Well, folks, its that time of year again. As the awards season approaches, everyone has an opinion about the best films of the year. Here are my two cents worth.

1. Munich: Spielberg’s best and most important film since Schindler’s List, Munich asks some important questions about terrorism and peace against the backdrop of the 1972 Olympic massacre of Israeli athlethes. The endless cycle of violence seen in Israel’s response has some significant parallels with the current war on terror. Does the way we respond make things worse?

2. Brokeback Mountain: See my previous review.

3. Crash: The intersecting lives and impact of racism on everyone is examined in this brilliant ensemble work.

4. Good Night, and Good Luck: Another film with parallels to our own time, George Clooney tells the story of Edward R. Murrow’s expose of the red-baiter Sen. Joseph McCarthy.

5. Walk the Line: This brilliant biopic of Johnny Cash features excellent performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, who do their own singing. Even if you’re not a country music fan, this film will inspire you.

6. Happy Endings: A hilarious and moving film about the nature of relationships.

7. Rent: A first class adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical, Rent inspires and uplifts with its affirmation of life in the midst of death.

8. The 40 Year Old Virgin: Steve Carrell is hilarious in this film which at first glance seems to be another raunchy sex comedy, but ends up being a sweet and endearing film with an affirmation of the sacredness of sex and its place in the context of a loving relationship.