, above)
Requiem for a Dream (2000 - 102min) Darren Aronofsky
Official Site: www.requiemforadream.com
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Requiem_for_a_Dream
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0180093
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00005Q4CS
Starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans.
I think the friend I first watched this with had the same impression as I did:
We were riveted to our seats, totally fascinated and amazed, but when it was
over we said we would probably never want to watch it again. It gets
disturbing! This is Aronofsky's second film, following Pi. That film
had kind of an edgy, panicked feel to it and this one takes that to an
extreme. Ellen Burstin has a great part. There is a refrigerator that will
make you jump out of your seat. You could see this as a strong anti-drug
movie and if you have thought about dabbling with heroin, you may change your
mind. Totally awesome and very interesting film but not really a pleasant
experience.
Reservoir Dogs (1992 - 99min) Quentin Tarrantino
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reservoir_Dogs
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0105236
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000HC2LEY
Tarantino's first film (followed by Pulp Fiction).
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011 - 105min) Rupert Wyatt
Official Site: www.apeswillrise.com
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rise_of_the_Planet_of_the_Apes
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1318514
Amazon (DVD 2011): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B004LWZW4M
River's Edge (1986 - 99min) Tim Hunter
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River's_Edge
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0091860
Based on a true story of a 16-year-old boy raping and murdering his
14-year-old girlfriend, and then showing the body to a dozen or so kids.
Cast includes Crispin Glover, Keanu Reeves, Ione Skye, Dennis Hopper.
The Road (2009 - 113min) John Hillcoat
Official Site: www.theroad-movie.com
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Road_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0898367
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001FB5634
Based on Cormac McCarthy's best-selling book of the same name. Starring
Viggo Mortenson, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron.
Robinson Crusoe on Mars (1964 - 110min) Byron Haskin
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robinson_Crusoe_on_Mars
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0058530
Criterion: www.criterion.com/films/821
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000SFJ4K4
Classic sci-fi.
Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979 - 93min) Alan Arkush
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_'n'_Roll_High_School
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0079813
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00000ICR6
Classic rock and roll movie - starring the RAMONES! Very fun, especially if
you like the Ramones.
Rocky (1976 - 120min) John Avilson
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocky
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0075148
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/079283321X
Starring Sylvester Stallone. A super-classic film. Very inspirational.
Followed by many sequels, which I don't necessarily recommend.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975 - 100min) Jim Sharman
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/6305076626
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rocky_Horror_Picture_Show
Official Site:www.rockyhorrorpictureshow.com
Official fan Site: www.rockyhorror.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0073629
BadMovies.org: www.badmovies.org/movies/rockyhorror/
The Frankenstein Place
Webring
A horror spoof musical with
a very colorful cast, including a transvestite mad scientist vampire
(Dr. Frank N. Furter) played by Tim Curry,
his hunch-backed butler, Riff-Raff (Richard O'Brien, songwriter and one
of the screenplay writers), Riff-Raff's sister Magenta (Patricia Quinn),
the stranded couple, Brad and Janet (Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon),
the monster (Peter Hinwood), Dr. Scott (Jonathan Adams), Columbia
(Little Nell) and Meatloaf as Eddie.
The ultimate cult film, Rocky Horror has played at midnight on
weekends for over 30 years in theaters all over the world with
audiences performing an elaborate participation ritual including dressing
up as film characters, singing along with songs, dancing in the aisles
or even on stage, reciting dialog in unison with the film, inserting
additional shouted dialog, and throwing things (such as rice
during wedding scene). I think I saw it about seven times in the
theater long ago. I didn't dress up or anything but it was very fun
to be around the whole spectacle. I remember someone commenting that
they thought the film was very colorful. It is definitley quite
visually interesting throughout, with lots of vivid color.
Unique, interesting, and very fun.
Romeo is Bleeding (1993 - 100min) Peter Medak
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romeo_is_Bleeding
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0107983
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00005UM2X
Starring Gary Oldman (Jack Grimaldi - veteran cop and mob informant),
Lena Olin (Mona DeMarkov - wild, sexy, scary Russian hitwoman),
Annabella Sciorra (Jack's wife), Juliette Lewis (Jack's mistress),
Roy Scheider (Mr. Falcone - mob boss). Very original contemporary film noir.
(lots of trumpets and muted trumpets in the soundtrack). Very cool.
Recommended.
The Ruling Class (1972 - 154min) Peter Medak
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ruling_Class
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0069198
Amazon: Amazon
Starring Peter O'Toole.
Runaway Train (1985 - 111min) Andrei Konchalovsky
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Runaway_Train_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0089941
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/6304084293
Starring John Voight, Eric Roberts and Rebecca De Mornay. Pretty much
the entire film takes place on an out-of-control moving train.
The Rutles - All You Need is Cash (1978 - 76min) Eric Idle, Gary Weis
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_You_Need_Is_Cash
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rutles
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0077147
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00004ZEU2
Overlooked parody of Beatles documentary, sometimes said to be the first
"mockumentary" and to be the inspiration for Spinal Tap.
Eric Idle as Dirk McQuicky (Paul), John Halsey as Barry Womble (Ringo),
Ricky Fataar as Stig O'Hara (George), Neil Innes as Ron Nasty (John),
Lots of cameos - Mick Jagger, Paul Simon, George Harrison, Bill Murray,
Dan Akroyd, Gilda Radner, Bianca Jagger, Michael Palin.
Lots of mock Beatles songs. Very funny.
The Science of Sleep (2006 - 105min) Michel Gondry
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_of_Sleep
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0354899
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000M4RG7E
Secretary (2002 - 111min) Steven Shainberg
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secretary_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0274812
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00008DDSC
Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader are well casted in this very original
film. Newcomer Maggie is sure to be a superstar and this is one of Spader's
best roles. A very interesting, sympathetic, and darkly comic treatment of an
S&M relationship. Just kind of a very different type of "love story".
Very sexy.
Self Medicated (2007 - 104min) Monty Lapica
Official Site: www.selfmedicated.com
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self_Medicated
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0341569
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001BPJJ3W
Monty Lapica wrote, directed, and stars. Based on his life.
Seven (1995) David Fincher
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0114369
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_(film)
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/630394518X
Starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey.
sex, lies, and videotape (1989 - 100min) Steven Soderbergh
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0098724
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex,_Lies,_and_Videotape
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0800100964
Starring James Spader, Andie MacDowell.
Sex and Death 101 (2007 - 100min) Dan Waters
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0497972
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_and_Death_101
f
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0013F2ESM
Sex Drive (2008 - 109min) Sean Anders
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1135985
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sex_Drive_(film)
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001MEWBVE
Very well-done coming-of-age teen sex comedy. Very funny. I like the
sarcastic Amish guy.
Sherrybaby (2006 - 96min) Laurie Collyer
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherrybaby
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0423169
Starring Maggie Gyllenhaal.
The Shining (1980 - 142min) Stanley Kubrick
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shining_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0081505
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00000IQBM
Kubrick's horror masterpiece. Based on Stephen King's book of the same name.
Starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall. Here we learn that murder spelled
backwards is red rum, and that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
I normally don't like to watch horror films, but wow, this is such an
awesome film, as you would expect from Kubrick. Have seen several times.
This is a really intense trip with some really scary moments.
Super classic.
OK - special update - there is a new documentary (2011) by Jay Weidner called
Kubrick's Odyssey which analyzes this film and presents a very
surprising interpretation, which also explains why the film deviates
so much from the book. Check out:
www.jayweidner.com
Shooter (2007 - 124min) Antoine Fugua
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0822854
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooter_(film)
f
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000Q6GUTI
Sid & Nancy (1986 - 112min) Alex Cox
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0091954
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sid_and_Nancy
Criterion: www.criterion.com/films/535
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00004ZBVO
Starring Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb as Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols and his
girlfriend Nancy Spungen.
Sideways (2004 - 127min) Alexander Payne
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0375063
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sideways
Review at Booze Movies: www.boozemovies.com/2009/01/sideways-2004.html
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0007TKOAA
Starring Paul Giamatti, Thomas Hayden Church, Sandra Oh, Virginia Madsen.
A couple of middle-aged guys take a trip thorugh California's wine country,
meeting a couple of younger women along the way. Lots of wine.
See also Bottle Shock.
S1m0ne (2002 - 117min) Andrew Niccol
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0258153
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S1m0ne
Review by Ray Kurzweil: www.kurzweilai.net/reflections-on-s1m0ne
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00007G1YQ
Sci-fi drama starring Al Pacino, Rachel Roberts (as S1m0ne), Winona Ryder,
Catherine Keener, Evan Rachel Wood.
Original theatrical version credited S1m0ne as played by "herself".
Unknown model, first-time actress Rachel Roberts is credited in DVD version.
Slacker (1991 - 100min) Richard Linklater
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0102943
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slacker_(film)
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00007JGNJ
Amazon (Criterion Collection - 2004 - 2discs): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0002DB4ZK
Criterion: www.criterion.com/films/408
Linklater's first film. (not to be confused with Slackers).
I'll steal this review by Phil Bacharach from OKC's Gazzette 10/20/04:
"In 1991, a budding filmmaker named Richard
Linklater got a bunch of Austin, Texas pals together to make "Slacker", a 16mm
celebration of their hometown's eccentric charms. Costing a meager $23,000,
the movie encapsulated a generation's aimlessness and provided a label for
all over-educated roustabouts with an aversion to work and an affinity for
flannel. "Slacker" is finally on DVD, and your reaction to it largely depends
on your indulgence for the verbose. There are only vignettes, as Linklater's
camera meanders through an assemblage of oddballs, weirdoes, and cranks who
love to talk about anything: the nostalgia of anarchy, the Smurfs as Krishna
propaganda, Madonna pap smears, you name it. The conversations are funny,
thought-provoking, poignant, and yes, ultimately exhausting. The Criterion
Collection works its magic in this terrific 2-disc package that includes
multiple commentaries, audition videos and some earlier Linklater films
that probably didn't need to see the light of day. No matter. "Slacker"
remains an offbeat, if uneven, cultural touchstone for the early Nineties."
Sleep Dealer (2008 - 90min) Alex Rivera
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sleep_Dealer
Official Site: www.sleepdealer.com
Director's Website: www.alexrivera.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0804529
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B002FUI4CE
Very cool, very original, and very interesting sci-fi. First-time director.
I had high expectations and this film delivered. Highly recommended.
Slumdog Millionaire (2009 - 120min) Danny Boyle
Official Site: www.slumdogmillionairemovie.co.uk
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1010048
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slumdog_Millionaire
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001P9KR8U
A masterpiece for sure.
Smile (1975 - 117min) Michael Ritchie
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smile_(1975_film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0073722
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00026L8O4
have not yet seen, looking forward to it.
Smiley Face (2007 - 85min) Gregg Araki
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0780608
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smiley_Face_(film)
f
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000WCN8QE
Stoner comedy starring Anna Faris and John Krasinski. Not the funniest or
most awesome film, but held my attention, and Anna is always great. She
accidentally eats a pile of pot brownies and has a crazy day. Could almost
be seen as a cautionary tale.
Smoke Signals (1998 - 89min) Chris Eyre
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0120321
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_Signals_(film)
f
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/6305428417
A modern Native-American tale. A very special and overlooked film.
Solaris (1972 - 166min) Andrei Tarkovsky
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0069293
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solaris_(1972_film)
Criterion: www.criterion.com/films/553
Amazon (Criterion DVD 2002): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00006L92F
Amazon (Criterion DVD 2011): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B004NWPY20
Amazon (Criterion Blu-Ray 2011): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B004NWPY34
Soldier (1998 - 99min) Paul W.S. Anderson
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0120157
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soldier_(film)
f
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0045HCJT4
Sci-fi starring Kurt Russell. have not yet seen
Something Wild (1986 - 113min) Jonathan Demme
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0091983
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Something_Wild_(1986_film)
f
Amazon (DVD MGM 2001): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00005AUJU
Amazon (DVD Criterion 2011): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B004NWPY1G
Amazon (Blu-Ray Criterion 2011): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B004NWPY7U
Starring Jeff Daniels, Melanie Griffith, Ray Liotta (all three in abosolute
stand-out performances). Very interesting film. Starts out fun, transitions
with a dreamy interlude at the high school reunion, then gets scary when
Liotta appears. Excellent soundtrack. Good to see the Criterion release,
but it doesn't get the usual treatment - basically just an improved digital
transfer, no extras besides commentary by Demme. Highly recommended.
Source Code (2011 - 91min) Duncan Jones
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Source_Code
f
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0945513
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B004XQO90O
Sci-fi thriller, second film from Duncan Jones (following Moon).
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga, Jeffrey Wright.
Spectres of the Spectrum (1999 - 91min) Craig Baldwin
Official Site: www.othercinemadvd.com/spectres.html
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0224156
Review at Village Voice: www.villagevoice.com/2000-03-14/film/missions-impossible/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0007LBLZA
Very unusual. A sci-fi story includes lots of historical footage pertaining
to the history of electronics and communication (Farnsworth, Tesla, Edison,
etc.). May be a bit wacky for some, but worth it for the snippets of old video
and the overview of technological history.
Spun (2002 - 101min) Jonas Akerlund
Official Site: www.spunthemovie.com
Director's Website: www.jonasakerlund.com
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spun
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0283003
Metacritic.com: www.metacritic.com/movie/spun
FilmThreat: www.filmthreat.com/reviews/4003/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00005JM23
Exceptional cast featuring Jason Schwartzman, Brittany Murphy, John Leguizamo,
Mickey Roarke, Mena Suvari, Deborah Harry, Eric Roberts, Patrick Fugit,
Chloe Hunter. Super-cool - one of my top favorites - have watched many times.
Anti-drug tale about meth. Here is a quote from the DVD box by Stephen Holden
of the New York Times: "A tour de force of grunge atmosphere...a swaggering
journey into hell that conveys a chortling amusement...with a hip gallows
humor." Watch the first twelve minutes before the credits and you should be
hooked (or not, in which case you won't like it). Beware of the censored
version, you want the unrated version, which
says "Uncensored Director's Cut" right on the front of the box.
(A detailed comparison of the R-Rated and Unrated versions is here:
movie-censorship.com/report.php?ID=62545)
Excellent soundtrack music, including lots of original songs by Billy
Corgan (of the Smashing Pumpkins). He has a cameo near the end as
the doctor. Also a cameo by Rob Halford (Judas Priest). A fast-paced visual
feast - Akerlund is a Swedish director who has done a lot of music videos.
Includes some cool animation scenes. Not for everyone, but you're cool -
so check it out!
Stalker (1979 - 163min) Andrei Tarkovsky
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0079944
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stalker_(film)
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000I8OOG0
Star Wars (1977 - 121min) George Lucas
AKA: Star Wars - Episode 4: A New Hope
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars
Super classic. Followed by 2 sequels and 3 prequels.
Storytelling (2002 - 87min) Todd Solondz
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storytelling_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0250081
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00005JKJG
I'll steal a line from one of the reviews at Amazon - "Though sharply written
and well directed, this misanthropic vision is strictly for daring filmgoers
and Solondz fans." Being a big fan of Solondz (and a daring filmwatcher),
I liked this one a lot. Its actually 2 films, one following the other,
not necessarily related. (see also Welcome to the Dollhouse,
Happiness, Palindromes).
The Straight Story (1999 - 112min) David Lynch
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Straight_Story
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0166896
A very beautiful film. None of the weirdness you would be expecting from
David Lynch. Based on the true story of an old man who travels 300 miles on a
riding lawn mower to see his sick brother. Starring Richard Farnsworth.
Stranger Than Paradise (1984 - 89min) Jim Jarmusch
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_Than_Paradise
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0088184
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000FSJ4HW
Criterion: www.criterion.com/films/252
I saw this only once long ago, so I guess I need to check it out again. It
did not much grab me at the time. I like some of Jarmusch's films a lot.
Stripes (1981 - 106min) Ivan Reitman
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stripes_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0083131
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/6302800412
Starring Bill Murray, John Candy, Howard Ramis, Warren Oates.
Stupid funny.
Super (2010 - 96min) James Gunn
Official Site: www.thecrimsonbolt.com
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_(2010_American_film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1512235
Amazon (DVD 2011): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0051PLQR0
Dark and twisted comedy starring Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler,
Kevin Bacon. A unique and interesting film, but I'm not totally recommending
this for everyone due to lots of graphic violence.
Sweet Movie (1974 - 98min) Dusan Makavejev
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sweet_Movie
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0072235
Senses of Cinema Interview: www.sensesofcinema.com/2008/feature-articles/sweet-movie-makavejev/
Senses of Cinema Article: www.sensesofcinema.com/2011/feature-articles/something-against-nature-sweet-movie-4-and-disgust/
Criterion: www.criterion.com/films/552
Amazon (DVD 2007 Criterion): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000OPPAEM
Swimming Pool (2003 - 102min) Francois Ozon
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_Pool_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0324133
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00005JMIJ
French thriller starring Charlotte Rampling, Ludivine Sagnier.
Synecdoche, New York (2009 - 124min) Charlie Kaufman
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synecdoche,_New_York
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0383028
Philip Seymour Hoffman.
Tampopo (1986 - 114min) Juzo Itami (Japanese with subtitles)
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampopo
f
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0092048
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/1572523344
Very special. My top favorite food movie for sure (followed by
Big Night, Les Blank's Garlic, and I Like Killing Flies).
A couple of milk truck drivers come to the aid of Tampopo, a woman
who has inherited a noodle shop in Japan. They teach her how to
be a great cook and how to run the shop. This main story is intertwined
with many short scenes about food. Hard to say enough about this film.
If you haven't seen it, you just can't imagine how good a food movie
can be. Most highly recommended, especially for foodies.
Taxi Driver (1976 - 113min) Martin Scorsese
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxi_Driver
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0075314
Amazon (2-disc DVD 2007): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000R8YC18
Super-classic, starring Robert DeNiro (as Travis Bickle), Jodie Foster,
Cybil Shepherd, Harvey Keitel.
Teknolust (2002 - 82min) Lynn Hershman-Leeson
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0270688
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teknolust
f
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0000DC14S
Let's say sci-fi comedy. Starring Tilda Swinton as a scientist and the 3
human/computer clones of herself that she has created. Very original,
enjoyed it a lot. I found this after discovering the director's documentary
film, Strange Culture.
The Terminator (1984 - 107min) James Cameron
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Terminator
f
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0088247
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0784011923
Classic sci-fi, starring Arnold Schwartzeneggar (as the ultimate cyborg)
and Linda Hamilton. Sequels followed....
Thank You For Smoking (2006 - 92min) Jason Reitman
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thank_You_for_Smoking
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0427944
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000H0MKOC
There Will Be Blood (2007 - 158min) P.T. Anderson
Official Site: www.therewillbeblood.com
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There_Will_Be_Blood
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0469494
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0013FXWU6
Starring Daniel Dey Lewis. Inspired by Upton Sinclair's 1927 novel,
Oil!. A monumental effort for sure, but I personally did not
enjoy it nearly as much as Anderson's previous films. Saw it in the
theater when it came out. Will certainly watch it again someday.
(all PT Anderson films are masterpieces).
There's Something About Mary (1998 - 119min) Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There's_Something_About_Mary
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0129387
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/6305499136
Romantic "gross-out" comedy starring Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, Ben Stiller.
Also Chris Elliot and some musical performances by Jonathan Richman.
Well done.
The Thin Red Line (1998 - 170min) Terrence Malick
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thin_Red_Line_(1998_film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0120863
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B003KGBIR0
Long, philosophical, meditative look at bloody battle on Guadalcanal
Island in Pacific in WW2. Considered by many to be a masterpiece, along with
all the rest of Malick's films.
Thirteen (2003 - 100min) Catherine Hardwicke
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0328538
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_(film)
f
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00013RC2K
Evan Rachel Wood, Holly Hunter.
This Girl's Life (104min) Ash Baron-Cohen
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Girl's_Life
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0343095
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00068S3WS
Juliette Marquis plays an Internet porn star. Also starring James Woods,
Michael Rapaport, Rosario Dawson, Kip Pardue. Very interesting.
This is Spinal Tap (1984 - 82min) Rob Reiner
Rob Townsend Review
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spinal_Tap_(movie)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0088258
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/6305922756
Starring Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer.
Super-funny mockumentary ("rockumentary, if you will") about a metal band
called Spinal Tap. Cult classic. Really one of the funniest movies ever and
certainly the funniest about rock and roll. Highly recommended.
Three Kings (1999 - 114min) David O. Russell
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Kings_(1999_film)
f
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0120188
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00003CX74
Starring George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, Spike Jonze, Ice Cube. A very modern
war movie, set in the 1991 gulf war.
Thumbsucker (2005 - 96min) Mike Mills
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thumbsucker_(film)
f
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0318761
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000C20VVE
Starring Lou Pucci, Tilda Swinton, Vincent D'Onofrio, Keanu Reeves,
Benjamin Bratt, Kelli Garner, Vince Vaughn. Mills followed this with
Beginners in 2011.
Trainspotting (1996 - 94min) Danny Boyle
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trainspotting_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0117951
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0001XALTG
Trash (1970 - 110min) Paul Morrissey
AKA: Andy Warhol's Trash
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trash_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0066482
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/6305135002
Joe Dallesandro: www.joedallesandro.com
Holly Woodlawn: snow.icestorm.net/holly/
Classic Andy Warhol film starring Joe Dallesandro and Holly Woodlawn.
The Tree of Life (2011 - 138min) Terrence Malick
Official Site: www.foxsearchlight.com/thetreeoflife
Official Site: www.twowaysthroughlife.com/
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_of_Life_(film)
Review at Reality Sandwich: www.realitysandwich.com/tree_life_astrological_movie_review
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0478304
Amazon (BluRay 10/11/11): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B005HV6Y5W
Malick's fifth film in 40 years. Starring Brad Pitt, Sean Penn,
Jessica Chastain. Won Palme d'Or at 2011 Cannes Festival.
Opened in the US May 27, 2011.
True Grit (2010 - 110min) Joel Coen, Ethan Coen
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Grit_(2010_film)
f
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1403865
Amazon (DVD): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B003UESJME
Coen brothers' update of classic western.
The Turning Point (1977 - 119min) Herbert Ross
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Turning_Point_(1977_film)
f
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0076843
Amazon (DVD out of print): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0006GQMBY
Amazon (DVD PAL region 2): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B002C017Q2
Ballet movie starrring Shirley MacLaine, Anne Bancroft, Mikhail Baryshnikov,
Tom Skerritt, Leslie Browne.
11 Academy award nominations, but no wins.
Domestic DVD is out of print, can order UK PAL Region-2 DVD from Amazon.
Tweeked (2001 - 86min) Beth Dewey
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0007G8FN6
Official Site: tweakedthemovie.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0279485
Starring Darling Narita and Ali Raymer as a couple of young girls caught up
in the world of meth addiction. A bit more serious (more drama, less
comedy, if any) than Spun, which covers the same subject.
Very good and overlooked film.
Twin Falls Idaho (1999 - 111min) Mark and Michael Polish
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0162830
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Falls_Idaho_(film)
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00002SSKV
U Turn (1997 - 125min) Oliver Stone
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U_Turn_(1997_film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0120399
Amazon (1998 Sony DVD): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0767805763
Dark comic noir. Starring Sean Penn, Billy Bob Thornton, Nick Nolte,
Jennifer Lopez, Powers Booth, Claire Danes, Jon Voight, Joaquin Phoenix.
Thornton has a great role as a psycho mechanic - "When I work on a car,
I work on a car." May someday be recognized as a classic.
Untamed Heart (1993 - 102min) Tony Bill
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Untamed_Heart
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0108451
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000053VB5
Starring Marisa Tomei, Christian Slater, Rosie Perez. Its a "three-hankie
weeper", you might want to watch it alone.
(Untitled) (2009 - 96min) Jonathan Parker
Official Site: www.untitled-themovie.com
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(Untitled)_(2009_film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1132193
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B003T1KL92
Starring Adam Goldberg, Marly Shelton, Eion Bailey, Vinnie Jones, Lucy Punch,
Zak Orth. Comedy about New York art scene. Its funny enough - I laughed out
loud a few times.
Vanilla Sky (2001 - 136min) Cameron Crowe
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanilla_Sky
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0259711
Starring Tom Cruise, Penelpoe Cruize, Cameron Diaz.
Very Bad Things (1998 - 100min) Peter Berg
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Very_Bad_Things
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0124198
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00007ELER
Very black comedy.
Videodrome (1982 - 87min) David Cronenberg
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videodrome
Criterion: www.criterion.com/films/240
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0086541
Review - Mondo-Digital: www.mondo-digital.com/videodrome.html
Review - Trash City: www.trashcity.org/BLITZ/BLIT0318.HTM
Review - notcoming.com: www.notcoming.com/reviews.php?id=176Review at notcoming.com
Amazon (DVD 2005 Universal): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0783228457
Amazon (DVD 2-disc 2010 Criterion): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0002DB50E
Amazon (BD 2010 Criterion): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B003KGBIRK
Starring James Woods and Debbie Harry. Lots of interesting ideas.
Keep in mind this came out when VCRs were still kind of a new thing.
Very original sci-fi, or perhaps sci-fi horror. A top favorite - highly
recommended.
Visioneers (2009 - 94min) Jared Drake
Official Site: www.visioneersthemovie.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0833557
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visioneers
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B002935GI2
Odd and subtle black humor. Starring Zach Galifianakis.
Waking Life (2001 - 99min) Richard Linklater
A Fan Site: Tons of info on Waking Life
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waking_Life
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0243017
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00005YU1O
Wow! Now this is one original film. Uses a new type of animation (rotoscope)
that is done on top of regular film. The main character, Wiley Wiggins, is
stuck in a dream, which consists of a series of encounters with various
characters, who all have a lot to say. Lots of very interesting ideas
are presented. A lot of it has to do with
dreams and the concept of "lucid dreaming" (being conscious in your dreams).
Timothy Speed Levitch gets a few minutes (see "The Cruise" on my
Documentary page). This film introduced me
(for better or worse) to Alex Jones. He's the guy in the car with the
speakers on top. I had not heard of him before, but he has become the king of
the conspiracy theorists. (www.infowars.com).
I later found the interesting documentary I Am A Sex Addict and
realized that the director, Caveh, is featured in Waking Life.
This is definitely one of the most interesting films ever. Have
watched many times. Highly recommended.
Walk Hard - The Dewey Cox Story (2007 - 96min) Jake Kasdan
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walk_Hard:_The_Dewey_Cox_Story
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0841046
Amazon (2-disc DVD 2008): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0012IWNZY
Comedy starring John C. Reilly. This is a parody of a biopic about a rock
star's rise to fame in the 60's and 70's, with similarities to Elvis and
Johnny Cash. Very funny.
Walkabout (1971 - 100min) Nicholas Roeg
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walkabout_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0067959
Amazon (2010 Criterion DVD): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00393SG42
Classic Australian film starring Jenny Agutter, David Gulpilil, Luc Roeg.
Walker (1987 - 94min) Alex Cox
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walker_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0096409
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000ZM1MJ6
Warrior (2011 - 140min) Gavin O'Connor
Official Site: www.warriorfilm.com
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warrior_(2011_film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1291584
Amazon (DVD 2011): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0034G4P94
Amazon (BD 2011): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0034G4P9E
Nick Nolte is Paddy Conlon, father of Tommy Conlon/Riordan (Tom Hardy) and
Brendan Conlon (Joel Edgerton), who wind up fighting each other in a
Mixed Martial Arts tournament. Jennifer Morrison plays Brendan's wife.
Very emotional family drama with a lot of intense fighting scenes.
The Warriors (1979 - 93min) Walter Hill
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Warriors_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0080120
Amazon (DVD 2005): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000A6T1JU
Watchmen (2009 - 162min-theatrical/182min-directorscut/215min-ultimate) Zack Snyder
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watchmen_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0409459
Amazon (Ultimate Cut 5-disc DVD): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B002Q9VPFM
Amazon (Director's Cut 2-disc DVD): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001QTXM5Y
Way Downtown (2000 - 83min) Gary Burns
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0219405
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0007989SO
Canadian comedy with similarities to Office Space. A bunch of office
workers have a bet to see who can stay inside the longest. Set in an unnamed
city (actually Calgary, Ontario), there is a tunnel system so that it could
be possible to get to and from work, go shopping, etc. and never go outside.
I enjoyed it.
Welcome to the Dollhouse (1996 - 90min) Todd Solondz
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_to_the_Dollhouse
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0114906
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0767827740
First film from Todd Solondz. Starring Heather Matarazzo and Brendan
Sexton, Jr. Totally hilarious. You could get hurt laughing in this.
Welcome to the Rileys (2010 - 110min) Jake Scott
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welcome_to_the_Rileys
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1183923
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B003Y5H4W0
Starring James Gandolfini, Melissa Leo, Kristen Stewart.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993 - 118min) Lasse Hallstrom
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What's_Eating_Gilbert_Grape
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000EWBNNC
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0108550
Starring Johnny Depp, Leonardo DeCaprio, Juliette Lewis.
Whip It (1999 - 11min) Drew Barrymore
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whip_It_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1172233
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B002VPTJOA
Set in the world of Austin's female roller derby revival.
Wild at Heart (1990 - 124min) David Lynch
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_at_Heart_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0100935
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/6303018351
One of Lynch's wildest, weirdest and most intense films (along with
Blue Velvet). Starring Nicholas Cage, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe.
Very wild. Very weird. Very intense.
Wild Orchid (1990 - 105min / Unrated:112min) Zalman King
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Orchid_(film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0100934
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00005JKI5
Starring Mickey Rourke, Carrie Otis, Jaqueline Bisset.
Wild Things (1998 - 108min) John McNaughton
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_Things
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0120890
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0001GF2D8
Starring Neve Campbell, Denise Richards, Matt Dillon, Kevin Bacon,
Theresa Russell. Very well-made and tricky erotic thriller.
Winter's Bone (2010 - 100min) Debra Granik
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter's_Bone
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1399683
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B003EYVXTG
Starring Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes.
WR: Mysteries of the Organism (1971 - 84min) Dusan Makavejev
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W.R.:_Mysteries_of_the_Organism
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0067958
Criterion: www.criterion.com/films/824
DVDTalk Review: www.dvdtalk.com/dvdsavant/s2307wr.html
A Very Critical Review: www.orgonelab.org/makavejev.htm
Amazon (DVD 2007 Criterion): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000OPPAEC
Amazon (Book by Raymond Durgnat): www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0851707203
The Wrestler (2008 - 109min) Darren Aronofsky
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wrestler_(2008_film)
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt1125849
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B001TOD92C
Mickey Rourke is Randy the Ram, Marisa Tomei is a stripper he likes,
Evan Rachel Wood is his estranged daughter. Aronofsky's fourth film (after
Pi, Requiem for a Dream, and The Fountain), followed by
Black Swan.
Yellow Submarine (1968 - 90min) George Dunning, Dennis Abey
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_Submarine_(film)
Dr. Bob Heironimus (massive fan site): www.21stcenturyradio.com/yellowsub/
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0063823
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00000JRUB
Classic animated Beatles film.
Zelig (1983 - 79min) Woody Allen
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zelig
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0086637
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/6300271870
My favorite of Woody Allen's many films, all of which are great.
Zen Noir (2006 - 71min) Marc Rosenbush
Official Site: www.zenmovie.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0407337
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_Noir
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000LUBZDU
Director's next film is called Blood - see www.blood-movie.com
Zodiac (2007 - 157min) David Fincher
Official Site: www.zodiacmovie.com
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0443706
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac_(film)
Wikipedia (about the case): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zodiac_killer
Film Threat Review: www.filmthreat.com/reviews/9804/
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000QUCNP4
Zoolander (2001 - 89min) Ben Stiller
IMDB: www.imdb.com/title/tt0196229
Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoolander
Amazon: www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B00003CXPJ
Starring Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferril, Jerry Stiller.
Very funny, goofy silly funny.
Amazon.com links are provided for reference and convenience.
I'm not in their referral program. (I may change my mind someday).
See here for more info on Amazon links.
As of 12/05/2011, this page lists 355 films. I am adding more
continuously as I have the time, as I find out about them,
as I get around to watching them, etc.
Revised 02/01/12.
This page originally posted 12/18/99.
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