Hot Fuzz (2007)

Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright and Nick Frost — the team behind “Shaun of the Dead” — pay homage to cop movies, capturing all of the genre’s clichés — from the fish out of water detective to the blood bath finale in deference to “Bad Boys II” and “Point Break.”

d: Edgar Wright | imdb.com | trailer | Pub.

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

Based on the children’s fantasy book, the movie is grounded in reality — the well-told story of a boy and girl and their friendship. Josh Hutcherson captures the boy’s melancholy and AnnaSophia Robb the girl’s free spirit. She just might be a star.

d: Gabor Csupo | imdb.com | trailer | “Why Can’t We Be Friends”

The U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006)

When the documentary stays on target and lays off the sentiment, it’s a fascinating look at John Lennon in the 1970s — making love (with Yoko), not war. He also made Nixon’s enemies list and fought the U.S. government’s efforts to have him deported.

d: David Leaf, John Scheinfeld | imdb.com | trailer

Slither (2006)

Inspired by the B horror movies of the 1970s and 80s, director James Gunn deftly mixes comedy with suspense and gore. An alien slug inhabits the body of Michael Rooker, dampening his marriage to Elizabeth Banks and terrorizing their small Southern town.

d: James Gunn | imdb.com | trailer | Family Fun Day

Junebug (2005)

Set and filmed near Winston-Salem, N.C., the movie feels as handmade as the art and woodworking that it depicts — full of just-right touches from Cheerwine to church hymns. A pregnant Amy Adams proves touching, her wide-eyed innocence irresistible.

d: Phil Morrison | imdb.com | trailer | The Johnstens | Amy Adams

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Not a spoof but a smart, comedic homage to zombie movies, specifically George Romero’s “Dead” trilogy. Simon Pegg, who plays Shaun, and director Edgar Wright co-wrote the pitch-perfect script — from “We’re coming to get you, Barbara” to the finale in a cellar.

d: Edgar Wright | imdb.com | trailer | more private time