Best Films of the 90s - 90-86

90. In the Company of Men - (1997)

This misanthropic and sexist journey through the modern workplace plays better than Glengarry Glen Ross by being more focused on one unforgettable character: the seductive and charismatic Chad, a sociopath played by Aaron Eckhart. Director Neil Labute would try his vitriolic brand of observation again and again to diminishing returns. His first, low-budget film got to the point much quicker and more powerfully. "I'll see ya later!"

89. Short Cuts - (1993)
Robert Altman is an acquired taste since his films frequently dump the plot in favor of characters' behavior. He'll settle for small truths about people over entertaining the audience. He is a one of a kind, which I'll sometimes take, and Lawyer will always leave. This story about 20-30 Los Angelenos' intersecting lives works mostly since it's based on a series of short stories by Raymond Carver that were woven together. This is the blueprint for both much better (Magnolia) and much worse (Crash) movies. And there is enough expert acting (particularly by Julianne Moore and Jack Lemmon) for even the most Altman-phobic viewer to get through.

88. Copland - (1997)
Sylvester Stallone plays a small town cop in New Jersey who has the easy job of policing a town full of NYC cops. After an accidental murder, Stallone must unravel and expose tons of corruption and crimes. He's aided by Robert De Niro as an internal affairs agent and Ray Liotta as a semi-corrupt cop who finds his conscience. Writer-director James Mangold (3:10 to Yuma) has a terrific set-up and plot, but his dialogue isn't quite memorable enough and his direction, while perfunctory, lacks any kind of panache or trademark. But the unbelievable cast is the main attraction and they all feed off each other and make each scene vibrant.

87. The Hudsucker Proxy - (1994)
The Brothers Coen worst film of the decade still makes it on the list not because of the mannered over-acting by Tim Robbins and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Nor by the over-produced special effects, which while effective seem out of place in a Coen film. No, their screenplay (as per usual) is exquisitely deliberate and considerate. Every line has meaning and connects to something else earlier or later. Fans of older movies like His Girl Friday will appreciate their effort more.

86. The Last Seduction - (1994)

Linda Fiorentino would have probably won the Oscar had this one not been shown on pay cable TV prior to its theatrical run. She plays a smart femme fatale who is miles ahead of everyone in the film, especially Peter Berg, whose lovesick, country bumpkin is no match for Fiorentino's big-city girl. Director John Dahl had a great career going when he stuck to his own scripted, smaller crime films.

100. Glengarry Glen Ross
99. Dead Again
98. Ed Wood
97. True Romance
96. The Commitments
95. Bound
94. Die Hard 2
93. In the Line of Fire
92. Affliction
91. Shakespeare in Love