Top Movies Of 2006
BY EDWARD J. URBANOWSKI

2006 was a year of highs and lows at the multiplex. This fast wrapup may aid in determining which of these titles to either see (for those that are still at large) or purchase (for those available on home video).

“Casino Royale” took James Bond back to his roots. This is a gritty, basic, minimum gadget thriller. Daniel Craig may be the best Bond since Sean Connery. If you’re a fan you owe it to yourself to see this one on a big screen.

“Superman Returns” brought the Man of Steel back in style. As with Bond, this film reinvigorated the franchise. Brandon Routh donned cape and boots with ease. Under director Bryan Singer (“X-Men”), the special effects, story and characters all worked to near perfection.

“X3”, the latest entry in the “X-Men” franchise, was a pleasant surprise. Hugh Jackman, Sir Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart brought gravitas to their roles. Kelsey Grammar was a pleasant surprise as “Beast”.

Martin Short gave “Santa Clause 3” some nice edge. This is one worth taking the kids to. Tim Allen looks more like Santa with every sequel.

“Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” continued the series with a nice, light touch. Johnny Depp was again delightful as Captain Jack Sparrow.

“Borat” was foul, offensive and laugh-outloud funny. Check your conscience and values system at the door and you will get your money’s worth.

“Click” with Adam Sandler was, believe it or not, a nice family movie. Christopher Walken nearly steals the show.

“Happy Feet” gave us a nice story and cute animated penguins. What else do you need?

“Cars”, “Over The Hedge” and “Ice Age 2” all managed to be entertaining.

Worth catching are “V For Vendetta”, “Eight Below”, “World Trade Center”, “Devil Wears Prada” and “Nacho Libre”. Nearly all are on home video.

We also take note of those we lost. Each was unique in their own-way, truly one-of-a-kind. They will be missed but they will live on through their work.

Thanks to “A Christmas Story”, Darren McGavin became immortal as one of the best cinematic fathers of all time.

Red Buttons, a longtime regular on the Dean Martin roasts, was also a successful supporting actor. His high point was the lonely bachelor in “The Poseidon Adventure”.

Actress Shelley Winters, of numerous films (including “The Poseidon Adventure”) and television programs.

Don Knotts, film and television actor, a regular on “Three’s Company”.

Al Lewis, known to generations as Grandpa Munster.

Peter Benchley, author of Jaws. He kept the oceans empty for a few summers and helped launch the movie career of a kid named Spielberg.

Mickey Spillane, who created Mike Hammer. It seemed all his characters had a little of Mickey in them.

Peter Boyle, the mute monster from “Young Frankenstein” and bellicose father in “Everybody Loves Raymond”.

Director Robert Altman of “M*A*S*H”, “Nashville” and so many other films, took his last bow.

Jack Palance, the imposing gunslinger in “Shane” who appeared in films as varied as “Barabbas” and “Batman” and won an Oscar for “City Slickers”.

Ed Bradley, so long associated with “60 Minutes”, true class act in the news media.

Jane Wyatt, best known for “Father Knows Best” and to millions of Star Trek fans as Spock’s mother.

Glenn Ford, an actor in movies too numerous to list here, one of the last stars of classic Hollywood.

Japanese-American actor Mako, best known for his roles in the “Conan” films. He left a huge body of work in films and television.

Jack Warden. “The Verdict”, “Twelve Angry Men”, “Heaven Can Wait” and “Twilight Zone” only scratch the surface of his accomplished career.

I am sure I have omitted people, but this is not intentional. As with every year, we look back at those we lost with sadness at their passing and gratitude for what they left us.