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My Ten Favourite Films of 1999

1. Magnolia - P.T. Anderson's daring tale of fate and forgiveness is cinema at its best. It has got it all; a stellar ensemble cast, a soundtrack that actually becomes part of the film and a complex story that is remarkably easy to follow. The film is not for everyone due to its occasional crude language, but will leave true film lovers enraptured.

2. Three Kings - David O. Russell's film was the best surprise of '99. Lacklustre, confusing trailers did nothing to prepare viewers for what is not only a funny wartime search for gold, but a scathing criticism of former President George Bush's foreign policy. Pulling no punches, the film takes the rare step of giving the "enemy", the Iraqi people, a well-written character who reveals the rotten motivations behind Desert Storm.

3. Ride With The Devil - Ang Lee's films always garner impressive buzz but then get passed over by other more flashy films. This appears to be happening again in '99 and it is a shame. Ride With The Devil is a different war film; instead of centring on men who perform great deeds or on the war itself, Devil focuses on a small group of friends whose actions don't mean much on their own, but taken in context represent a nation divided. Ride With The Devil is not an easy film to grasp, but must be seen for its power to be appreciated.

4. Toy Story 2 - One of those rare sequels that actually improves on the original's themes, Toy Story 2 is much more than a kid's flick. The film explores the true purpose of a toy, touching the world of collector's items, while merrily entertaining all viewers with its spectacular computer graphics and star voices. A great family film.

5. Cookie's Fortune - Lost in the crowd of critically acclaimed fall/winter films this year, Robert Altman's quiet gem has been largely unseen. This is unfortunate, for this film wraps itself up in the simple flow of small town America. It has laughs aplenty, intriguing characters and a story that unfolds at its own pace, and Cookie's Fortune reminds us that you don't need special effects to make a special film.

6. The Matrix - This is one of the most visually stunning films ever made, up there with Kubrick's 2001, and Lucas' Star Wars. Using a complex sci-fi plotline about false realities and computer enslavers, the Wachowski Brothers have crafted a winner that will likely set the bar for the genre through the next decade. As Keanu Reeves would say, "Whoa".

7/8. All About My Mother & The Cider House Rules - These two films share many similar traits, and are equally deserving of praise. They both feature real, flawed characters, the kinds of characters that the viewer must judge for themselves. Characters like nuns and transvestites are usually just two-dimensional caricatures, and it is always a pleasant surprise to find them respected. Both films tackle hard subjects like abortion and HIV-positive mothers, and both will enchant you with their mix of humour, drama and fine acting.

9. Run Lola Run - Lola has flaming orange hair, an attitude, and twenty minutes to get thousands of dollars to her boyfriend or he could be shot. Can she make it? This adrenaline-pumping funfest by German director Tom Tykwer is an exploration of fate, and the concept that one single little thing, like passing someone on the street, can alter your future forever. With a heavy techno-based soundtrack and an actress (Franka Potente) who commands the viewer's attention, this film will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Prepare yourself.

10. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut - I may be biased since I disagree with the rating system of the MPAA, but this full frontal attack on the conservative group of judges must be assisted by laser guidance because it hits every one of its targets. South Park the movie is side-splittingly funny, doubtless the funniest film of the year, though some of the humour also makes you squirm. Featuring a screenplay so riddled with obscenities that it probably burns your hand to pick it up and a soundtrack that deserves to have one of those "explicit lyrics" warnings slapped all over it, if any film can be said to be "not for everyone" this is it. But if you think you can stand a film that makes fun of America's segregated past, Barbara Streisand, the Baldwin Brothers, gay art films, Saddam Hussein and even the French Revolution, watch this film. Just don't say you were not warned.

Honourable mentions - go to the following films, which in a lesser year might have made the Top Ten: American Beauty, Being John Malkovich, Buena Vista Social Club, The Hurricane, Election, The End of the Affair, Felicia's Journey, Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels, Sweet and Lowdown.

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