Top Film's, 2006

1. The Departed

A masterfully directed and masterfully acted film - including Jack Nicholson in perhaps his finest performance as a villian. DiCaprio, Damon, Wahlberg, Baldwin, and Martin Sheen are all at the height of their powers. Hell, even the soundtrack will knock you on your ass. It's not just a remake of "Infernal Affairs," but a powerful study of friendship, betrayal and personal motives. Add guns, women, and whiskey and you've got the finest achievement in cinema this year.

2. V for Vendetta

Don't just remember, remember the 5th of November, remember "V for Vendetta" as well. Although it probably scared off fans of the Wachowski Brother's other work, this film has something the Matrix sequels didn't - a point. It's a well-executed, shot and acted film that's underrated. Until now.

3. Inside Man

You know how every action movie advertises itself as an "action-packed thrill-ride." "Inside Man" actually IS one. Add in powerhouse performances from Denzel Washington, Clive Owen and Jodie Foster, and you've got, should we say, "One hell of a ride."

4. Little Miss Sunshine

Although detractors love to call this an "art-house 'R.V.,'" "Little Miss Sunshine" has so much more going for it, beyond a bearded Steve Carell. It's a breath of fresh air for the "road-trip" and one of the most original films around.

5. Miami Vice

"Miami Vice" the show isn't as good as you remember, but "Miami Vice" the movie is better than you think. Just call the movie "Miami Cops" and you've got a film featuring slick cinematography from the industry's best, a final shoot-out to rival "Heat," and Colin Farell and Jamie Foxx acting like badasses in a movie that's 100% style. Look into all the problems off-set, and you'll learn to appreciate this one even more.

6. Casino Royale

Just like Bond in the movie, the deck was stacked against this one being successful. Could blonde and blue-eyed Daniel Craig fill the shoes of Connery or Brosnan? In a word, yes. This film is best summed up by its best line: Bartender: "Shaken or stirred?" Bond: "Do I look like I give a damn?"

7. Borat

Although it never really lived up to its own buzz (or the TV show) Borat has something most movies didn't - balls. And that's literally and figuratively. Not just another sex comedy or Jackass knock-off - comedian Sacha Baron Cohen has serious cajones by going to a rodeo and butchering the National Anthem, among other events.

8. United 93

An unflinching portrait of heroism that doesn't succumb to any sap. You won't find a Hollywood ending here, but it's still the best 9/11 film to come out of Hollywood.

9. An Inconvenient Truth

Who knew Al Gore was a rock star? Or at least very good at putting together a pretty splendid PowerPoint on the impending global warming crisis. If you believe in such things, of course.

10. The Devil Wears Prada

You have to hand it to her. Meryl Streep is a huge bitch. And it's never been more entertaining to watch her wreak havoc on poor Anne Hathaway in a chick-lit movie even guys will like.