The H.M.S. ABC Project: M

It's amazing how easy this choice was despite how many good titles it had to contend with. This was by far my easiest choice to date, with my next entry to be even easier - but we'll get to that on Monday.

I find it hard to believe it took us half the alphabet to get to a Paul Thomas Anderson film, although in our defense he had only one movie eligible up until this point. Regardless, a strong group of contenders should be noticed before we begin discussion of one of my favorite films of all time.

Memento is an absolute must see for anyone that has even a remote interest in movies. It's an unforgettable movie that introduced Christopher Nolan to the world. Commendable in every respect. Mystic River, Munich, Match Point, Mean Streets, and Miller's Crossing are also films that should be discussed. Look at the list of directors we have represented here: Nolan, Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese, and the Coen brothers.

But, alas, we save the best for last. A film from yet another one of the best directors working today that belongs in the company of men listed above. The perfect film for when you're feeling froggy (pun most definitely intended).

Magnolia

This is a movie that is most definitely not for everyone. In fact (and correct me if I'm wrong), I'm pretty sure Colin hates this movie. That's fine, I acknowledge that this is a divisive choice. But I love it so much for what it is. It spins such a nicely woven portrait of a few seemingly unrelated stories taking place in the same neighborhood that seems like any other great ensemble piece. But then you get to the ending which is where the movie falls flat for some - or for those like me, where the movie takes flight. It's such a truly outrageous event that ties these stories together, but the beauty is that we're convinced that there is really no other way that it could have ended. There in lies the film's greatness. In absolutely no other film could that ending have worked - none. But here it's terrific.

But the fantastic story and ending only scratch the surface of what makes this film "for better or worse the best film I'll ever make," according to its director Paul Thomas Anderson. The characters are so well written and so excellently brought to life by the terrific ensemble cast. It features the best use of a song in a film that I've ever seen, in the terrific scene just before the skies open up. It has, to date, Tom Cruise's only significant and credible role - no offense, Maverick, but TJ Mackie (seduces and) destroys you (please do not click this link at work or near your grandmother).

As you should have been able to gather by this point, this is one of my all time favorites. I can go all night (that's what she said) about this movie. That being said, I know that not everyone will enjoy this film. It's long, slow (to some), and deep - but for me it's an absolute pleasure to watch such fine crafting by this generation's best director.

(Colin's M Pick: Memento)