Highlander
D: Russell Mulcahy (1986) 116m

An 'Immortal' from 16th century Scotland makes his way to modern day New York with his arch-enemy not far behind. A big Immortal face-off is brewing and the hero (Christopher Lambert) seeks out a mentor (Sean Connery) to help give him an edge. Has a legion of fans and spawned two vastly inferior sequels and a passable TV series.

Big Trouble in Little China
D: John Carpenter (1986) 90m

Director John Carpenter was so disappointed with the box-office failure of this movie that he went back to being an independent filmmaker. A successful video release, however, has seen it earn cult status. Kurt Russell stars as a truck driver who helps a friend rescue his green-eyed girlfriend from an ancient sorcerer in San Francisco's Chinatown. Terrifically rip-roaring good fun.

Field Of Dreams
D: Phil Alden Robinson (1989) 107m

This film about a farmer's (Kevin Costner) compulsion to build a baseball diamond in the middle of a cornfield understandably struck a heartfelt chord with the American public on release. The protagonist is haunted by a voice telling him, "If you build it, he will come". The ghosts of the past confront truth, justice and the American way.

Jumanji
D: Joe Johnston (1995) 104m

Computer-generated excesses aside, Jumanji does have its moments. Two kids discover a jungle board game and release its parade of dangerous animals and a man (Robin Williams) who has been trapped for 26 years. Poorly plotted and missing something in terms of dramatic tension, the film does contain a few good laughs.

The Truman Show
D: Peter Weir (1998) 104m

Director Peter Weir was tipping us off to the heartlessness of reality TV long before it came to dominate the prime-time airwaves. Jim Carrey is outstanding as the man who unknowingly allows the rest of the world to share the mundane details of his life. Unfortunately, what was fantasy in 1998 is becoming all too real.

Being John Malkovich
D: Spike Jonze (1999) 113m

Wildly inventive film in which a puppeteer (John Cusak) discovers a portal that leads into the head of movie star John Malkovich. This leads to a warped business scheme to take advantage of the discovery and eventually to Malkovich having the exceptionally bizarre experience of getting into his own head. Heady stuff.

The Green Mile
D: Frank Darabont (1999) 188m

Based on a Stephen King novel, the biggest complaint from most has been the tampering with the original storyline. A giant of a wrongly accused prisoner on death row at Cold Mountain Penitentiary turns out to have special powers. Tom Hanks plays the prison officer in charge. At over 3 hours, may require some patience.

Donnie Darko
D: Richard Kelly (2001) 122m

Highly original film that defies categorisation, although there are definite fantastical elements. Set in the late-80s, high school student Donnie Darko's dreams (or hallucinations?) are inhabited by a giant rabbit trying to steer him in disturbing directions. Stunning visuals, lots of 80s pop culture and fine performances throughout.