GREAT LEAD PERFORMANCES

'Monster'. Remarkable transformation for the beautiful and elegant Charlize Theron to play the brooding and lethal female serial killer 'Aileen Wuornos'. Charlize is unrecognisable as history's first ever female serial killer in this adaptation of the real events, but also delivers a classic performance even mimicking the exact style of 'Aileen'.

'The Godfather'. Marlon Brando was already a screen icon when he played 'Vito Corleone' in Francis Ford Coppola's all time classic. However his every look, his every word and mannerism as the head of the Corleone crime family has become etched into the annals of history. There would never have been any legacy to this tremendous saga if it wasn't for Brando and his awkward speech and frail wisdom in the handful of scenes which made him immortal.

'Malcolm X'. Denzel Washington has made a career out of playing real life people such as 'Steve Biko' and 'Rubin Carter' but his portrayal in Spike Lee's masterpiece of the controversial black rights activist was super charged. His flair and charisma was perfectly matched for 'Brother Malcolm' as well as his emotional sensitivity. The film was an epic for many reasons mainly due to Denzel's portrayal of a leader who is sadly forgotten as a key figure in 1960s America.

'Scarface'. 'I am Tony Montana'. Al Pacino was brutal, vile and destructive as the political refugee from Cuba who comes to the USA with a vengeance. This movie was iconic in a decade known for violence and greed and the character of Tony Montana symbolised that. If it wasnt for Pacino's loud and often over the top portrayal of a crime boss spiraling out of control, this 'Brian De Palma' classic would never have been what it is.

'Superman'. In an era long ago before the multi-million dollar superhero franchise movies, one man was the face of the 'caped crusader'. The portrayal of Christopher Reeve as the ultimate superhero; 'Superman' was so charasmatic and complete that very few actors have dared to don the famous 'S' since. Christopher Reeve was also sensative and naive as 'Clark Kent', making him instrumental in the larger than life 'Superman' legacy.

'Rocky'. This remarkable series of movies based on a journeyman boxer's rise from humble surroundings to becoming 'world heavyweight champion' was in essence the rise of Sylvester Stallone. This little known actor portrayed his own struggle with this fictional character of 'Rocky Balboa'.

'Hannibal Lecter'. Brilliant portrayal of Thomas Harris's psychopathic killer 'Hannibal the Cannibal' was intelligently and chillingly played by Anthony Hopkins. This character has become one of the most famous villains in fiction history and his portrayal is actually used by FBI profilers to identify the characteristics of a psychopath.

'The Machinist'. Christian Bale's performance as 'Trevor Reznik', the insomniac factory worker who hasn't slept in a year must be one of the true landmarks in cinematic history. Christian had to almost starve himself for four months to be so thin for a role that demanded a physically and mentally tortured man.

'Locke'. Tom Hardy literally carries this compelling film on his own, playing construction worker 'Ivan Locke' whose reliable life changes dramatically inside two hours. Original and compelling !

'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. Naomi delivers a chilling and hard portayal of 'Lisbeth Salander', the researcher and hacker who has a brutal past of abuse and neglect. The system failed her and she brings it down brick by brick.