Titanic (1997)

Directed by James Cameron

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Gloria Stuart, Bill Paxton, Bernard Hill, David Warner, Victor Garber, Jonathan Hyde, and Suzy Amis

It's the most successful movie of all time. I remember girls I knew going to see this thirteen or fifteen times in the theater. Personally, I don't get it. It's a well-made movie, and visually stunning, especially by 1997 standards, but there's not a whole lot there. The central love story is totally unbelievable. What would Jack and Rose do if the Titanic had not struck that iceberg? A real relationship would have been impossible, and since this supposed love is key to the whole story, I find the film disposable. I recently watched it for the first time since I saw it upon its release, and realized I'll have no problem waiting another twelve years to see it again.

Other nominees: As Good as It Gets (James L. Brooks), The Full Monty (Peter Cattaneo), Good Will Hunting (Gus van Sant), and L.A. Confidential (Curtis Hanson)