Plot Synopsis- Eleanor Arroway (Jodie Foster) has been searching for something her entire life: evidence that humanity is not alone in the universe. When she discoveres an alien message coming from the star Vega through her radio telescope project, the news ignites a firestorm of controversy. As the world struggles to come to terms with the scientific and spiritual implications of the message, Ellie embarks on a quest to discover its meaning and finds herself questioning her own views on truth, both empirical and religious.

Review- Contact is a beautiful and touching film that explores the differences and similarities between the scientific and religious quests for understanding and meaning. Jodie Foster gives a very convincing performance as a woman who suddenly finds herself in the midst of societal forces she does not quite fathom, trying to maintain her integrity in the face of doubt and uncertainty. This is the type of film that asks us to evaluate our own views and beliefs, yet doesn't provide easy answers or try to force a certain viewpoint. Ultimately, Contact celebrates those who seek knowledge and understanding in whatever form and by whatever means as long as they are genuine. The film is based on the equally compelling novel by the late Carl Sagan.

Plot Synosis- The eccentrically brilliant Professor Abronsious (Jack MacGowran) and his naive assistant Alfred (Roman Polanski, who also directed) travel to a snowy mountain village in search of vampires. Alfred becomes enamored with the beautiful Sarah (Sharon Tate), daughter of the devious innkeeper Shagal (Alfie Bass), who is kidnapped by the blood-sucking Count Von Krolock (Ferdy Mayne). Alfred and the professor enter the count's castle to rescue Sarah, facing an incoherent hunchback, Von Krolock's biting repartee (pun intended), a cemetery full of not-so-fresh vampires, and their own incompetence.

Review The Fearless Vampires Killers (or Pardon Me, But Your Teeth Are in My Neck) is a masterpiece of slapstick, wordplay, and simple silliness. The cast gives great deadpan performances, allowing the audience to appreciate all the irony dripping from vampiric fangs! The film is also very atmospheric and visually interesting, with great sets and costumes.

Plot Synopsis- Korben Dallas (Bruce Willis), a cab driver in the Brooklyn of 2214, rescues Leeloo (Milla Jovovich), a beautiful, mysterious young woman who is the key to saving the universe from the ancient force of Evil that seeks to destroy all life. They must race Evil's henchman Jean-Baptiste Emmanuel Zorg (Gary Oldman) to retrieve four elemental stones that unlock an ancient weapon. Along the way Korben finds himself falling for Leeloo.

Plot Synopsis- Huge city-sized spacecraft arrive on Earth, hovering over the most important metropolises in the world. Officials in every country attempt to ascertain the visitors' intentions, which are soon revealed to be less than friendly. After the aliens' devastating attack, the remaining forces on Earth band together in a desparate bid to drive the aliens off.

Review- Independence Day is the mother of all disaster movies! It has been acclaimed for its incredible special effects. I agree; I was on the edge of my seat the first tim I saw it. But that's not why I like Independence Day. Instead, I like the international flavor of the film, which ackowledges that the alien arrival is a global phenomenon. I also like the way it deals with war and conflict, allowing their horrors to really impact the characters. Finally, I think the film has a positive message about human courage, and the ability of our species to overcome its differences in times of trouble.

Plot Synopsis- John Hammond (Sir Richard Attenborough) has created the most incredible theme park in the world: an island populated by dinosaurs cloned from ancient DNA. When Hammond invites a team to Jurassic Park to ease the concerns of his investors about the park's safety, human failings and the unstoppable power of nature combine to unleash the dinosaurs, endangering everyone's life.

Plot Synopsis- King Arthus and his Knights of the Round Table are sent by God to search for the Holy Grail. Along the way funny things happen. That's it!

Review- Side-splittingly funny, Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a comedy classic. The film is peppered with great gags, spoofs, and one-liners, mocking everything from the monarchy to God. The brilliance of this movie is that it really doesn't make a whole lot of sense plot-wise, but makes a whole lot of sense parody-wise. At times appropriately vulgar and offendingly blunt, Holy Grail is a tour de force of spirited idiocy. Nothing and no one is safe from the wicked jibes of the masterful British comedy troop Monty Python. If you sons and daughters of silly persons haven't seen this movie, beware the rude Frenchman who "shall taunt you a second time!!!"

Plot Synopsis- The archangel Gabriel (Christopher Walken), hurt by God's favoring of humankind over the angels, has come to Earth in search of an evil soul to aid him in a second war in Heaven. But forces loyal to God attempt to retrieve the soul first in order to stop Gabriel's assault. Both sides are led to a young Havajo girl and face a final confrontation that will determine the fate of humanity.

Plot Synopsis- Four boys set off one summer in search of a dead teenager's body. They think it will be "cool" to go out and have this one last adventure before they enter junior high. Sensitive Gordie (Wil Wheaton) is haunted by the death of his brother. His best friend Chris (River Phoenix) tries to fill in the gap Gordie's brother leaves, becoming the only person who really understands him and his passion for writing. Chris is a tough kid, who is really searching for his place in the world. He thinks that because of his family's reputation he will never accomplish anything in his life. Teddy (Corey Feldman) is a wise-ass who always tries to live on the edge. He is the victim of his father's unstable personality, resulting in Teddy's obsession with his father's war exploits, the only thing of which he has to be proud. And finally, there is Vern (Jerry O'Connell), the eternal follower. What they find on their journey is the true meaning of friendship.

Review- This film is very touching and has a lot to say about friendship, personal discovery, and socialization. All the actors give convincing, insightful performances that really convey something of the spirit of childhood comraderie and how meaningful it can be. Stand by Me is based on the short story "The Body" by Stephen King.

Films by M. Night Shyamalan

M. Night Shyamalan burst into the writing and directing spotlight in 1999 with his hit film The Sixth Sense. This unusual piece of filmmaking surprised audiences not only with its twisted ending, but also with the emotional depth of its narrative. Shyamalan’s talent for utilizing standard genre material to explore the mystical and mysterious questions of existence in poignant and humane ways carried into his subsequent films. Whatever Shyamalan does next, moviegoers can certainly expect the unexpected and should be prepared to think long and hard about its implications—something too few filmmakers ask of the audience these days.

The Sixth Sense

Released- 1999

Plot Synopsis- Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis), a child psychologist, attempts to help young Cole Seer (Haley Joel Osment), a melancholy boy whose apparent ability to communicate with the dead is slowing destroying his relationship with his loving but frustrated mother (Toni Collette). Meanwhile, Crowe faces the break=up of his own marriage. Together, he and Cole embark upon a moving journey to discover how Cole can face his fear of the ghostly visitors and accept his gift.

Review- A beautifully sad, yet uplifting film, The Sixth Sense features a stunning performance by star Haley Joel Osment. His portrayal of the tormented Cole is genuine and heartrending. Bruce Willis is also at his best playing someone other than his typical action-hero type. The outstanding performances are augmented by wonderful mise-en-scene, including a complex set of clues and symbols that support the film’s underlying cosmology and shocking ending. Shyamalan’s story validates the lives of those in touch with mystery who seek to follow a unique path.

Unbreakable

Released- 2000

Plot Synopsis- Philadelphia security guard David Dunn (Bruce Willis) is the only survivor of a horrific train wreck. He is approached by an art dealer specializing in comic books (Samuel L. Jackson), who tries to convince him that his survival indicates him to be the truth behind the modern mythology of the superhero—a man who cannot be physically hurt. Amid the tensions of a failing marriage and his son’s hero worship, the would-be hero must find the courage to fulfill his potential.

Review- Strong performances by Willis and Jackson and an affecting subplot of family drama help make this potentially juvenile plot seem completely plausible. The film reflects the growing acknowledgement of comic books and other forms of popular entertainment as modern transmitters of mythology. The film’s soundtrack is also worth noting, suffusing the brooding piece with moments of terror and beauty. Like its predecessor, Unbreakable features a shock ending, one that sums up the major theme of the film: fulfilling one’s destiny.

Signs

Released- 2002

Plot Synopsis- Widowed ex-clergyman Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), raising two young children in rural Pennsylvania, begins to suspect that strange visitors have been stalking his cornfields. When these visitors threaten his family, he and his younger brother (Joaquin Phoenix) must decide whether they have faith in a higher purpose or believe that everything in life is coincidence in order to save them.

Review- This film is reminiscent of a quirky Alfred Hitchcock movie, mixing the mundane with the unexpected (on several levels). Signs is quieter than Shyamalan’s earlier films, depending more heavily on suspense and eeriness to set the mood for the unanticipated plot development that really pushes the story into high gear. This film also features a more overt spiritual message, but one that isn’t forced upon the audience.

The Village

Released- 2004

Plot Synopsis- Tragedy strikes a 19th century utopian community when a love triangle leads to a savage attack and a desperate search for medical treatment takes a young woman (Bryce Dallas Howard) into the surrounding wood, inhabited by menacing creatures referred to only as Those We Don't Speak Of. The village Elders' faith in their enterprise is tested by the shadow of past pain and the possibility of exposing their people to the feared "towns" outside.

Review- An exquisite visual tapestry and a study in stillness, The Village draws the viewer into the sheltered world of its inhabitants and explores the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by a community trying to overcome society's woes through love and camaraderie. The quiet, understated performances of the cast members highlight the issues that Shyamalan explores in this film, from the question of whether any community can maintain its cohesion and integrity when faced with adversity to the moral ambiguity of love. Like all of Shyamalan's films, this one begs for repeated viewings and close examination of its subtleties.