Earl's Movie Picks

Cedar Rapids (2011)

2011-11-03T13:39:00.000-04:00

This is the adventure of a naïve small-town insurance salesman attending a big out-of-town convention. Who better than Ed Helms to play the idealistic, childlike Tim Lippe. He hooks up with a wonderful trio of cronies, Isiah Whitlock Jr, John C. Reilly, and Ann Heche.

This could’ve been an easily forgettable romp--there’s plenty of sex, drugs and debauchery to go around. But it’s not. There’s a real solidness to it; a sweetness to the story. A man’s (albeit a goofy man’s) coming of age, and the value of friends, honesty, and ethics.

It’s a well-woven blend of really hysterical moments and also some very tender ones. It can go slightly over the top at times, but hey, it all works. Not preachy or overly sugared with sentiment. But you feel it. Ed Helms has a big part in that, his genius is making you feel sorry for him while you’re laughing at him. Wonderful stuff.

And he can rock the lame sweaters as well as Pacino can rock the shades.

John C. Reilly really nails the obnoxious jerk/goodguy combo role, and thank you lord, Ann Heche in a part that I could actually tolerate her in. Sigourney Weaver, Kurtwood Smith (the bad guy in RoboCop), and freckled Alia Shawkat are 3 very nice treats as well.

This is a fine popcorn or date movie. Very gentle with good laughs and a feel-good vibe. And it ended perfectly by the way.

Quickie Synopsis

Manchild
Comes
Of Age

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The Paper Chase (1973)

2011-11-02T09:22:00.000-04:00

The struggles of a Harvard Law School student. Timothy Bottoms is solid and thoughtful as James Hart, a first-year law student. He is completely awed and terrified to the point of puking by the dreaded Professor Kingsfield. John Houseman won an Oscar for playing this sarcastic, intelligent and caustic giant. If you want essential John Houseman, this is the movie to see.

Lindsay Wagner plays Hart's love interest and daughter of the feared professor. Some very fun characters show up in the likes of Graham Beckel, Edward Herrmann, and Craig Richard Nelson as Hart's study group partners.

Love that early 70's feel-- kind of a laid-back outer coating revealing a ball of stress nestled on the inside. Even if you are not a law student, this is a very smart movie with some characters you will not forget, trust me. An overused word these days, but Kingsfield is EPIC.

Quickie Synopsis

I
Train
Your Minds

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Smoke Signals (1998)

2011-08-12T16:27:00.006-04:00

Victor, a young troubled Coeur D'Alene Native American, travels off the reservation on a personal quest for some kind of truth about his estranged dad. Tagging along is his cousin, Thomas, a chatty, bespectacled Indian storyteller.

Ultimately this is a story about love, regret, and redemption. All wrapped up in a tongue-in-cheek, yet reverent look at modern Native American life on a reservation. Victor is bitter and angry--annoyed to no end at Thomas’ chatting and storytelling, his nerdy look and medicine-man-wannabe persona; yet something in Thomas is pure and wise, containing ancient wisdom.

One of the beautiful things about this film is the ability to focus on something that would initially seem trivial, especially when larger issues are at stake. Of course this would be frybread. Frybread is a simple dough of flour and yeast, fried in oil, and is a Native American staple. Victors mother, Arlene, is proud of her frybread. Thomas tells grandiose, epic stories about Arlene’s frybread. Suddenly it’s not so trivial anymore.

Evan Adams, who plays Thomas, gives one of those performance that might seem caricatured and over the top (you will be mimicking him after the movie, I promise you), yet is formidable and captures the truth at the same time. Hard to do, and he nailed it.

This is a sweet and lovely film that is haunted with ghosts of the past and the future. As a father, the ending got me pretty good. Not one to be missed .

PS, after watching this again, I actually tried making frybread, and it was AWESOME.

Quickie Synopsis

Fry
Bread
Power

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Jeremiah Johnson (1972)

2011-04-29T11:18:00.004-04:00

A man heads deep into the hills to become a mountain-man and tangles with nature and hostile Crow Indians.
Wow. Magnificently filmed, with a great story, and directed by Sydney Pollack, so there is no way yer going wrong with this one.

Robert Redford makes the handsomest mountain man you'll ever see. Will Geer and Stefan Gierash are 2 very memorable fur-clad pals. These are men that have chosen the life of hunting, bushcraft, and trapping in solitude; in one of the most glorious and dangerous places on the planet.

It's not about sitting cross-legged around a fire and singing Kumbaya. Johnson must deal smartly with various tribes of local Indians, the US Government, dangerous animals, the harshness of nature, and people he meets along the way. You get the very real sense of constant urgency, danger, and beauty. From the seemingly small act of making a fire, to making life and death decisions--it's constant. He's surviving.

Forget garbage like Bear Gryllis climbing a rock wall behind a McDonalds in Aspen. This movie puts you right up in the Rockie mountains close up, and it's fantastic all the way around.

Quickie Synopsis
Day
To
Day

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The Kings Speech (2010)

2011-04-21T11:11:00.000-04:00

Wow what a beautiful film about King George VI and his speech therapist helping him with an awful stammer. The added weight of impending war with Germany gives the needed urgency. I liked this facet of it, and it worked flawlessly, much as it did in Remains of the Day.

Now I am a boorish American, I'll admit that. But I love British films that deal with the throne, great wealth, aristocracy, butlers, fox hunting, and "you may have some more port if you desire, but do not come into the drawing room"-type stuff (maybe cause my name is Earl, maybe cause its SOOO different than my experience.

Great emotional impact in this film thanks to Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush. This is a solid, quiet story about self worth and redemption done up without all the Hollywood hoopla, rising cheesy music, overdone reaction shots, etc. If anything could be called "lovely", this movie would be it.

I could watch Firth stutter all day, have Rush benignly stare at me for months, and hell, I'd even curtsy and gush repeatedly for Helena Bonham Carter.

Quickie Synopsis

I Have
A
Voice

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Strange Days (1995)

2011-04-02T20:01:00.003-04:00

A charismatic hustler and intense limo driver attempt to solve nasty murders against the backdrop of a chaotic, riot-filled city as an apocalyptic New Year of 2000 approaches.

Ex-cop Lenny Nero is a purveyor of black-market tapes that you can play directly into your cerebral cortex and fully experience moments recorded from other peoples lives--Lenny deals in these tapes--having sex, skiing in the alps, robbing a bank, whatever you desire he can get it for you. But when Lenny comes across a tape with some hardcore nastiness on it, all hell breaks loose and he's in the middle of it.

Holy cow, what a great cast. Ralph Fiennes is Lenny; fast-talking, charismatic--offering up fake Rolexes whenever cornered. Angela Basset, intense and beautiful and cutting some serious muscles yum yum yum. Delicious heavies; Michael Wincott with that gravelly voice of death, Vincent D, Onofrio, and William Fichtner as the evil partner cops (duh, of course!). Nice selection of groovy punk thugs as well. Juliette Lewis shines as the ultimate steamy rock n' roll slut and misplaced object of Lenny's affections.

Tom Sizemore- the only thing to say is, what's not to like? He's cool as a greased cucumber in this movie. (did I just type that?) If you're one of the poor bastards who doesn't know who Tom Sizemore is, watch this movie--then you'll get it. I think Sizemore should be a new verb.

Set in the near future beneath a backdrop of deteriorating cities, martial law, rioting in the streets, hookers mugging Santa Clause right out in the street :( , and the apocalyptic New Years Eve of 2000 ominously approaching, this plays out something like a Humphrey Bogart movie on acid. The good solid characters keep it on track though.

I know it's 16 years old, but I just saw it last night, and I swear to god, every time I watch this movie, it gets better. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow and written by James Cameron....they must have been schtupping during the production of this movie, cause it's so damn GOOD!

Quickie Synopsis
Are you
jacked
In?

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Jackie Brown (1997)

2011-03-03T15:37:00.000-05:00

An aging down-on-her-luck stewardess, gun dealer, and bail bondsman aim to bring a load of money into the country under the nose of the cops. One of Tarantino's least Tarantino-ish films, and one of his best. The casting is simply brilliant with Pam Grier as the beautiful aging stewardess (nom-nom-nom!), and Robert Forster as Max Cherry, the lucid bail bondsman. You want to punch Bridget Fonda as the snotty, lazy surfer girl. DeNiro gives an understated and precision performance as Lou, a dopey ex-con.

Of course, stealing the show in this one is Samuel L. Jackson as hyper-cool gun runner Ordell Robbie. If you liked him in Pulp Fiction, you'll love him in this. Also, a very cute chemistry between Forster and Grier. Grier is so damn good in this movie, poised, smart, tough, vulnerable and sexy as hell.

Quickie Synopsis
The Good
The Bad and
The Greedy

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Mary and Max (2009)

2011-02-17T12:05:00.000-05:00

Claymation feature-length story of a pen-pal relationship between Mary, a lonely 8-year old Australian girl, and Max, an overweight, middle-aged, troubled recluse in New York.

This film features the most original and skilled claymation you will see. However, beware, Wallace and Gromit, it is not. Some serious issues going on here, including alcoholism, depression, mental illness, sexuality, suicide, death, and violence. And for your pleasure, presented in the most charming and often hysterical way.

Philip Seymour Hoffman and Toni Collette offer up their voices for the main characters. PSH absolutely nails it with a spot-on Jewish New York accent and perfect sensibility for the troubled Max. The mighty Barry Humphries (Dame Edna) narrates.
Max suffers from Asperger syndrome, which is an autistic-like disorder that plagues him with a crippling disconnect from other people, coupled with obsessive behavior. He's smart and fully aware of his problems, like so many people are in the world today.

Wow. Painful and beautiful, and often funny-as-hell.

Quickie Synopsis
Shy
and
Troubled

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Gun (2010)

2011-01-24T10:40:00.000-05:00

An ex-con joins up with an ambitious inner-city gun runner. Written by and starring the charismatic 50 Cent and co-starring a pudgy and intense Val Kilmer. 2 good reasons to watch this. Another is the great inner-city visuals and intimate nature of this flick. Yet another is James Remar as the flustered detective, and of course, AnnaLynne McCord; smoking hot in this one. In a couple of scenes, she actually out-CharlizeTheron's Charlize Theron! (watch it, you'll get my drift). Simple plot, nothing too crazy here. But a warning: the movie does idolize guns, especially with 50 Cent toting the mighty .500 Smith and Wesson Magnum, the most powerful handgun on earth, used mainly by Alaskan bush pilots to kill giant grizzlies. Every gangbanger in North America will be drooling and camping out in line for one of these babies once they've seen the movie. (hey man, it is what it is....). Very capable attempt by 50 Cent, and fun to watch.

Quickie Synopsis
Slick
Bang
Boomhttp://earlsmoviepicks.blogspot.com/

Slap Shot (1977)

2011-01-14T09:10:00.000-05:00

A failing minor-league hockey team resorts to violence and shenanigans to increase their popularity. Wild bloody fun on the ice-- great hockey characters like ice-maniac Ogie Ogilthorpe and Clarence 'Screaming Buffalo' Swamptown. Many of the actors in this film were professional hockey players, so this is considered by many to be kind of an inside-joke of the hockey world. Hugely entertaining. The childlike and ultra-violent Hanson Brothers are not to be missed.

Quickie Synopsis
Can't skate
Then
Fight

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Komome Diner (2006)

2011-01-12T13:04:00.000-05:00

A Japanese woman opens a diner in Finland specializing in rice balls. Ok, sounds like a Kanye tweet, but in fact, this is a gentle little movie focusing on our hero Sachie, her wish to make her eatery successful, and relationships along the way. Not so much a foodie movie, although there is some of that; more like a nice little place to hang out for a while. Perfect movie for your nonviolent mother-in-law. Don't expect Bruce Willis jumping away from explosions in slow motion--ain't gonna happen here. If I was bouncing around Finland and saw this place I would totally bop in for a cup of joe. So enjoy.

Quickie Synopsis
Riceballs
Win Over
Fins?

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The Fifth Element (1997)

2011-01-07T12:17:00.000-05:00

Ex-military cab driver Corben Dallas must save the world by teaming up with sexy redhead "supreme being". Luc Besson went deliciously overboard on characters, aliens, special effects on this one. Pure fun from start to finish. I could watch Milla Jovovich speaking alien gibberish all day. Chris Tucker steals it downright as Ruby Rhod, a zany futuristic DJ. Fantastic casting, with Ian Holm as wry Father Cornelius the priest, and Gary Oldman as the evil ZORG. When folks get real nervous in the future, chocolate syrup drips from their heads. How can that be wrong?

Quickie Synopsis
Big
Bada
Boom

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District B13 (Banlieue 13) 2004

2011-01-03T14:01:00.004-05:00

A cop and ex-thug try to find and diffuse a neutron bomb in a futuristic Paris ghetto. High-action flick, made very special by the 2 leading stars Cyril Raffaelli, and David Belle. Both men are highly trained, master stuntmen, very skilled martial artists and specialize in "parkour", which is the insanely groovy art of leaping off walls, balconies, staircases, over cars, and through small bathroom windows. Which of course makes for fantastic fight and chase scenes. Expertly filmed with grit, precision timing and pacing. Want real deal action instead of tired, aging Hollywood stars and CGI? See this one then.

Quickie Synopsis
French
Buddy
Gymnasts

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Ali G Indahouse (2002)

2011-01-03T12:46:00.002-05:00

Ok, there are 2 schools of thought on this movie. 1 that it's completely stupid and sophomoric. 2, that it's piss-in-your pants funny. I agree with both. This rompy flick features the outrageous shenanigans of Sacha Baron Cohen's character Ali G, as he attempts to save his local community center. (btw, he's not ripping on civilians ala Borat or Bruno. This movie has an actual plot, if you can call it that) In case you don't know, Ali G is a white suburban-born rapper who thinks he's black. The gags keep a-coming, and Sacha serves up plenty of laughs. Don't expect intelligence. Just enjoy. Hairy muff?

Quickie Synopsis
White
Rapper
Spazzes

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Alien Nation (1988)

2010-08-17T09:54:00.001-04:00

Human detective reluctantly teams up with his assimilated space alien partner to solve a homicide. A feisty salt and pepper cop drama with James Caan and Mandy Patinkin working off each other so well. Caan is perfect as the rowdy cantankerous human cop (sporting a Dallas Cowboys t-shirt, of course), and Patinkin awesome as ever, as the earnest "newcomer" who eats raw beaver and gets drunk on spoiled milk. The interaction between these two makes the movie, which is done up very tasty and precise. Watch for heavy alien villian Terence Stamp. Great stuff and a whole lotta fun.

Quickie Synopsis
Human
Alien
Partners

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The Goodbye Girl (1977)

2010-07-07T09:57:00.000-04:00

A single-mom dancer and nutty actor are forced to share an apartment in NYC. Very funny and crisply written by master playwright Neil Simon. Richard Dreyfuss' best role by far as the quick-witted, yappy actor, Elliot trying to make a name for himself in the theater. Marsha Mason overplays it a bit, but it works for some insane reason. Quinn Cummings is mega-cute as precocious young Lucy. Forget much of the modern crap that passes as romantic comedy; this is the real deal. Dreyfuss' comic-bitchy monologues are priceless.

Quickie Synopsis
Two
Peas
In a Pod

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Sherrybaby (2006)

2010-05-17T08:47:00.001-04:00

A woman returns from jail and tries to reunite with her young daughter. No Hollywood happy endings or cheesy lessons from this one. It's an all-too-true portrait of Sherry, an idealized addict who is clueless as a bag of hammers as to her own behavior. Maggie Gyllenhaal is absolutely outstanding. She is cut and dried as a troubled addict, yet elicits compassion as well. Brad William Henke and Bridget Barkan are well balanced as her her brother and sister in-law, who have been caring for Sherry's child and have their doubts as Sherry desperately comes back into their lives. Very well told by writer/director Laurie Collyer. If you werent a fan of Maggie Gyllenhaal, you will be after this one. A real treat is Danny Trejo's appearance playing a pretty nice guy. Gritty, true and good.

Quickie Synopsis
Ex-con
Wants
Her Baby

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School of Rock (2003)

2010-05-14T08:39:00.000-04:00

A failed musician scams a gig as a schoolteacher and teaches a group of 10-year olds to rock out. This is perfect vehicle for Jack Black, who is majorly nutty and hysterical. His insane passion for music shines and actually infects the viewer as much as the kids. Excellent tale of redemption with thorough laughs throughout and great for the family. His original songs are pee-in-your pants funny. Cute appearance by young actress Miranda Cosgrove (aka iCarly) The ultimate Jack Black.

Quickie Synopsis
Teacher
Rocks
Out

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Master of the Flying Guillotine (1975)

2010-05-10T09:54:00.002-04:00

A one-armed kung fu instructor is hunted down by a blind "flying guillotine' master.
Ok, ok. Yes, cheesy. Also magnificent. Fu Sing Wu Chi (say that fast) expertly wields what looks like a fiercely weirded-out hat on a chain. But alas, if it lands on your melon, you're in trouble! Forget plot and all that. This is pure Kraft Velveeta Kung Fu. Fantastic fight scenes with an oddball assortment of kung fu masters, running up walls, extending their arms to 10 feet long, and of course, the deadly Flying Guillotine. Make sure to see the 1975 original, as there are a few in this franchise. Most likely an inspiration for Quentin Tarantino's deadly schoolgirl Gogo Yubari in Kill Bill.

Quickie Synopsis
Beheading
From A
Distance

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Time After Time (1979)

2010-05-06T09:06:00.000-04:00

H.G. Wells travels in time to modern San Francisco to hunt down Jack the Ripper. Mucho fun, with Malcolm McDowell perkily playing Wells, and Mary Steenburgen is cute as pudding playing a sweet Frisco girl. Watching Malcolm as the brilliant Wells adapting to modern day Frisco is a treat as is David Warner playing Jack the Ripper. Basically a feel good thriller with a bit of an edge. A must for McDowell fans! Go see!

Quickie Synopsis
Killers
Through
Time

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Now Voyager (1942)

2010-04-30T09:11:00.000-04:00

Self-effacing woman goes to therapy and finds confidence and love. One of Bette Davis' defining roles, which she executes perfectly. Claude Rains is slick and lovable. Gladys Cooper gives you chills as the bitter controlling mother. And of course the famous scene where Claude lights 2 cigarettes, who can forget that. One of the excellent melodramas coming out of the WWII era. When you hear the term, "They don't make em like that anymore", this is the one they're talking about. Don't miss it.

Quickie Synopsis
Spinster
Finds
Love

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The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

2010-04-27T09:26:00.000-04:00

The story of 3 WWII servicemen adjusting to coming back home. This won a truckload of Oscars, but if you haven't seen this one you're missing out. Top notch cast including Frederic March, Myrna Loy (!), Dana Andrews and Teresa Wright. Dana Andrews is a good, standup guy returning to a slutty wife. Frederic March is a banker with a grown daughter trying to fit into his old slot in life. Harold Russell is an ordinary guy who tries to adjust to having lost both his arms. Brilliant story, dialogue, and characters all the way round. And sadly still relevant today. See it!

Note:
Oscar winner Harold Russell had actually lost both his arms in the service and was chosen for the part after appearing in an Army documentary on wounded soldiers.

Quickie Synopsis
Hard
To
Readjust

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After Hours (1985)

2010-04-20T09:09:00.000-04:00

A word processor in Manhattan gets trapped in Soho overnight with crazed artists and weirdos. A marvelous twisted Scorsese dark comedy. Griffin Dunne does it just right as normal everyman Paul who just wants to get home. Rosanna Arquette is the troubled object of his desire; the pretty girl-next-door with issues. Teri Garr is a special treat as a neurotic bar waitress. Scorsese piles up the tension so remarkably. Paul losing his cab fare would seem innocuous enough, but with Marty directing, it seems so huge and devastating. The whole movie builds this way, so get ready for a ride. Awesome cast as well, including John Heard, Catherine O'Hara, Cheech n Chong; Linda Fiorentino and Will Patton. Dark and funny.

Quickie Synopsis
Just
Get Me
Home

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The Boondock Saints (1999)

2010-04-19T08:49:00.005-04:00

Irish twins become vigilantes to rid Boston of the Russian mob. You're gonna love this one or hate it. Smartish, fast-moving, innovative action movie. Interesting plot thingy going on here...first comes twisted FBI agent (Willem Dafoe) describing the events of the crime scene, then you see how it all went down. Cheeky dialogue, fun characters -- all around good time. And check out Bill Connolly in a juicy role. Excellent soundtrack too. Part of what throws this dark comedy into cult status is a brief appearance by Ron Jeremy. Get past that, and you'll enjoy a couple hours of mucho fun.

Quickie Synopsis
Holy
Irish
Killers

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Primal Fear (1996)

2010-04-14T08:23:00.000-04:00

A hotshot lawyer defends a shy kid accused of murdering a Chicago priest. Great on so many levels. One of Richard Gere's best. Standing most excellently toe to toe with him is Laura Linney. Beautifully crafted courtroom thriller. Edward Norton won a truckload of awards for his part, and if you want to see a primo example of Norton's talent, this is the one to see. Also a nice visit by Steven Bauer and the always spot-on John Mahoney. One of the best endings ever. With Alfre Woodard as the Judge and Frances McDormand as the psychiatrist, you absolutely positively no-way can go wrong with this awesome film.

Quickie Synopsis
Naughty
Priests
And Lawyers

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The New Centurions (1972)

2010-04-09T08:45:00.000-04:00

An idealistic L.A. rookie cop teams up with an old veteran. Based on the book by master policeman/novelist Joseph Wambaugh. This movie is thought to be an extremely accurate look at life as a cop in LA in the 70's. Stacey Keach is great as the rookie cop, but its George C. Scott who steals it as the lifer who turns policing into an art form. Instead of busting hookers, he'll drive them around in a truck and get them drunk to get them off the street for a night. Keep an eye peeled for Erik Estrada (Pre-CHIPS). This movie shows the toll that being a cop takes on a person. Very serious and very good.

Quickie Synopsis
Old Cop
And
New Cop

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Enter The Dragon (1973)

2010-04-06T08:56:00.000-04:00

A kung fu expert goes undercover to a martial arts tournament run by an evil fiend. This movie is Bruce Lee all the way. This was the first major Kung Fu movie to hit the US, and it made Lee a international superstar. Great characters as well by John Saxon and Jim Kelly. Kien Shih is the evil Han, who can put spikes, claws or blades on the end of his severed arm. Bruce's nunchuk virtuosity is epic here. Keep an eye peeled for a Jackie Chan cameo and Sammo Hung, the gargantuan kung fu gorilla. This one is classic with a capital C.

Quickie Synopsis
Everybody
Was
You know the rest...

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Diamonds Are Forever (1971)

2010-03-31T00:16:00.002-04:00

James Bond must discover what his evil nemesis Blofeld is doing with all those stolen diamonds. What makes this one so much fun is all the little touches. Sadistic gymnasts Bambi and Thumper throwing Bond a beating; Jill St. John in a purple bikini; crazy car chase through Las Vegas; M beating out the slot machines; and of course the 2 creepy henchmen Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd. The most bubblegummy and campy of all the Bond films, but way enjoyable.

Quickie Synopsis
Bond
In
Vegas

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Five Easy Pieces (1970)

2010-03-30T09:08:00.000-04:00

A talented man from an upper-class family of musicians runs away from it all. Jack Nicolson, early and great, is a dissatisfied prick running away to work on oil rigs and go bowling and screw around. Good movie about a talented fortunate man with inner turmoil and restlessness. Yes, he's a dick and don't go looking for a plot, but Nicholson is brilliant as a man who is screaming on the inside. Watch for Karen Black as his ditzy clinging gal and Sally Struthers. And of course the famous diner scene.

Quickie Synopsis
Protege
Turns
Bad

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Frenzy (1972)

2010-03-29T00:58:00.003-04:00

An down-on-his luck man is falsely accused of multiple rapes/murders in London. Great Hitchcock. Both gruesome and funny--best yet are the the scenes of Inspector Oxford having experimental gourmet meals forced on him by his wife, played by Vivien Merchant with a delightfully nutty flair. Good solid acting all around. Hitchcock totally messes with you with his long camera shots and suspense, but it's a fun ride. A real British treat.

Quickie Synopsis
I didn't
Do it
You Bastards!

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The Cowboys (1972)

2010-03-26T08:28:00.003-04:00

An aging cattle herder must hire a group of greenhorn schoolboys for a dangerous cattle drive. A kinder, gentler John Wayne, but no pushover. Most excellently cast with the likes of Roscoe Lee Browne who just about upstages Wayne, and very early Robert Carradine. Bruce Dern is again a sublimely miserable prick you love to hate. Entertaining from start to finish. I like to see John Wayne like this.

Quote:
"I'm thirty years older than you are. I had my back broke once, and my hip twice. And on my worst day I could beat the hell out of you."

Quickie Synopsis
Coming of Age
With Cattle
And Bandits

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Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)

2010-03-25T08:32:00.000-04:00

A quirky romance between a newly separated single father and an odd performance artist. John Hawkes and Miranda July create an intimate little romance with unique dialogue. Written and directed by Miranda July, there are some things in this movie that under other circumstances would be questionable, but all works perfectly here. Scene to see is the brothers chatting on the computer. Brandon Makenzie-Lee Ratcliff plays the younger brother, and is so cute and interesting, you've got to laugh.

Quickie Synopsis
Lonely
Quirky
Love

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Frozen River (2008)

2010-03-23T23:58:00.001-04:00

A desperate woman resorts to smuggling illegal immigrants to support her family. This is a grim tale with a hint of redemption and hope. Melissa Leo is raw and strong. Misty Upham is perfect as her Native American smuggling partner. The beauty of this movie is the way these two souls come together, each with their own burdens to bear. Very minimalistic and hard-hitting movie. You can feel everything closing around this main character and the harsh winter chill. Good solid stuff.

Quickie Synopsis
Two
Desperate
Mothers

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Harold and Maude (1971)

2010-03-22T21:32:00.000-04:00

Young man obsessed with death falls in love with an 80-year old woman. Almost 40 years old, this film still stands up solidly as a cult classic. Bud Cort is a shy, twisted young man who stages his own death and goes to funerals for kicks. Ruth Gordon plays a sadly happy soul who teaches him how to let go. Keep an eye out for the great Vivian Pickles as the obnoxious mother, and the coolest Jaguar you'll ever see. Killer soundtrack by Cat Stevens.

Quickie Synopsis
Love
And
Death

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The Lords of Flatbush (1974)

2010-03-22T00:37:00.002-04:00

The Lords, a gang of four brooklyn youts (not youths) in 1950's Brooklyn, find themselves facing adulthood. This movie is a treat-- a young, pre-rocky Sylvester Stallone steals every scene he's in playing meathead Stanley. Perry King is Chico the playboy, and pre-happy days Henry Winkler as Butch. Imagine a darker, neurotic Jewish Fonzie. Some very memorable scenes in this one-- Stallone in the store buying a wedding ring for his girlfriend is priceless. See it.

Quickie Synopsis
Brooklyn
Greasers
Growing up

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Croupier (1998)

2010-03-19T07:00:00.002-04:00

A weary writer takes a job as a croupier in a British casino. A darkish, multi-layered tale of a man narrating his own life. It's a pleasure to watch Clive Owen as a virtuoso roulette dealer, working with precision and a studied disdain for his clients. So much more is happening between the folds than what you're seeing. A tantalizing look into the workings of a casino, but so much more than that. Very cool and very understated.

Quickie Synopsis
Jack
Deals
As Jake

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Carny (1980)

2010-03-18T07:00:00.001-04:00

A small-town girl joins a traveling carnival. Ok, so what, you say? If you can find this one, watch the hell out of it, it's a gem. 3 great things about this movie? Jodie Foster, Gary Busey, and Robbie Robertson (yes, guitarist from The Band). Gary Busey steals the show outright as an abusive clown in the carnival dunking tank. Robertson is cool and surprisingly good as Patch, the veteran "carny". Jodie Foster is ripe in this one, and about to fall off the tree. The plot won't leave you speechless, but amazingly watchable.

Quickie Synopsis
3 Balls
For
A Dollar

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The Imposters (1998)

2010-03-16T21:36:00.001-04:00

2 unemployed actors stowaway on a cruise ship. Just accept that this is a zany farce and you will laugh. Stanley Tucci and Oliver Platt are like a crazed hot-dog and hamburger bouncing off the grill. There is such a deep understanding of comedy and a love of zanyness going on here. Many moments that will have you crying with laughter. The cast is given carte blanche to take their characters way over the top. But with the likes of Steve Buscemi, Alfred Molina, Lili Taylor, Tony Shalhoub, Bill Connolly et al, it's a pleasure. My fave is Campbell Scott as the smarmy Nazi Ship Officer.

Quickie Synopsis
Nutty
Actors
At Sea

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Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974)

2010-03-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

A man and his girlfriend escape from the cops in their scrumptious yellow '69 440 Dodge Charger. Yes another car chase movie--hold it right there though. Great chases, quirky camera shots, violent ramming of police Mopar pursuit cars---none of that CGI fantasy, this is the genuine stuff, smashing up beefy muscle cars, for real. Wouldn't call this a character study, as Peter Fonda is a jerk, and his girl, Susan George is cute and stupid and the dialogue is kind of idiotic. But boy, can they smash up police cars on country roads. Very well shot with an ending you won't soon forget. Get yer six-pack on for this one.

Quickie Synopsis
Hemi
Chase
In the sun

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Sayonara (1957)

2010-03-14T23:00:00.007-04:00

An ace fighter pilot falls in love with a Japanese dancer against the Air Force's orders. If you're wondering what all the hoopla was about over Marlon Brando, this one should clear it up for you. Red Buttons nails it as a tough from-the-gutter airman who also falls in love with a Japanese woman. Miyoshi Umeki, who plays his wife, is so darn cute that you want to pat her on the head and buy her a lollipop. James Garner is great as Brando's sardonic buddy. Absolutely stunning film. Only weak spot would be Ricardo Montalban playing a Japanese kabuki dancer. Really? Anywhoo, this is a marvelous movie you can watch again and again.

Quickie Synopsis

Posterboy

Fraternizes

Oriental

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Crossing Delancey (1988)

2010-03-11T23:17:00.000-05:00

An ethnic Jewish love story taking place in the Lower East Side, NYC. Featuring Amy Irving, and Peter Riegert as Sam the pickle man. Very charming movie with an excellent performance from Yiddish stage actress Reizl Bozyk as bubby. (that's a Jewish grandmother). Sylvia Miles gives a high-octane performance as the pushy yenta. As she slobbers away on chicken and does the matchmaking hard sell at the kitchen table, you know you're on to something good here. Very gentle and smart story. See it. Would it be so wrong bubby?

Quickie Synopsis
Lower
East
Side Love

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Gone in 60 Seconds (1974)

2010-03-09T22:45:00.002-05:00

This movie is the grandaddy of all car chases -- a 40-minute extravaganza of wrecked Plymouths, a luscious 73 Ford Mustang Mach 1, a beautiful symphony of real cars getting trashed, real stunts, and no special effects. No plot to speak of-- a guy has to steal 40 cars. Acting? Well, not really. But the last 40 minutes of this movie has the greatest car chase EVER. If you love car chases, this is the holy grail.

Attention! This is NOT the crappy Nicolas Cage remake, but IT IS the 1974 original.

Quickie Synopsis
Mustang
Smashes
Plymouth

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Heaven Help Us (1985)

2010-03-08T23:47:00.000-05:00

A newcomer to a Catholic Boys School in 1965 Brooklyn befriends the local misfits. Lots to like about this one. Andrew McCarthy and Mary Stuart Masterson as the leads, a great assortment of Monk-teachers; Brother Wallace Shaw, Brother John Heard and Brother Donald Sutherland--Goddamn, what a Catholic school! Kevin Dillon steals the show as the brainless, ballsy Rooney. This movie is a lot of fun, but also has the proper heaviosity, and apparently hits the mark for showing the cruelty, repression, and hijinks of a Catholic boys school in the late 60's. Well worth a look.

Quickie Synopsis
Repressed
Spirited
Teenagers

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Idiocracy (2006)

2010-03-08T01:10:00.000-05:00

After a military experiment goes awry, average guy Joe wakes up in the future, where everyone are morons, and he is by default, the smartest guy on earth. Very funny social satire. Imagine sitting on a toilet-chair eating cheese spread and watching the hit OW, MY BALLS tv show. Yes, much potty humor, but very clever exaggeration of the dumbing down of America. Funny and scary. See it.

Quickie Synopsis
Morons
Rule
Earth

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Kabluey (2007)

2010-03-05T22:48:00.005-05:00

An aimless man who's brother is deployed in Iraq, tries to take care of his unruly nephews and gets a job as an odd mascot. Sad and funny movie. Lisa Kudrow is full of misery as an overwhelmed lonely mother. Conchata Ferrell owns every scene she's in. (You'll know her when you see her.) Scott Prendergast is the perfect slack-jawed yutz. He wrote and directed it, and it is a hoot to watch.

Quickie Synopsis
Redemption
Through
Blue

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The Mechanic (1972)

2010-03-03T21:22:00.009-05:00

One of my all-time faves. An solitary high-end hitman takes a young protege under his wing.
First off, if you're a Charles Bronson fan, this is a must--one of his best. Michael Winner takes his time setting up the action, and things move nice and slow and violent, early 1970's style.
Jan-Michael Vincent plays well off Bronson and they develop a good chemistry. There's no dialogue for the first 15 minutes of the film, just Bronson setting up a hit. What's cool is Bronson's zen-like approach to killing his targets. Wax on Wax off. Good stuff.

Quickie Synopsis
Spiritual
Hitman
Buddies

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The Great Santini (1979)

2010-03-02T23:28:00.015-05:00

Lt. Col. "Bull" Meechum is a gung-ho Marine fighter pilot madly terrorizing all around him. His teenage son Ben, a star basketball player, tries to balance his entry into manhood with pleasing his insatiable father.

Robert Duvall plays such a nasty abusive crazy son of a bitch, yet still somehow gets you to feel some affection for him. This is his flagship career performance. Blythe Danner is a peach as his soft southern wife, and Michael O'Keefe plays Ben, his oldest son and target of his abuse. Wonderful movie about a painful subject.

PS Pat Conroy wrote the autobiographical novel "The Great Santini" closely based on his violent, abusive fighter pilot dad.

Quickie Synopsis
Alpha
Dad
Love

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The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984)

2010-03-02T07:00:00.003-05:00

A guido's unstable cousin gets him into trouble in Little Italy. Eric Roberts finest role no-doubt. Pre-palooka Mickey Rourke is all charm and smiles and fire in this one. Kenneth McMillan, Tony Musante and the great Burt Young add the proper heaviosity. The affection between the cousins is what pulls this movie together. Watch Eric Roberts build a dagwood sandwich in a city park, you'll be a fan right off. Too many good scenes to mention here. This one is unmissable.

Quickie Synopsis
Style
Loyalty
Trouble

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Welcome to the Dollhouse (1995)

2010-03-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

13-year old Dawn Weiner is in hell. She is relentlessly ostracized at school, ignored and mistreated at home. You feel so bad for this girl, she is surrounded by clueless parents, a dorky brother, princess sister, sadistic classmates and meatheads. Watching her endure all this is like getting hit on a bruise, again and again. Despite her circumstances, there is a certain spirit in her that does not seem to get touched. Painful to watch, and compelling to watch.

Quickie Synopsis
Junior
High
Purgatory

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White Lightning (1973)

2010-02-26T16:15:00.008-05:00

Gator McKlusky is released from prison to track down a moonshine ring and avenge his brother. This is a real taste of the south. Hot and sweaty, with dusty car chases through small towns and muddy country roads. Burt Reynolds' best work in this movie. Don't expect Burt to monkey around and try to get his costars in a laughing fit. This isn't the movie for that. Bo Hopkins is likeable as his moonshining partner, and Ned Beatty makes the perfect redneck sheriff.

Quickie Synopsis
Hot
Dusty
South

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La Femme Nikita (1990)

2010-02-26T08:30:00.003-05:00

An attractive, nihilistic rebel is recruited from jail to be trained as a top assassin. This movie is stunning. If you don't know the cast -- Anne Parillaud, Tcheky Karyo, Jean-Hugues Anglade, Jean Reno, you certainly will after this. A high-energy movie that will keep your nose glued to the flatscreen. Solidly handled by the mighty Luc Besson. Don't miss this one. Look for screen legend Jeanne Moreau's magical performance.

This movie has been remade, copied, fondled and mutilated in every form. So,
Make sure to watch the 1990 Luc Besson original please.

Quickie Synopsis
Paris
Love
Bullets

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The Friends of Eddie Coyle (1973)

2010-02-26T07:30:00.002-05:00

An aging small-time hood facing jail time works both sides of the street. One of Robert Mitchum's best. Excellent cast. Watch for Steven Keats as the arms dealer and Peter Boyle as Mitchum's slippery friend. This movie puts you right smack in there with these guys A smart script, real dialogue and characters make for a fine movie.

Quickie Synopsis
Weary
Tough
Cautious

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Silver Streak (1976)

2010-02-26T07:00:00.002-05:00

A mild-mannered book editor gets mixed up with criminals on a cross-country train trip.
Gene Wilder's sensible reactions to adversity, criminal activity and shenanigans around him are hilarious. Jill Clayburgh is quite the little kitten, and performances by Patrick McGoohan, Ned Beatty and Ray Walston are slightly overdone to perfection. Wilder's scenes with Richard Pryor are epically funny. The perfect blend of comic and suspense. This movie is always fun to watch and screams popcorn.

Quickie Synopsis
Wilder
And
Pryor

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The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976)

2010-02-25T09:00:00.003-05:00

A madman vows to kill bumbling Chief Inspector Clouseau (Peter Sellers). The funniest of all the Pink Panther movies by far, so don't bother with the rest. Blake Edwards might have pushed the gags a bit, but we don't care because Sellers' comic genius fuels this movie. The ending is among the most perfect I have ever seen. This romp is most excellent for parents and kiddies, as it plays out very much like a cartoon. The room will laugh. Memorable gags for all.

Quote
"What kind of bomb was it?"
"The exploding kind"

Quickie Synopsis
Proud
French
Buffoon

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The Last American Hero (1973)

2010-02-25T08:15:00.006-05:00

A fearless young Carolina whiskey runner starts winning in the world of stock car racing.
This is the story of Nascar legend Junior Johnson. Jeff Bridges smirks and grins his way to the checkered flag. Lots of racing action, but also a surprisingly solid story, and complex characters. Valerie Perrine shakes it well as the Georgia peach pit-slut with a heart of gold. This is a classic American movie. Have a couple of cold ones ready and get ready to yee-haw.

Quickie Synopsis
Hunger
Dust
Speed

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Bad Boys (1983)

2010-02-25T07:30:00.004-05:00

Sean Penn is targeted in a juvenile prison after accidentally killing a rival's kid brother. No Officer Krupke here. This is a gritty, disturbing, seething tale of teenage misery, hate and revenge. Which is why we love it. Esai Morales stands out in this one, as does Clancy Brown (yes, you remember him as another prison villain in Shawshank Redemption). Penn is fresh from his Spiccoli role here, and believe me, it's a genuine 180.
Not to be confused with the Michael Bay 1995 movie. These are waaay different movies.

Quickie Synopsis
Prison
For
Teens

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Vanishing Point (1971)

2010-02-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Kowalski and his 70 Dodge Challenger barrel through a dusty American landscape, running from the cops and egged on by a blind Soul DJ. If you like freedom of the road, this is the movie for you. It's a slow and beautifully filmed piece. I don't think there's one person alive who at one point didn't want to jump in a car like Kowalskis' and just take off down the road. Tarantino gushingly paid homage to this awesome cult classic in Deathproof.

Quickie Synopsis
Dusty
Mopar
Landscape

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The Eyes of Laura Mars (1978)

2010-02-24T08:30:00.001-05:00

Fashion photographer starts seeing murders through the eyes of a serial killer. Very creepy and entertaining thriller. Faye Dunaway looks lovely in every single scene. Young Tommy Lee Jones shows us why he's a star in this one. The bright spot of this movie however is Brad Dourif. You remember him as Billy Bibbit in Cuckoos Nest and Doc Cochrane in Deadwood. Find a copy in the corner of your video store and dust it off, it's well worth it.

Quickie Synopsis
Blinded
Images
Killer

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Sleeper (1973)

2010-02-24T08:00:00.003-05:00

Woody Allen is a preserved schmendrick who wakes up unexpectedly in the distant future. This is his best slapstick comedy and it rocks with just one gag after the next. He went all out for laughs on this one. Diane Keaton is nutty as his sidekick. Watching him try to pass for a robot...awesome. How can you not laugh when you see a man spastically beat down a pudding? Pure Fun.

Quickie Synopsis
1970's
Nudnick
Future

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Violent City (1970)

2010-02-23T15:45:00.001-05:00

Hitman Jeff is double-crossed and blackmailed. One of Charles Bronson's best (and least known). Hits the ground running. Telly Savalas is so very greasy as a mob boss. A staple for any 70's Bronson fan. Also, a perfect ending. My only minor complaint is naming a hitman Jeff. Doesn't sound mean enough. It's like hitman Tim. Just doesn't inspire fear. But Bronson is deadly in this one, and there's plenty of gritty action for all. Good stuff.

Quickie Synopsis
No
Pain
Jeff

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Valley Girl (1983)

2010-02-23T12:00:00.002-05:00

Punk falls for Valley Girl--warning---vintage 1980's. Ok, ok. I know. However, This is actually kind of a sweet movie. Romeo and Juliet in 80's California. Nicholas Cage basically plays a potato, but pulls it off well. Deborah Foreman is, like, sooo bitchin' as his girlfriend, and as a treat, we get Frederic Forrest as her dad. Don't count on any life lessons from this one, but it's a cute movie and let's leave it at that.

Quickie Synopsis
Young
Vintage
Love

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Rush (1991)

2010-02-23T09:45:00.002-05:00

2 undercover narcotics officers get too caught up in their job. A solid film, it locks you right in. Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh make a believable pair. Icing on cake is Gregg Allman as the villain, how great is that? Kinda dark, but we like that sometimes, right? Well worth a viewing, it'll stay with you.

Quickie Synopsis
Innocence
Experience
Reality

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The Getaway (1972)

2010-02-23T08:54:00.006-05:00

Ex-con and wife on the run. Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw in this Sam Peckinpah classic. More action than talking. One of Al Lettieri's best snarly performances too, as he plays baby games with Sally Struthers. Refreshing cameo by Slim Pickens too. Ok, not so under the radar really, but if you haven't seen it, get busy.

Quickie Synopsis
Quiet
Violent
Couple

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Tank Girl (1995)

2010-02-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Tank Girl and her rebels fight the evil Water & Power corporation in the future. It's all Lori Petty in this one. Hard to describe her role; sort of like Cindy Lauper meets Bugs Bunny. Gotta like her after seeing this flick. Tons of gags, action and one-liners to keep you chuckling (and a few guffahs). Because it's based on a comic book, there's no holding back, and that's what makes it so great.

Quickie Synopsis
Irreverent
Rebellious
Nutty

Lifeguard (1976)

2010-02-22T15:00:00.004-05:00

Sam Elliot is the man in this breezy, 1970's Southern California tale of a lifeguard in his early thirties looking down the road. Amazingly catchy and cheesy 70's soundtrack. This film just rolls on by, but has some weight too. Elliot is way cool, looks incredible, and NOT a cowboy in this one. Keep an eye peeled for a yearning young Kathleen Quinlan. Underrated little gem. Don't miss it.

Quickie Synopsis
Time
And
Tide

Boiler Room (2000)

2010-02-22T13:00:00.000-05:00

Giovanni Ribisi plays Seth, a young man trying to impress his father, who finds himself working in a questionable white collar job. Gotta love Ron Rifkin as the perfect uptight dad. Nice to see Vin Diesel in a non-meathead role too. Fine acting all around and a riveting story. If this movie was a meal, every food group would be represented on this plate.

Quickie Synopsis
Talent
Expectations
Greed

Inside Moves (1980)

2010-02-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

A man crippled from a suicide attempt finds a crew of ragtag friends at a local bar. Great story about loneliness, depression and the power of friends. John Savage rules this movie.

Quickie Synopsis
Depression
Friends
Redemption

Interesting note: One of his bar cronies is Harold Russell. The actor is a double amputee that won an Oscar in the 1947 for his portrayal of a returning soldier in "The Best Years of Our Lives".

Butterflies Are Free (1972)

2010-02-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

Carefree girl's relationship with a blind musician in swinging 70's Haight-Ashbury. Goldie Hawn is shiny and mesmerizing and rocks it hard in this one. Eileen Heckart is unbelievably perfect as the overprotective mother. This role won Eileen the '72 Oscar.

Quickie Synopsis
Dependence
Maturity
Carefree

3 Oclock High (1987)

2010-02-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

Jerry Mitchell must fight the dangerous high-school bully at 3:00 who is dead set on beating him to a pulp. You'll squirm along with Jerry all day watching and trying to avoid the fight. This one doesn't follow the path of your typical high school movie. Way funny, quirky, and a hoot to watch. Don't miss it.

Quickie Synopsis
Dread
Clock
Trapped

Thunderbirds Are Go (1966)

2010-02-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

The International Rescue team comes to the aid of a sabotaged space launch.
Gerry Andersen's awesome puppets fly all kinds of groovy rockets and land vehicles.
Meticulously crafted sets, vehicles, characters and animation make this a classic. Check out the "swingin" 60s nightclub scene. The puppets have an eerie quality and damn, you know someone who looks just like one of them. Much fun.

Quickie Synopsis
Military
Puppets
Future

Liquid Sky (1982)

2010-02-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

An alien spaceship lands on the balcony of a NYC punk fashion model. Unforgettable soundtrack, imagery and characters. Takes you for a ride. You're either gonna love this one or hate it. Paula E. Sheppard steals it as Margaret's vicious little girlfriend.

Quickie Synopsis
Neon
Dark
Desperate

Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)

2010-02-20T01:00:00.005-05:00

Mysterious strangers hover around an attractive widow in the old west.
This is the ever-loving mother of all Westerns. Charles Bronson and Jason Robards are so cool you could rip your hair out. Henry Fonda is precise and nasty. Massive epic of a movie. Has the greatest showdown scene ever in any western. Get all your texting out of the way beforehand, cause it's long, unfolds slow, and is intense every second along the way.

Quickie Synopsis
Barren
Luxurious
Brutal

The Driver (1978)

2010-02-20T00:17:00.005-05:00

An expert getaway driver plays cat-and-mouse with a detective. Hell, the leads don't even have names in this movie. Ryan O'Neal plays the driver and Bruce Dern plays the prick detective. Very little talking. Lots of car chases. Much attitude.

Written and Directed by Walter Hill. What's not to like?

Quickie Synopsis
Strong
Silent
Fast

The Legend of Drunken Master (1994)

2010-02-19T23:49:00.007-05:00

Jackie Chan is a master of drunken boxing who must ingest massive amounts of booze in order to fight well. Mind-blowing fight scenes. Some comedy thrown in. Considered to be Chan's best work. A good solid kung fu film with unbelievable action.

Quickie Synopsis
Amazing
Congenial
Furious

The Warriors (1979)

2010-02-19T22:00:00.004-05:00

The Warriors have to make it back to their Coney Island home turf from the Bronx, while being hunted down by all the other NY gangs. A ton of great action, and some really creepy gangs. Pure fun.

Directed by Walter Hill, which is reason enough to watch it.

Quickie Synopsis
The Baseball Furies
Subways
Escape

Millennium (1989)

2010-02-19T20:00:00.001-05:00

Kris Kristofferson is an investigator trying to figure out why folks are disappearing from airline crashes. Not true science fiction in the purest sense, but totally fun anyway, and Cheryl Ladd too.

Quickie Synopsis

Paradox

Velocity

Stunner

Run Lola Run (1989)

2010-02-19T18:00:00.001-05:00

Red-haired German, Lola has 20 minutes to save her boyfriend's life. The film explores 3 different possible endings, depending on the fate of a split-second decision. High action, very entertaining.

Quickie Synopsis
Frenetic
Flowing
Visceral

Jacknife (1989)

2010-02-19T11:57:00.000-05:00

Crazy Megs pounces back into his Vietnam War buddy's life. Based on an excellent and moving play by Stephen Metcalfe. Robert Deniro, Ed Harris, and Kathy Baker give up some top quality acting. Makes you want to give Ed Harris a big hug and a milkshake. Story is handled deftly and emotionally true by director David Hugh Jones.

Quickie Synopsis
Regret
Pain
Redemption

Rollerball (1975)

2010-02-19T11:22:00.000-05:00

In the future, corporations rule the world and sponsor a single deadly sport. Jonathan E (James Caan) is the champ. Chilling, with amazing battle scenes. This is your chance to see Sonny Corleone on roller skates. John Houseman as the corporate heavy makes this film. Not just action, this is true science fiction, with a great premise. Norman Jewison rocked it on this one.

Not to be confused with the lousy 2002 remake of this film. Watch the 1975 original.

Quickie Synopsis
Brutal
Succinct
Intense

Mr. Majestyk (1974)

2010-02-19T10:22:00.000-05:00

A melon farmer is harassed by a vicious mobster. One of the top Charles Bronson films. Very nicely paced with great action and solid characters. You absolutely cannot miss out on Al Lettieri's snarling and mean-as-piss performance. His best role ever.

You may remember Al Lettieri as Sollozzo in The Godfather.

Quote: "I want that Melon Picker!"

Quickie Synopsis
Stalwart
Dusty
Mean

The Straight Story (1999)

2010-02-19T09:53:00.000-05:00

An aging man decides to ride his lawnmower hundreds of miles on a personal quest. This is such a beautiful and delicately crafted story that just the sight of a wheat combine will trigger the weepy-weepums. A true story. Richard Farnsworth is stellar.

Quickie Synopsis
Americana
Gentle
Strong

Downhill Racer (1969)

2010-02-19T09:24:00.000-05:00

Robert Redford plays an arrogant pro downhill ski racer. Gene Hackman plays his coach. Brutally great and scary 1st-person downhill ski action. Possibly the best competitive skiing flick out there, and a really good character study. Like many late 60's, early 70's flicks, this one takes its time and shows rather than tells.

Tagline
"How fast must a man go to get from where he's at"

Quickie Synopsis
Intimate
Terse
Haunting

Withnail and I (1987)

2010-02-18T21:35:00.000-05:00

Awesome and hysterical comedy about 2 unemployed actors in London in 1969. Weary of a bleak lifestyle of squalor, excess substances and lack of work, they decide to take a trip to the country to rejuvenate. 2 great reasons to watch this? Richard E Grant and Ralph Brown as Danny the drug dealer. Also you'll enjoy Richard Griffiths as deliciously creepy Uncle Monty.

Quickie Synopsis
Sentimental
Nutty
English

Battle Royale (Batoru rowaiaru) 2000

2010-02-18T10:46:00.000-05:00

A bunch of Japanese 9th grade classmates are put on an island and have to kill each other to be the sole survivor. Most awesome movie.

If you're a US filmgoer, you might remember Chiaki Kuriyama, she's that nasty little schoolgirl from Kill Bill.

Handled just right by director Kinji Fukasaku.
This was one of Quentin Tarantino's top 20 faves from 1992 on.

Quickie Synopsis
Bloody
Irreverent
Transfixing