Val Kilmer didn't just play Jim Morrison; he became Jim Morrison. Nobody went after Val Kilmer; he did that all himself, going so far to memorize the songs and mimic Jim Morrison in every way possible, sending his music demo to Oliver Stone, and never breaking out of his character for a solid year. If anyone thought Val Kilmer gave the performance of his career in Tombstone, it isn't even half as brilliant as he was in The Doors. Hence, he got robbed of an Oscar.

I often read that Tombstone, which was supported by rave reviews of Val Kilmer's performance, was one of the two best Western movies made during the 90's with the other being Unforgiven, and after finally viewing it, I could see why. Unfortunately snubbed for an Oscar nomination, Val Kilmer takes the top acting honors and has the best lines of any character.

Compelling stories make great movies, and that's the case for The Ghost and the Darkness. Val Kilmer is an underappreciated actor, and when given a difficult role, he manages to rise to the occasion. It doesn't hurt him any to have terrific-looking hair. All the kidding aside, Val Kilmer carries the show very well despite having been recently beleaguered during the filming of The Island of Dr. Moreau which is impressive if I think about it.

Had At First Sight been filmed during the 50's, it would've been a staged play. Thanks to Val Kilmer and Mira Sorvino, it never happens for a minute. Their realistic acting is the best thing going. A top-notch actor, he certainly understands the requirements and plays his role to perfection. Mira Sorvino is a natural. They make the movie their own way which is sometimes sensual.

I won't characterize Wonderland as a Val Kilmer picture. Although the cast is star-studded, it's mostly story-driven with fine performances, especially from Dylan McDermott who put the focus on the right track. Val Kilmer takes care of the rest during the second half. It's easy to tell how childlike his character is. Once I follow the story and understand the who's, the how's, and the why's, it becomes a satisfying movie experience.

That's interesting: Val Kilmer stars in a film which is written and directed by David Mamet: Spartan. The story isn't bad for the most part, but I saw Taken first which actually came out four years later. At least, Val Kilmer gives a good performance. At this point, I can tell he had grown a lot as an actor.

Val Kilmer comes back from the dead to show what a superlative actor he is. At first, it appeared pretentious with him playing the trumpet. Slowly, the plot started to develop in terms of coherence with Val Kilmer taking over the reins when I thought he was simply out of it. Hence, it's a strong performance by Val Kilmer despite the ugly-looking tattoos on his back and arms.

Clocking at 170 minutes, Heat goes fast and is a well-paced drama-action picture, going back and forth among the plan, real-life situations, and emotions of the characters. The supporting players are perfect. I find Val Kilmer's role the most interesting because of his minimalist stance which works very well.

Despite being laden with American Indian clichés, Thunderheart isn't bad for a murder mystery picture. The last thirty minutes clears up the mystery, but the confusing plot is hard to shake off. No matter, Val Kilmer is terrific, and Graham Greene makes for an interesting guide. Primarily shot on location in Badlands National Park and Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota, the cinematography is top-notch.

Kill Me Again was a box-office failure that it remains an obscure title to this day. Starring with his then-wife (no surprise at the divorce), Val Kilmer was, once upon a time, an accomplished actor until The Island of Dr. Moreau happened. It's a neo-noir treat with plenty of fun double-crosses. I like the construction of the story and the locations used, especially in the desert.

Top Gun is one of those films many people don't either understand or appreciate, but it's actually damn good. Tom Cruise is in his full-blown movie star mode, never being more blockbuster material than he was as Maverick with the best-looking bomber jacket of all time. What an outstanding cast: Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards, Meg Ryan, Val Vilmer, James Tolkan, Tom Skerritt, Michael Ironside, and Rick Rossovich.