If you have seen quite a few movies it can sometimes be difficult to find a diamond in the rough. Here is a list of some good movies you may have missed.
“The King of Comedy
”: Martin Scorsese’s forgotten dark comedy / drama about an aspiring comic, played by Robert DeNiro, who will go to great lengths to become successful in showbiz. DeNiro is hysterical in this film, in a creepy, dark and weird sort-of-way. This film, which came out in 1983, is masterfully directed by Scorsese, and also features some great performances by Jerry Lewis (as himself) and Sandra Bernhard.
“Tape”: If you like car chases and explosions, well, this movie is not for you. Richard Linklater’s 2001 film is about three old high school friends who discuss some events that happened during their high school years in a motel room in Michigan. This whole film literally takes place in a motel, but if you think it’s boring, think again. The acting is superb, the script is intelligent, and the ambiguity of this film will have you thinking about what may or may not have happened for days.
“Dear Frankie”: This 2004 British film is about a deaf boy who desperately wants to meet up with his father that he has never seen. The movie features some outstanding performances by Jack McElhone (Frankie) and Emily Mortimer (Lizzie).
“Mean Creek”: This 2004 drama/thriller, which is written and directed by Jacob Aaron Estes, is an outstanding look at teenagers who seek revenge on a bully. It is a very accurate and heartbreaking portrayal of how kids sometimes act during adolescence. Rory Culkin and others give very strong performances.
“Open Water”: You may have missed this 2003 movie because you heard bad things about it and decided to not see it. Give it a chance. This movie is very underrated. It’s a film about a couple that goes scuba diving in the water and is stuck in the middle of the ocean after their tour boat mistakenly leaves them. Yes, a good chunk of this movie takes place in the ocean, it’s very low budget, and the acting is not exactly Oscar-worthy. But that is why the film succeeds. It comes across as so real that it is frightening. I will not spoil the ending, but it is one of the best in recent memory. It literally left me speechless.
“This Boy’s Life”: This 1993 drama is about a young boy and his mother who flee from his abusive father. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro turn in very good performances in this film.
“In America”: Based on true events, this 2002 film is a fantastic look at an Irish immigrant family adjusting to life in the U.S. Sisters Sarah and Emma Bolger give two of the greatest child performances that I have ever seen. Samantha Morton of “Minority Report” fame and Paddy Considine are excellent as the girls’ parents. This movie will surely touch you.
“Secretary”: In this 2002 drama/dark comedy/romance, Maggie Gyllenhaal works as a secretary after she is recently released from a mental hospital, and she then starts having an affair with her boss played by James Spade of “Boston Legal” fame. Very strong performances and an original script make this one worth watching.
“Ghost World”: This is an excellent film starring Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson as two high school graduates who find out that the real world is not all it’s cracked up to be. Steve Buscemi is excellent as the middle-aged loser the girls try and play a prank on. This 2001 film’s conclusion is great.
“Welcome to The Dollhouse” directed by Todd Solondz, this 1995 drama/dark comedy is the story of a 13-year-old girl who is picked on both at school and at home. You want to laugh at her for the verbal abuse she receives, but then you remember how painful it was to get picked on at that age. Excellent film.
Keep these movies in mind next time you are not sure what to rent. You will not be disappointed.
This entry was posted on Sunday, February 19th, 2006 um 1:27 pm and is filed under General Info.
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