Michael Lee's Top Ten List

1. The Matrix
   Since I imagine this will be on just about everyone's list, I won't bother to say much about it. Quite likely the best Science Fiction film of the 1990s, it's not just an action film, it's got a lot of perceptive comments on reality, technology, and how they are coming together. There were lots of surprises in this when I saw it the first time, without a clue what was going on.

   Of course, Doctor Who had a virtual reality computer called the Matrix in 1976...
   
   

2. The Phantom Menace
   Honestly, any movie that starts as this movie does is on the list. I saw this film more times than any other movie last year. It's a sign that it was, almost inevitably, a disappointment when it can't take the top spot from The Matrix. The senate scene is fantastic.
   
   
3. The Sixth Sense
   A very chilling -- and moving -- movie. I intended to see it a second time, and will on video tape someday, as I'm sure it is a completely different movie the second time.
   
   
4. Being John Malkovich
   Possibly the oddest film I've ever seen that wasn't done by Terry Gilliam. Hysterically funny and bizarre, with an excellent cast and great performances.
   
   
5. The Iron Giant
   If this had been a live action film with the robot replaced by a small alien, it would have been one of the most successful films of all time. Instantly classic, I hope it has a long shelf life on video as people show it to their children.
   
   
6. Dogma
   Like Last Temptation of Christ, the protests and complaints deflect from a movie that actually has something interesting and complicated about faith and religion.
   
   
7. The World is Not Enough
   I almost always like a Bond film. Bad jokes, fun chase scenes.
   
   
8. The Blair Witch Project
   I saw this the first week it was out, and was literally shaking for a half hour after I saw it. It got caught up in its own hype, so I doubt if you see it now it would be as effective, but for the budget, it is quite an achievement.
   
   
9. Princess Mononoke
   Amazing animation, an interesting story dealing with the conflicts between nature and technology.
   
   
10. Toy Story 2
    I went to see this on a whim the afternoon of New Years Day, and was very happy I did. At one point in time, computer animation was only interesting for its technological achievement, but the story here is outstanding, and it's only after the fact that you realize how good the animation is in the film.
    
    

And the stinker is -- Wing Commander. Starship Troopers at least was enjoyable!