Everything is Illuminated

An adaptation of the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer in which although the viewer understands what's being said, it feels like there's a lot missing. The locations are stunning, beautifully filmed, and the performances convincing, however Eugene Hütz seems laboured and wooden at times. The soundtrack is terrific, but in places there's just too much of it, some scenes feeling like a long series of music videos, others having their power diminished by plinky sad guitar music.

Omohide Poro Poro - Memories like falling Raindrops (released as Only Yesterday)

At times this film doesn't seem to know if it wants to be a treatise on organic farming, or a shambling weepy about a self absorbed woman on holiday. Some nice observations about growing up, splendid characters and animation, but not one to hunt down.

Tonari no Totoro - My Neighbour Totoro

This childish film with childish sensibilities doesn't alienate its' adult audience, and in fact one of "Totoro's... strengths is that the scenes devoid of a huge furry monster don't feel like token "serious bits" and actually take time to explore the characters and their situation. Released at the same time as the harrowing Grave of Fireflies, Totoro is simple, inventive and memorable.

American Graffiti

George Lucas has to be praised for the authenticity and absolute immersion of his vision of fifties America, but this film feels like a series of sequences and skits that shuffle unhurriedly to a conclusion that's almost a given. Set in one night, a lot of the scenes are dimly lit, and the pacing is frustratingly slow. Ten out of ten for style though.

Tideland

Terry Gilliam offers us a glimpse of a girl kept prisoner by her own imagination. This is an ultimately pointless film that rambles from one potential to another for it to either do something interesting or finish. It does neither, and for two hours we can observe how peoples individual fantasies alienate others and cause conflicts & misunderstandings. Credit to the cast for being so enthusiastic.

The Straight Story

David Lynch proves his merit with a film notoriously atypical of his work, which is actually pure Lynch from start to finish. Based on the true story of Alvin Straight, who traveled across Iowa on a lawnmower, this is a character study that moves at the steady pace of the main characters mode of transport. Beautifully shot, with a deliciously plodding soundtrack, this is Lynch's most accessible film to date, and one of his best.

Labyrinth

Even though it's a little soft around the edges in places, and sometimes not as funny as it thinks it is, Labyrinth is still a bit of irresistible fun, especially with David Bowies' hairstyle and comically bulging tights. The songs have dated well, and the sophisticated muppets shine with character. Before the days of CGI, Jim Henson was at the top of his game, and although not the best example, Labyrinth is pretty damn fine.

風の谷のナウシカ - Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa

Nausicaa delivers emotional wallop, raises environmental issues and serves a lusciously conceived and presented world, with admirable, realistic characters. There are no villians in the traditional sense, rather, opportunists in an uncertain and dangerous setting. Even though the soundtrack is clearly of a certain vintage in places, fits nicely with the atmosphere, and is never inappropriate. Flawless magic.