Well, I've done my best and worst films for 2000. Now for a few miscellaneous categories and observations.

1. Most Disappointing Movies of 2000

Some movies arrive with a lot of hype or great reviews. When they fail to live up to expectations, it's a disappointment. The following are three of the more disappointing films of 2000.

Gladiator

A good film, but not the great one everyone was raving about. Epic-style filmmaking dragged down by long, slow spots and some incoherent action sequences. While I initially awarded it 3/4, I have the feeling repeat viewings may not be as favourable.

Being John Malkovich

Another wildly acclaimed film that didn't quite live up to the hype. Original and funny in parts, but just too eccentric and off-centre to really engage. After a while, story just seems to spiral out of control. John Malkovich (the actor, playing himself) is excellent, however.

Three Kings

A daring and original take on the Gulf War that arrived with great reviews. Entertaining and edgy in parts, but oddly unsatisfying - the whole not quite being the sum of its parts. Not quite a must-see, considering the praise.

Other disappointing films, which have already been mentioned as part of the worst list, include Space Cowboys and Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps.

2. Best Acting Performances

Christian Bale, American Psycho

Bale's superb performance elevated American Psycho from a simple adaptation of a controversial book to a high-strung, delicious black comedy. The film wouldn't be half as good without Bale's monotonic voice and intense portrayal of insanity. Probably won't be recognised with an award nomination, but should be.

Eddie Murphy, Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps and Bowfinger

Eddie Murphy has always been a great comedian, but a string of dud projects in the early 90s left one wondering if he had lost it. His dual roles in Bowfinger were very funny, while he was practically the whole cast in Nutty 2 (even though the movie itself was poor). Keep up the good work, Eddie, but let's see a return to your Beverly Hills Cop and Trading Places days.

Julia Roberts, Erin Brockovich

Julia has been box office gold lately, but her role as the (real-life) title character certainly showed everyone she is not just a romantic comedy staple. Tough, sassy, foul-mouthed, sexy, persistent, and determined - these qualities all came through in her portrayal. A deserved front runner for an Oscar nomination.

Michelle Yeoh, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Michelle is not only a great actress, but she is also a wonderful martial arts exponent and stuntwoman, and a former beauty queen. Her brilliant performance in Crouching Tiger, as the swordswoman who can't express her love for a fellow warrior, is full of repressed emotion and heartbreak. A perfect counter to the fire and impetuousness of Zhang Ziyi, the other main actress in the film.

Hugh Jackman, X-Men

Australian Hugh Jackman had a no-win situation when he signed on to play Wolverine in X-Men. Not only did he have to satisfy long-time fans of the comics and TV series about whether he could play this pivotal mutant, he had to impress newcomers to the X-Men mythos. To say he nailed it is an understatement.

Cast of Galaxy Quest

Galaxy Quest was one of the most delightful surprises of the year, and this was due in no small part to the top notch cast. Made up of famous names (Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman) and lesser-knowns (Tony Shalhoub, Darryl Mitchell, Sam Rockwell), each plays his/her role perfectly and with an awareness of what the film was aiming at. If there was an ensemble award at the Oscars, Galaxy Quest should be nominated.

3. Films to look forward to in 2001

The following have nothing to do with 2000, of course, but news of their production during the past year have made a lot of people lick their lips in anticipation. US and Australian release dates may differ, so keep that in mind.

The Fellowship Of The Ring

The first part of J.R.R.Tolkien's monumental novel should be something to savour. Fantasy works have rarely translated well to the screen, but the watchful eye of director Peter Jackson, an excellent cast, and the New Zealand scenery and landscape should work some magic. For some, this is even more anticipated than Star Wars: Episode 2. To be released in North America around Christmas.

A.I.

It seems like Steven Spielberg has only directed historical pics (Schindler's List, Amistad, and Saving Private Ryan) and a couple of dinosaur flicks in the past decade (I won't mention Hook). His new film, based on a preliminary treatment by the legendary Stanley Kubrick, should be something to look forward to. Released in North America in July.

Pearl Harbor

This is the film that has booked the coveted Memorial Day weekend in the US as its opening date. Reputedly the most expensive budgeted film project in history, the combination of director Michael Bay and slick producer Jerry Bruckheimer could be a double-edged sword. While it could all fall in a heap and turn out to be another Armageddon, the recently released teaser trailer did look stunning, so let's hope for an effort closer to The Rock.