Honorable Mentions: The Supporting Cast

'On the Beach'

I was still in high school when I saw "On the Beach." Never again would I be impressed so much by one movie. Delivering newspapers had consumed me with fear of nuclear war. "On the Beach" vividly pictured the aftermath, especially the closing scene. People were being prepared for the end by a religious group offering salvation if you "signed on." Their banner, "There is still time, brother," contrasted above swirling debris after the world had been snuffed out. Thankfully, I emerged from the downtown D.C. theater to see other human beings. There was still time!

Paul Bergeron, 68

Lake Monticello, Va.

'Sixteen Candles'

It was over 20 years ago that Samantha Baker's parents forgot her birthday in "Sixteen Candles," but I find the not-so-sweet-16 sentiments linger long past sophomore year. Molly Ringwald could do what no current teen idol can -- capture the painful hilarity that ensues when one is of driving age and still riding the school bus alongside "The Geek." Last summer, on bridesmaid duty, I waited for Jake Ryan to whisk me away in my Samantha-esque pink birthday cake of a dress. Jake never showed, though it's only fair -- I drove to school, after all.

Kate Cooper, 24

Arlington

'The African Queen'

"The African Queen" is both a beautiful love story and a powerfully suspenseful adventure starring all-time greats Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart at their peak. The gradual sexual awakening of the prim schoolteacher, played by Hepburn, is superb; Bogart is as great as ever as the rough river boat captain. The marvelous scenes of the trials and tribulations of the African Queen's passage down the river, beset by almost insurmountable difficulties such as virtually impassable undergrowth, swarming insects and dangerous rapids are edge-of-the-seaters. And the wonderful denouement is one of the great feel-good climaxes in movie history.

Mel Welles, 88

Alexandria

'Days of Heaven'

I must give my favorite nod to Terrence Malick's 1978 "Days of Heaven." Certain visuals from that film will stay with me forever. More than a few lines, too, like the character Linda's rendering of "I could be a mud doctor. Checkin' out the eart'. Underneat'." Scenes that leave the viewer breathless by cinematographer Nestor Almendros; a magnificently haunting and lilting score by Ennio Morricone; understated but strong acting by the likes of Sam Shepard, Richard Gere and Brooke Adams. This movie is simply exquisite, timeless and unflawed.

Alicia T. Peklo, 55

West Friendship