Let's Try Something Different

Here are some suggestions for some films that you may never have heard of or given a shot. These are movies that are great and haven't received the praise they deserve, or they're new and still relatively new. Very few people I know have seen them for one reason or another, and if you're looking for something new to see...

Brick

This is a compelling noir style murder/mystery set in a California high school setting. One of the most unique films I've seen with amazing acting and a layered plot. Writer/director Rian Johnson does a fabulous job in his first film, and I hope he gets the chance to direct again in the near future.

Sukiyaki Western Django

This is a spaghetti western Japanese style. Epic action sequences, over-the-top violence, corky characters, and simple, hero driven plot. The movie is an homage piece to Italian western directors, from famous Japanese director Takashi Miike.

Lords of Dogtown

This is a film about the Z-boys of the 1970s, basically the founders of skateboarding as we know it today. It was made shortly after Stacy Peralta's documentary Dogtown and Z-Boys. The script is great and true to Dogtown lifestyle (as the director had Stacy on set through production). The soundtrack is supurb and Heath Ledger gives one of his best performances.

Arlington Road

I'm actually really surprised that this is not a more popular movie. Its stars Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, and Joan Cusack with an incredible script. The movie isn't amazing until the end though. I thought I knew the end of the movie the whole time, and because of that I didn't enjoy it that much until the end simply slapped me across the face. Brilliant writing as well as good acting. I promise you won't be disappointed in this one.