Miramax

• Cider House Rules, The directed by Lasse Hallström (1999)

  [6/10]

  "Movies often use an innocent outsider like Homer to bring the viewer a new perspective of contemporary issues. The Cider House Rules effectively uses this cliched character to present its pro-abortion agenda. As Homer falls in love (and has sex), he must adjust his views on abortion, especially when faced with the implications of the unwanted pregnancies of Rose, a fellow apple picker. "

• Hamlet directed by Michael Almereyda (2000)

  [7/10]

  "I don't think that this version with its modern setting brings too many young people to an appreciation of Shakespeare, but for those of us who have liked Shakespeare all along, it gives us some new ways of looking at a classic."

• Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World directed by Peter Weir (2003)

  [9/10]

  "Master and Commander excels at presenting a picture of life on a nineteenth century naval vessel: close quarters, dirty living conditions, and a high likelihood of receiving severe wounds or dying."

• Music of the Heart directed by Wes Craven (1999)

  [4/10]

  "Pamela Grey created an excellent script that demonstrates Roberta's personality and her caring for her students, and Wes Craven (Scream, A Nightmare on Elm Street) demonstrates that he can create emotions other than terror. Unfortunately, Meryl Streep never seemed comfortable in her role and always looked stiff and unnatural -- especially when playing the violin."

• Vita è Bella, La [Life is Beautiful] directed by Roberto Benigni (1997)

  [10/10]

  "Benigni and Cerami have finely woven all the plot elements together as you would expect in a superb short story. The story never denies life's harsh realities, yet still encourages us to live with more joy, regardless of our situation."

  Average score: 7.20