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John Q. (2002) --> From all the movies I've seen Denzel Washington in, from as early as Glory (1989) and Cry Freedom (1987) to Training Day (2001) and Remember the Titans (2000), from Ricochet (1991), Malcolm X (1992), and The Pelican Brief (1993) to Philadelphia (1993) and He Got Game (1998), John Q. is his best performance. Although he won an Oscar portraying Detective Alonzo Harris in Training Day, John Quincy Archibald is Washington's tour de force. Directed by Nick Cassavetes and written by James Kearns, John Q. is a biting criticism of the American health care system. Movies are always meant to shock, outrage, or exaggerate different aspects of life, but if this movie represents an accurate appraisal of health care in the States, then I feel pity for the 40 million Americans (mentioned in the movie) that are without it.


Full Spectrum Staff

Donnie Darko (2001) --> I'm still figuring out the nuances to this great movie. Time travel, psychosis, mystery, perception of reality as well as other intrigues is involved in this movie. Richard Kelly wrote and directed this enigma. It was his first film. The movie missed its window as the makers found that a scene involving a plane engine hitting a house would be too much of a reminder of 9-11.


Scott D. Brown

Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi [Spirited Away] (2001) --> The greatest Japanese animation storyteller Hayao Miyazaki gives his best work with this animated feature film. It tells of a 10 year old girl who is transported into a world of witches and magic. What makes this film stand out more than anything else is the animation. Without using computer enhancements (a la Disney) Miyazaki still puts forth a stunning visual experience; a great film full of wonder for both kids and adults alike.


Full Spectrum Staff

Crocodile (2000) --> This Tobe Hooper directed bomb is the reason why I am always wary of renting scary animal movies. For every great movie of the genre, like a Lake Placid (1999) for example, you have to put up with cheese like this. The gore looks juvenile, the computer animated crocodile is easily recognized as fake (especially when it is walking on the ground and it looks like the animal is sliding on ice) and the acting is terrible. Avoid this like the plague.


Scott D. Brown

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