10. DEAD AGAIN

Although Kenneth Branagh’s follow up to Henry V might be a bit too preachy on the power of faith, there’s no denying that he’s two for two when it comes to creating entertaining films.  Not only does Branagh direct Dead Again, but he also plays two of the film’s leads, matching his wife, Emma Thompson, who also provides strong dual performances.  If you can avoid the sometimes-farfetched story and just sit back and enjoy Dead Again, you’re in for a real treat.

9. TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY

Who would have guessed that Terminator 2: Judgment Day, a film superior to the original 1984 film, would join the shortlist of The Godfather Part II, The Empire Strikes Back and Aliens as the greatest sequels of all time?  Probably nobody, but that’s exactly what James Cameron achieves by reuniting Sarah Connor, John Connor and The Terminator for a second, much more entertaining chapter to the futuristic sci-fi action film.

8. BARTON FINK

What do the Coen brothers – whose credits include Blood Simple, Raising Arizona and Miller’s Crossing – know about writer’s block?  Well, apparently enough to make one of the best movies of the year.  John Tuturro, who gave a standout performance in Miller’s Crossing, teams up with the Coen brothers again as the title character – a renown New York playwright who moves to Hollywood in the 1940s to write for the pictures.  Barton Fink is at times strange, but its characters are so unique that you can’t help but feel fortunate that, unlike Barton, the Coen brothers have yet to see a drought with their writing.

7. BOYZ N THE HOOD

John Singleton’s brilliant debut film builds on the momentum of Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing, as he focuses on a group of teenagers in south central Los Angeles whose surroundings put them at a disadvantage for the better life that they dream of having.  Although it may not feel as direct, stylish or polished as Lee’s film, it’s every bit as important.  And it proves that Ice Cube may have a bright career in movies if he ever decides to take a break from his successful music career.

6. CAPE FEAR

In a year that was filled with great thrillers, one of the best was Martin Scorsese’s remake of the 1962 film about a convicted rapist who takes vengeance on his lawyer after being released from prison.  Remakes tend to be dangerous, but not when you’re Martin Scorsese, who is without a doubt one of the strongest directors working today.  He teams up with frequent collaborator Robert De Niro, who is perfect in the role of the former convict.  Cape Fear is suspenseful and smart from start to finish, and is even better than the original film, which is something very few remakes can claim.

5. CITY OF HOPE

John Sayles vastly underseen and incredibly ambitious film intertwines the lives of over thirty significant New Jersey residents as flawlessly as any Robert Altman film.  The main focus is on Nick, the wealthy son of a construction worker who has drifted through life and dreams of living a more impactful life.  But there are also many supporting characters, from blue collar workers to politicians to teachers and the students they hope to help.  City of Hope is a sprawling film – and a great one – that makes viewers think they have more impact on others than they probably realize.

4. JFK

Moviegoers certainly have the right to deny Oliver Stone’s theories regarding the John F. Kennedy assassination, but there is absolutely no denying that he has made one of the most thrilling and entertaining pictures of the year.  With its visually-stunning cinematography and sharp editing, JFK moves at a lightening pace that is never dull or slow, despite being over three hours long.  And is there an actor who has a hotter streak of great films than Kevin Costner.  Even with a resumé that includes Dances With Wolves, Field of Dreams and Bull Durham,  JFK might be his best film yet.

3. THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS

In what has to be considered one of the greatest dual performances of all time, Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins team up to play an FBI trainee and a cannibalistic serial killer, who may be able to provide valuable insight in the search of a serial killer named Buffalo Bill.  Foster is brilliant as the brave agent who refuses to give up, but it’s Hopkins who turns Hannibal Lecter into one of the most memorable characters in the history of cinema. 

2. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Disney made a triumph return two years ago with The Little Mermaid.  This year, they outdid themselves by making the studio’s best animated film in its 68-year history.  Filled with soon-to-be classic songs and some truly remarkable animation, Beauty and the Beast is an enchanting film that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.  This one is a real beauty.

1. THELMA & LOUISE

Buddy crime films have been common since the early days of cinema.  Typically, they star two male leads, but on special occasions, we’d get some variety – typically in the form of a male lead and his pet dog.  And in rare occasions, they’d have both a male and female lead, a la Bonnie and Clyde.  But in 1991, Ridley Scott completely switched things up by starring not one, but two female leads in his masterful thriller, Thelma & Louise.  But that isn’t the sole reason that Thelma & Louise is my pick for the best film of the year.  It deserves the top spot because it is simply the most entertaining and thrilling film of the year.