For the last 19 years, December 1st has been designated "World AIDS Day" and commemorates the 25 million people who have died from the disease. Celebrities like Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Sir Elton John, Matt Damon, Will Smith and Sharon Stone are very public faces in the fight against AIDS and Hollywood has been front and center in the very public battle to create AIDS Awareness. Chances are it has touched you or someone you know, so why not take the opportunity of "World AIDS Day" to do something proactive to lend YOUR support to the cause?

I've compiled a short list of some of the best films that not only educate audiences about AIDS, but are also well made and entertaining. Maybe you'll want to watch (or re-watch) a few of these to help renew your commitment to being a part of the global fight against the scourge.

• "Philadelphia" (1993) with Oscar winners Tom Hanks & Denzel Washington.
  
• "Rent" (2005) Rosario Dawson stars in the Broadway musical translated to the big screen.
  
• "And the Band Played On" (1993) the made for television smash,adapted from Randy Shilt's prize winning book.
  
• "Angels in America" (2003) Directed by Michael Nichols and featuring Emma Thompson, Al Pacino and Meryl Streep.
  
• "It's My Party" (1996) this drama features appearances by Olivia Newton John, George Segal, Roddy McDowell, Margaret Cho, Eric Roberts and many other famous faces.
  
• "Love! Valour! Compassion!" (1997) Jason Alexander and John Glover star in Terrence McNally's movie version of his stage hit.
  

I mentioned in the last blog that I was looking forward to "I Am Legend" and since then I've had the chance to screen it. I am happy to report that I was thoroughly entertained. And while poor old Manhattan seems to be Filmdom's most popular choice for cinematic annihilation, it's a great concept that's told with fresh intensity by director Francis Lawrence and mega star Will Smith.

I had the chance to interview Will yesterday and he's as gregarious and charming as his public persona. Since movie tastes are so subjective, I'm not one to say "Go see it!" but this is one that should appeal to most thrill-seeking audiences. Exciting and thought provoking. Look for Emma Thompson in a cleverly named cameo role!

It's a great time of year for movie-going. Why don't you post some of your own "Picks and Pans" here for others in the Yahoo community?