Philadelphia

I sat around after college basketball and decided to soak in a heavy, emotional movie showcasing two young superstars at their best in Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks. The movie is the soul-crushing story of Tom Hanks, a young-gun star attorney who contracts AIDS and is fired for his troubles. Denzel Washington comes in as the only lawyer who will take his case because his virus scares everyone else away. Hanks is simply amazing, as is the backdrop of Philadelphia, Bruce Springsteen's beautiful song that starts the film entitled "The Streets of Philadelphia, the backdrop of Philadelphia itself, and the other performances, especially Antonio Banderas and Denzel Washington. Washington's dislike, sometimes borderline hatred of homosexuals is confirmed, and evaporated all in the same film. The incredibly complex issue of homosexuality and AIDS is thrown to the forefront and examined through different viewpoints. The movie is a powerhouse of emotion and great acting throughout. A movie that earned Oscar nods for song, film, and acting is clearly worth seeing. Nothing is as painful as watching Hanks deteriorate, or his family support him throughout and make their last good-byes through the hospital. It's a must-see film for all the right reasons, just keep your kleenex handy.

Bottom Line: 9.8 out of 10. It is simply amazing in all aspects. A must-see film, even though it isn't going to entertain you all the time, the emotion and talent on display is some of the best you'll ever see in your lifetime.