Eisenstein Great Work. This film stands as a benchmark for the synthesis of all the elements of film making. Working with limited script material due to the U.S.S.R.'s harsh censorship, Sergei creates a masterpiece with his second installment of Ivan. The great actor Nikolai Cherkasov reprises his role as Ivan the Terrible and really puts his stamp on the role.

Underrated Eisenstein Film. My personal favorite of Eisenstein's films, Nevsky has all the elements of a classic. Surprisingly, an enrapturing story, it contains one of the greatest battle sequences of its time and is scored very well. Again, Cherkasov stars and shines brilliantly. Don't be turned off by the subtitles or unadulterated Russian patriotism, it is really a good film.

Truffaut Great Work. One of the few social commentaries that works well as a great film. Centered around Jean-Pierre Leaud's Antioine Doinel, the film focuses on the social effects of loneliness and isolation. One of the best installments of the French New Wave, "400 Blows" might be the best.

Underrated Truffaut Film. "Antoine and Colette" is a continuation of the Antoine Doinel character brought to life in "The 400 Blows." Despite a few peppered negative reviews when it came out, the entire Antoine Doinel anthology is worth your time.

Lumet Great Work. Again, Sidney Lumet manages to take a film shot mainly on one set and make a masterpiece out of it. Helped out by a brilliant performance by Al Pacino, the words "Attica" will always ring in the back of our minds. This film has spawned many imitations but no equals.

Underrated Lumet Film. This film about drug addiction, suffering, and disappointing home life is depressing but very good. Katherine Hepburn, as usual, manages to steal the show and make the movie her own. Eugene O'Neill's fantastic script fuels Lumet's project.

Foreman Great Work. Milos Foreman shows off his talent early in this Czech language film. This film proves Foreman deserves the title of best dual-language director. Working with many restrictions, he manages to turn out a biting commentary. Best film ever made from Czechoslovakia.

Underrated Foreman Film. This is another Czech masterpiece, one that is too often forgotten by many movie goers. A touching film that manages to show life in rural Czechoslovakia in the 60's, "Loves of a Blonde" is a great drama and runs the emotional gamut.

Reed Great Work. This is another great Reed thriller. The use of point of view is elevated to new heights in this film and Reed is helped by a great script. This, alongside "The Third Man" puts Reed alongside anyone in the mystery genre.

Underrated Reed Film. Little known today, this film was a commercial and critical hit at the time of its release. Charlton Heston starred and gave a sound performance for a limited actor. Rex Harrison helped him out and really stole the show in this one. Not exactly historically accurate, but it isn't bad.

Kieslowski Great Work. This film is really a set of 10 short made for tv movies; but, don't let that fact fool you that it is any less of a masterpiece. This collection is a modern-day interpretation of the 10 commandments, but each episode is not about 1 commandment, rather a mixture. Perhaps the greatest made for tv series ever.

Underrated Kieslowski Film. The first installment of three colors is second best only to red, and much better than white. Like the others, color and mood play a large part in the film, and create a persisting atmosphere. It seems the Kieslowski's best works came toward the end of his life, as this was the start of his last set of works.

Nichols Great Work. This film epitomizes the dark comedy, and Alan Arkin is great in the lead. Nichols manages to tell his story, adapt the famous novel, find humor in the absurd, and show the horrors of war all in one film. A great supporting cast includes Orson Welles, Martin Basalm, Martin Sheen, Jon Voight, and Anthony Perkins.

Underrated Nichols Film. Really, this comedy is vastly underrated. One of the funnier films of the 1990's, "The Birdcage" is a comedy of errors set around the home of a gay cabaret owner. Nathan Lane and Hank Azaria upstage Robin Williams, and Gene Hackman is hilarious as the burdened Republican politician. Indeed, this is a worthy remake.

Curtiz Great Work. This film is the precursor to future family favorites like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Pirates of the Caribbean." Errol Flynn brings such swagger and grace to the role that no one else could have played it as well. Olivia de Havilland and Claude Rains also shine.

Underrated Curtiz Film. This film was even underrated in its day, getting snubbed by the academy's nominating committee (Curtiz finished second for best director as a write-in). It is also another great pairing of De Havilland, Basil Rathbone, and Mr. Flynn. It is truly a quality adventure film.

Stevens Great Work. This film is often overlooked now, but won 6 oscars, including best director, in 1951. Mellor's script, Edith Head's costumes, and the acting combo of Liz Taylor, Montgomery Clift, and Shelley Winters makes this a masterpiece of the 50's. It's a classic worth seeing.

Underrated Stevens Film. This sentimental melodrama is better than advertised; I believe some of its bad rap comes from the fact that the film is public domain. Cary Grant and Irene Dunne give mature performances, and the script is more realistic than most. Be ready to shed some tears.

Nolan Great Work. Please don't dismiss this film because it is a superhero flick; it is, but it is a very, very, good superhero flick. Christian Bale is hauntingly dark and edgy, and Michael Caine and Cillian Murphy give solid supporting performances. This film doesn't rely on CGI, but rather the quality of the performances and Nolan's artistic direction.

Underrated Nolan Film. Nolan's feature length debut is a very solid beginning to a career. This film's script, which he also wrote, is a little creepy as a young man follows random strangers around; but it is very good. Working on a low budget, Nolan shows why he is one of the best modern directors with a promising future.