Ok, 15 - 11 counting on down

Nelson: I was told I am counting down the wrong way so tonight I will try to do it right 15 - 11.
15. "Elf" I am like a broken record on these top movies of mine, but once again: perfect cast, perfect story, perfectly acted and perfectly directed. This is one of the few Will Ferrell movies that is not over the top, we watched this movie about 6 times before Christmas, the funny thing is we watch in dead summer too. From here on they, to me, are all 5 stars!!!!
14. "Batman Begins" Had been waiting for a long time for someone to get the Batman story right, and this movie did it. The Batman movies from the 90's were good entertainment, but really good movies, this Batman movie was a GREAT movie. I really find myself just entranced by how Batman trained and what drove him to be who he had to be, Christian Bale IS BATMAN! 5 stars
13. "IRONMAN" Who knew at the time just how Robert Downey JR would do carrying a movie, he was coming off some pretty bad problems, he proved he could bounce back and be a star. This movie was great, great special effects, great acting, cast, directing... Jon Favreau told this story like a master from behind the lens. I was left wanting more and it was not a short movie, thank goodness the second one is coming out the spring, none to soon, if it is good.
12. "Goodfellas" A masterpiece of storytelling, and it is a true story. I watch this movie as often as possible, and thoroughly enjoy it EVERYTIME!!!! 5 stars
11. "The Hangover" This movie almost made my top 10, and I have only seen it once, I do not yet own it, but will some day. This is a laugh out loud movie and very entertaining. I loved how the story was told, it worked so well. Great cast and story. 5 stars

Pam:
15. "Sense and Sensibility" - Emma Thompson won best adapted screenplay for this movie, and it shows. The story, by Jane Austen, is intricate and prolonged, but that's what gives the movie the beautiful payoff at the end for Elinor Dashwood and her Edward. Directed by Ang Lee, the views of the English countryside are sumptuous. The performances are subtle and interesting, especially the Colonel, who pursues Elinor's free-spirited younger sister played by Kate Winslet. Watchability: 4.5 stars Emotional Appeal: 4.5 stars
14. "The Godfather" - I was six when this movie came out in 1972, and growing up, I never watched it. Nelson and I bought the box set and watched it together a couple of years ago. I haven't seen it over and over again, and I can't quote lines from it like some people can, but I did appreciate the beauty of the film. It is a classic. W: 4 stars E.A.: 4 stars
13. "Under the Tuscan Sun" - This movie follows Diane Lane into the next phase of life after a miserable divorce. Normally uptight, she throws caution to the wind, travels to Italy, and buys a villa. What I love about Diane Lane is that she is so refreshingly normal - she makes mistakes, she is hopeless, hopeful, devasted and rejuvenated all at the same time. I love watching her grow through the pain of her divorce into a woman who is master of her life. W: 4.5 stars E.A.: 4.5 stars
12. "Star Trek" - I jumped on the Star Trek train with Jean-Luc Picard and the Star Trek: The Next Generation shows back in the early 90's, so I don't have the kind of lineage all the way back to the original show that hardcore trekkies have, but I do love this franchise. This movie opened with a thrilling and emotional sequence that had me in tears before the movie ever really kicked in - I knew then I was hooked. The casting was brilliant in this movie from Kirk, to Bones, to Scotty. The only unbelievable thing was the romance between Spock and Uhura (huh??) but it wasn't a big story line and I ignored it. I also didn't believe that Kirk as a punk, renegade Academy student could get promoted within a few weeks (days?) to captain, but whatever. He's Kirk, right? W: 4.75 stars E.A.: 4.5 stars
11. "Groundhog Day" - If I could summarize my view of the world, of religion, and our purpose on Earth, it would be this movie. Yes, that's a bold statement, but hear me out. The only way Phil could break the cycle of living the same day over and over again was to become a better person. I always think of Phil's days as lifetimes for humans - it takes us lifetimes to perfect being human - going through stages of denial, grandiosity, manipulation, and rebellion. When Phil realizes he's on Earth to serve others and to self-actualize, he finally "gets it." I love toying with the philosophical and spiritual implications this movie offers. W: 4.5 stars E.A.: 4 stars