By By Andrew Benjamin

1. Pride And Prejudice: What could have been a boring, plodding film, turned out to be a truly funny and great story about love. None of the actors falter in their performances. The Oscars should already decide to give this Best Picture.

2. Good Night, And Good Luck.: A powerful and important film about journalism ethics. David Strathairn gives a performance of such concentration and force; he is a shoo-in (or better be) for an Oscar nomination. The rest of the cast is just as amazing, with great performances from Patricia Clarkson, Robert Downey Jr., and Jeff Daniels.

3. The Aristocrats: It can’t be said simply enough. This movie was and is the funniest movie of the year 2005. Never has a single constant joke been able to make one laugh till they cried.

4. The Devil’s Rejects: In a time when horror movie remakes are the norm, it was great to see something truly original, fresh, and terrifying. Director Rob Zombie uses atmosphere, music, and visuals to create a no-holds barred psychological horror film that doesn’t shy away from anything. Watch it in a dark room and prepare to be terrified like no other movie since The Shining.

5. The Island: As someone who was never a fan of Michael Bay’s films, it was a surprise and great pleasure to see him turn out a very intelligent sci-fi action flick. The film’s blend of fast paced action with an important morality tale makes it one of the more thoughtful sci-fi action films to come out in recent years. Those who see it will be amazed at how intelligent a Hollywood film can be.