This is the reason that I love movies. When laying down your hard-earned money for a movie, one never knows quite what to expect. You hope for the best, but most of the time you don't get what you really came for; a jaw dropping ride that you'll never forget. Once, maybe two times a year it happens, but its almost always out of left field. Memento is like that.

Remember the end of Usual Suspects? Remember how you felt when you first saw Trinity stop time and lay that kick into the cop? How about "Luke, I am your father"? Remember the feeling that overcame your body when you watched these films? Memento is like that.

Told backwards, to help the audience get into the mind of the main character, Christopher Nolan's thriller is utterly original and captivating for its entire 100 minutes. Never for one second do you want the film to end, or do you know exactly what to expect next. The experience is something I have never felt in a movie theater and probably will never feel again. Even in the best movies, there are moments where going to the bathroom is okay. In Memento, there aren't any.

What can I say that wont ruin any of the visceral experience? Well, I can tell you that Guy Pierce plays Leonard, a man who has a non-fictional condition in which he can't make new memories. He remembers things for about 10 minutes and then *POOF* - theyre gone. In this state, you never know who is your friend, who is your enemy, and who is ultimately trying to use you. He lost his memory immediately after the rape and murder of his wife, and his need for revenge is what drives him, and the narrative as well.

Carrie-Ann Moss and Joe Pantoliano co-star as Natalie and Teddy, two characters that straddle the border between friend and foe in a truly scary way. Again, if I say any more, I will ruin something in the experience of seeing the film. Guy Pierce's performance as Leonard is a real stand out in this film. As an audience member, you can't help but be an active participant and try to put yourself into Leonard shoes. The task is almost too difficult to bear. Pierce does a remarkable job at being in a position that no one would ever wish upon another human being. Pantoliano is good, and Moss leaves something to be desired, but its the Oscar-caliber screenplay is the real star here. Honestly, this film could star three monkeys, but if it had this screenplay, it would still be great.

Memento is the best film of the year to date, and if there is a better one coming, we are in for quite a treat. Christopher Nolan, as a screenwriter and director, announces himself with authority as a great film talent. Original in every way, with an ending that will keep you thinking for weeks, Memento is not only a must see. Its a must see again, and again and again.