The Princess Bride (Special Edition) Definitely one of my all time favorite films, works on the comedic and romantic level.

The Princess Bride (1987) Starring: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright Director: Rob Reiner Synopsis: Funny, offbeat fantasy about a princess longing for the return of her true love. One of those rare, magical films with appeal for all types and age groups. Runtime: 98 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Miracle Mile When I first saw this film, it really hit a poignant note, it would probably seem slightly dated now and more relevant to those who have been to the area in the title, but it still has great pacing and a look at the mood of the time when nuclear war seemed imminent.

Miracle Mile (1989) Starring: Anthony Edwards, Mare Winningham Director: Steve DeJarnatt Synopsis: Tense melange of psychological drama and nuclear thriller about regular citizen learning of approaching massive missile strike — but no-one believes his warnings. The Hitchcockian plot and pervasive sense of doom will grip suspense fans. Runtime: 87 minutes MPAA Rating: R Genres: Action, Cult, Drama, Mystery, Romance, Suspense

No link, sorry, Amazon doesn't carry it.

Time Bandits - Criterion Collection This is just a fantastical, fun film. Terry Gilliam did a great job. I have my cousins to thank for introducing me to this one.

Time Bandits (1981) Starring: Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall Director: Terry Gilliam Synopsis: Imaginative time-travel adventure about a young British boy hopping through history with a band of bumbling dwarves. Full of innovative effects and zany comedy, this is a favorite of fans of offbeat, humorous fantasies. Runtime: 110 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Genres: Action, Comedy, Kids, Sci-Fi/Fantasy Country of Origin: United Kingdom

Aliens: Special Edition (Widescreen... I've listed Aliens but not Alien in this section though I liked them both. I saw this one before the other so perhaps that's why this made more of an impression on me. Sigourney Weaver kicks butt!

Aliens (1986) Starring: Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn Director: James Cameron Synopsis: Action-packed, equally well-received sequel chronicles battle between futuristic soldiers and alien monsters. Riveting actioner is a roller-coaster ride of gory violence, effects that thrill series fans and sci-fi/horror buffs. Runtime: 137 minutes MPAA Rating: R Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory... Roald Dahl is one strange author (see my favorite books section) and I really enjoyed this adaptation of his novel. Course it didn't hurt that I was a kid when I saw it and giant lollipops etc got my attention. I'll still watch this film even now.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) Starring: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson Director: Mel Stuart Synopsis: Children learn perils of greed when they visit eccentric candy factory in this offbeat musical. Delightful score, gorgeous visuals, Wilder's deliciously off-kilter performance, plus darkly clever story entertain children/parents alike. Runtime: 100 minutes MPAA Rating: G Genres: Classic, Cult, Kids, Music, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

The Usual Suspects This is one of those films that are on a lot of lists, and it's made mine too. I love the plot complexity and Kevin Spacey is superb in it.

The Usual Suspects (1995) Starring: Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne Director: Bryan Singer Synopsis: Complex mystery about professional thieves' botched crime told via flashbacks. Filled with plot twists, unforgettable characters, and nonstop tension, this grim thriller is guaranteed to keep suspense fans guessing. Runtime: 105 minutes MPAA Rating: R Genres: Action, Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Noir, Suspense

Dangerous Beauty This was a fun gem I found when I decided to take up the invite to see its media screening. It has some flaws and it almost is in my favorite list as more of a "guilty pleasure" but the main character is so enchanting that she makes up for them. It also intrigued me because it showed a strong woman who was still utterly feminine.

Dangerous Beauty (1998) Starring: Catherine McCormack, Rufus Sewell Director: Marshall Herskovitz Synopsis: Steamy intrigue meets proto-feminist sexual politics in this portrait of a 16th-century Venetian courtesan. Period romance fans may enjoy the movie's visual splendor, if they can overlook the ponderously improbable script. Runtime: 111 minutes MPAA Rating: R Genres: Drama, Romance

The Duellists This film reminded me a little bit of the story of Les Miserable, in the sense that sheer stubbornness can make men do illogical things. Nice performances and photography but it probably would have made my list solely for the duels - one of the few films with sword work that feels "realistic" to me.

The Duellists (1977) Starring: Keith Carradine, Harvey Keitel Director: Ridley Scott Synopsis: Lavishly photographed drama about long-standing feud between two officers in Napoleon's army. Got mixed reviews. Picturesque period piece will please fans of historical drama seeking a sumptuous visual feast. Runtime: 101 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Genres: Action, Drama

Dark City - New Line Platinum Series I helped promote this film, and boy was it tough. However, once audiences saw it they - like me - were somewhat haunted by it. Its premise is echoed somewhat by a more recent film that did well at the box office.

Dark City (1998) Starring: Rufus Sewell, Kiefer Sutherland Director: Alex Proyas Synopsis: Eye-popping paranoid thriller about amnesiac pursued through gloomy metropolis by wraith-like "strangers." Gothic sci-fi fans will be in heaven, but abundant plot holes, occasional cliches will darken fussier suspense-seekers' enthusiasm. Runtime: 120 minutes MPAA Rating: R Genres: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense

Excalibur What a story to undertake! And what a good job of it! I will always remember Patrick Stewart crying out, "Are ye with us? Or against us?" and he wasn't even a major character. The music is perfectly done for this. This would make an all time favorite list of mine, probably even my top 10 list (these pages equal my top 40).

Excalibur (1981) Starring: Nigel Terry, Helen Mirren Director: John Boorman Synopsis: Lavish production values and compelling cast highlight this opulent, erotically charged retelling of the King Arthur legend. Despite a somewhat uneven plot, medieval fantasy lovers enjoy this visually spectacular saga. Runtime: 140 minutes MPAA Rating: R Genres: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi/Fantasy