Wyler Great Work. Produced during the second world war, this film could have easily have been nothing more than a pro-britain propoganda film. William Wyler made it so much more than that. It also propelled Greer Garson to brief stardom and was the commercial success of 1942.

Underrated Wyler Film. This film is known more for its groundbreaking role of discussing homosexuality, but the acting prowess of both Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine. Hepburn was a favorite of Wyler, and he directed some of her best films. He certainly gets a great performance from her as the melancholy school teacher here.

Tarantino Great Work. Screenwriting creativity sets this low budget crime flick apart from many others. Like most Tarantino films, dialogue is interesting and flows naturally (although it set a record at the time for use of the f-bomb). It is also the first heist film to never show the heist. It doesn't feature as many fine actors as "Pulp Fiction," but is supported by a strong cast.

Underrated Tarantino Film. Although Tarantino did not direct the entire film in it's entirety, he made the most of the segment he had. His segment of the movie contained all the elements associated with a Tarantino flick, dialogue, violence, and character development. The film is also a testament to the collaborative efforts of Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez.

Cukor Great Work. Much of Cukor's brilliance here is achieved through the plethora of A-list actors at his disposal. Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, and Katherine Hepburn are all at their comedic best; Grant as suave as ever. One of the pure classic studio comedies, the film was pretty much by the book, but was well done.

Underrated Cukor Film. This film drifts in between suspense/thriller and melodrama. Cukor combines the score, with creative shots and fantastic acting from Ingrid Bergman to give the film a sense of suspense and impending doom. Charles Boyer is sinister as the villainous husband; Joseph Cotton and Dame May Whitty also support the cast, while Angela Lansbury shines as the disrespectful maid.

Leone Great Work. This could easily have been Leone's masterpiece, and is nearly as good as "The good, the bad, and the ugly." Another spaghetti western that shines, "Once upon a time" is basically a an old fashioned, good vs. evil film. It also contains a memorable score.

Underrated Leone Film. This film saw the first appearance of the man with no name, and the creation of one of the most memorable characters in all Westerns. Although its sequels were better quality, this film really set the tone. A decent remake itself (the script was taken from Kurosawa's Yojimbo), the first installment often gets overlooked.

Chaplin Great Work. Maybe the funniest of Chaplin's films. Chaplin takes the quirks of industrial society and squeezes every laugh out of it. "Modern Times" was really the movie that put Chaplin back in the limelight after talkies had taken over.

Underrated Chaplin Film. This is the classic example of Chaplin's silent works. Stuck in a cabin in Alaska, Chaplin fends off all sorts of natural hazards he hadn't counted on. His run in with the bear is comedy genius.

Donen Great Work. By far, my favorite of Donen's work, Charade is a classic Melodrama/Suspence film. A memorable opening credit sequence, a script full of twists and turns, and the lone combination of two of the very best, Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant make this film a delight. It's a shame that this film is not considered one of the great masterpieces of cinema.

Underrated Donen Film. This romance flick is mostly noted for its harsh reality. The two main characters, Audrey Hepburn and Albert Finney give mature performances showing the truth of love and marriage. Mixed amongst trips in France, their love is chronicled from its infancy, to marriage, to parenthood, affairs, and the mutual respect of soulmates.

Tati Great Work. Tati scores again with his Hulot character. Once again, physical comedy and Hulot's rather eccentric personality mark this laughfest. Hulot cannot quiet cope with the fast-paced world of his sister, but remains the simplistic, inquisitive, provincial Frenchman.

Underrated Tati Film. This time, Tati directs and plays Francois, the postman in a small community. Oblivious to the ridicule of his neighbors, Francois is introduced into a comedy movie about mail delivery and decides to test out the new techniques he's learned. Like most Tati films, there is very little dialogue, but with Tati's own physical comedy you don't need it.

Huston Great Work. Once again, Huston makes a fine film noir. Bogie is as dark and dour as ever, as he faces off against mobsters amidst a hurricane in Key Largo. Edward G. Robinson, Lionel Barrymore, and a young Lauren Bacall provide a terrific supporting cast.

Underrated Huston Film. This is one of the greatest films ever made to receive little fanfare. Once again, Bogart stars as the panhandler that finds gold alongside an old prospector in the Sierra Madre. The deepest, darkest parts of human nature are brought out as the prospectors have to fend off Mexican bandits and even themselves to protect their gold.

Welles Great Work. An often overlooked Welles masterpiece, "touch of evil" is a classic film noir and crime picture. Charlton Heston is fantastic as Mike Vargas and Janet Leigh gives a strong supporting performance. Rarely mentioned among the best today, this is a forgotten masterpiece.

Underrated Welles Film. A layered mystery, "The Trial" sees one of the few triumphant returns of Anthony Perkins post "Psycho." The film itself is very Kafkaesque, well because, Kafka wrote it. Welles himself gives a standout performance.

Lean Great Work. Not the average war movie, Lean nevertheless manages to capture the reality of P.O.W. camps and the horrors of war. Alec Guiness also shines as an ever maddening colonel whose obsession with building the bridge is chronicled. If it wasn't for "Lawrence of Arabia," this could easily make Lean's career.

Underrated Lean Film. This forgotton treasure was given a second chance when Criterion re-released the film a few years ago. A more light-hearted, carefree movie than Lean usually directed, Summertime is just a good romance set in Italy. Katherine Hepburn plays lonely Jane, and gives her usual performance. This is certainly not the best Lean ever directed, but it can stand next to his best.