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Stealing Home is one of the most underrated films of recent memmory. The inherent simplicity, interesting story lines and compelling character strengths convey a sense of nostalgia while at the same time testify to a strong line of family. The proponents of the critical acclaim of this film will assert that the flashbacks are convoluted, the character development flawed and the ending cliched and predictable. However, this is a film that succeeds on all levels. Mark Harmon plays a present day (1987) ballplayer whose professional career has been characterized by a series of failures and challenges, allegedly fueled by the suicide of a babysitter and family friend, Katie Chandler. (Jodie Foster) Foster's character is capricious and carefree in her approach to her own life and encouraging to Harmon's character, Billy Wyatt. The young Wyatt emerges as a unique talent with a flair for the game which is only precipitated as he ages. The unforeseen circumstance with his father (John Shea) and the complication with his AAA-ball experience fuel his dismay and disgust with his passion. Billy remarks throughout the film that "Katie was the one who reminded him that he was a ballplayer" and this holds true until the very end when he is reunited with his true love and passion. The imagery in the frequent flashbacks is very satisfying and the story line from start to finish is convincing. Harmon, Foster and Shea are a strong ensemble and the film overall is bittersweet, nostalgic and above all, heartwarming.

Simply Irresistible is such a thoughtful, engaging love story that one soon forgets that the ending will be as predictable as Sarah Michelle Gellar stealing the show with her radiant smile and the twinkle in her eye. The story introduces us to a would-be chef whose destiny seems to be the downward spiral of a family-run business that is quickly succumbing to the realities of modern-day food service and the end of the small, intimate operation. Gellar's character, Amanda Shelton, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances, keeps her hopes and sights high particularly when the stars cross and she meets her beau-to-be, Sean Patrick Flannery. Gellar's character is a image of Audrey Hepburn, both in her mannerisms and the way in which she navigates New York City. The scene in which Gellar's character exits the cab on Fifth Avenue at Tiffany's cried out for Henry Mancini's "Moon River" to be cued. As the love story progresses, Flannery's character comes to believe that Gellar is witch-like in her effect on him. A vanilla fog emanates from the small kitchen in Gellar's restaurant as she prepares dessert for her beau and as they subsequently kiss, they float to the ceiling. Finally, Flannery comes to realize that the effect that Gellar's character has on him is intoxicating; she represents all that is good and true and her cooking punctuates the sensuality of food. The imagery is wonderful, the scenery engaging and the music score fantastic. This simple yet beautiful love story will endure the test of time.

As someone whose teenage years are a fading memory, Down To You brought me back to my late-teen to post-graduate days. This story is thoughtful and engaging as our two stars struggle with the qualms and traumas of contemporary college life. Their lives see changes as they come to terms with the temptations and viscissitudes of college life; as their lives change, so does their perception of their relationships with each other. Inasmuch as they perceive a distance growing between them, their lives and dependency upon each other only grows as adolescence becomes adulthood. Freddie Prinze Jr. is a strong presence as he finally transcends the generations in this post-high school tale. Julia Stiles is an uncommon beauty whose poise and screen presence is refreshingly welcome. I recommend Down To You.