Garry Marshall's 1991 romcom Frankie and Johnny works better than it should, thanks to the efforts of its two great stars, Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Billy Crystal spoke eloquently during the Oscars' tribute to Rob Reiner, his close friend and collaborator. Join me for some musings about Billy, including a "family connection," and thoughts on his career and legendary turns as Oscars' host.

Six years ago this week, the world slowed to a crawl... then seemed to stop. Desperate Hours, indeed.

The newest entry in our ongoing series is Sam Raimi's terrific 1995 Western The Quick and the Dead, featuring an insanely-stacked cast led by Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Russell Crowe, who steals the movie right out from under his co-stars.

New Jack City opened on March 8, 1991. Wesley Snipes' electric turn as Harlem drug lord Nino Brown stands as the best performance of his career and director/costar Mario Van Peebles, Judd Nelson, Chris Rock, Ice-T, and others are strong in support.

Sir Alan Parker's controversial neo-noir/horror Angel Heart opened March 6, 1987. Despite strong advance buzz, the movie failed to ignite with critics and audiences. The intervening years have seen significant reappraisal; it's now regarded as one of the most distinctive movies of its decade.

The Big Lebowski opened March 6, 1998 to decent reviews but disappointing boxoffice. Over time, the Coen Bros. quirky crime/comedy gained an enormous following on cable and home video, becoming a cult classic which defines its decade.

The newest entry in our continuing series is Jason Reitman's fantastic comedy/drama Up in the Air. An enormous boxoffice hit (later nominated for 6 Oscars), the film boasts one of George Clooney's finest performances.