Publication Date: Friday, January 09, 2004

HANLEY'S BEST MOVIE OF 2003: THE LORD OF THE RINGS: RETURN OF THE KING Standing ovation for a masterful climax to the most ambitious filmmaking endeavor since "Citizen Kane." Director Peter Jackson spent seven years bringing J.R.R. Tolkien's fantastic tale of hobbits and heroes to life, culminating in an epic tour de force . Performances erupt with confidence. Production values -- from costume design to musical score -- are a cinematic marvel. One "Ring" to rule them all indeed.

Bad Santa Billy Bob Thornton doesn't miss a beat as a foul-mouthed, sacrilegious Santa clinging to life's bottom rung. The year's funniest film pushed comedic boundaries beyond the common comfort level, but clever dialogue and a no-holds-barred approach made this anti-establishment Christmas pic an instant cult classic.

Finding Nemo Disney and Pixar continue to make waves in the animation industry. Their latest collaboration is a feast for the senses and the spirit, a visually stunning adventure full of heart and humor. Colorful secondary characters run the gamut from three fish-oholic sharks to a school of righteous sea turtles. The film didn't do much to assuage my fear of dentists though.

Hulk An emerald blend of "Superman" and "Frankenstein," the title character is as sympathetic a superhero as you will ever see on the big screen. Ang Lee's passionate direction, featuring seamless scene-to-scene transitions and an artistic dedication to the green goliath's comic-book roots gave "Hulk" the dramatic life many action movies sorely lack.

Identity A stellar ensemble cast and one of the most creative horror screenplays ever written push this frightening mind-bender into Top-10 territory. Director James Mangold sets the haunting mood thanks to intense rainfall, a run-down motel and 10 curious strangers with a common bond. The film's surprising twist is a must-see and John Cusack is at his brooding best.

Lost in Translation Who says good filmmaking doesn't run in the family? "Godfather" guru Francis Ford Coppola's daughter, Sofia, follows up her acclaimed "The Virgin Suicides" with a poetic ode to feeling out of place. Bill Murray gives an Oscar-worthy performance while charismatic ingenue Scarlett Johansson fuels the feel-good fire.

Mystic River Sean Penn proves again why he is modern cinema's finest actor in this gut-wrenching drama based on the best-selling Dennis Lehane novel. Powerful storytelling coupled with inspirational supporting players -- including Tim Robbins' touching portrayal of the year's most tragic character -- highlight director Clint Eastwood's best picture since "Unforgiven."

Pieces of April "Pieces" is independent filmmaking at its best. The enthusiastic cast members each offer inspirational turns, headlined by the brilliant Patricia Clarkson as an embittered, dying mother. Family and selflessness sit at the emotional core, leading to the year's most heartwarming denouement. Thanksgiving at its most sincere.

Spellbound Edge-of-your-seat entertainment has never been so educational. Jeffrey Blitz's acclaimed documentary is a suspenseful glimpse into the lives of eight children and their aspirations to be the nation's top speller. A gripping look at parental control and adolescent determination.

Whale Rider Spirituality, strength and courage permeate Niki Caro's enchanting New Zealand import. Keisha Castle-Hughes is magnetic as a young woman striving for recognition in a culture dominated by tradition and testosterone. A transfused sense of equality and self-worth lingers long after the final credits have rolled.

Tyler Hanley's Pans

HANLEY'S WORST MOVIE OF 2003: GIGLI Some strange satisfaction comes with the knowledge that Ben and Jen co-starred in one of the worst movies ever made. Bad casting, bad dialogue, bad acting, bad title, bad ending. The jokes were good though. Oh, wait, those weren't supposed to be jokes ...?

Anger Management For Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson to follow up a pair of Academy-caliber pictures ("Punch-Drunk Love" and "About Schmidt") with such nonsense is a true tragedy. But when seeing Woody Harrelson dressed in drag is the film's highlight, you know you have yourself a real poocher.

Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle Disjointed doesn't begin to describe what is little more than a big-budget cinematic strip show. Someone should have thought about writing a script before giving "Full Throttle" the green light.

Darkness Falls The year's most irritating spine-tingler sported cheap scare tactics, a contrived screenplay and exasperating sound effects. Boo.

Hollywood Homicide More proof that looks alone don't make a movie. Two of Hollywood's biggest hunks -- Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett -- perform in one of the year's biggest bombs. Cruel and unusual punishment for theatergoers nationwide.