I laughed more at the movies in 2003 than I did in 2002. Perhaps it had to do with 9/11. George’s number one movie from last year is "City of God," with a nod to "Bus 174" in tandem. "City of God" was number eight for me in 2002, as it was seen in some places during that time.

Number one for me in 2003 was Lord of the Rings: Return of the King: What a triumph in filmmaking. Arguably the best of the trilogy, it is pure fantasy, with a lesson for us mortals. This is a great time at the movies. (Oscar Post Script…all eleven Academy Awards were well deserved).

2. 21 Grams: The cast, the drama, and the script were all perfect. The performances by Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Benicio Del Toro and Melissa Leo were mesmerizing. Lives collide in this film with breathtaking impact.

3. Whale Rider: Keisha Castle-Hughes gives an inspired performance as a young Maori girl with tremendous personal power, who refuses to back away from the gift of insight and leadership she has been given, despite her grandfather’s attempt to deny her birthright. Youngsters everywhere should enjoy this story and the "elders" who bring them to see it are sure to love it.

4. Finding Nemo: There are lots of laughs as Nemo sets off across the vast ocean. Ellen DeGeneres is hilarious as a helpful fish with a bit of a memory problem. This is an exciting and colorful animated feature, with a beautiful message about love and loss, independence, and friendship. It belongs in every family’s DVD collection

5. Raising Victor Vargas: A gritty family drama about urban teens facing life-altering challenges told with a touch of humor and a lot of truth. An authentic and genuine appreciation for these kids’ stories is apparent. A surprising film that touched me.

6. Bend It Like Beckham: More laughs, as a young British born soccer player trains for the big time, and a chance to bend that ball like David Beckham - her idol. The task is to hide her heart’s desire from her Indian born parents, whose wish for her is to learn to cook a traditional Indian meal and marry well.

7. Barbarian Invasions: A sketch of what’s important in one’s life as you approach the end of it. The people, the memories, the mistakes, and who still loves you, Babe? Unexpected humor is laced throughout, with memorable performances.

8. Mystic River: A small enclave is the backdrop when tragic secrets from the past collide with overwhelming grief in the present day. Personal revelations about the characters here are startling.

9. Laurel Canyon: One name, Frances McDormand. She gives a no-holds-barred performance as a free-spirited record producer (complete with boy-toy) who won’t back down when her son and his fiancée invade her Laurel Canyon pad.

10. Something’s Gotta Give: Raucous, laugh out loud moments leave you with a big smile on your face by this movie’s end. May/December flings give way to autumn romance in this full-out fun comedy.