The Invisible War (2012) – ★★★★

Director: Kirby Dick
Writers: Kirby Dick, Amy Ziering

The Invisible War is a very well made documentary showcasing testimonies of men and women who were victims of sexual-assault in the military. The facts that are presented are not only shocking, but infuriating. The interviews are incredibly heart-wrenching. This is a documentary that might just change the way the military handles cases of sexual-assault, which is why it is one of the best documentaries of 2012.

The Impossible (2012) – ★★★★½

Director: Juan Antonio Bayona
Writers: Sergio G. Sanchez (screenplay), Maria Belon (story)
Stars: Naomi Watts, Tom Holland, Ewan McGregor, Ploy Jindachote

The Impossible is one of the most emotional experiences I’ve ever had watching a movie. I haven’t cried so much watching a movie since Brokeback Mountain (2005), except this time it was much more powerful. With some of the best acting I’ve ever seen, a heart-wrenching story of survival, and cinematography that is breathtaking, The Impossible is definitely one of the greatest movies of 2012.

The Letter (1929) – ★★★★

Director: Jean de Limur
Writers: Monta Bell, Garrett Fort (screenplay), W. Somerset Maugham (play)
Stars: Jeanne Eagels, Lady Tsen Mei, Reginald Owen, Herbert Marshall

The Letter is a film that was long thought lost, until Warner Brothers released the restored version on DVD, albeit missing a few background sounds and scenes. I expected a bad quality film with a great performance by Jeanne Eagels. What I got was a great film with a powerhouse performance from Jeanne Eagels. It is only an hour long, and is rivetting minute after minute!

House at the End of the Street (2012) – ★½

Director: Mark Tonderai
Writers: David Loucka (screenplay), Jonathan Mostow (story)
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Max Thieriot, Elisabeth Shue, Gil Bellows

Watching House at the End of the Street is about as satisfying as eating a dry chicken sandwich. It has the ingredients for a good film, but leaves you bitterly disappointed. It’s a little bit like Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho,’ but with a far less interesting story. I enjoyed the slow pace of the film at first, but about 40 minutes in, it became unbearable. This is advertised as a ‘horror’ film, but it is NOT horrifying. It’s thrilling, and somewhat engaging, but in the end it just isn’t scary.

Same Time Next Year (1978) – ★★★★½

Director: Robert Mulligan

Writers: Bernard Slade (screenplay and play)

Stars: Ellen Burstyn, Alan Alda

This movie just speaks to me. From the very first moment, when the piano begins to play, I get chills up my spine. The love and chemistry between the two main characters feels very genuine. This isn’t a perfect film, but it is one of my personal favorites. Anyone who gets emotional with romance’s better bring a box of tissues when seeing this movie. It is extremely funny, heart-wrenchingly sad, and one of the best romantic-comedies of all time.

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932) - ★★★★½

Director: Mervyn LeRoy
Writers: Robert E. Burns, Howard J. Green (Screenplay)
Stars: Paul Muni, Edward Ellis, Noel Francis, Glenda Farrell, Helen Vinson, Allen Jenkins

I honestly think this movie has one of the worst titles of all time. It's a mouthful and an annoyance when having to discuss it among friends. Who would have thought that it would be one of the greatest films ever made? It is a phenomenal film with a message that is relevant to the US justice system today. 

Green for Danger (1946) - ★★★★

Director: Sidney Gilliat
Writers: Christianna Brand (Novel), Sidney Gilliat (Screenplay)
Stars: Alastair Sim, Leo Genn, Trevor Howard, Judy Campbell, Sally Grey, Meg Jenkins, Wendy Thompson

Green for Danger is an exciting mystery. It's one of those films that keep you guessing. Just when you think you know who the murderer is, a new development causes you to doubt it. The cast performances are phenomenal, as is the music and cinematography. It's a great display of classic British cinema.

The Host (2013) - ★½

Director: Andrew Niccol
Writers: Stephenie Meyer (Novel), Andrew Niccol (Screenplay)
Stars: Saoirse Ronan, Diane Kruger, Max Irons, William Hurt, Jake Abel, Frances Fisher

I knew this movie was going to be bad. Trust me, it is terrible in so many ways. It's cheesy, it's unoriginal and at times uninteresting. My dilemma is that I enjoyed myself. There were a few reasons why I liked it and a number of reasons to hate it. I just can't bring myself to hate this movie.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984) - ★★★★★

Director: Sergio Leone
Writers: Harry Grey (Novel), Sergio Leone (Screenplay)
Stars: Robert De Niro, James Woods, Elizabeth McGovern, Scott Schutzman Tiler, Jennifer Connelly, Joe Pesci, Danny Aiello

This movie is more than a masterpiece. It's perfection. It was to me a more emotionally grabbing and stunning film than The Godfather. I used to believe that The Goodfellas was by far the greatest film about organised crime ever made. Once Upon a Time in America trumps them all. It's more than a film with a perfect story, cinematography, music and acting. It involves you in the lives of these criminals and you don't ever want it to end.

The Witches (1990) – ★★★★

Director: Nicolas Roeg
Writers: Roald Dahl (Book), Allan Scott (Screenplay)
Stars: Angelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Jasen Fisher, Rowan Atkinson, Charlie Potter

Here’s a movie I’ve loved ever since I was a little boy. Having never read the novel, I had no idea what to expect when I started watching ‘The Witches.’ This movie is crazy, with a capital C! For the most part it’s a fun, frightening, and thrilling adventure. Not to mention, it has some of the best make-up effects I’ve ever seen. You can thank ‘The Muppets’ creator Jim Henson for that. It’s a story set in a world where witches exist, and their aim is to destroy children. These witches are bald, with purple eyes and square feet.