#45 - The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King*

Directed by Peter Jackson
2004 Fantasy Adventure
Rated PG-13


*****

#44 - The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers*

Directed by Peter Jackson
2002 Fantasy Adventure
Rated PG-13


**** 1/2

#43 - The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring*

Directed by Peter Jackson
2001 Fantasy Adventure
Rated PG-13


****

#42 - R-Point

Directed by Su-chang Kong
2004 War/Horror
Rated R

***

Manages to mix both the horror and war elements together much better than a film like Deathwatch does, and features some beautiful (stunning at times) cinematography, but average acting, a cliche script, and a completely unnecessary scene featuring some very bad American actors keep this from being much more than passing entertainment.

#41 - Knocked Up*

Directed by Judd Apatow
2007 Comedy
Rated R

*****

#40 - Dumb And Dumber*

Directed by the Farrelly Brothers
1994 Comedy
Rated PG-13

*** 1/2

#39 - Blue Velvet

Directed by David Lynch
1986 Neo-Noir
Rated R

****

Before this, the only David Lynch films I had seen were The Straight Story (which is NOTHING like his normal style) and Mulholland Drive. And based on what i'd heard about his style, I went in expecting the weirdest movie ever. And to be honest, I didn't get that; Blue Velvet is a relatively straightforward neo-noir in the vein of something like Brick. Obviously, Lynch's signature "quirk" is there, but for the most part, this was a really intriguing, always entertaining, and yes, occasionally weird ("He put his disease in me!") thriller. Some people may tell you this isn't for everyone, and while I agree with that, it's certainly more accessible than Mulholland Drive.

#38 - Hannah And Her Sisters

Directed by Woody Allen
1986 Comedy/Drama
Rated R

*****

Regardless of your personal opinion of the man himself, it is hard to argue that Woody Allen is one of the great directors of the past 40 years. At age 72 and getting ready to release his fortieth film this fall (Vicky Christina Barcelona), it's amazing the rapidity which he releases his work; it may not all be great, but enough of it is. And his 1986 film Hannah And Her Sisters, while probably not my favorite film of his, is certainly in the top 3, and without a doubt the best written. Great performances from a huge ensemble cast (Oscars went to Caine and Wiest) and some really intriguing shots for what could easily have just become a stage play on film support the brilliant script. But it is that script that will be remembered, and studied for years to come.