Publication Date: Friday, January 09, 2004

SHELBY'S BEST MOVIE OF 2003: LOST IN TRANSLATION Somehow Sofia Coppola has woven a story of alienation, Japanese hotel bars and urban angst into a moving and compelling love story about two lost souls who don't fall in love. Bill Murray at his very best. Coppola's deft touch results in a profoundly beautiful film.

American Splendor: This film joyfully celebrates the nerd in all of us. Stanley Pekar's real life, first made public in the comics, is brought to life on screen through Paul Giamatti's elegantly understated performance and the real Pekar's courage and savvy. Pekar is thrilling in a nebbishy sort of way.

Capturing the Friedmans: This surprising, devastating documentary rips off the genteel cover of the American family. Though really too painful, it is one of the great films to emerge this year.

Finding Nemo: Father-son fairy tales don't get any better than this. Who knew ones and zeros could result in such delightful and well-coached performances, as well as a truly beautiful computer-generated underwater world. Pixar triumphs on all levels.

House of Sand and Fog: Ben Kingsley's heartbreaking performance as a proud man whose fortunes have taken a precipitous turn, coupled with first-time director Vadim Perelman's dedication to the immigrant spirit, results in a serious Oscar contender.

In America: Jim Sheridan's valentine to his family, to struggling immigrants everywhere and, in a backhanded way, to his adopted country. Spectacular performances from sisters Sarah and Emma Bolger, Samantha Morton and Paddy Considine as the struggling dad. Sheridan earns all the tears he drags from the audience.

Kill Bill:Vol. 1: Ridiculous, grotesque, entirely over-the-top and absolutely unforgettable. This is a film only Tarantino could have made, and he has once again hit his stride. This celebration of campy, tongue-in-cheek filmmaking transcends all the spurting blood with an impressive wit, grace and skill.

Master and Commander: Now this is what going to the movies is all about. A thrilling, expertly directed and acted yarn of the high seas. Imagine the best Star Trek episode ever made set in the early 19th century.

Spellbound: This documentary about kids in the National Spelling Bee says more about competition, victory, loss and being American than any sports film ever has. Completely engaging from the first frame.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King: This is really a "body-of-work" award for all three films, which upon re-viewing manage to tell a gripping story of good and evil, friendship, sacrifice and love, while avoiding condescension or boredom. A truly remarkable achievement in epic filmmaking, destined to win the Oscar for best picture.

Jim Shelby's Pans

SHELBY'S WORST MOVIE OF 2003: Matrix Reloaded "What in ze hell?" The second installment in this promising enterprise was mainly loud, swollen and puzzling. So sad to see things go sour after such an auspicious start. The good news: Keanu Reeves regained his facial mobility in "Something's Gotta Give."

Dickie Roberts: Former Child Star This puerile, trashy, truly awful movie gives adolescent boys across the country a bad name.

Duplex: Ugly piece of sham directing by Danny DeVito trades on star power (Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore) rather than wit. Don't rent this unit.

Intolerable Cruelty: Zero chemistry between George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones, as well as zero wit, fun or surprises. From the Coen Brothers, a disappointing surprise indeed.

The Life of David Gale: Anti-death penalty thriller comes off as self-righteous rant in Alan Parker's hands, pushing liberal buttons at the expense of any complexity.