GREAT MOVIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:A History of Violence (2005) — Directed by David Cronenberg, starring Viggo Mortensen
THOUGHTS: Ranked the 4th best film of the decade by Rolling Stone Magazine, A History of Violence slipped past a lot of viewers’ radars as, despite its title, it’s more of a drama than an action movie.Still, the action in this film is incredibly efficient and effective; brief moments of violence are shot so well that they provide a chilly resonance throughout the film.
SYNOPSIS:After killing two armed robbers in self-defense, Tom Stall, a mild-mannered small-town diner owner, becomes a local celebrity; however, the spotlight draws attention to his hidden past, bringing questions about who he really is and why he’s so good at killing people.
GREAT MOVIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:Adaptation (2002) — Directed by Spike Jonze, written by Charlie Kaufman, starring Nicolas Cage, Meryl Streep, and Chris Cooper
THOUGHTS: It’s hard for me to pick my favorite movie, but this definitely falls in the top five.With an insanely clever screenplay by Charlie Kaufman about his attempts to adapt a book with no plot into a movie, Adaptation is hilarious, multi-layered, and a blast to watch over and over again. If you’ve lost all faith in Nicolas Cage’s acting ability, this movie will remind you that he is at least capable of greatness.
SYNOPSIS: After being hired to write a film adaptation to Susan Orlean’s book The Orchid Thief, screenwriter Charlie Kaufman struggles with horrendous writer’s block, eventually seeking the assistance of his hack writer brother, Donald, and investigating into the hidden romance, drug use, and criminal activities of Susan Orleans and the subject of her book, John Laroche.
GREAT MOVIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:City of God (2002 - Brazil) — directed by Fernando Meirelles
THOUGHTS: One of the grittiest and best urban crime dramas ever made. This film has an incredible story and beautiful cinematography. The images of pre-teen drug dealers waving guns at each other may never leave your head.
SYNOPSIS: Based on a true story, City of God follows the rise of organized crime in the Cidade de Deus ghetto of Rio De Janeiro from the late 60’s to the early 80’s, as seen through the eyes of a young photographer named Rocket.
GREAT MOVIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:The Fall (2006) — directed by Tarsem Singh, starring Lee Pace, Catinka Untaru, and Justin Waddell.
THOUGHTS: Incredible locations, set design, costume design, and cinematography. Easily one of the most beautiful movies I’ve ever had the pleasure of watching. The story is solid, though a bit slower than this incredible trailer suggests.
SYNOPSIS: At a Los Angeles hospital in the 1920’s, Alexandria, a young girl recovering from a broken arm, befriends Roy Walker, a movie stunt man who was partially paralyzed after a fall. In exchange for help getting pain killers, Roy tells her an elaborate story about six great men on a quest to kill a corrupt provincial governor
GREAT MOVIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED:Old Boy (2003 - Korea) — Directed by Park Chan-wook.
THOUGHTS: An incredible film. One of the best revenge movies ever made. Be forewarned, however: this film is not for the squeamish.
SYNOPSIS: The film follows the story of Oh Dae-Su, who is locked in a hotel room for 15 years without knowing his captor’s motives. When he is finally released, Dae Su finds himself still trapped in a web of conspiracy and violence.
A collection of movie previews and movie reviews, both new and old.
