A little about my favorite movies of 1989:

Chances Are: A totally dumb romantic comedy.  Here it is, my critical 
weak spot, exposed for all to see.  I've seen plenty of dumb romanti 
comedies that I hated too, however, so maybe there is something to this 
one after all.

Cousins: Speaking of light romantic movies, this one is my all-time 
favorite.  I used to watch this movie every night, maybe just for 
Isabella Rossellini, but the score by Angelo Badalamenti (later of 
"Twin Peaks" musical fame) doesn't hurt either.  Far better, in my 
opinion, than the muddled "Cousin, Cousine" that it was based on.

Dead Poets Society: Peter Wier's last good movie.  Though the 
ending was flawed.

Drugstore Cowboy: Gus Van Sant's last good movie.  A movie with a 
message, which is: never, never
leave a hat on the bed!

Eat a Bowl of Tea: Wayne Wang, hit-or-miss director of the century, 
scores a HIT.

Glory: Say, wasn't Edward Zwick the guy behind that horrid teevee show 
Thirtysomething?  Yes, he was.  This is a mainstream movie that somehow 
manages to also be good, in a way.  The whole movie is sort of haunting, 
in fact, which is an odd way to approach it, but it works.

Heathers: One of the best and most quotable movies ever made.  So good 
that people thought Winona Ryder could act.  "Esquimaux" - look it up, 
I did!

Roger & Me: Remember when Michael Moore was clever and funny?  And had 
something to say, if not much?  Not as good as its hype, but still plenty 
good.

Say Anything...: Cameron Crowe, this movie more than makes up for the 
horrid "Singles" you directed later on.

When Harry Met Sally: As a general rule the Ephrons and Meg Ryan annoy 
me, and the first time I saw this movie I did not like it because of 
its message, but over the years I have come to admit that as a movie 
it is... pretty good.