Tyler Hanley's top flicks

10. Fast Food Nation -- Director Richard Linklater's expose into the dark underbelly of the All-American burger is a thought-provoking cinematic meal. But a disturbing climax filmed in an actual slaughterhouse made the picture hard to swallow for many viewers and diluted its box-office appeal. Then again, sometimes what we don't want to watch is exactly what we need to see.

9. V for Vendetta -- This vibrant avant-garde adaptation of Alan Moore's gripping graphic novel boasts a poetic screenplay and colorful cast of complex characters. Although the film's futuristic backdrop is a totalitarian England where homosexuality and religious diversity are punishable by death, the unnerving parallels between "V" and America's current political climate are disturbingly apropos.

8. The Illusionist -- Magic, mystery and romance merge seamlessly in director Neil Burger's crafty charmer. Edward Norton supplies an admirably understated performance while Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti and Rufus Sewell shine in supporting roles. But the storybook characters and underlying air of intrigue are what make "The Illusionist" a real winner.

7. Inside Man -- There is only one Spike Lee. Surrounded by an A-list cast (including Denzel Washington, Clive Owen and Jodie Foster), Lee again demonstrates his cinematic aptitude by putting a new spin on the classic heist film. Owen is in top form as a no-nonsense bank robber with admirable intentions, and a dynamic screenplay care of Russell Gewirtz makes "Inside Man" out-and-out incredible.

6. The Queen -- I hope Helen Mirren has her Oscar dress picked out. The respected thespian delivers a flawless performance as Queen Elizabeth, the British ruler steeped in pride and tradition while struggling with the public's reaction to Princess Diana's untimely death. Director Stephen Frears interweaves archival footage of Diana and the unprecedented outpouring of grief to help create a fascinating portrait packed with emotional resonance.

5. An Inconvenient Truth -- Former Vice President Al Gore demonstrates the humor and humanity that evaded him during his 2000 presidential run in this unsettling documentary. Perhaps the most important film of the new millennium, "Truth" was ignored by partisan nay-sayers but embraced by concerned citizens. Undeniable facts, figures and photographs highlight the horrific effects of global warming, and Gore's unwavering commitment to raising awareness is inspirational.

4. United 93 -- Writer/director Paul Greengrass assembled a cast of unfamiliar faces to recreate the ill-fated flight of United Airlines Flight 93 and events surrounding the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C. The final outcome is so realistic that many viewers stayed away from theaters so as not to open old wounds. But "United 93" took compelling cinema to new heights.

3. The Departed -- Director Martin Scorsese's latest masterpiece defies the crime-fiction genre and throws more curves than a Major League pitcher. Scorsese's "Departed" is infused with Tarantino sensibilities, phenomenal acting and a wickedly smart script. But as one would expect from a stellar cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson, the performances set "The Departed" apart.

2. Little Children -- This brilliant adaptation of Tom Perrotta's critically acclaimed novel is sophisticated, sobering and socially relevant. Desire, regret, longing, loss -- "Children" runs the emotional gamut while maintaining a subtle air of real-world humor. A dry voiceover makes the picture feel almost like an adult fairytale featuring extraordinary character study and excellent acting.

1. Babel -- Miscommunication is the cornerstone of chaos -- a point made vividly clear by director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's unflinching and unforgettable powerhouse.

Tyler Hanley's pans

Lady in the Water -- It's little more than a shallow expression of M. Night Shyamalan's overblown ego.

Just My Luck -- Viewers who suffered through this mindless Lindsay Lohan vehicle were anything but lucky.

Stay Alive -- The hardest thing to do when watching this absurd schlock horror film is stay awake.

Employee of the Month -- Where's Donald Trump when you need him? OK, I'll do it: You're fired!

Bloodrayne -- Any movie that can make Sir Ben Kingsley look completely ridiculous should be buried alongside "Ishtar" and "Gigli."