There comes a time in a man’s life when he finds himself in need of some friends. Someone who will stand at your side, back you up, if necessary, and do what is needed to offer succor should the need arise. Tom Stall (Viggo Mortensen) finds himself in just such a situation when three hard men out of Philly come around his cafe after a TV report on his actions to prevent a robbery. The lads think he is a guy they knew back in the day but the locals in this middle America town stand ready to defend him.

Director:  David Cronenberg Writer:  John Wagner; Vince Locke; Josh Olson Cast:
Viggo Mortensen -  Tom Stall Maria Bello -  Edie Stall Ed Harris -  Carl Fogarty William Hurt -  Richie Cusack Ashton Holmes -  Jack Stall Peter MacNeill -  Sheriff Sam Carney Stephen McHattie -  Leland Jones Greg Bryk -  William Orser		Sumela Kay -  Judy Danvers Kyle Schmid -  Bobby Jordan Deborah Drakeford -  Charlotte Gerry Quigley -  Mick Heidi Hayes -  Sarah Stall Aidan Devine -  Charlie Roarke Bill MacDonald -  Frank Mulligan Michelle McCree -  Jenny Wyeth

Babes with guns in skimpy frocks threatened by evil psychopaths in fast cars. Who wouldn’t be interested in this? I’m sure there are a few but I don’t number myself among them. So when Grace Andrews (Sophia Bush) awakens to find herself in bed with not her boyfriend, I’m paying attention. And knowing that she is in jeopardy so she scampers into the motel bathroom in her undies after poking John Ryder (Sean Bean) with a lighted lamp bulb—that’d smart—and prevents him from forcing open the door by grabbing the revolver from the edge of the sink, I’m thinking she is a lot stronger than she looks. Now being in a locked room in your skivvies isn’t a place most folks feel comfortable, despite having a gun. So with grim determination and not a lot of clothes, she pulls on her boots, steps into her tiny skirt and top and goes in search of her boyfriend who is overdue in returning from looking for a pay phone. I’m sure she’s not going to give an inch if threatened. And once in the motel parking lot when she finds Jim (Zachary Knighton) chained between a truck and a trailer, I’m not cheering for the killer, given the look in her eye.

Director:  Dave Meyers Writer:  Eric Red; Jake Wade Wall; Eric Bernt Cast:
Sean Bean -  John Ryder Sophia Bush -  Grace Andrews Zachary Knighton -  Jim Halsey Neal McDonough -  Lt. Esteridge Kyle Davis -  Buford’s Store Clerk Skip O’Brien -  Sheriff Harlan Bremmer Sr. Travis Schuldt -  Deputy Harlan Bremmer Jr. Danny Bolero -  Officer Edwards		Jeffrey Hutchinson -  Young Father Yara Martinez -  Beth Lauren Cohn -  Marlene Michael J. Fisher -  Transport Guard #2 Joseph Michael Self -  Transport Guard #1 Brad Robinson -  Correctional Officer Kurt Grossi -  Officer Franklin Kurt Bryant -  Paramedic

How is a kid supposed to react when your mom wants you to be something that you have yet to gather the capacity to judge whether you want it? Sure, you figure it is what you want but how do you come to grips with it when you have known hardly much else? But your mom is in a position to make it happen. Velme von Tussle (Michelle Pfeiffer) has rigged the Miss Hairspray contest so her daughter will win but when it is made public, she doesn’t want it. She would rather be her own person.

Director:  Adam Shankman; John Waters Writer:  Leslie Dixon; John Waters; Mark O’Donnell; Thomas Meehan Cast:
John Travolta -  Edna Turnblad Michelle Pfeiffer -  Velma von Tussle Christopher Walken -  Wilbur Turnblad Amanda Bynes -  Penny Pingleton James Marsden -  Corny Collins Queen Latifah -  Motormouth Maybelle Brittany Snow -  Amber von Tussle Zac Efron -  Link Larkin		Elijah Kelley -  Seaweed Allison Janney -  Prudy Pingleton Nikki Blonsky -  Tracy Turnblad Taylor Parks -  Little Inez Jayne Eastwood -  Miss Wimsey Paul Dooley -  Mr. Spritzer Jerry Stiller -  Mr. Pinky Darren Frost -  Cameraman

Most everyone over 18 has gotten drunk at least once and likely done things that they can’t remember the next morning. It is with a degree of chagrin that I must admit it has happened to me more than once. So when Amanda (Cameron Diaz) surfaces one morning after getting blotto, she is somewhat anxious to discover what she may have done, particularly when she finds her underwear strewn about the kitchen. Graham (Jude Law), her host’s brother is partway through some coffee when she shyly asks what happened and what did she do (with a tiny sliver of hope that it wasn’t what is swirling through her thoughts).

Director:  Nancy Meyers Writer:  Nancy Meyers Cast:
Cameron Diaz -  Amanda Kate Winslet -  Iris Jude Law -  Graham Jack Black -  Miles Eli Wallach -  Arthur Edward Burns -  Ethan Rufus Sewell -  Jasper Miffy Englefield -  Sophie		Emma Pritchard -  Olivia Sarah Parish -  Hannah Shannyn Sossamon -  Maggie Bill Macy -  Ernie Shelley Berman -  Norman Kathryn Hahn -  Bristol John Krasinski -  Ben Alex O’Loughlin -  Kissing Couple

There comes a time in everyone’s life when you become the first in your lineage. Hellboy (Ron Perlman) learns of his pseudo-dad’s, Professor Broom (John Hurt), death and cradles him in his arms, watches from afar as his casket is carried through the rain and he is uncommunicative for three days until Liz Sherman (Selma Blair) steps up and tells him she is going after the bad guys with him. She’ll brook no argument. Touched, he realizes it is time to grow up, with adulthood yodelling down the canyons of life. He vows that he’ll never give up on her and that he’ll always look this good.

Director:  Guillermo del Toro Writer:  Mike Mignola; Guillermo del Toro; Peter Briggs Cast:
Ron Perlman -  Hellboy John Hurt -  Trevor ‘Broom’ Bruttenholm Selma Blair -  Liz Sherman Rupert Evans -  John Myers Karel Roden -  Grigori Jeffrey Tambor -  Tom Manning Doug Jones -  Abe Sapien Brian Steele -  Sammael		Ladislav Beran -  Kroenen Bridget Hodson -  Ilsa Corey Johnson -  Agent Clay Kevin Trainor -  Young ‘Broom’ Brian Caspe -  Agent Lime James Babson -  Agent Moss Stephen Fisher -  Agent Quarry Garth Cooper -  Agent Stone

Dream big. Take a chance. Albert Brennerman (Kevin James) has a yen for Allegra Cole (Amber Valetta). He is one of her herd of accountants. She is an international celebrity gazillionaire heiress and he is smitten. Alex “Hitch” Hitchens (Will Smith) takes Albert on as a client and a challenge like the day that Michelangelo firs saw the Sistine Chapel. Slim to no chance may be aiming high. But he is willing to give it a try because life is too short and he know he’ll regret it if he walks away.

Director:  Andy Tennant Writer:  Kevin Bisch Cast:
Will Smith -  Alex ‘Hitch’ Hitchens Eva Mendes -  Sara Kevin James -  Albert Amber Valletta -  Allegra Cole Julie Ann Emery -  Casey Robinne Lee -  Cressida Nathan Lee Graham -  Geoff Adam Arkin -  Max		Michael Rapaport -  Ben Jeffrey Donovan -  Vance Paula Patton -  Mandy Philip Bosco -  Mr. O’Brian Kevin Sussman -  Neil Navia Nguyen -  Mika Matt Malloy -  Pete Maria Thayer -  Lisa

Often it is the simplest thing that let’s you know that things are developing as they should. When Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) takes up the mantle as leader of Dumbledore’s Army to practice their defensive magic in preparation for battle with Lord Voldemort, it is Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) who shows it can be done by succeeding where he failed in past attempts and who shows what motivates them when seeing the picture of his parents.

Director:  David Yates Writer:  Michael Goldenberg; J.K. Rowling Cast:
Daniel Radcliffe -  Harry Potter Emma Watson -  Hermione Granger Rupert Grint -  Ron Weasley Harry Melling -  Dudley Dursley Miles Jupp -  TV Weatherman Fiona Shaw -  Petunia Dursley Richard Griffiths -  Vernon Dursley Geraldine Somerville -  Lily Potter		Ralph Fiennes -  Lord Voldemort Natalia Tena -  Nymphadora Tonks Brendan Gleeson -  Alastor ‘Mad-­Eye’ Moody George Harris -  Kingsley Shacklebolt Bridgette Millar -  Emmeline Vance Gary Oldman -  Sirius Black Mark Williams -  Arthur Weasley David Thewlis -  Remus Lupin

Sometimes a concept just beggars the imagination. Cybill Shepherd as a serial killer is one of them. She and her accomplice make a gallant effort to come across as killers but it’s hard to keep a straight face particularly when she is wearing bunny ears.

Director:  Mario Van Peebles Writer:  Larry Brand; Mario Van Peebles Cast:
Gavin J. Behrman -  Antonio Kevin Chapman -  Franklin Derrick Costa -  State Trooper Derek Cunningham -  Swedish Porn Star Elizabeth Dings -  Woman in diner Aubrey Dollar -  Rainn Luis Guzmán -  Mendez Tony Hua -  Detective Lee		Tom Kemp -  Gino Gambetti James Hiroyuki Liao -  Chang Mike Messier -  Eugene- Cass’s Son Bill Mootos -  National Guardsman Sayed Najem -  Front desk Manager Wendy Overly -  Waitress Jackie Quinones -  Angela Cybill Shepherd -  Cass

I’ve lost a few friends for what I consider viable reasons. I can always trace back why it happened and what part I played in its happening. I feel no pride in losing a friend and its sadness haunts me to this day. But my conscience is clear. That wasn’t always the case. When I was young and stupid, I tossed away some relationships that filled me with regret upon recollection. Some I was able to repair. Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) probably felt that way when he told Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) to piss off in a fit of pique and jealousy. But he is young, he’ll learn. Just because you know someone who can do stuff better than you can, may get a few more breaks and has an easy manner about them, it is no reason to slag them off. There are always more that they can’t do or don’t have than that which cause you to do something stupid.

Director:  Mike Newell Writer:  Steven Kloves; J.K. Rowling; Steve Kloves Cast:
Daniel Radcliffe -  Harry Potter Emma Watson -  Hermione Granger Rupert Grint -  Ron Weasley Mark Williams -  Arthur Weasley James Phelps -  Fred Weasley Oliver Phelps -  George Weasley Bonnie Wright -  Ginny Weasley Jeff Rawle -  Amos Diggory		Robert Pattinson -  Cedric Diggory Jason Isaacs -  Lucius Malfoy Tom Felton -  Draco Malfoy Stanislav Ianevski -  Viktor Krum Michael Gambon -  Albus Dumbledore Robbie Coltrane -  Rubeus Hagrid Robert Hardy -  Cornelius Fudge Eric Sykes -  Frank Bryce

I must be patronizing the wrong hotel bars. Leonore Lemmon (Robin Tunney) sees George Reeves (Ben Affleck) being interviewed by Earl Wilson (Channing Mitchell) and, wiping a bit of drool off her lip, decides to interrupt the TV star of Superman and hones in on him like a predator fixed upon her next snack. A bit of snappy patter and some innuendo soon finds the Man of Steel enticed into bed and gasping for relief.

Director:  Allen Coulter Writer:  Paul Bernbaum Cast:
Adrien Brody -  Louis Simo Diane Lane -  Toni Mannix Ben Affleck -  George Reeves Bob Hoskins -  Eddie Mannix Lois Smith -  Helen Bessolo Robin Tunney -  Leonore Lemmon Larry Cedar -  Chester Jeffrey DeMunn -  Art Weissman		Brad William Henke -  Russ Taylor Dash Mihok -  Sergeant Jack Paterson Molly Parker -  Laurie Simo Caroline Dhavernas -  Kit Holliday Kathleen Robertson -  Carol Van Ronkel Joe Spano -  Howard Strickling Gareth Williams -  Del Zach Mills -  Evan Simo

I’ve got a friend who seems to have perfect personal radar. Whenever a personal choice sprouts, my buddy seems to know what is going on, interprets the nuance and makes the proper choice. I envy my chum. I can see it most of the time when observing others but my radar has been on the fritz for most of my life. That seems to be the case for Liz (Dina Meyer) too. Writing an advice column doesn’t seem to have provided her with any special insight when it came to her husband and their failed marriage. Now she is hesitant when it comes to getting involved. But Christmas is coming…

Director:  Farhad Mann Writer:  Peter Sullivan Cast:
Dina Meyer -  Liz David Sutcliffe -  Tom Lane April Telek -  Sarah Kyle Cassie -  Elliott Alistair Abell -  Nick Paula Devicq -  Vicki Alexia Fast -  Jacqui Scott Swanson -  Billingsley		Tony Alcantar -  Stylist Scott E. Miller -  Clark Gary Chalk -  Anthony Shepherd Campbell Lane -  Harold Karen Khunkhun -  Grace Fields Suzanne Bastien -  Black woman Gigi De Leon -  Christina Tony Der -  Jake

Can children learn from the experience of thier parents or are they doomed to proceed on their own and repeat the mistakes of life? After a mediocre score, Page Conners (Jennifer Love Hewitt) threatens to go on the con alone, figuring she knows enough to go solo, and leave her mother and partner Max (Sigourney Weaver) behind. Mom tries to make Page understand how cold and uncaring the world can be but it doesn’t seem that Page is paying much attention. Her mind is made up. Oh dear…

Director:  David Mirkin Writer:  Robert Dunn; Paul Guay; Stephen Mazur Cast:
Sigourney Weaver -  Max Conners Jennifer Love Hewitt -  Page Conners Ray Liotta -  Dean Cumanno/Vinny Staggliano Jason Lee -  Jack Withrowe Anne Bancroft -  Gloria Vogal/Barbara Jeffrey Jones -  Mr. Appel Gene Hackman -  William B. Tensy Nora Dunn -  Miss Madress		Julio Oscar Mechoso -  Leo Ricky Jay -  Dawson’s Auctioneer Sarah Silverman -  Linda Zach Galifianakis -  Bill Michael Hitchcock -  Davis Pierre Gonneau -  Priest at First Wedding Shawn Colvin -  Minister at Second Wedding Michael Andrew -  Wedding Band Leader

I was watching my umpteenth Steven Seagal movie, cheering when the good guys triumphed, hissing when the bad guys did something nefarious and wondering once again whether they speed up the camera when he does those marital arts hand moves. All of a sudden, the bad guys dropped out the helicopter in the rain onto the prison roof. One of them sweeps around a long leather coat with the rain dripping off it in a broad spray and Nia Peeples takes centre stage. All I could do was gape at her presence in that leather outfit with the cropped top and blue eye makeup. I’m sure that guys watching this everywhere gave pause and realized that their hearts were going pitty-pat.

Director:  Don Michael Paul Writer:  Don Michael Paul Cast:
Steven Seagal -  Sasha Morris Chestnut -  49er One Ja Rule -  Nick Nia Peeples -  49er Six Tony Plana -  El Fuego Kurupt -  Twitch Michael ‘Bear’ Taliferro -  Little Joe Claudia Christian -  Williams		Linda Thorson -  Jane McPherson Bruce Weitz -  Lester Michael McGrady -  Bad Ass Guard Hannes Jaenicke -  Agent Hartmann Matt Battaglia -  49er Three Wiliam T. Bowers -  Alcatraz Guard Ross King -  FBI Agent Stephen J. Cannell -  Hubbard

In each life there are a number of rites of passage. Some are simple, some are strange and some are confusing. One I remember as a highlight was the first time I was allowed to go to the corner store by myself. I had no idea what I wanted to buy, it was being allowed out on my own to spend my pennies that filled my mind. I remember the journey but not the purchase. Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), who is turning eleven, is ushered into Mr. Ollivander’s (John Hurt) shop by Rubeus Hagrid ( Robbie Coltrane ) to buy a wand. He’s breathless to see all of the choices available. He has some trouble in finding the right one but Mr. Ollivander is up to the challenge. Harry agrees and stumbles distractedly out of the shop. He bought something on his own.

Director:  Chris Columbus Writer:  J.K. Rowling; Steven Kloves; Steve Kloves Cast:
Daniel Radcliffe -  Harry Potter Emma Watson -  Hermione Granger Rupert Grint -  Ron Weasley Richard Harris -  Albus Dumbledore Maggie Smith -  Professor Minerva McGonagall Robbie Coltrane -  Rubeus Hagrid Saunders Triplets -  Harry Potter (Age 1) Fiona Shaw -  Aunt Petunia		Harry Melling -  Dudley Dursley Richard Griffiths -  Uncle Vernon Ian Hart -  Professor Quirrell Ben Borowiecki -  Diagon Alley Boy Warwick Davis -  Professor Flitwick/Goblin Bank Teller Vern Troyer -  Griphook the Goblin John Hurt -  Mr. Ollivander Matthew Lewis -  Neville Longbottom

How do you get your parents to listen to you? They’re too busy to take the time you need to explain why your life sucks. Some advice would help. So why not lock them in the basement. ‘Grover’ Beindorf (Kyle Howard) and his buddies stock the cellar and barricade the door after luring his parents, Janet (Jamie Lee Curtis) and Ned (Kevin Pollak) down there. It gives them time to realize why they together and why they want to stay that way.

Director:  Harry Winer Writer:  Michael Hitchcock Cast:
Kyle Howard -  Gregory Alan ‘Grover’ Beindorf Russel Harper -  T.J. Krupp Jamie Lee Curtis -  Janet Beindorf Kevin Pollak -  Ned Beindorf Amy Sakasitz -  Stacy Beindorf Mooky Arizona -  Matt Finley Caroline Aaron -  Louise Finley Alex Seitz -  Jimmy Finley		Josh Wolford -  Teddy Finley Wallace Shawn -  Victor ‘Vic’ Finley Jennifer Love Hewitt -  Brooke Figler Patrika Darbo -  Cafetaria Cashier Ray Walston -  Chief Rocco Christopher McDonald -  Donald Krupp Colleen Camp -  Mrs. Burtis Sheila McCarthy -  Gwenna Krupp

I’ve met and known a number of people for whom others line up and are entranced by. Some are bewildered by the process, others are just happy that somebody else is interested in what they do and a few bathe in the spotlight and figure they deserve the adulation. But I’d have to say that I only know a couple like Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh), a chronic inept self-promoter. His act at the signing of his book, with the women swooning and the men rolling their eyes, is one I’ve seen but made me wish I were elsewhere. It isn’t much of a surprise to know that folks like him go on to bigger and better stunts but the number of repeat visitors seem to diminish with each audience.

Director:  Chris Columbus Writer:  J.K. Rowling; Steven Kloves; Steve Kloves Cast:
Daniel Radcliffe -  Harry Potter Rupert Grint -  Ron Weasley Emma Watson -  Hermione Granger Richard Griffiths -  Uncle Vernon Fiona Shaw -  Aunt Petunia Harry Melling -  Dudley Dursley Toby Jones -  Dobby the House Elf (voice) Jim Norton -  Mr. Mason		Veronica Clifford -  Mrs. Mason James Phelps -  Fred Weasley Oliver Phelps -  George Weasley Julie Walters -  Molly Weasley Bonnie Wright -  Ginny Weasley Mark Williams -  Arthur Weasley Chris Rankin -  Percy Weasley Tom Felton -  Draco Malfoy

Over the years, I’ve made (and lost) a number of friends. As I get older, I find it harder to make a new one. It seems easy to make an acquaintance but to have that relationship turn into a friendship is rare. So watching Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) get to know his Defense Against the Dark Arts professor Remus Lupin (David Thewlis) prompts a number of pleasant memories of friends past and present. Despite Lupin’s shortcomings and his unfortunate lack of manners when transformed, he’s still someone that Harry can count on for sage advice and useful information.

Director:  Alfonso Cuarón Writer:  J.K. Rowling; Steven Kloves Cast:
Daniel Radcliffe -  Harry Potter Emma Watson -  Hermione Granger Richard Griffiths -  Uncle Vernon Rupert Grint -  Ron Weasley Michael Gambon -  Albus Dumbledore Maggie Smith -  Professor Minerva McGonagall Alan Rickman -  Professor Severus Snape Robbie Coltrane -  Rubeus Hagrid		Matthew Lewis -  Neville Longbottom Pam Ferris -  Aunt Marge Fiona Shaw -  Aunt Petunia Harry Melling -  Dudley Dursley Adrian Rawlins -  James Potter Geraldine Somerville -  Lily Potter Lee Ingleby -  Stan Shunpike Lenny Henry -  Shrunken Head