1. THE TERMINAL
It is not only a great film and a superior cinematic experience, but equally an uplifting and rewarding journey of introspection, re-evaluation of values, and re-examination of attitudes. It is one of those rare films that affords commercial audiences the opportunity to think about their lives and those they come in contact with; the spectacle and grandeur of the film compliment the intricate and complex nature of a story that outwardly seem simplistic and straightforward. Its reward lies in the poignant resolution of the story, where the motives of our actions are amplified to show how fragile the human spirit is and how important our values are. Make an effort to visit The Terminal, you might never want to leave. It tells the story of Viktor Navorski (Tom Hanks), a visitor to New York City from Eastern Europe, whose homeland erupts in a fiery coup while he is in the air en route to America. Stranded at John F. Kennedy International Airport with a passport from nowhere, he is unauthorized to actually enter the United States and must improvise his days and nights in the terminal's international transit lounge until the war at home is over. Read More The script eventually made its way to Steven Spielberg, who read it as one of several screenplays the studio was considering. "It was the last script I read, and it made me forget the five scripts I'd read before it. I thought it was an amazing idea," he remembers. "After 'Catch Me If You Can,' I wanted to do another movie that could make you laugh and cry and feel good about the world," Read More
2. HIDALGO
During a time where violence, mayhem, profanity and gloom dominate mass entertainment, it is truly refreshing to experience a film such as Hidalgo, where epical adventure, spectacle and sincere human drama magnificently play out their individual parts to deliver pure, wholesome entertainment for anyone seeking rewarding escapism … Go behind the scenes
3. ALEXANDER
Oliver Stone challenges the intellect with a complex narrative, and explores sexuality and brutal warfare unashamedly. Some may feel that the 3-hour epic is way too long. Others like myself will indulge in Stone's rapturous excessiveness and become emotionally immersed in a story he tells in his own particular style. This is film in its truest sense, a spectacular, constructed reality that bears the signature of a masterful storyteller who will not allow conformity to destroy his vision. Collin Farrel is great as the dashing warrior king, filled with ambition, courage and the arrogance of youth, leading his vastly outnumbered forces against the massive Persian armies..Fascinated by Alexander since childhood and inspired by Greek mythology, Stone dreamed of making Alexander's story for years. "I had frustrated student fantasies of going back in time with documentary cameras and a small crew to actually film Alexander's military campaigns," he recalls. "32 years later, I finally had one chance  Go behind the scenes
4. SECONDHAND LIONS
Over one unpredictable Central Texas summer in the early 1960's, everything in the lives of this new family of strangers is about to change forever. If you are looking for a great story that is totally original and thoroughly entertaining, don't miss this charming coming-of-age story. It features Haley Joel Osment as an adventurous teenager who gets to spend his summer vacation on his great uncles' farm in rural Texas. Robert Duvall and Michael Caine are terrific as the two crazy, eccentric and gruff old men. There's adventure, amusement and drama that takes you on a magical journey into the lives of ordinary people who live extraordinary lives. This is what great storytelling is all about. A truly moving and heart-warming experience! Like many writers and their work, Tim McCanlies admits a great deal of the characters who appear in Secondhand Lions emerged from his own past. Read more
5. THE VILLAGE
Shaymalan wickedly seduces us with a clever plot and fascinating story that draws us into what we think we know, and gives us what we least expect. We explore a secluded and secretive world where 'Those we don't speak of' are feared and red is a bad colour. A world where there are secrets in every corner. Heralded as one of the most innovative and original filmmakers of our time, M. Night Shyamalan's films have touched hearts and minds of all ages with universal themes such as "ghosts and family" in "The Sixth Sense," the world of comic books and mortality in "Unbreakable," and aliens and faith in "Signs." Now, with "The Village," Shyamalan continues to connect with audiences, taking them on a journey to explore how fear can affect a community. Go behind the scenes
6. BIG FISH
From the imagination of visionary director Tim Burton, comes this fantasy-rich family drama. A web-like tapestry woven of stories both real and exaggerated. Tim Burton's magnificent vision once again provides superb escapism for cinephiles searching for a great story that will transport them to a world where the implausible becomes feasible, and the imaginable dissolves into a fallacious fabrication. The features on the disc includes commentary by Tim Burton. Go behind the scenes
7. THE POLAR EXPRESS
If there's one journey you have to embark on this year, it's a trip on the spectacular Polar Express. It takes us deep into the heart of the child within us, evoking joyful and tearful memories of times spent with family or loved ones, or times we felt alone. This is magic in its purest form. In the end, the message is clear. There is nothing wrong with being a believer, or leading others to believe, or hoping for the unimaginatble to transform our existence. The Academy Award-winning team of Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Cast Away) reunite for the animated adventure The Polar Express, an inspiring adventure based on the beloved Caldecott Medal children's book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. Go behind the scenes
8. THE STATION AGENT
A rare film that comes along once in a lifetime and that will remain with you long after you leave the cinema. Brilliantly exploring the need to matter in the world and the importance of friendship, this character driven narrative makes one feel good about being alive and having the ability to share its intimate secrets. It is a touching and moving story that will have you laughing and crying as you become immersed in a world you never knew existed; one that is so familiar, yet so strange. Anyone who has been an outsider, or lived on the fringe, or wondered if they are completely on their own in life will likely resonate with the story of Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage), a train-lover at the center of THE STATION AGENT. Fin, a handsome dwarf, just wants to be left alone. Or so he thinks. But when he takes up residence in a broken-down train depot in rural New Jersey, instead of total isolation he discovers something entirely unexpected. Go behind the scenes of Station Agent meet the cast and crew
9. DE-LOVELY
Director and Academy Award®-winning producer Irwin Winkler skilfully dissects the crazed and obsessive genius of Cole Porter, with Kevin Kline in top form as Porter, and Ashley Judd delivering an equally impassioned performance as his muse. It superbly celebrates Porter's music through contemporary artists such as Robbie Williams, and gives us an insightful and entertaining glimpse into the world of a man whose life and love were totally immersed in music. A huge fan of the Jazz Age and classic American pop music, Winkler found Porter's life intriguing as well as the time period in which he lived. "Porter represents the best of the Jazz Age," says Winkler. Go behind the scenes
10. THE MOTHER
An absolutely brilliant British drama that gently probes the issues surrounding old age: the sexuality of a mother (and grandmother) whose life seems to be over is beautifully explored and shows that age is no obstacle when it comes to love. It also gives superb insight into the alienation that destroys the relationship between parents and their children and shows how easy is it to misinterpret or misjudge people on their appearances. "I guess we wanted to make a much more grown-up film than most of the ones around seem to me to be, because it's about older people and real lives," says Kureishi. "The cinema has to be, to a certain extent, a place where you can talk and think about serious things Read More
11. ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND
Fans of writer Charlie Kaufman (.Adaptation, Being John Malkovich) and director Michel Gondry (Human Nature) will delight in the absolutely mind-blowing concept that will challenge your perceptions. It is a pleasure to be seduced into a realm where romance and relationships are destroyed by forces we create, yet have no control over when it spins out of control. Gondry's unique style brings Kaufman's bizarre narrative to life in all its vivid splendour, with Carrey and Winslet perfectly cast as the doomed lovers. If you are tired of conventional cinema dare to explore this unconventional and wacky experience. Director Michel Gondry read Charlie Kaufman's original screenplay for Being John Malkovich and sought to make a movie with the writer. Their work, whether it's Gondry's much-admired videos or Kaufman's reality-bending screenplays, tends to turn convention inside out Read more
12. THE DOOR IN THE FLOOR
John Irving's story wonderfully comes to life on the vast canvas of the big screen, as Tod Williams allows us to view the events from a distance, and also affords us the luxury of penetrating intimate moments. The excellent narrative is set in a house full of memories, where the characters live in the past and desperately try to have a life in the present. Thick with mystery and filled with sexual tension, this story of a young man's sexual and emotional awakenings will cause a stir amongst prudish viewers. If you're looking for a daring exploration of sexuality, and unravelling the secrets of a family separated by tragedy and imprisoned by guilt, don't miss this one. Directed by Tod Williams, whose screenplay is adapted from John Irving's best-selling novel A Widow for One Year. Set in the beach community of East Hampton, New York, the film chronicles one pivotal summer in the lives of famous children's books author Ted Cole (Jeff Bridges) and his beautiful wife Marion (Kim Basinger). Their once-great marriage has been strained by tragedy. Marion's equation of love with loss, coupled with Ted's infidelities, points towards a much-needed change in the relationship. That may come in the form of Eddie O'Hare (Jon Foster), the young man Ted hires to work as his summer assistant - and, Ted hopes, the catalyst to invigorate the Coles' bond of marriage. Go behind the scenes
13. YESTERDAY
Director Darrell James Roodt and producer Anant Singh teamed up at the early part of their careers to make some of the most significant anti-apartheid films made in South Africa, including "Place of Weeping," "Sarafina!" and "Cry, the Beloved Country." While Singh has been able to produce some films about the post-apartheid years, Roodt has mainly directed action movies. "I've been making a lot of American genre films for the last few years," says Roodt. "And realizing all the time that's not really where my heart is. My heart is with South Africa--in fact, more than ever before. And we should be telling our own stories." Read more
14. THE LADY KILLERS
Imprisoned by a world stacked with lies, the charming pack of criminals have no chance in hell in this delightful dark comedy. Tom Hanks is hilarious as the wizard of fools in this fine adaptation, making it irresistibly original with its uniquely flavoured visual style and wacky, offbeat sense of the absurd. A retelling of the critically acclaimed 1955 comedy The Ladykillers with Tom Hanks as a charlatan professor who's assembled a gang of so-called "experts" for the heist of the century Viewers with sensitive ears must be warned that the narrative is peppered with profanity. "We really liked the original movie," explains Ethan. "It's a strong story premise. It just has good bones. We ripped out the spine of it, kept that and threw out everything else. Read More
15. SECRET WINDOW
David Koepp's excellent adaptation and superb direction draws us into an intimate world where the obvious is turned inside out and the ordinary explodes into an extraordinary mind bender. It provides first rate entertainment for anyone looking for an intriguing premise that is masterfully executed and demands a second viewing! All hell breaks lose when a psychotic stranger accuses a well know author from stealing his work. The film is directed by Koepp from a screenplay by Koepp based upon the novella Secret Window, Secret Garden by Stephen King. An absolutely brilliant thriller that captivates the attention and challenges the mind. Johnny Depp is ideal as the author who is plagued by guilt and tormented by his writing. For Koepp, Secret Window is very much in keeping with his body of work. He has considerable experience in the thriller genre. All the films he has directed fall into this category, as have several of the scripts he's written. Read more