It's truly mission impossible in Mission: Impossible. What a fine job by Tom Cruise who may have turned in the most exciting performance in years. The script, the defining moments, the gadgets, the disguise masks, and, most of them all, the ending with the TGV and the helicopter are spectacular. Of course, we must have Henry Czerny for the show.

The Untouchables is an exquisitely shot picture. Two key scenes are the main reasons for its high replayability value. Also, a lot have to do with Kevin Costner, Billy Drago, and Robert De Niro for giving excellent performances. A much-deserved Oscar nomination went to the Costume Design team that's led by Marilyn Vance.

Based on New York State Supreme Court justice Edwin Torres' book After Hours, David Koepp's script is well-written and full of subtleties about the street life in El Barrio. If you pay attention to what Carlito sees, you can predict what he's thinking and planning to do. That's why Carlito's Way is an intelligently crafted picture with a great Latino supporting cast.

Although Body Double was made afterwards, Dressed to Kill feels like it picks up where the other one left off and almost ends the same way: right in the shower. Many of Brian De Palma's films have been very good and are always stylish and assiduous. Dressed to Kill is no exception and is as neo-noirish as it gets.

Casualties of War, which is based on a true incident, is a compelling war drama picture that seems to be another about the Vietnam War but has something unique to present: the kidnap, gang rape, and murder of a young Vietnamese woman by four U.S. Army soldiers. It was shot on location in Thailand, and the bridge where the girl was murdered is part of the same rail transportation system that was used in The Bridge on the River Kwai.

A hybrid between Vertigo and Rear Window, Body Double, notwithstanding the slow pace, is a beautifully made neo-noir thriller. What makes the film compelling is the subject of voyeurism. There's the thrill of being in Craig Wasson's shoes when he explores the paradox of a rich lady's lifestyle. As this happens, the plot thickens for a long time.

Carrie has been universally touted as a classic horror film, but honestly, it's more of a drama piece with some supernatural elements. Yes, the buildup is adroitly done, right from the start until the "moment" begins. As a result, Sissy Spacek is unforgettable in the titular role.

A thorough Jersey picture that's headed by two New Jersey guys, Wise Guys was heavily panned when first theatrically released, but it isn't bad. In fact, the movie is funny, thanks to Danny DeVito. Joe Piscopo will always be associated with it. The best line is when the two guys repeatedly yelled, "Thank you, Mr. Acavano!"