Without Limits This is another gem that was mainly overlooked by the Industry. I saw it at a media screening and came out thinking I would have been more than happy to have paid to watch it. Compelling film based on the real life story of runner, Steve Prefontaine which also happens to be a small look at the 70s.

Without Limits (1998) Starring: Billy Crudup, Donald Sutherland. Director: Robert Towne Synopsis: Powerful biopic about life of doomed track legend Steve Prefontaine. Engrossing, detail-rich story, rich characterizations, and fine race sequences make this compelling viewing for fans of character-driven drama, sports buffs. Runtime: 117 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Genre: Drama

Steel Magnolias Yes, it's a "chick flick" but geez is it moving and full of great performances from these women. A truly stirring drama.

Steel Magnolias (1989) Starring: Sally Field, Dolly Parton. Director: Herbert Ross Synopsis: Sentimental, mainstream comedy/drama about Southern women sharing triumphs and tragedies in beauty salon. Cynical viewers may find it sickly sweet, but this is ideal for fans of female-bonding tales. Runtime: 118 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Genres: Comedy, Drama

Ghost So sweet a romantic movie that I'm almost ashamed to have this on my list. But I gotta admit, it really was quite a ride when I saw it and the comedy and suspense elements helped pull this film above other romantic films.

Ghost (1990) Starring: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore. Director: Jerry Zucker Synopsis: Popular, widely appealing Hollywood fantasy/thriller about love beyond the grave. Well-received performances make this a hit with fans of mainstream films looking for a good cry and plenty of romance. Runtime: 128 minutes MPAA Rating: PG-13 Genres: Comedy, Drama, Horror, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense

Bugsy Malone I think party of my enjoyment of this film deals with the fact that I saw it as a kid and thought it looked like so much fun! This is how gangsters should have been.

Bugsy Malone (1976) Starring: Scott Baio, Jodie Foster. Director: Alan Parker Synopsis: Wacky musical farce about kiddie gangsters fighting it out with ice cream guns was a huge hit with tykes. Kids, fans of the offbeat will still enjoy this unusual delight. Runtime: 93 minutes MPAA Rating: G Genres: Comedy, Family, Kids

Star Wars Trilogy (Widescreen Edition) I've tried not to include films in my list that are too "obvious" but since I'm staying true to the title of my "favorites" I must give a nod to my all time favorite science fiction trilogy. Star Wars, Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. By now these films have gone far beyond mere a mere "movie" title.

Star Wars (1977) Starring: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill. Director: George Lucas Synopsis: Mega-hit interstellar adventure classic about battle between good and evil. Highlighted by groundbreaking, jaw-dropping special effects; powerhouse musical score; rich characterizations. Still great entertainment vehicle for sci-fi, action, drama fans. Runtime: 124 minutes MPAA Rating: PG Genres: Action, Classic, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

The Player - New Line Platinum Series I love this film, it's complex enough to watch over and over and lets me laugh at my old industry. I also have fun playing "I recognize that location!"

The Player (1992) Starring: Tim Robbins, Greta Scacchi. Director: Robert Altman Synopsis: Biting, fast-paced satire of Hollywood establishment, concerning the consequences of blind ambition. Critically acclaimed, cameo-filled tour de force is widely appealing, enjoyed by fans of comedy, suspense, drama. Runtime: 123 minutes MPAA Rating: R Genres: Classic, Comedy, Drama, Suspense

Swimming with Sharks While exaggerated, I could easily see how several parts of this flm grew out of reality. Frank Whaley does a great job as the assistant finally come to power.

Swimming With Sharks (1995) Starring: Kevin Spacey, Frank Whaley. Director: George Huang. Synopsis: Pitch-black comedy/drama about much-abused employee taking his sadistic boss hostage. Dark satire fans will relish Spacey's scathing performance, its anti-Hollywood message, though those expecting only light-hearted laughs will be disappointed. Runtime: 93 minutes MPAA Rating: R Genres: Comedy, Drama

L.A. Confidential An "old school" film with a dose of modern realism and violence. Great performances.

L.A. Confidential (1997) Starring: Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe. Director: Curtis Hanson. Synopsis: Rock-hard-boiled mystery about three cops' lives intertwining as they investigate multiple murder. Gritty-yet-glamourous portrait of postwar Los Angeles' corrupt underside is a must for noir fans prepared for wrenching violence. Runtime: 136 minutes MPAA Rating: R Genres: Action, Drama, Mystery, Noir, Suspense

La Femme Nikita I'm a fan of strong female leads, guess I liked to find some to look up to or "be". This girl is more than strong and I much prefer this version to the re-make, "Point of No Return." Don't worry about the subtitles, there's more action than talk.

La Femme Nikita (1991) Starring: Anne Parillaud, Jean-Hughes Anglade. Director: Luc Besson. Synopsis: Stylish, adrenaline-pumping, ultra-violent French action thriller about criminal woman recruited as government assassin. Frenzied, breakneck pace, non-stop action, sexy lead star make this must-see fare even for American genre fans. Runtime: 117 minutes MPAA Rating: R Genres: Action, Foreign, Suspense. Country of Origin: France

Alright, so I'm over "Fricka's Forty Favorite Flicks" by 1 -- I couldn't help it, it was hard enough to narrow it down this far! And I even left out some "obvious" films as well: Monty Python and the Holy Grail -... for instance. Perhaps when I re-order everything I'll work them in.