A little about my favorite movies of 1990:

Joe vs. the Volcano: I keep thinking that some day, in the future, 
people will look back on this movie as one of the best films ever 
made.  Though at the time it was universally panned and a total flop.  
However, it does have its followers, of which I am one.  I know every 
word of dialogue.

Edward Scissorhands: The Frankenstein tale, set in suburbia - 
literally, since Tim Burton used the photo book "Suburbia" (about 
Livermore!) to construct the sets.  He is never going to top this.

The Unbelievable Truth: Hal Hartley's first major film.  I think he 
made some bad films later on, but this one is Hartley-esque and fresh, 
without being rote.  I watched his film "Simple Men" twice, the first 
time thinking it was painfully awful, the second time thinking it was 
great.  Maybe Hartley's films should be seen in chronological order, 
beginning with this one.

Goodfellas: More than makes up for "The Last Temptation of Christ."

Metropolitan: The first, and best, of Whit Stilman's "trilogy."  
Dialogue to die for.

Dances With Wolves: A popular choice, I know, but it still did what 
good Hollywood films are supposed to do.

Mountains of the Moon: Dick and John's Not-so-excellent Adventure!  
Here's a look at the non-fun part of being an explorer.  The only false 
note in this movie is Burton's wife.

Monsieur Hire: This movie had good word of mouth, and was a quiet 
sort of film, but very interesting.

Jacob's Ladder: A big mess of a film, more Bosch and Bacon than 
anything else.  Forget the plot too.

Miller's Crossing: This movie is so beautiful.  In fact, it is too 
beautiful, full of so many art-for-art's-sake moments that even 
now I can't remember the plot at all, just images of burning 
buildings and a hat floating through the air.