Publication Date: Friday, January 07, 2005

Tyler Hanley's Picks

BEST MOVIE OF 2004: FINDING NEVERLAND Johnny Depp plays "Peter Pan" playwright J.M Barrie with vibrant enthusiasm, while director Marc Forster ("Monster's Ball") ingeniously intertwines fantasy and reality. The power of imagination takes center stage in this heartfelt fairytale that transcends traditional entertainment with a pure and simple message: One of the greatest treasures of humanity is a child's hope and innocence.

The Aviator From the cloud nine of aviation to the basement of agoraphobia, Howard Hughes lived an unparalleled life -- an existence that unfolds onscreen thanks to cinematic mastermind Martin Scorsese. The filmmaker again teams with his "Gangs of New York" star Leonardo DiCaprio for an unsettling glimpse of a man who soared before spiraling down.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Another unforgettable tale from the wild mind of screenwriter Charlie Kaufman ("Adaptation"). This brain tease has Kaufman collaborating with French director Michel Gondry for a hypnotic glance at love and loss. Standout performances by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet punctuate the innovative screen-dream.

Fahrenheit 9/11 Controversial documentarian Michael Moore ("Bowling for Columbine") takes on the Al Capone of untouchable subject matter in this riveting docu-drama. An amalgam of humor and human horror, "Fahrenheit 9/11" sheds ominous (albeit biased) light on a government most Americans remain blissfully blind to -- making for the year's most frightening film.

Garden State TV's top "Scrub," Zach Braff, dives head-first into the big-screen pool as writer, director and star of this touching slice of New Jersey life. Brilliant relationship dynamics -- family, friends and lovers -- unfold in a cornucopia of humor and heartache. Peter Sarsgaard and Natalie Portman back Braff with remarkable aplomb, and "State" features the year's best on-screen kiss.

Kill Bill Volume 2 Quentin Tarantino's homage to kung-fu and spaghetti-Western cinema culminates with this "rip-roaring rampage of revenge." Uma Thurman unleashes an Oscar-caliber performance, while David Carradine's climactic monologue is rife with insight. Add a gut-wrenching burial scene, tender mother-daughter moments and meticulous direction for good measure.

Million Dollar Baby Clint Eastwood follows his Oscar-nominated "Mystic River" with another punch-in-the-gut presentation. Leading lady Hilary Swank dishes out a multi-layered performance -- both in and out of the ring -- and Eastwood proves he truly is "the best cut man in the business."

Ray A soulful bio-pic in which Jamie Foxx delivers an uncanny portrayal of Ray Charles. Throw in a wealth of toe-tapping tunes and strong supporting players and you get a finely crafted and brutally honest peek at the groundbreaking musician.

Sideways The most highly acclaimed film of the year deserves every bit of praise and applause. Audacious writer/director Alexander Payne ("About Schmidt") paints a quartet of characters so human it's almost unsettling. The cast and crew will be lining up on Oscar night while Merlot drinkers look on in quiet disgust.

Spider-Man 2 Enigmatic director Sam Raimi follows the path paved by some of filmmaking's finest: Richard Donner ("Superman: The Movie"), Tim Burton ("Batman") and Bryan Singer ("X-Men"). But a first-rate cast, breathtaking special effects and unflinching appreciation for the source material make Raimi's "Spidey" sequel spin to the top of the superhero genre.

Tyler Hanley's Pans

The Big Bounce I wish this disgraceful adaptation would bounce its way out of my memory banks.

The Chronicles of Riddick I can't decide which is the better actor -- Vin Diesel or a ham sandwich.

Envy Any movie that revolves around dog poop should be canned immediately.

Eurotrip "Eurotrash" is a far more fitting title.

Twisted The lead character is an alcoholic nymphomaniac and the film isn't an after-hours Cinemax exclusive. Yeah, I'd say that's pretty twisted.