10. [ “A Civil Action” ] : An intelligent script, astute director and a supporting cast that makes up for its mediocre superstar.
9. [ “Permanent Midnight” ] : Ben Stiller’s Oscar worthy performance about a drug addicted writer. Intense and well written.
8. [ “Primary Colors” ] : Adrian Lester, Kathy Bates and Larry Hagman are great in this film that was forgotten by most. Don’t let Travolta scare you.
7. [ “The Big One” ] : Terrific documentary from the director of the brilliant “Roger & Me”, Michæl Moore.
6. [ “The Thin Red Line” ] : Although the cameos were intrusive, this filmed “poem” has brilliant performances throughout.
5. [ “The Big Lebowski” ] : Jeff Bridges is Oscar worthy as “The Dude” and John Goodman is hilarious, too bad most were expecting “Fargo”.
4. [ “The Spanish Prisoner” ] : Cambell Scott and Steve Martin are impeccable in David Mamet’s flawless tale about the theft of a secret “formula”.
3. [ “Saving Private Ryan” ] : Oscar Favorite, watch for Tom Sizemore’s well deserved nomination.
2. [ “Life is Beautiful” ] : Roberto Benigni’s bizarre masterpiece about one man’s struggle to save his child from the terrors of the Nazi Concentration Camps.
1. [ “A Simple Plan” ] : Sam Raimi’s brilliant tragedy about three men who find $4 million. The script is close to perfect and the characters are second to none. Bill Paxton and Bridget Fonda are excellent but it is Billy Bob Thornton’s performance that steals the film.
[ Other notables ] : “A Bug’s Life”, “The Celebration”, “Rushmore”, “Bulworth”, “Out of Sight”, “Love is the Devil”, “Henry Fool”, “Pleasantville”, “Ringmaster”, “Gummo”, “Happiness”, “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”, “Pi”, “Buffalo ’66”, “Safe Men”, “Gods and Monsters”, “Les Miserables”, “Shakespeare in Love”, “Return to Paradise”, “Truman Show”, “Zero Effect”.
