1. Across the Universe

   Julie Taymor's Across the Universe has to be one of the most idiosyncratic movies I have ever watched. The captivating start-off scene with Jim Sturgess singing a song already put this movie on a different edge from the rest of the musical movies. The whole movie encompasses songs from The Beatles and the many colorful and special effects in this movie are spectacular to watch. Trust me, it is like no movie you have ever watched before. If you are into the Beatles, or simply musical movies, try this one.

2. Artificial Intelligence

   This gem from Steven Spielberg is a spellbinder! Excellent performances from child actor Haley Joel Osment and Jude Law made this film highly watchable. The movie chronicles the life of a robot-boy David who yearns for motherly love and affection. By wanting this, David seeks the Blue Fairy and it all culminates to a touching and heart-wrenching ending. My favourite movie of all.

3. A Beautiful Mind

   This Oscar winner has more to brag than its beautiful title. John Forbes Nash(Russell Crowe), a renowned mathematician's life is portrayed in this beautiful movie, offering deep insights into the mind of a mathematician genius who suffered from schizophrenia. Noteworthy performances by Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly made this movie a must watch!

4. Into the Wild

   Sean Penn's latest directorial feature. The movie chronicles the life of Christopher McCandless, based on the book "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer. Sean Penn did a marvellous job in the cinematography of the movie and Emile Hirsch was the perfect candidate as Alex Supertramp in the movie. Also, look out for Hal Holbrook near the end of the movie. You would not want to miss this exciting yet heart-wrenching movie. Based on a true story.

5. Les Choristes (The Chorus)

   This is a French movie that tells the story of a supervisor's attempt to change the delinquents in a correctional school. This quaint and charming little movie would have you humming to the beautiful songs and choral singing. A wonderful and affectionate film that would bound to move you to tears while celebrating the joy of music.

6. My Blueberry Nights

   This Wong Kar Wai film is nothing short of amazing. Its cast includes Jude Law, Natalie Portman and not to mention Norah Jones in her acting debut. Look out for the wonderful cinematography of the director. Though not a highly commercialized movie, it packs some noteworthy acting performances from Rachel Weisz and David Strathairn. All in all, a sweet dessert treat for anyone who wants a deep movie with a blueberry icing.

7. Mystic River

   This Clint Eastwood movie is not to be taken lightly! Having bagged Oscars, this movie looks all too promising with its superb cast of actors like Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon and Tim Robbins. If you like crime thrillers with a wonderful twist, look no further. This movie has everything for a mystery buff, tagged with an emotional label. A deeply affecting movie that leaves you breathless towards the end. Sean Penn and Tim Robbins were fantastic in this movie. Watch it for yourself.

8. Rent

   Rent is a movie-musical based on the hit broadway musical by Jonathan Larson, now directed by Chris Columbus. Absolutely fantastic cast makes this movie both a feast to the eyes and to the ears. Expect songs like "Seasons of Love" to ring in your ears long after the movie has ended. If you have not watched the musical, this movie is a good alternative. Serious political issues were discussed in this movie. So if you like a movie that is both fun to watch and also provocative, this is the movie for you.

9. 2001: A Space Odyssey

   This 1968 epic directed by renowned director Stanley Kubrick is a science fiction film that was highly rated by film critics and hailed as "one of the greatest films ever to be made". You don't need much explanation to tell you why. Just watch how the movie progress, look at the visual effects for sure, and you would know why the movie achieved what it deserved.

So what can I say? Pull in a comfy couch and get the popcorns ready.

The book, written by Jon Krakauer, is the captivating true story of charming young Christopher McCandless who gives up his life savings to follow his passion - to live in the wild. He hitchhikes to Alaska, meeting life-changing people along the way, and eventually hikes to an isolated area in Alaska, where he sets up camp in an abandoned school bus.

Emile Hirsch, a good-looking 22-year old actor, plays McCandless. Learning a lot about McCandless from his parents and sister, Hirsch immersed himself totally into the life, mind, and spirit of McCandless. He “became” Christopher, as closely as it is possible for an actor to do.

Hirsch portrays McCandless as a boyish, enthusiastic free spirit who has a deep passion about nature. McCandless comes across as an intelligent, independent yet somehow innocent idealist. Regardless of what anyone says, he follows his dream of living in the wild.

Going above and beyond what some actors would do to accurately portray a character, Emile Hirsch put himself through a rigorous, even punishing workout routine. Christopher McCandless, at age 24, eventually succumbs to extreme hunger and starvation - and Emile did not hold back in portraying McCandless during this horrible time. The 5'7" Hirsch went from 156 pounds to a mere 115 pounds to depict a starving McCandless.

Sean Penn was not at all my favorite actor when he first broke into films. Over time, however, he has earned my respect and appreciation for what he brings to film in any capacity. Although Penn was never known for his patience in his early days, he showed just how patient he can now be, waiting over ten years to get the approval of McCandless' parents to film this story. Penn directed and wrote the screenplay for "Into the Wild", and in doing so, portrayed McCandless with depth and innocent passion, paying tribute to who Christopher McCandless really was.

The supporting cast is a who's who of brilliant actors - William Hurt, Hal Holbrook, Katherine Keener, and Vince Vaughn, to name a few.

Most movies written after a book comes out don't quite come up to expectations. "Into the Wild" not only met, but exceeded my expectations. Apparently others thought so too, as it received 4 Screen Actors Guild nominations.

"Into the Wild", the movie, is destined to become a classic tale of wanderlust, passion, innocence, and the search for truth.