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Friday, July 30, 2010

Superstar (1999)

Mary Katharine Gallagher is a nerdy Catholic schoolgirl who from a young age dreams of one day being a superstar, so she can be kissed by a handsome movie star. She becomes the rewind girl at the video store and often expresses her emotions by using a film or television movie as an example. When she first sees Sky Corrigan, she wants to be kissed by him more than anything, but he unfortunately has a girlfriend; a snotty self-centered cheerleader named Evian. When her school announces that they're going to have a talent contest, Mary knows that could be her big chance to win Sky's affections. But her grandmother objects to it at first, because she wants Mary to be a businesswoman, but Mary insists that all she wants to be is a superstar. Despite that she still helps her, along with Mary's friends in her special education class, practicing dancing steps. A very funny movie; Molly Shannon's Saturday Night Live character is great fun to watch. Starring Molly Shannon, Will Ferrell, Elaine Hendrix, Harland Williams, Mark McKinney, Tom Green 7/10

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Staying Alive (1983)

Six years after Saturday Night Fever, Tony Manero is back in this sequel to the smash hit. This time Tony has moved to Manhattan and has changed his ways; he doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, doesn't curse and is trying to make it as a dancer. The only problem is he can't even get his foot in the door. When he goes to see his girlfriend Jackie perform in a show, he notices another girl named Laura whom he thinks is an incredible dancer. He tells her so and invites her to have coffee with him sometime. He tells her that he's a dancer as well and she suggests auditioning for a Broadway show. They also end up having a one-night stand, but Tony soon realizes that she is a shallow, self-centered, heartless witch. He goes back to Jackie and begs her to take him back but she can't because she's tired of him treating her like second choice. He eventually gets a part in the show, but working alongside Laura causes tension. This film is obviously not as terrific as Saturday Night Fever, but still entertaining, with more great songs from The Bee Gees. Starring John Travolta, Cynthia Rhodes, Finola Hughes, Julie Bovasso, Steve Inwood, Kurtwood Smith, Frank Stallone 7/10

Sunday, July 25, 2010

American Graffiti (1973)

On the last night of the summer in 1962, high school grads Curt and Steve spend one final night cruising the strip at Burger City with their buddies before they go off to college. But Curt is having second thoughts, while Steve is having problems with his girlfriend Laurie, Curt's sister who thinks that seeing other people while he's away would strengthen their relationship. Meanwhile Curt searches for a beautiful blond he saw in a White T-Bird, and their two other friends John and Terry also have a wild night; John is forced to chauffeur a little girl and a guy named Bob Falfa is looking to challenge him to a drag race. Terry is asked to look after Steve's car and picks up a girl, but it's more than he can handle when the car gets stolen and he gets beaten up. With a great soundtrack and a terrific cast of characters, this film is truly and American classic. Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Paul Le Mat, Charles Martin Smith, Cindy Williams, Candy Clark, Mackenzie Phillips, Harrison Ford, Wolfman Jack 8/10

Friday, July 23, 2010

Fight Club (1999)

Edward Norton plays an automobile company employee suffering from insomnia. He attends support groups and pretends he has life-threatening illnesses so he can let out whatever emotions he wants to get out, which helps him to sleep better. Until a young woman named Marla Singer enters his life and ruins everything by attending the support groups as well, and in turn his insomnia returns. He also meets a soap salesman named Tyler Durden on a plane. When the insomniac's condo blows up, he calls Tyler and asks to stay with him. Tyler lives in a large dilapidated house in an abandoned part of town. Together they form a secret fight club for young males to help vent their aggression. Both Norton and Pitt are phenomenal in this cult classic. Starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt, Helena Bonham Carter, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier, Jared Leto 8/10

Thursday, July 22, 2010

True Romance (1993)

Clarence Worley, a great admirer of Elvis "The King" Presley meets hooker Alabama Whitman one night when he's watching a ninja film at the movie theater. Afterward they go out for a piece of pie, get to know each other and before long become lovers. But Alabama doesn't confess that she's a call girl until after they sleep together. She promises him that she'll never lie to him again. So they fall crazy in love and get married. Clarence visits her pimp to collect her things but finds out later on that the suitcase he took isn't her clothes but full of cocaine. So Clarence tries to sell it in Hollywood, while the owners of the coke track them down and try to reclaim it back. My favorite of Quentin Tarantino's films, both Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette make a wonderful Romeo-and-Juliet-type couple, while the supporting cast is also top-notch. Starring Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Gary Oldman, Brad Pitt, Christopher Walken, Bronson Pinchot, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Rapaport, James Gandolfini, Chris Penn, Tom Sizemore 8/10

Monday, July 19, 2010

Amadeus (1984)

The incredible story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is told in flashbacks by Viennese court composer Antonio Salieri, who is now confined to an insane asylum because he tried to kill himself. Antonio is visited by a young priest who asks him why he accuses himself of killing him. So he explains to him how from a very young age he loved music and was inspired by Mozart to become a musician and wanted to praise God through music. But when he becomes a man and sees the divine notes that Mozart writes, Antonio becomes jealous of his talent and blames God for choosing Mozart to be his instrument instead of him. So he plans to take revenge for it. An extraordinary film, both F. Murray Abraham (who won an Oscar for his performance) and Tom Hulce are astounding as is the music. Starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Simon Callow, Christine Ebersole, Jeffrey Jones 10/10

The Bodyguard (1992)

Kevin Costner plays Frank Farmer, a former Secret Secret Service agent who is assigned to protect pop singer Rachel Marron (Whitney's Houston's film debut) who has been getting threatening letters. Frank turns her world upside down as he makes security improvements at Rachel's mansion. But her lifestyle and his professionalism clash because they both like taking charge. Despite that they end up falling in love. However, Frank can't protect her like that so he doesn't think it's a good idea to get involved with her. When someone tries to kill her they go to Frank's father house in the woods. But even there they're in danger, but no one knew they were there so obviously it's someone that knows Frank. Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston are both amazing in this terrific thriller story. Starring Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston, Gary Kemp, Bill Cobbs, Tomas Arana, Michele Lamar Richards, Mike Starr, Christopher Birt, DeVaughn Nixon 7/10

Thursday, July 15, 2010

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

George Bailey has lived in Bedford Falls all his life. He has dreams to travel but he helps his friends and family, because of a rich skin flint named Mister Potter, who wants to take over the town and because he runs the Savings and Loan company that his father founded. But on Christmas Eve, his Uncle Billy is supposed to deposit eight thousand dollars in the bank but misplaces it. When George finds out he frantically demands Uncle Billy to find it otherwise they'll lose the bank, but he can't remember what happened to it. Unfortunately Potter finds the money and hides it from Billy. Desperate, George goes to Mister Potter to borrow it from him, even offering his life insurance policy but he refuses, telling him that he's worth more dead than alive. At the end of his rope, George contemplates suicide but his guardian angel named Clarence comes to Earth to help and explains to him that if he can convince him of his self-worth then he gets his wings. So he shows him what the world would be like if he didn't exist. His wife is a spinster without children, Bedford Falls is now named Pottersville, a sleazy town with gambling and nightclubs and his brother whom he saved from freezing to death after falling through thin ice isn't alive because George wasn't there to save him. After seeing this, George wants to live again and he realizes that even though he may not be rich in wealth, he's rich when it comes to friendship. One of the greatest films ever made; Jimmy Stewart is unforgettable this heart-warming story. Starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Gloria Grahame, Frank Albertson 10/10

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Frankie and Johnny (1991)

Johnny is a middle-aged divorced man who's just been released from prison. He gets a job in a restaurant owned by a Greek family. There he meets Frankie, who's a waitress. She's not happy with her life and soon finds out that Johnny is lonely and unhappy as well. He falls in love with her and wants to be with her, but her troubled past is constantly in her mind so she is hesitant about getting involved in another serious relationship. But Johnny is persistent and cares about her too much to let her get away. A sweet and different type of love story because it is unknown whether or not they will live happily ever after. Pfeiffer and Pacino are a great screen match. Starring Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hector Elizondo, Nathan Lane, Kate Nelligan 7/10

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

...And Justice for All (1979)

Arthur Kirkland is one of the best defense attorneys in Baltimore. He cares about his clients and every week he visits his aging grandfather who put him through law school. But he also has to deal with his law partner Jay Porter who's on the verge of a nervous breakdown, and a new relationship with an attorney who is on the bar's disciplinary committee. When Judge Rayford is charged with rape, Arthur Kirkland is forced to defend him despite hating the man because he won't even look at the evidence for one of his client's whom is innocent. He eventually finds out that the judge did commit the crime and if he doesn't defend him he'll be disbarred. Excellent story, one of Al Pacino's best underrated films and performances. Starring Al Pacino, Jack Warden, John Forsythe, Lee Strasberg, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Lahti, Sam Levene, Craig T. Nelson 8/10

Sunday, July 11, 2010

All the Little Animals (1998)

Bobby Platt is a mentally slow, slightly brain-damaged young man living with his cruel and sadistic stepfather Mister De Winter (whom he refers to as "The Fat"). After Bobby's mother dies The Fat kills Bobby's pets to get him to sign legal documents so he can take over the family store and send Bobby to an institution. But Bobby refuses to sign it and runs away. While on the road, Bobby meets Mister Summers, a man who buries animals that have been run over by motorists. He soon lives with Mister Summers and helps him out with his work. But when Mister Summers convinces Bobby that he should go back home, Bobby tells him that his stepfather hates him. So Mister Summers travels with Bobby back home to talk with him, but they both find out just how evil The Fat really is. Christian Bale gives a wonderful and sensitive performance and John Hurt is amazing as the eccentric hermit. Starring John Hurt, Christian Bale, Daniel Benzali, James Faulkner 7/10

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Twins (1988)

Julius and Vincent Benedict are twin brothers but not identical. They were a part of an experiment that was conducted to produce a perfect human being, But the embryo split in two but unevenly so Julius grew to a great athletic size while Vincent is smaller in height. Julius is sent off to a tropical island in the south pacific and raised by a philosopher while Vincent is sent off to an orphanage. Julius is kind, smart and optimistic while Vincent is a selfish hustler. Years later, Julius finds out he has a brother and goes in search to find him. He discovers that he's in jail and bails him out. Despite their differences in personality they go on a road trip to track down their mother. Vincent introduces Julius to his girlfriend Linda and her sister Marnie, who quickly takes a liking to Julius. My favorite of Arnold's comedic roles, he and Danny are a great pair and have good chemistry. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Danny DeVito, Kelly Preston, Chloe Webb, Bonnie Bartlett, Marshall Bell, David Caruso 7/10

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Weekend at Bernie's (1989)

Richard Parker and Larry Wilson are two best friends who live in New York City and work in an insurance company. When Richard finds out that someone has been embezzling money from the company, he and Larry tell their boss Bernie Lomax, hoping that that will get them a promotion. Bernie is so grateful that he invites them to his luxurious summer beach house for the weekend. But once they arrive, they discover he's dead. Richard wants to do the right thing by calling the police, but Larry tells him that if they do alert the authorities that they'll ask them questions they don't know the answers to and think they had something to do with it. So Larry comes up with the idea that they'll just pretend he didn't die. They have parties and Richard romances a pretty intern until they find out that Bernie has hired a hit-man to kill them so they try to get off the island, bringing Bernie along with them and making it look like he's still alive.
One of my favorite black comedies of the 80's; Silverman and McCarthy are a terrific pair. Starring Andrew McCarthy, Jonathan Silverman, Catherine Mary Stewart, Terry Kiser, Don Calfa 7/10

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Titanic (1997)

Rose DeWitt Bukater is a first class rich girl who is supposed to marry her snobbish fiance Caledon Hockley. Jack Dawson is a steerage passenger and poor artist who happens to win a ticket on the RMS Titanic after playing a lucky game of poker. But Rose who is depressed by her life and her situation attempts suicide by jumping off the stern of the ship, only to be talked out of by Jack. Cal invites Jack to have dinner with them in first class to talk about the rescue. Jack shares his portraits that he did in Paris with Rose and she asks him to draw her wearing only The Heart of the Ocean, a rare diamond necklace that was given to her by Cal. They fall deeply in love despite their class differences and she tells Jack that when the ship docks in New York, she's going to get off with him. But when the ship collides with an iceberg, it's a race for survival because there are only enough lifeboats for half the people on board. 84 years later deep sea explorer Brock Lovett sets out to find the diamond but is unsuccessful when he doesn't find it, but discovers the portrait of a young girl wearing the necklace. Rose catches it on television and tells Brock that she is the woman in the portrait. Rose, along with her granddaughter Lizzie meet Brock and Rose tells the story to Brock and his crew of how she was on the Titanic, how she met Jack and he drew her portrait wearing the diamond and how they stayed together even when the ship was sinking. Although based on true events about the ill-fated luxury liner, the love story between Jack and Rose is fictional. Spectacular special effects, astounding performances and an amazing score. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Gloria Stuart, Bill Paxton, Bernard Hill, David Warner, Victor Barber, Jonathan Hyde, Suzy Amis, Danny Nucci 8/10

UHF (1989)

George Newman is a daydreamer who can't keep a steady job. He dreams of being a somebody someday. When his Uncle Harvey wins the UHF station Channel 62 in a poker game, his wife thinks that George would be the perfect guy to manage it, even though the station is losing money and viewers. So along with his friend Bob, George goes to check it out. But the station is close to going bankrupt. Desperate, George hires Stanley Spadowski to be the janitor, and asks him if he wants to be on tv. Curious, Stanley goes on the air and is an instant favorite. Stanley gets his own show called Stanley Spadowski's Clubhouse and no sooner does the station increase their ratings and becomes the number one station in town. But when their rival Channel 8, who is run by the ruthless R.J. Fletcher finds out, he plans to do everything in his power to destroy channel 62 and make his network number one again. A wild and wacky comedy that spoofs on such films as Indiana Jones and Rambo. Starring "Weird Al" Yankovic, Victoria Jackson, Kevin McCarthy, Michael Richards, David Bowe, Stanley Brock, Billy Barty, Fran Drescher 7/10

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Back to the Beach (1987)

Frankie, who used to be a surfer is now an-overworked car dealer. His wife Annette, who used to be a Mouseketeer and pin-up girl is now a suburban housewife. Their son Bobby, ashamed to be their son is bored and tired with their life so he rebels by wearing punk clothing. Annette thinks it's time for them to take a vacation to Hawaii. On the way they stop in L.A. to visit their daughter Sandi. She is living by the beach (the same one Frankie and Annette had once spent time at as teenagers) and living with her surfer boyfriend, which Sandi tries to conceal from her parents. When Frankie reunites with an old flame Connie, who has made a shrine in honor of him at her nightclub (affectionately known as "The Big Kahuna"), Annette gets jealous and flirts with a surfer dude. Meanwhile Bobby joins a local punk surfer gang and Frankie challenges the leader of the gang to a surfing contest. Avalon and Funicello are wonderful in this delightful comedy with great songs and funny lines. Starring Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Lori Loughlin, Tommy Hinkley, Demian Slade, Connie Stevens 7/10

Friday, July 2, 2010

No Reservations (2007)

Zeta-Jones plays Kate, a no-nonsense chef working in an upscale restaurant in Manhattan. She is sent to therapy by her boss Paula, because she insults the customers when they aren't satisfied with the dishes. When she finds out that her sister has died in a car accident, it's up to Kate to be the guardian of her ten-year-old niece, Zoe. Kate takes a vacation to deal with her grief and helps Zoe move into her apartment with her. But she has trouble because she's never had to be responsible for a young child before, so everything is new for her. When Kate goes back to work, she finds out that Paula has hired a second chef; the charming, opera-singing, Italian-trained Nick, who says that he's honored to cook with her but she has suspicions about him replacing her because she wasn't asked for approval first. When Kate brings Zoe to work with her, Zoe becomes friends with Nick and invites him to have dinner with her and Kate, which Kate changes her feelings for Nick. But when his work is complimented by the customers of the restaurant, Kate believes she's made a mistake. A deliciously romantic comedy; Zeta-Jones and Eckhart are a magnificent pairing with sizzling hot chemistry. Starring Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, Abigail Breslin, Patricia Clarkson, Bob Balaban 7/10

Romancing the Stone (1984)

Turner plays Joan Wilder, a famous romance novelist living in New York City. One day she comes home to find her apartment a mess and gets a phone call from her sister Elaine telling her that she's been kidnapped. She tells her that there's a package that she got in the mail that has a treasure map, because the people who have her want the treasure. Her sister tells her to travel to Columbia to deliver the map to them. So despite her reluctance, Joan packs her bags and takes a bus to what she thinks is the town of Cartagena, where they have Elaine. But she gets on the wrong bus and gets lost in the jungle. A nasty and crooked Colombian cop is on Joan's trail and while trying to get away from him she meets Jack T. Colton, a soldier of fortune. Another character named Ralph is after the map as well. While traveling to get to Cartagena, Jack and Joan get into much adventure and danger but end up falling in love. A exciting and fast-paced romantic comedy; Turner and Douglas have great on-screen chemistry and Danny Devito is hilariously funny. Starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito, Zack Norman, Alfonso Arau, Holland Taylor 7/10

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (1990)

Although it is the story of the Shakespearean play Hamlet, this time it is centered around the two messengers of the play; the sweet, witty but slower Rosencrantz and the angry, frustrated but smarter Guildenstern. The two think that have been sent for, but not sure yet as to why. After meeting some traveling actors they find in an instant that they’re in Hamlet’s father’s castle, and are called upon to deliver him to England to the English King. But they have no idea of the destiny that is in store for them and even when they finally find out their fate they’re still denied an explanation as to the reason why. I personally don’t know a whole lot of the story of Hamlet, but this movie is so funny and entertaining that it doesn’t really matter. The constant bantering back and forth between Oldman and Roth is such fun to watch. Starring Gary Oldman, Tim Roth, Richard Dreyfuss 8/10

Moonstruck (1987)

Cher plays Loretta Castorini, an independent, feisty Brooklyn Italian widow who agrees to marry an older but rather childish man named Johnny, then finds herself falling for his tortured, angry younger brother Ronnie, whom when his fiancee found out that he got his hand caught in a bread slicer, she left him for another man. A light and very funny romantic comedy, with a great supporting cast and hilarious lines of dialogue. Starring Cher, Nicolas Cage, Olympia Dukakis, Vincent Gardenia, Danny Aiello Rated PG 10/10

Spaceballs (1987)

Pullman plays Lonestarr, whom with his sidekick half-man, half-dog Barf have to save Princess Vespa from the evil Dark Helmet, Colonel Sandurz, and President Skroob. The villain’s plan is get the combination to the air shield so they can take every last breath of fresh air from Planet Druidia to save Planet Spaceball. Great characters and acting by Brooks, who plays two roles. A spoof of Star Wars and The Planet of The Apes, this movie is hilariously funny. Starring Mel Brooks, John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, Dick Van Patten, George Wyner 8/10

Real Men (1987)

Ritter plays Bob, a normal everyday husband and father who lives in a typical suburban neighborhood. Until he meets Nick (played by Belushi) a confident, expertly trained CIA agent who knows the tricks of the trade. Ritter is a look-a-like of a dead agent whom the CIA needs to help deliver a message to aliens. This movie is severely underrated; the jokes are very funny, and seeing Belushi and Ritter together on screen is a “real” treat. Starring James Belushi, John Ritter 7/10

The Blues Brothers (1980)

Jake Blues (aka Joliet Jake, played by Belushi) has just been released from prison and is greeted outside by his brother Elwood (Aykroyd). Jake has been in prison for quite a while so his brother catches him up; apparently he sold the Blues-Mobile for a microphone, now drives a used police car, the Blues band has broken up and the orphanage where they were raised is being shut down due to insufficient funds. So he suggests getting their band back together and putting on a show to help save the place. On a “mission from God”, they gather up their old band members to put on the show of the decade! But along the way, Jake and Elwood get into trouble with the police, the Illinois Nazi party, a girlfriend of one of their band members, and a girl who just seems to keep going after them and wants them dead. With lots of great music, humor and great stars, this film is one fun roller-coaster ride. Starring John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Carrie Fisher 8/10

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

When the Griswolds decide to go on a nice family vacation from Chicago to California to the Wally World theme park everything seems normal at first, but then as they get nearer to their destination things go hysterically wrong; they lose their luggage, Clark accidentally leaves Aunt Edna’s dog tied to the bumper of the car, they get lost in Arizona and launch their car fifty yards, Aunt Edna dies and they have to leave her on Uncle Normy’s patio. And then when they finally make it to Wally World, the park is closed for repairs! But Clark, who just wants to have some good quality fun with his family, decides to take the matter into his own hands. With hilarious gags and a awesome cast, this movie is great fun! Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Imogene Coca, Randy Quaid, John Candy, Christie Brinkley 7/10

Heathers (1988)

Veronica Sawyer is part of the most powerful clique in her high school, but she despises Heather, the ringleader who is a sadist bitch in heels. She doesn’t want to be a part of there circle anymore and longs for a world without Heather. So when she meets and falls for J.D., the mysterious new kid, her dislike for Heather and her friends (also named Heather) quickly spirals into a cycle of murder and suicide. One of the best teen black comedies that shouldn’t be missed. Starring Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Kim Walker 8/10

Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)

Jim Varney plays Ernest P. Worrell, the lovable and silly title character. In this movie he attempts to help an older Santa recruit a new Santa on Christmas Eve and save Christmas for all the children of the world. Along the way he meets a young girl running away from home and a pair of cute elves. A sweet and funny Christmas story.
Starring Jim Varney, Douglas Seale, Oliver Clark, Noelle Parker, Billie Bird, Robert Lesser 7/10

Dirty Dancing (1987)

In the summer of 1963, innocent, naive Baby (played by Grey) visits Kellerman’s Catskill resort with her family. There she meets Johnny, the handsome dance instructor and is instantly drawn to him. All seems like fun until one of the dance staffers can’t perform so Baby suggests that she try out. So Johnny teaches her the steps and they eventually fall in love. But complications with her family and his job conflict with their new love. A great soundtrack and with terrific performances, this film never gets old. Starring Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach, Cynthia Rhodes, Jack Weston 8/10

West Side Story (1960)

Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this time the play is set in New York City, the American Tony falls in love with The Puerto Rican Maria, while The Sharks and their rivals The Jets plan to set up a meeting point to have a rumble. This movie is fantastic; with a terrific score, great choreography, wonderful characters, and amazing songs. Starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris, Simon Oakland 10/10

Love at First Bite (1979)

Hamilton plays Count Vladimir Dracula, a romantic and out-of-the-loop vampire recently evicted from his castle in Transylvania. Along with his loyal, insect-eating servant Renfield, they relocate to New York City to find his long lost love, Mina Harker, now known as Cindy Sondheim, a beautiful supermodel to turn her into a vampire. But getting Cindy back is not as easy as he thinks when he meets her eccentric psychiatrist Doctor Jeffery Rosenberg, whom his grandfather was Doctor Fritz Van Helsing. A hilarious comedy with many references to famous lines from Dracula films and memorable supporting characters, including Dick Shawn as Lieutenant Ferguson, Sherman Hemsley as Reverend Mike, and Isabel Sanford as Judge R. Thomas. Starring George Hamilton, Susan Saint James, Arte Johnson, Richard Benjamin 8/10

Ghost (1990)

Swayze plays a yuppie investment banker, Moore plays his girlfriend Molly. They are young and very much in love, until one fateful night when Sam gets mugged and is murdered. But his spirit is still alive and kicking. He finds out that his best friend Carl is involved with drug dealers and is laundering money at the bank. So desperate and needing to warn his girlfriend, Sam goes to a spiritual reader and adviser Oda Mae Brown (played by Goldberg, who won an Academy Award for her role) who is just what Sam is looking for in helping him out because only she can hear him. Every performance is terrific and heartfelt; these are characters you genuinely care about. Except for the villain of course. Starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Tony Goldwyn, Rick Aviles, Vincent Schiavelli 8/10

The Scarlet Letter (1994)

The story of forbidden love as it says in the tag-line; When intimacy is forbidden and passion is a sin, love is the most defiant crime of all. Hester Prynne (Moore) arrives in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, meets the handsome Reverend Dimmesdale, and they have an affair. But when their forbidden passion results in a child, Hester is arrested and is questioned as to whom the father is but she doesn't reveal his identity. To make matters worse, her husband who was supposedly murdered on an English ship returns unexpectedly and causes even more trouble for Hester and Arthur, not to mention the colony. Many say that this film trashed the Hawthorne novel, but in truth I could care less if it’s not exactly like the book. The characters are memorable, the score and cinematography are amazing and this is by far one of my favorite forbidden love stories. Starring Demi Moore, Gary Oldman, Robert Duvall, Joan Plowright 8/10