The Year in Review- 1995

   It was the year Mel got medieval on our asses and Pixar made magic with our childhood playthings. De Niro and Pacino shared the same frame, Hanks was at the height of his fame, and Kevin Spacey decapitated Gwyneth Paltrow. Scorsese was in Vegas, McClane was in New York, and Kidman was out of Tom Cruise's shadow. Here are the ten best films in order for 1995.

1. "Braveheart"(1995)
It would be a real shame if the personal trials and tribulations of Mel Gibson tarnished his sizable legacy and contributions to the medium of film. His talent and passion has never been better displayed than in his 1995 crowning achievement, which single-handedly brought back the historical epic(a largely dormant genre since the heady days of "Ben-Hur" and "Spartacus"). You can bitch about historical accuracy if you want, but it hardly matters when the results are this stunning and powerful. Medieval warfare is perfectly captured in the Battle of Sterling, one of the most rousing sequences ever committed to celluloid. James Horner's score may be the best I've ever heard. The finale is gut-wrenching. This movie is the reason everyone in the world knows the name William Wallace. Watch it again and give Mad Mel a break.

2. "Toy Story"(1995)
This undisputed animated classic is guaranteed to delight children and adults alike for decades to come. The first EVER computer animated film was a game changer that would eventually render hand-drawn animation obsolete, but groundbreaking technology means little without a good story and great characters. The voice work of Tom Hanks and Tim Allen more than met the new standards set by Robin Williams' Genie, and I found myself caring more about Woody and Buzz Lightyear than the vast majority of characters I've seen in live action. Director John Lasseter and the folks at Pixar truly started a revolution that included two equally successful sequels, making "TS" easily one of the most significant films of the last twenty years.

3. "Heat"(1995)
Los Angeles was Michael Mann's canvas in the greatest cops 'n' robbers movie of all time. Al Pacino and Robert De Niro are the twin titans of late 20th Century screen acting, and seeing them meet face-to-face for the first time was worth the price of admission alone(they shared no scenes in "The Godfather Part II"), while a plethora of quality actors such as Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, John Voight, Dennis Haysbert and Ashley Judd all naturally wanted in on this once-in-a-lifetime event("Righteous Kill" NEVER happened, okay?). I can't decide what's more exciting- that coffee shop conversation or the crackling shoot-out pictured above. Let's call it a dead heat.

4. "Seven"(1995)
Michael Mann wasn't the only director that made a big name for himself in 1995. Bouncing back nicely from the "Alien 3" debacle, David Fincher took a familiar mismatched cop partners set-up and made the best serial killer thriller of the '90s not called "Silence of the Lambs". Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman have this film's unrelenting darkness and intensity to thank for their permanent residence on the A-list, and the third act reveal of a previously unknown Kevin Spacey as the gruesome John Doe remains unsettling. I won't spoil THAT ending for the seven people(pun intended) who still haven't seen it, but it's as bleak as mainstream movies get and Gwyneth Paltrow has never been used more effectively.

5. "Apollo 13"(1995) Ron Howard's attention to detail and commitment to authenticity is apparent in every frame of perhaps his biggest directorial triumph, the gripping true story of three American astronauts struggling to return to Earth following a damaging explosion aboard the ill-fated 1970 Apollo spacecraft. Tom Hanks always has the right stuff, but this is truly an ensemble piece and credit must also be distributed to Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Ed Harris, Gary Sinise and, Kathleen Quinlan. This drama managed to outperform nearly all the hyped-up action fantasies released that summer, while serving as a glorious tribute to some heroes we almost forgot.

6. "Casino"(1995)
What happens in Vegas doesn't stay in Vegas, as Martin Scorsese returned to familiar territory for another riveting and heavily-researched mob morality tale based on actual events. Nicolas Pileggi scripts an equally-immersive story of greed and excess in 1970s Nevada, but many ungrateful critics could only moan comparisons to "Goodfellas" in Nov '95. The Tangiers led to just as many lazy Sundays in the 2000s. Robert De Niro is right at home as smooth criminal Sam 'Ace' Rothstein, and Joe Pesci is even more explosive and violent as his right-hand man Nicky Santoro. It was the last time street guys were ever given anything that fuckin' valuable again. Sharon Stone steals all her scenes as Ace's wild ex-call girl wife Ginger, a dazzling turn that would end up being the blonde beauty's career apex.

7. "Dead Man Walking"(1995)
Susan Sarandon capped off a great run that included "Thelma and Louise", "Lorenzo's Oil", and "The Client", with a Best Actress Oscar win for this story of a compassionate nun and her special relationship with a redneck Death Row prison inmate(Sean Penn). The death penalty remains a divisive issue, and director Tim Robbins brings balance and sensitivity to the subject by daring to humanize a 'monster', while never turning a blind eye to his horrific crimes. Penn deserved his share of the praise(as well as the Oscar that went to Nick Cage for "Leaving Las Vegas") for a film that stays with viewers long after it's tense, unbearable conclusion.

8. "To Die For"(1995)
Nicole Kidman was clearly robbed of a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her career-best performance as vapid small town weather girl Suzanne Stone in Gus Van Sant's biting satire. After failing to break into the world of big-time television news, she seduces a stoned teenager(Joaquin Phoenix in his breakout role) into killing her nice-guy husband(Matt Dillon) for standing in the way of her lofty ambitions. With a story ripped straight out of real-life headlines, this caustic commentary on society's obsession with celebrity and the pursuit of fame at any cost is even more relevant now than it was in '95.

9. "Nixon"(1995)
Oliver Stone was easily one of the most vital filmmakers during his Hollywood heyday. To put it in layman's terms, he had balls, and the mini-outrage sparked by "Natural Born Killers" didn't stop him from boldly tackling our disgraced 37th President. Anthony Hopkins used his amazing skill to paint a portrait of a complex and deeply flawed man that may have been more deserving of Oscar gold than Cage AND Penn. Stone pokes around a few more dark corners of American history as he takes us from Nixon's tortured upbringing to Watergate, and the results are nearly as nourishing as his masterpiece "JFK".

10(tie). "Twelve Monkeys"(1995)
Bruce Willis displays zero vanity as a grungy time traveler desperately tracking the origin of a disease that will wipe out 99% of the planet's population in Terry Gilliam's dark and gritty sci-fi tale. A bonkers Brad Pitt proved that he had even less interest in being pristine, while Madeline Stowe would surely make any list of underrated actresses. Gilliam isn't everyone's cup of tea(I can't say I cared much for 1985's "Brazil"), but this is some quality gloom and doom that found the offbeat, reclusive director uncharacteristically comfortable working within the confines of the studio system.



"Welcome to the A-list, pal. Remember, there's no such thing as a bad script".

10(tie). "Die Hard with a Vengeance"(1995)
This was a great year for Bruce Willis. So great in fact, that I had a tough time choosing between his two 1995 offerings, until I just decided that I didn't have to. Bruce slid very comfortably back into his trademark wife-beater in the explosive third entry of his seminal action franchise, that returning director John McTiernan starts off with a bang, wisely letting John McClane play on his home turf- New York City. Our hung-over hero is joined by a scene-stealing Samuel L. Jackson and a villainous Jeremy Irons for two breathless hours, and we even get a nice twist to the proceedings to keep things interesting. Forget any and all subsequent installments. This is the last REAL "Die Hard" movie.

Honorable Mentions- "Before Sunrise"(1995) Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy begin their decades-long love story. "Murder in the First"(1995) Kevin Bacon is locked in Alcatraz. "The Brady Bunch Movie"(1995) An amiable spoof of the immortal '70s sitcom. "Losing Isaiah"(1995) Jessica Lange vs. Halle Berry. "Outbreak"(1995) Dustin Hoffman vs. a deadly virus. "Tommy Boy"(1995) Chris Farley is at his best. "Just Cause"(1995) Sean Connery is a crusading lawyer. "Kiss of Death"(1995) David Caruso, Nick Cage, and Sam Jackson in a decent crime flick. "Don Juan DeMarco"(1995) Johnny Depp as the world's greatest lover. "The Cure"(1995) R.I.P. Brad Renfro. "Friday"(1995) Ice Cube and Chris Tucker chill in this cult comedy. "The Basketball Diaries"(1995) Leonardo DiCaprio was a legend-in-the-making.

"Rob Roy"(1995) Liam Neeson as the 18th Century Scottish outlaw. "Dolores Claiborne"(1995) Kathy Bates stars in another Stephen King chiller. "Forget Paris"(1995) Billy Crystal directs and stars with Debra Winger. "While You Were Sleeping"(1995) Sandra Bullock was America's newest sweetheart. "Casper"(1995) Christina Ricci befriends the friendly ghost. "Crimson Tide"(1995) Denzel Washington and Gene Hackman clash aboard a nuclear submarine. "The Bridges of Madison County"(1995) Clint Eastwood romances Meryl Streep. "Safe"(1995) Julianne Moore is sick.

"Batman Forever"(1995) Val Kilmer suits up in the summer's #1 blockbuster. "Pocahontas"(1995) Disney animation was a license to print money. "Species"(1995) A hot alien wreaks havoc. "First Knight"(1995) Richard Gere and Sean Connery in Camelot. "Nine Months"(1995) Hugh Grant headlines this Chris Columbus comedy. "The Indian in the Cupboard"(1995) Frank Oz directs a Melissa Mathison screenplay. "Kids"(1995) An unflinching look at the lives of unruly NYC youths. "Clueless"(1995) Writer-director Amy Heckerling made Alicia Silverstone a movie star(temporarily). "Babe"(1995) George Miller's talking pig movie was popular. "Clockers"(1995) Spike Lee knows the streets. "Dangerous Minds"(1995) Michelle Pfeiffer in gangsta paradise. "Desperado"(1995) Antonio Banderas breaks out as a smoldering outlaw drifter. "Something to Talk About"(1995) Dennis Quaid cheats on Julia Roberts. "The Usual Suspects"(1995) Kevin Spacey is Keyzer Soze. "The Tuskegee Airman"(1995) The first all-African American Air Force Squadron during WWII. "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar"(1995) Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, and John Leguizamo opened at #1.

"Mighty Aphrodite"(1995) Mira Sorvino has an Oscar because of Woody Allen. "Kicking and Screaming"(1995) Noah Baumbach's directorial debut. "Dead Presidents"(1995) The Hughes brothers pull a robbery. "Tyson"(1995) Michael Jai White as Iron Mike. "Leaving Las Vegas"(1995) Nic Cage collects Best Actor as a suicidal alcoholic. "How to Make an American Quilt"(1995) Winona Ryder will show you how. "Now and Then"(1995) Demi Moore, Melanie Griffith, Rosie O'Donnell, and Christina Ricci in the female "Stand by Me". "Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls"(1995) Jim Carrey was a genius. "Goldeneye"(1995) Pierce Brosnan brings back Bond. "Get Shorty"(1995) John Travolta is cool again. "Jumanji"(1995) Robin Williams and a wacky board game. "Grumpier Old Men"(1995) More geriatric hijinks with Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthua. "Mr. Holland's Opus"(1995) Richard Dreyfuss is a good music teacher. "The American President"(1995) Rob Reiner romanticizes politics with Michael Douglas and Annette Bening. "Sense and Sensibility"(1995) Ang Lee's prestige piece picked up nominations for Emma Thompson(who also wrote the screenplay) and a 20 year old Kate Winslet. "Waiting to Exhale"(1995) Whitney Huston and Angela Bassett lead this estrogen-laden ensemble. "Restoration"(1995) Robert Downey Jr. in 1660 England.

Franchise Review- Iron Man

   The summer movie season officially kicked off with the eagerly anticipated release of "Iron Man 3" which took in a staggering $175 million in it's opening weekend. Not bad for a superhero that the general public had zero interest in six years ago. You've gotta hand it to the powers that be at Marvel. They're arguably the most powerful force in Hollywood and they've shown no signs of slowing down. They appear to have a lock on that crucial early May release date("The Amazing Spiderman 2" swings into theaters on May 2, 2014) and rack up box office totals that puts sweat on James Cameron's brow. Monetary earnings aside, how do Tony Stark's adventures stack up pound for pound against the mighty franchises of yesteryear? Does it bother Chris Nolan's Batman trilogy- the universally accepted barometer of comic book movie greatness? Let's find out.

"Iron Man"(2008)
Looking back, it's hard to believe that the original was hardly a guaranteed smash. Iron Man was what you'd call a second-string superhero, director John Favreau had never sat at the helm of a big budget production and a pre-2008 Robert Downey Jr. was more famous for multiple drug arrests than anything he had done onscreen. But his talents were never in question and Downey brought a charm, likability, and sense of humor to the role of Tony Stark that the wealthy industrialist playboy wouldn't have had otherwise. Marvel took a huge risk that paid off big time, and Gwyneth Paltrow is a good match as his assistant and budding love interest Pepper Potts. Jeff Bridges has long been one of the finest actors in Hollywood, but the focus is squarely on Stark which makes his mentor-turned-nemesis the weak link. Underwhelming villains have been a problem throughout the series which may be more a fault in the mythology. The special effects are top of the line, with Tony's first appearance in the red and gold suit being the real standout. "IM" unexpectedly became the second biggest movie of the summer, trailing "The Dark Knight" and topping "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull", while Sam Jackson's post-credits cameo as Nick Fury hinted that there were much larger plans at the Marvel brain trust.

"Iron Man 2"(2010)
Superhero franchises often peak with their second installment(see "Superman II" and "Spiderman 2"). That didn't happen with Tony Stark's sophomore outing. There's still fun to be had, thanks mainly to RDJ, but Favreau never swings for the fences which is perhaps why he wasn't asked to wrap things up in "3". Mickey Rourke's critically-lauded turn in "The Wrestler" afforded the aging bad-boy a fair amount of screen time as a rogue Russian scientist, and my inner 13 year old had no objections to Scarlet Johansson coming aboard. Terence Howard failed to make a strong impression the first time around, and found himself replaced in the sidekick role by Don Cheadle, while Jackson's Nick Fury reappears to elaborate on that Avengers initiative. That's the real story here. As everyone in the civilized world knows, "The Avengers" destroyed everything in it's path in 2012 to become the highest grossing superhero movie of all time and the THIRD highest grosser ever(behind "Avatar" and "Titanic"), with Downey front and center, which basically made his third solo adventure the surest of sure things.

"Iron Man 3"(2013)
The Marvel machine rolls on in what is likely to be the biggest movie of the summer. "Lethal Weapon" scribe Shane Black replaces John Favreau in the director's chair, but don't expect any significant changes to the winning formula. What we get is more of the same. If you enjoyed the first two "IM" films, there's no reason why you won't enjoy this supposed curtain call. It's another loud, flashy, above-average blockbuster with the requisite amount of over-the-top action and pyrotechnics and Robert Downey Jr.'s noble attempts to be the grounded center of it all. There's a twist involving Ben Kingsley's terrorist villain The Mandarin that leads to the reveal of the REAL heavy played by Guy Pearce. I spoiled that surprise for two reasons and that's a) everyone that wants to see the movie, already has and b) it's not that good. I guess that sums up my feelings about this film and the franchise in general. None of them are bad, but none of them are great, either. Now will Downey suit up for the fifth time in "The Avengers 2" in 2015 even though he's fulfilled his contractual obligations to Marvel? Probably. Money is no object and if it ain't broke...

40 Underrated Movies Vol. 2

   Not every movie lights up the box office or wins major awards. Not every movie spawns sequels or prequels- the current barometer for success in Hollywood. There are plenty of good movies that did none of these things, but the passage of time just forces many of them to be pushed into the background until they're largely forgotten as hundreds of new offerings pour out each year. It's never too late for a movie to experience a revival, though. Film buffs have the power to make previously underrated movies like "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory", "Blade Runner", "Scarface", "The Shawshank Redemption" and "Fight Club" SO popular that we forget what the initial response was. There's hope for these films yet. Here are 40 more underrated movies in the order they were released.

1. "Play It Again, Sam"(1972)
If you're a Woody Allen fan(and you should still be), then seek out his first teaming with his '70s muse Diane Keaton, that laid the groundwork for his neurotic immortality, as his lovelorn Bogart-obsessed introvert fails repeatedly at romance.

2. "Lenny"(1974)
Dustin Hoffman is excellent in the true life story of controversial stand-up comic Lenny Bruce who shook up a repressed public in the 1950s and early '60s with his racy but honest monologues that inspired a whole generation of libertarians.

3. "Nighthawks"(1981)
If you can get past Sylvester Stallone's Serpico beard, this NYC cop thriller is an early, unsung effort from the budding icon. Rutger Hauer is chilling as an international terrorist on the loose in the Big Apple.

4. "Missing"(1982)
Jack Lemmon displayed more of his seemingly effortless acting talent as an American businessman searching for his missing son in a turbulent South American country. Sissy Spacek is more than a match as his distraught daughter-in-law.

5. "Ruthless People"(1986)
Danny DeVito's philandering millionaire refuses to pay the ransom when his obnoxious wife(Bette Midler) is kidnapped by a financially strapped couple(Judge Reinhold and Helen Stater) in this sharp and hilarious comedy from the ZAZ team that brought us "Airplane!".

6. "Angel Heart"(1987)
This stylish thriller from "Midnight Express" director Alan Parker has a young, untarnished Mickey Rourke in the lead role and Robert De Niro in full creep mode. It also had the grave misfortune of coming out the same day as "Lethal Weapon".

7. "Baby Boom"(1987)
Diane Keaton's high-powered Manhattan career woman didn't see the same success as "The Three Men" that took up child-rearing that very same year, but this Nancy Myers comedy was similarly good-natured family entertainment.

8. "La Bamba"(1987)
Lou Diamond Phillips reached his career high point as Hispanic 1950s rock 'n' roll singer Ritchie Valens who died tragically in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly just as he was achieving broad mainstream appeal.

9. "Throw Momma From The Train"(1987)
Danny DeVito kept his hot streak going in this black comedy(that he also directed) with plenty of help from Billy Crystal and the late Ann Ramsey of "Goonies" fame, as the nastiest mother in movie history.

10. "Overboard"(1987)
Goldie Hawn was exceptionally likable and gifted when it came to light comedy(if you think that's easy, then you've probably never sampled any of her daughter's work). Along with real life co-star Kurt Russell, this amusing update of "The Taming of the Shrew" found the bubbly beauty at her peak.

11. "Funny Farm"(1988)
Chevy Chase's rural romp was released during his 1980s heyday and received a very enthusiastic recommendation from Siskel & Ebert, but neither of those factors could help it against "Big" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" at the ticket counter. I'm backing up the late, great duo's assertion that it's easily one of his better vehicles.

12. "Married to the Mob"(1988)
Michelle Pfeiffer is as engaging as she is gorgeous as she attempts to leave the Family to live a poor but honest life in director Johnathan Demme's unorthodox comedy that may have set the template for VH1's "Mob Wives".

13. "Eight Men Out"(1988)
The 1919 Chicago White Sox scandal is recalled in this authentic period drama. John Cusack, Charlie Sheen, D.B Sweeney and Christopher Lloyd were a winning ensemble and director John Sayles effectively re-creates one of the darkest chapters of America's favorite pastime.

14. "Mississippi Burning"(1988)
Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe are mismatched FBI agents investigating the disappearance and suspected murders of  three civil-rights workers in the racially charged Mississippi of 1964 in director Alan Parker's taut dramatization.

15. "Sea of Love"(1989)
This well crafted police thriller marked Al Pacino's return to the screen after a four year self-imposed exile and quickly reminded us that the multiplex is a much better place when he's around. As a NYC cop, he tracks a lonely hearts killer who may or may not be Ellen Barkin.

16. "Sex, Lies, and Videotape"(1989)
Director Steven Soderbergh's steamy breakthrough explores the psychological make-up of a group of young adults as James Spader's mysterious drifter awakens some repressed feelings from two sisters(Andie MacDowell and Laura San Giacomo) entirely through conversation.

17. "Wild at Heart"(1990)
Relive the days when Nick Cage was cool and even mainstream movies were a little warped as director David Lynch serves up more lurid sex, violence and grotesque characters. It's not for everyone, but adventurous viewers won't be sorry they took this trip.

18. "Unlawful Entry"(1992)
Ray Liotta is intense as a deranged cop who terrorizes a helpless yuppie(Kurt Russell) after becoming obsessed with his attractive wife(Madeline Stowe) in this gripping "Fatal Attraction"-style thriller.

19. "Hoffa"(1992)
Jack Nicholson delivered his most undervalued performance in this epic telling of the controversial Teamsters boss that got lost in the '92 holiday shuffle(even the adults were more interested in "Aladdin" and "Home Alone 2"). Danny DeVito directs a David Mamet screenplay, and co-stars as Hoffa's shady cohort.

20. "Lorenzo's Oil"(1992)
This gut-wrenching fact based drama will be difficult for some, due to it's unflinching portrait of a sick child and terminal illness, but the experience is ultimately an uplifting one. Susan Sarandon and Nick Nolte are terrific as parents who never gave up.

21. "Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story"(1993)
Jason Scott Lee(no relation) is very effective as the martial arts legend in this entertaining biography that focuses on the many struggles and personal demons accompanying his rise from the streets of Hong Kong to international stardom.

22. "What's Love Got to Do with It"(1993)
Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne both shined in this above-average biopic that chronicles the musical success of singer Tina Turner as well as the brutal treatment at the hands of her infamous manager/husband Ike.

23. "The Man Without a Face"(1993)
Mel Gibson made a successful directorial debut with this moving drama in which he also stars as a disfigured, reclusive teacher who forms an unlikely friendship with a troubled teenage student(Nick Stahl).

24. "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm"(1993)
Mark Hamill and Kevin Conroy and their awesome voices were enough to put the feature length version of "Batman: The Animated Series" comfortably ahead of Joel Schumacher's polarizing productions in the Caped Crusader's big screen rankings.

25. "Quiz Show"(1994)
Director Robert Redford's smart, well-written examination of the 1950s game show scandal had a fine cast that included Ralph Fiennes and John Turturro. Too bad "Forrest Gump" and "Pulp Fiction came out in '94.

26. "The Bridges of Madison County"(1995)
 Clint Eastwood left his comfort zone to direct and star in this affecting melodrama with another flawless performance from Meryl Streep as a lonely housewife who falls for a traveling photographer.

27. "12 Monkeys"(1995)
Bruce Willis displays zero vanity as a grungy time traveler desperately tracking the origin of a disease that will wipe out the majority of the Earth's population in director Terry Gilliam's dark and gritty sci-fi tale, while Brad Pitt proved that he had even less interest in being pristine.

28. "Nixon"(1995)
Anthony Hopkins brought his amazing skill to the role of the disgraced 37th President, but it just wasn't enough with "Toy Story" playing down the hall. Oliver Stone pokes around a few more dark corners of American history and the results are no less nourishing than his masterpiece "JFK".

29. "Donnie Brasco"(1997)
It's hard to standout in a genre already perfected by the likes of "The Godfather I and II" and "Goodfellas", but Johnny Depp's undercover FBI agent doesn't seem out of place in mob movie lore thanks largely to Al Pacino's mid-level lifer 'Lefty' Ruggiero.

30. "Jackie Brown"(1997)
Considered a disappointment at the time of it's release for not being Pulp Fiction 2, this Elmore Leonard adaptation is starting to get recognized as Tarantino's most mature film. QT let up on the violence for the first and last time, and Pam Grier heads up a killer cast as a middle-aged flight attendant caught between both sides of the law.

31. "The Thin Red Line"(1998)
If "Saving Private Ryan" hadn't cast such a large shadow that same year, Terence Malick's existential drama would no doubt be recognized as the greatest modern WWII film. It may lack the visceral impact of Spielberg's epic, but Malick is no slouch on the battlefield, with a dream ensemble that includes Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, Jim Caveziel and Adrien Brody.

32. "The Hurricane"(1999)
Denzel Washington furthered his standing as one of this generation's undisputed greats in the role of imprisoned boxer Rubin 'Hurricane' Carter, which is easily par with his work in "Malcolm X"(he didn't win the Academy Award for that, either).

33. "Ali"(2001)
Will Smith proved himself a more than capable actor with his astonishing portrayal of 'The Greatest', in Michael Mann's biopic that covers the life of Cassius Clay from 1964-74 and his defining battles in and out of the ring.

34. "Miracle"(2004)
Kurt Russell guides a line-up of real life hockey players as inspirational coach Herb Brooks for this retelling of one of the biggest upsets in sports history- the U.S. Olympic hockey team's victory over their heavily favored Soviet rivals in 1980.

35. "Collateral"(2004)
Michael Mann's sleek thriller had a tough time getting noticed in a summer dominated by the likes of "Spider-Man 2" and "Shrek 2", despite a stone-cold Tom Cruise in a rare villainous role and newly minted Oscar winner Jamie Foxx as his helpless cabbie/accomplice.

36. "Garden State"(2004)
Natalie Portman is better in any one scene of this quirky indie comedy starring Zach Braff, than in any of the "Star Wars" movies that were filmed around the same time(way to go, George Lucas).

37. "The New World"(2005)
Audiences were very reluctant to give Colin Farrell another chance in a historical drama only one year after the disastrous "Alexander", which is a shame because nearly everyone missed out on the visual poetry that Terence Malick brought to the romance between John Smith and Pocahontas.

38. "W"(2008)
When Obama fever was spreading through the land in '08, nobody seemed to be in the mood for Oliver Stone's indictment of the Bush administration. One day, the public will appreciate Josh Brolin's praise-worthy performance as the college drunk/C-student who became our unlikeliest Commander in Chief.

39. "Changeling"(2008)
Angelina Jolie may have been more deserving of the Best Actress Oscar than that year's recipient Kate Winslet for her searing portrayal of a 1920s woman who exhaustively searches for her missing son in this compelling true story directed by (who else?) Clint Eastwood.

40. "The Wrestler"(2008)
Mickey Rourke's astounding transformation into an aging, washed-up pro wrestler in Darren Aronofsky's heartbreaking character study is the closest thing this cinematic era has to a "Raging Bull".