter who is there. The backbone of the film is a well-constructed storyline of adventure which is rife with harrowing twists and turns. There are also secondary subplots which infuse mystery and suspense into the movie, rewarding the viewer with revelations, each more enticing than the last. With all the swashbuckling that is bound to be included in any Musketeers movie, this version never forgets its core of humanity. The hope and dreams of each character, the relationships between them and the passions that drive each individual are the heart of this film.
 
 

With the re-release of the John Williams soundtrack, I rekindled the affection I have for this monumental film, even though I have never stopped appreciating it through the years. While the term "epic" aptly describes "Superman: The Movie", Richard Donner did a wonderful job of balancing the iconography of this mythic figure with a humanity and charm that proves to be a winning combination. Watching it as a kid, I could never sit still through the first hour - waiting impatiently for the first glimpse of the familiar red, yellow and blue costume. Now, I realize the solid foundation that the Krypton/Smallville segment lays for the film. One of the most poignant moments is Jonathan Kent counseling Clark when it seems unbearable to keep his amazing powers a secret. The vision of Clark standing in a vast vista of wheat and corn at dawn to be replaced by the arctic wasteland is truly an unforgettable moment. When Clark gets to Metropolis, what won me over was the view identification that took place. Everyone can identify with lonely feelings of being an outsider exemplified by Clark's friendly overtures not even acknowledged, let alone reciprocated. Of course, Superman's debut in a thrilling sequence of heroic deeds always leaves me breathless and energized. With the introduction of Lex Luthor, some much needed levity enters the picture. No less menacing or cruel, Gene Hackman's Luthor is amusing to watch (especially when he's torturing the inept Otis, as played by Ned Beatty), but you wouldn't want to be in the same room as him. Christopher Reeve is the perfect Superman/Clark Kent. As Superman, he displays an earnest goodness and physical panache that defines the character. As Clark Kent, Reeve shows the vulnerable, human side of the character - the loser and nerd in each of us whenever we've made some gaff or clumsy error. However, his never-ending good humor and kindness show that Clark Kent and Superman are not that far apart. The most defining scene of this dichotomy occurs in Lois' apartment after Superman has taken her on a moonlight flight over Metropolis and Clark arrives afterwards for their date.  As Lois changes in the other room, Christopher Reeve pulls off a stunning performance as he grows in height by shifting his shoulders back and uncurling from a meek stoop, along with Clark's nebbish stuttering high pictched-voice becoming the deep confident of the Man of Steel. Of course there's no denying that the ending of the film destroyed any chance of this movie being perfect. Superman going back in time to save Lois is a lazy, unimaginative and incompetent plot device, although his decision to live with humans instead of apart from them finally defines his relationship with his adopted planet. Still, the movie is a spectacular translation of a comic book, nay an 20th century, icon. The original ads for this film proclaimed that "You Will Believe A Man Can Fly". Whenever I watch "Superman: The Movie", I do.
 
 

Yeah, baby, yeah! With the hilarious Mike Myer as both the chauvinistic yet vulnerable Austin Powers and the power-mad yet pathetic Dr. Evil and the luscious Elizabeth Hurley heating up the screen, this movie is a laugh extravaganza for fans of James Bond and anachronistic comedies. Although the movie contains non-stop hilarity, it is the softer side which shows Powers as a lonely, self-conscious guy lost in time that makes the character bearable through his ludicrous exploits.
 
 

This is a warm and compassionate movie that follows the journey of a man who dreams of success on a grand scale but has to deal with the events that life throws his way. Along the way, he meets a myriad of people whom he affects and who are influenced by him. From the emotional highs to the depths of despair, Glenn Holland is our passport into what we all face at certain moments in our existence. This movie subtly, carefully and deftly shows how our lives touch so many others and how we are changed because of it.

Exuberant and full of energy, this film captures the joy of being a kid and all the adventures, real and imagined, that dominate their imaginations. The mood is infectious and should remind everyone of the buddies and good times they had as children.
 
 

Incredible action with multi-faceted and dimensional characters who defy the general labels that would be given to them in other action films. The strength of the film's complexity and sophistication in dealing with morality and humanity can br seen in the film's antagonist who could never be pigeon-holed as a "villain".
 
 

The ultimate lawman brought to larger-than-life on the big screen. The movie boasts impressive sets and costumes and a compelling story that not only examines the extremes of liberty versus safety but the humanity of the future's toughest cop.
 
 

Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows! With sumptuous period settings and costumes and a dynamic struggle between good and evil, this film is, at the core, an examination of a protagonist who knows the depths of man's depravity because he has resided there before.
 
 

No film better exemplifies the optimism and innocence of 1940's films. While nostalgia may simplify the existence of people in the past, this movie shows and exuberance and joy that is unfettered and unstoppable. Verging on the best type of melodrama in the clash over a fabulous jet pack, the characters remain charmingly human and full of life and personality.
 
 

An understated and low-key film that uses mild humor and evocative vistas to create a touching and magical story.
 
 

A wistful and atmospheric tale about two piano playing brothers and the introduction of a female singer into the team. With some great sardonic humor, a keen look into relationships and some wonderful music, especially with Michelle Pfeiffer singing her own songs!
 
 
 

Also:
Superman II
Star Trek II, III, IV
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Star Wars
The Empire Strikes Back
Return of the Jedi
Radioland Murders
The Adventures of Robin Hood (with Errol Flynn)
The Mask of Zorro (with Tyrone Power)
Robocop
Starship Troopers
The Abyss
The Untouchables
Back to the Future series
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
The Professional
Transformers: The Movie