The Haunting (1963)

Harris plays Eleanor Lance, a young woman who is invited by a scientist named Doctor Markway to stay as a guest in a creepy mansion called Hill House. Along with two other people, Eleanor is invited to the house as an experiment the doctor is conducting to prove that supernatural powers exist within the walls of Hill House. Not long after they begin their stay do they realize the evil that is with them in the house, as Eleanor begins to think that it wants her there. Eerie and chilling, Julie Harris is sensational. Adapted from the novel The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Starring Julie Harris, Russ Tamblyn, Claire Bloom, Richard Johnson 7/10 Rated G

The Virgin Suicides (1999)

This is the story of the Lisbon sisters; Lux, Cecilia, Bonnie, Therese, and Mary, who reside in Michigan in a nice suburban neighborhood. Four boys who live near them become obsessed with the girls in the summer of 1974. When their youngest sister Cecilia takes her own life, the boys start to collect souvenirs of them as they learn about the girls' lives. When Lux gets in trouble after coming home late one night, she and the other girls are taken out of school and isolated from everything and everybody, except for the four boys whom they secretly contact. Emotionally tragic and haunting film, based on the novel by Jeffrey Eugenides and wonderfully directed by Sofia Coppola. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett, James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Scott Glenn, Danny Devito, A.J. Cook 8/10 Rated R

Les Miserables (1978)

Woodcutter Jean Valjean is sentenced to five years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread. After many failed escape attempts, which adds more time to his sentence, Jean does eventually succeed, and after being welcomed in by a kind bishop repents his criminal ways. But always on his trail is the cold, unrelenting Police Inspector Javert that will not give up until he has captured Valjean. One of the best adaptations of Les Mis; engaging and moving, with great performances all around. Most especially Perkins, who is supberb as the merciless, never bending Javert. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo. Starring Richard Jordan, Anthony Perkins, Cyril Cusack, Claude Dauphin, John Gielgud, Ian Holm 8/10 Unrated

Big (1988)

Twelve-year old Josh Baskin is an average kid who is frustrated with being a kid. So one night while at a carnival he discovers a machine that can supposedly grant wishes. And John decides to make a wish that he was big. And not surprisingly he wakes up the next morning to discover that he is grown up and in a man's body. He temporarily lives like an adult, working for a toy company and with his best friend Billy's help, he tracks down the wishing machine to transform himself back to his original self. Very funny, one of Tom Hanks' best early roles, for which he was nominated. Starring Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Jared Rushton, Robert Loggia, John Heard, Jon Lovitz 7/10 Rated PG

Hitchcock (2012)

It is 1959, and after the success of his film North by Northwest, director Alfred Hitchcock is frustrated by Hollywood thinking he's lost his touch. However after finding himself intrigued by a book based on serial killer Ed Gein titled Psycho, Hitch decides that this will be his next picture, to everyone's astonishment of the horrific subject matter. Hopkins is outstanding as The Master of Suspense, as well as Mirren's Alma, Hitch's doting wife. I also found D'Arcy, whose uncanny liking to Anthony Perkins, is quite intriguing to see. The making of the Psycho film is the most interesting, with Hitch sparring with the censor board and Paramount execs; however the marital problems between Hitch and Alma left much to be desired. Based on the book, Alfred Hitchcock and The Making of Psycho by Stephen Rebello. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, James D'Arcy, Jessica Biel, Toni Collette, Danny Huston, Michael Wincott 7/10 Rated PG-13

Melancholia (2011)

Newlyweds Justine and Michael have their wedding reception party at her sister Claire and her husband John's lavish mansion, however there is trouble brewing in paradise between families which puts a strain on Justine, making her wonder if she'll ever really be happy. Meanwhile a planet called Melancholia is slowly approaching the earth, supposedly referred to as a "fly-by", that may or may not pass by without impact. The visual effects are stunning, as well as the extraordinary musical score in this tense family drama. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Alexander Skarsgard, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Stellan Skarsgard, John Hurt 7/10 Rated R

The Blob (1988)

In the small town of Arborville, California, a meteor crash lands in the woods. An old man discovers the meteor rock and inside is a gooey, jelly-like substance, which attaches itself to his hand and ends up killing him. Unsure what it is or where it came from, this bizarre life form is growing in size as it starts killing the townspeople, while teens Brian Flagg and Meg Penny try to stop it. Remake of the 1958 film starring Steve McQueen has some scary special effects, is well paced, and in my opinion is a lot more entertaining than the original. Starring Kevin Dillon, Shawnee Smith, Donovan Leitch, Jeffrey DeMunn, Candy Clark, Joe Seneca, Ricky Paull Goldin 7/10 Rated R

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)

After his father dies in the World Trade Center on 9/11, eleven year old Oskar Schell finds a key in an envelope that had once belonged to his father. Soon after his discovery, he sets out on an arduous adventure through the city to find whatever it unlocks, hoping that somehow it can get him closer to his father. Extremely moving and incredibly heartbreaking story of an amazingly smart young boy coming to terms with grief. Starring Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Thomas Horn, Viola Davis, John Goodman, Jeffrey Wright, Max von Sydow 7/10 Rated PG-13

Dazed and Confused (1993)

It's the last day of school at Lee High School, Austin, Texas, 1976. The senior students are doing degrading initiation rituals on the new freshman, and later that night planning to cruise around and have one wild party consisting of drinking, getting laid and stoned. Hilarious coming-of-age film with an awesome ensemble cast and a kick ass soundtrack; think the American Graffiti of the 70's. Starring Jason London, Rory Cochrane, Sasha Jenson, Wiley Wiggins, Michelle Burke, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg, Anthony Rapp, Marissa Ribisi, Shawn Andrews, Cole Hauser, Milla Jovovich, Joey Lauren Adams, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey 7/10 Rated R

Showgirls (1995)

Nomi Malone is on her way to Vegas to be a dancer, where she meets a girl named Molly Abrams, who becomes her friend and roommate. Molly is a costume designer at the Stardust Casino, while Nomi is a stripper in the Cheetah's Topless Club. Molly brings Nomi along to watch the dance show Goddess where she meets the star Cristal Connors. Cristal begins to notice and arranges an audition for Nomi, but James, one of her bouncer friends think she has too much talent to be showgirl. What can you say about this God awful piece of junk? It's degrading, disgusting, the characters are boring, the acting is horrible, and the dialogue is even worse. Despite it being such a box office flop, it has since had a big cult following, but it's bad, really, really bad. Starring Elizabeth Berkley, Kyle MacLachlan, Gina Gershon, Glenn Plummer, Robert Davi 4/10 Rated NC-17

The Deep End of the Ocean (1999)

Beth Cappadora and her family live in Massachusetts. They go traveling to Washington D.C. because she is to attend her high school reunion when her youngest son Ben suddenly disappears in the crowded hotel lobby. There is a worldwide search to find him but are seemingly unsuccessful. Nearly a decade later, the Cappadora's have relocated to Chicago, where Beth just by sheer coincidence thinks she may have found her long lost son. The performances are poignant but as far as story is concerned, it seems a little far-fetched. Based on the best selling novel by Jacquelyn Mitchard. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Treat Williams, Jonathan Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg 7/10 Rated PG-13

The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

Bob Wilton is a journalist for the Ann Arbor Daily Telegram. When his wife leaves him for his editor, Bob decides to travel to Kuwait to write about the Iraq War. While there he meets Lyn Cassidy and discovers that he is an agent of a special forces operation in the U.S. New Earth Army, soldiers who claim to have psychic powers by staring at goats and killing them, among other things. Thinking this is a story that should be told, Bob helps Lyn in trying to find the leader who is missing. In all honesty I found this movie both uninteresting and unfunny; but despite the film itself being very bizarre (which was supposedly based on actual events), McGregor and Clooney make a really good pair, as well as the always memorable Bridges and Spacey. Starring Ewan McGregor, George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Kevin Spacey, Robert Patrick 6/10 Rated R

The Witches (1990)

After his parents are killed in an accident, young Luke goes to live with his grandmother in England, telling him tales of witches, how to spot them and how they hate children. They go to spend a holiday at a big and fancy hotel, where Luke discovers that there are witches also staying at the hotel, and that the leader known as the "Grand High Witch" is devising a diabolical plan to get rid of the children of England. A fun and incredibly imaginative story, that once you see it it's sure to become an instant favorite. Based on the children's book by Roald Dahl. Starring Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Bill Paterson, Brenda Blethyn, Rowan Atkinson, Jasen Fisher 7/10 Rated PG

French Kiss (1995)

When Kate finds out that her fiance Charlie has fallen in love with a French Goddess named Juliette, and tells her he's not coming back home, Kate decides to travel all the way to Paris, in spite of her fear of flying to win him back. While on her way there she meets smutty Frenchman Luc Teyssie, a petty thief who smuggles in a stolen diamond necklace and vine cutting so he can use them, and Kate to have his own vineyard. Meg and Kevin have great chemistry in this cute rom-com; and you got to love Kline's hammy French accent. Starring Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline, Timothy Hutton, Jean Reno, Francois Cluzet, Susan Anbeh 7/10 Rated PG-13

The Change-Up (2011)

David is a stressed-out lawyer who is also married, and a family man. Mitch is a single, care-free, stress-free actor and womanizer. Thinking the other has it made, they make a wish that they had one another's life. The next morning they wake up to shockingly discover that they have switched bodies, but soon find out that other friends' lifestyle isn't at all what they expected. Funny as hell with raunchy humor a plenty; think Freaky Friday for the guys. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde, Alan Arkin 7/10 Rated R

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

It has been eight years since Harvey Dent's death, and Gotham City has put away more criminals because of the Dent Act. The vigilante known as The Batman has vanished as well as Bruce Wayne, and Wayne Enterprises is on the verge of collapse. A new villain, the massive monster called Bane plans to destroy Gotham while a saucy cat burglar named Selina Kyle plays cat and mouse with Bruce. The effects and stunts in this film are unbelievable, and what makes it so compelling is Bruce Wayne's struggle to choose to return as The Batman or not. Newcomers Gordon-Levitt and Cotillard are terrific, as well as Hathaway who makes an unforgettable heroine and Hardy, who in spite of his face being covered delivers a chilling performance. Starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman 9/10 Rated PG-13

Horrible Bosses (2011)

Nick, Kurt and Dale are three friends with one thing in common; they all completely hate their bosses and are making their lives a living hell. But quitting is not an option for the guys, so they contemplate, hypothetically what if they were to get rid of them? What if they were to hire a hit-man to kill them? At first hesitant but then thinking about how happier their lives would be without them around, they meet an ex-con who helps them, suggesting to the trio to do the others crimes and make it look like an accident. However being amateurs in planning a caper, it is a lot more complicated then the men soon realize. Totally funny dark comedy; a crazy, non-stop laugh riot with a lot of raunchy humor. Starring Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Colin Farrell, Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, Donald Sutherland, Jamie Foxx 7/10 Rated R

The Iron Lady (2011)

This is the story of Margaret Thatcher, formerly Margaret Roberts who was a grocer's daughter growing up in Britain. As seen through flashbacks Margaret meets businessman and future husband Denis, is voted on to become a member of Parliament, and despite being in a political world of men runs in the race for British Prime Minister, the first female to ever do so. As shown in the present day, she is haunted by the ghost of her deceased husband. Streep is absolutely incredible, and plays Thatcher with such strong-will and conviction, as a woman who just wanted to make a difference in the world. Starring Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Colman, Iain Glen, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Head, Michael Maloney, Susan Brown, Nick Dunning, Alexandra Roach 8/10 Rated PG-13

The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982)

It is Paris, 1792, during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution. A mysterious figure is at large called The Scarlet Pimpernel (named after the red flower used as his insignia) who is helping to  prevent the people of France from being sent to the guillotine. Sir Percy Blakeney is a debonair aristocrat who meets and falls in love with a beautiful theater actress named Marguerite St. Just after he rescues her brother Armand. However Paul Chauvelin, a Frenchman who is also vying for Marguerite, plans to stop The Scarlet Pimpernel, afraid he'll try to restore the monarchy. Anthony Andrews is utterly charming in this interesting television movie, based on the novels The Scarlet Pimpernel and Eldorado by Baroness Orczy. Starring Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, Ian McKellen, James Villiers, Malcolm Jamieson 7/10

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)

In the eighth and final film of the Harry Potter saga, Harry along with his friends Ron and Hermione continue their search for the Horcruxes of Lord Voldemort to be able to destroy him, but unfortunately Voldemort finds out that the trio are hunting them. Harry realizes that the last of the Horcruxes is inside the Hogwarts Castle, but they need help getting in. However after Severus Snape, the now Headmaster of Hogwarts knows that Harry is back, the inevitable battle between good and evil begins. Many say this is the best of all the Harry Potter films and I must agree; with awesome edge-of-your-seat action, stunning visual effects, and epic battle scenes it is a remarkable conclusion to an unforgettable series. Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters 9/10 Rated PG-13