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© St. Petersburg Times, published October 24, 2002
1. The Ring -- Director Gore Verbinski shapes a fascinating suspense yarn about a videotape that kills anyone who views it. Smarter than the average horror flick, with arresting visuals and quietly accumulating terror reminiscent of The Sixth Sense.
2. Punch-Drunk Love -- Director Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, Magnolia) shared the best director prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival for shaping Adam Sandler's goofy screen persona into a plot that makes it seem like art.
3. Brown Sugar -- Hip-hop romantic comedy with an appealing cast, led by Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan, plus interesting insight into the history and cultural influence of rap music.
4. White Oleander -- Strong performances by Michelle Pfeiffer and Alison Lohman, plus a steady hand by director Peter Kosminsky, make this an effective melodrama. Based on the Oprah's Book Club selection by Janet Fitch.
5. Red Dragon -- Hannibal Lecter devotees will appreciate another helping of his urbane menace. Thirty minutes later, you'll be hungry for The Silence of the Lambs.