Little Women (1994)

The completion of Jo’s romantic arc doesn’t sit quite right but that’s about the only thing that feels off (well, that and Bale’s goatee) in this cohesive and cozy (but still poignant and emotional: see the gift for Beth) family journey through life and love and the blasted patriarchy (“You should have been a lawyer, Miss March” “I should have been a great many things, Mr. Mayer”). Dunst’s adorable Amy and Ryder’s moody Jo (“I just know I’ll never fit in anywhere”) are two standout turns.

6

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)

The action is excellent (see the ridiculously destructive early car chase) and the humour is okay, but the whole thing starts to feel like a re-tread of the previous two installments, minus the beating heart passion and bad-assery provided by Hamilton’s Sarah, who is sorely missed (John’s voiceover musings don’t have quite the same impact). The unexpectedly melancholic ending is poignant though and provides the sort of unique and provoking additional content needed for a franchise’s third film.

5