The Best of the 1990s: 21 - 30

21) EVE'S BAYOU
Director: Kasi Lemmons
Another unappreciated gem. A little voodoo, some cheatin' hearts and child's eyes on the world make a pretty darn good movie. One of the only movies around to see black characters as more than just a means to discuss black issues.

22) TOY STORY
Director: John Lasseter
A seminal piece of work. The digital revolution starts now. It's hilarious and entertaining and simply impressive to watch.

23) THE PLAYER
Director: Robert Altman
A fun little throwaway from Altman. Man, he's good. An homage to Hollywood for the ages.

24) GROUNDHOG DAY
Director: Harold Ramis
Comedy meets a real message. I think that this is Bill Murrays best acting job, much better than the expressionless sack that shows up on Lost in Translation, and The Life Aquatic, and Broken Flowers.

25) GOOD WILL HUNTING
Director: Gus Van Sant
Extremely well written. Bright and to the point. Robin Williams usually comes across as mopey and a little annoying in his downer roles, but here he hits all the right notes.

26) EYES WIDE SHUT
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Highly flawed, but so unique and brave and (frankly) well crafted that it deserves attention.

27) DEAD MAN WALKING
Director: Tim Robbins
One of the great topical movies of the nineties. Here we're talking Death penalty. At least for me, it prompted enough contemplation to change my views.

28) UNFORGIVEN
Director: Clint Eastwood
This western's all "real" and "gritty". It's also entertaining and extremely well acted. Gene Hackman and Richard Harris are all time greats.

29) THE MATRIX
Director: Wachowski Bros
One of those rare movies that become an event. They come out of nowhere to really delight. Too bad its sequels fell way short.

30) BRAVEHEART
Director: Mel Gibson
This was a real crowd-pleaser if ever there was one. Grand, epic, patriotic. Awash in battles, love triangles ... naked butts for the ladies - all the pieces for a winning film. (See Dances with Wolves for similar formula.)

12/02/2005