A weekly look at the 10 most popular films on the review list.
The OFFBEAT MOVIE AWARDS 2003 are now awaiting your votes. See the shortlist HERE and cast your votes in the polls in the group.
1. (1) 
American Beauty (1999) - 98%
The stunning film debut from Sam Mendes (who won one of the film's many Oscars for his troubles). One of the most startling, brilliant pictures to come out of a major studio in many years.
'This one's a classic. I was watching it again the other day, and it struck me every scene is perfectly constructed and placed in the context of the entire film. Those who complain about the way it's just another biting satire, done better by Solondz and P.T. Anderson, seem to completely miss the point. American Beauty is a perfect examination of our times, and the way many Americans hide behind that layer of sarcasm and wit. Everything about it is stunning; the uniformly excellent cast, the wonderful cinematography, the truly memorable screenplay, and the way the end manages to be strangely uplifting and intensely beautiful. 10/10.' - saturninus_2001.
2. (2) 
The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers (2002) - 92%
OFFBEAT MOVIE AWARDS 2003 Shortlist Nominee
BEST FILM
BEST DIRECTOR - Peter Jackson
BEST ACTOR - Viggo Mortensen
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Ian McKellen
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Andy Serkis
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Miranda Otto
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Liv Tyler
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
BEST SCORE/SOUNDTRACK
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
The Ring is getting heavier in the middle portion of Peter Jackson's awesome fantasy trilogy.
'I thought that this was a pretty good sequel so far. I can't wait for the next one.' - Nikki Bryant
3. (3) 
The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001) - 92%
OFFBEAT MOVIE POLL WINNER 2001
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Ian McKellen
OFFBEAT MOVIE POLL NOMINEE 2001
BEST FILM
BEST DIRECTOR - Peter Jackson
BEST ACTOR - Elijah Wood
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Sean Bean
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Cate Blanchett
Peter Jackson's skilful adaptation of JRR Tolkien's epic treats the reviled fantasy genre with reverence. If you have no problem with invented languages, elves and orcs, you will adore it.
'Peter Jackson's version of Tolkien's classi novels will no doubt be remembered as the greatest fantasy trilogy ever made. Yes, better than Star Wars. That may be a bit premature to say that but after seeing the first instalment of LOTR it is hard not to get over-excited about the next two instalments. This is fantasy movie at its best, wizards and goblins all on the screen handed over with a straight face and thankfully no in-jokes or parodies. The upping of the female roles are done well, same goes with Saruman. The film is well cast and action packed and despite it being a little overlong it is an instant classic. 10/10' - burgerdoguk
4. (4) 
Fargo (1996) - 90%
Smart, stylish, frozen Midwestern noir from the Coen brothers that is assured, macabrely funny and thoroughly thoughtful. Features a superb turn from Frances McDormand and top-quality support from Steve Buscemi and William H. Macy.
'Second best film ever! 10/10 - hazyoutsideinn
5. (5) 
Excalibur (1981) - 90%
Unashamedly overblown, occasionally silly and often great re-telling of the Arthurian legend. Magic, madness, bad dialogue and fantastic costumes.
'Fantastic looking movie, John Boorman's take on the knights of the round table is his best movie. The acting and dialogue is perfect and the story timeless. 10/10' - c22_movieman
6. (6) 
Happiness (1998) - 89%
Multi-award winning, pitch black comedy by Todd Solondz. A queasy depiction of sexual dysfunction in suburbia, it's an astonishingly accomplished character piece that bravely tackles a range of taboos.
'You have to be very open-minded when watching this film because there are a lot of extreme situations. The film is fuelled by some excellent characters, smart dialogue and a wicked sense of humour. An even more twisted vision of the American dream than American Beauty (which is probably this film's nearest in similarity, and is funnily enough also very highly rated on this list). 10/10 - c22_movieman
7. (-) 
Lone Star (1996) - 87%
Offbeat, multilayered drama/thriller about murder investigation uncovering personal secrets and political undercurrents of Texas border town.
'Extremely fresh and enjoyable drama from John Sayles. The patience and attention needed from the viewer is rewarded with unforgettable characters and well developed storylines. 10/10' - burgerdoguk
8. (-) 
Blood Simple (1984) - 86.5%
The Coen brothers' magnificent feature film debut.
'This is my favorite Coen Brothers film, and there are many reasons. It's slicker and more compact than Fargo, and it really shows their moody stylizations quite well. It captures the "feel" of Texas about 15 years ago (not that I would remember, but some areas still seem to be stuck in that time period); the atmosphere is palpable. And it's engrossing. I really couldn't stop watching it, which is the demonstration of the other great Coen gift, storytelling. And above all, Blood Simple is just an extremely well told story.' - saturninus_2001
9. (7) 
The Ice Storm (1997) - 86%
Ang Lee turns his sights on 1970s middle America in this pithy tale of mid-life crisis, adolescent sexual awakening and key parties.
'An extremely beautiful character piece...succeeds in capturing the 70s from both an adult and child perspective. Leaves you feeling very vulnerable. A little slow. 7/10 - Christopher Carroll
10. (8) 
The Pledge (2001) - 84%
Sean Penn's third film as a director stars Jack Nicholson as a retired cop who becomes obsessed by one last case. Slow but brilliant.
'Once again Nicholson's performance is tremendous but this time the film itself is worthy of such a fantastic actor working at his best. Penn's direction is icy cold and the story is long and unconventional. A well made drama. 9/10' - burgerdoguk
