10 Lesser Known Recent Movie Gems

The following films are clear examples that the future of movies is still as bright and as promising as ever.  Despite hundreds of years of movie-making that have preceded them, the movies below are still surprising, engaging, and unpredictable.  Many of the them have young, talented directors at the helm with unique, innovative visions.  Check em out.  They won't disappoint.

All of these films are available on Blu-Ray / DVD (or soon will be).  Many are already available on Netflix and other streaming sites or On Demand.

*Presented in no particular order.



#1 = A Most Violent Year 

This film is from the same family tree as cinematic classics like The Godfather and Goodfellas.  In addition to smart, capable direction from J.C. Chandor, Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain just blow it out of the park as the two leads.  The dynamic between the two is powerful and entirely engaging.  The film plays like a time bomb just waiting to explode, until the final gun goes off in the third act.  Don't go in expecting an action thriller as the title might suggest.  But if you go along for the ride, A Most Violent Year is a rewarding, intelligent film that might be one of the finest ones Hollywood has released in recent memory.



#2 = The Guest

If you liked Drive, then The Guest is right up your alley.  Like Drive, the film plays like a drive-in 80's era thriller with a modern twist.  It's effortlessly cool.  Featuring a killer soundtrack and sleek cinematography (the end scene at the haunted house... awesome), The Guest subverts its classic premise with style and ingenuity.



#3 = It Follows

A truly creepy premise (which I won't spoil here) sets the backdrop for this entirely unique cinematic experience.  Another recent gem with a unique and suitably unsettling soundtrack which nicely adds to the already high tension and striking visuals.  It Follows represents a new take on the classic "teens having sex in horror movies" schtick.  This one is unforgettable, wild, and has several nice scares.

#4 = Ex Machina

An engrossing exploration behind a tried and true science fiction staple - man vs. machine.  The film raises questions about the nature of creation, ingenuity, madness, and innovation all wrapped up in a stylized presentation (and one heck of an ending).  Beautifully shot and fully engaging, Ex Machina is a modern science fiction classic that should not be missed.

#5 = Short Term 12

An "indie drama" about teens with a slew of behavioral issues that's both touching and heartbreaking, often at the same time.  It fully immerses you into the world in which the characters reside, which proves stressful one minute but totally worth it and rewarding the next.  The film wears its heart on its sleeve, much like its characters.  This is a movie with heart and soul that hits a nerve and leaves an impression.

#6 = The Babadook

The film cleverly conveys its messages about grief, family, and sanity under the guise of an Australian horror film.  This is what the horror genre is all about - taking everyday fears and horrors and creating a parable to allow its characters (and the audience) to confront and conquer them.  The Babadook is filled with creepy, atmospheric tension and imagery without relying on cheap thrills or scare tactics to achieve its effect.



#7 = The Skeleton Twins

Bill Hader and Krist Wiig use their comedic backgrounds to pull you into this "dramedy", which actually leans closer to the dramatic side of the scale.  That's not to say The Skeleton Twins isn't funny, because it is.  But the film also deals with serious issues at its core.  It deftly walks the line between drama and comedy often with sudden shifts in tone.  The film smartly uses staging to deconstruct and nuance its two main characters, exploring their complex interrelationships and personalities.   With several familiar faces in supporting roles to boot, The Skeleton Twins is a memorable piece of filmmaking that fully fleshes out its characters and engages the viewer throughout its duration.



#8 = Robot and Frank

This is a funny little sci-fi indie comedy about a retired criminal and his newfound friendship with a robot.  What more is there to say?  The film is a smart, touching, poignant, surprising portrait of aging that's definitely worth checking out.



#9 = Kumiko The Treasure Hunter 

This film is inspired by a real life urban legend which may or may not have been a real story.  It goes something like this: a woman from Tokyo finds a VHS copy of the movie Fargo and becomes obsessed with finding the money buried by Steve Buscemi's character; her journey takes her across oceans from Japan to Minnesota in search of her fortune.  The film is great.  It's beautifully shot and visually spectacular.  Rinko Kikuchi shines in the lead role, and we see the world through her eyes.  Even if you haven't seen Fargo, you can appreciate this quirky independent gem.  It takes several tonal turns that are unexpected and surprising, much like Kumiko herself.



#10 = Nightcrawler

 Jake Gyllenhaal does an outstanding job in the title role (which has nothing to do with X-Men).  The film is essentially a character study, in the same vein as Taxi Driver, that explores the dark psyche of its lead.  Gyllenhaal's character is born out of the information age, searching out for the dirtiest, juiciest pulp stories that rise to the surface after the clock strikes midnight.  His wide-eyed character never seems to sleep or get tired and is always scanning for information.  It's a fascinating film that's often tough to stomach but hard to resist.



BONUS: #11 = Jurassic World  

You may have heard of this recent indie film that didn't go on to break any major box office records at all.  But if you haven't... this is a fantastic popcorn sequel to one of the greatest Hollywood movies of all time.  Of course, it doesn't surpass the original.  But it does offer two hours worth of beautiful cinematography, smart use of visual effects, and awesome set pieces.  The film is fun from beginning to end and is riddled with subtle (and not so subtle) nods to the original Jurassic Park from 1993.  Jurassic World features a number of clever scenes that are inspired by old school visual storytelling and fueled by over 20 years worth of nostalgia.  It's awesome to see the original park come to life, and then, of course, get destroyed by the final act.  Chris Pratt pulls off the daunting task of filling the title role and continues his run as one of Hollywood's new action/comedy talents.  This one should be seen on the big screen, and it's returning to IMAX theaters next week.  Go see it again!



Image Sources:

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Top 10 Favorite Films

Without a doubt, the question I get asked the most is "what's your favorite movie?"  When I inevitably cannot come up with an answer, I'm often offered a second option: "OK, what's your top 10?"  This list changes from moment to moment, day to day, and year to year.  It's entirely possible that I still haven't even seen my favorite movie or what I'd consider to be the best movie ever made yet.

In making this list, I notice a few things: 

- I have left off any animated films, despite thoroughly enjoying many.

- Only one foreign film made the list, despite the fact that there are a great many excellent films from around the globe.

- 4 out of the 10 are in black & white.

- 2 are films of Steven Spielberg, whom I greatly admire.  His canon of work never ceases to amaze me, and at least ten of his films could be in a favorites list of their own.

- Directors like Scorsese, Fincher, Soderbergh, Tarantino, and others are somehow left off.  All are hugely talented.

At any rate, here's today's top 10 list.I've broken it down into my 5 favorite movies and what I consider to be 5 of the best films.  Enjoy!

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Annie Hall (1977)
#5 Favorite Movie

Woody Allen's masterpiece.  A classic on all accounts, from start to finish.  The opening & closing dialogue are particularly memorable, but Allen's comic wit and Keaton's irresistible charm do the leg work.

Beasts of the Southern Wild (2012)
#4 Favorite Movie

I often describe this film as being alive, as if it's a living, breathing thing.  It certainly feels that way.  What a stunning blend of naturalism and fantasy, all done using non-actors, location shooting, and practical effects.

Fargo (1996)
#3 Favorite Movie

Fargo is one of the many Coen Bros great films.  No Country For Old Men could easily compete for its spot on the list.  What sets Fargo apart is its heart, humor, colorful cast, and endlessly quotable script.  The performances are all spot on and the directing is typically top notch.

Beginners (2011)
#2 Favorite Movie 

Beginners is a hole-in-the-wall movie that gained attention after Christopher Plummer won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance in the film.  The film deals with 3 main characters at turning points in their lives.  What we get is a touching, poignant, and heartfelt depiction of modern relationships as well as a photo album of memories.  It's clever and entirely unique.

Jurassic Park (1993)
#1 Favorite Movie

This is hands down the movie I have seen the most but never get tired of.  Seeing it in IMAX 3D recently for its 20th anniversary was one of the best times I've had at the movies, ever.  The film is literally a theme park on screen.  It delivers the thrills and was a breakthrough in the visual effects world, which is now littered throughout modern cinema.  Jurassic Park has aged well and remains fun, quotable, and unforgettable.




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Psycho (1960)
#5 Best Film

My favorite Hitchcock film.  The brilliant director opted for thrills and suspense over blood and gore.  The film features several characters who could be considered "psychos" based on their respective psychology.  Hitch's use of shadow, careful use of close-up, and sound/music all create the atmosphere of this classic thriller.  Anthony Perkins turns in a pitch perfect performance as the infamous Norman Bates.

Citizen Kane (1941)
#4 Best Film

Orson Welles is a true master.  His skill behind the camera is undeniable in Citizen Kane.  The film features a dizzying array of trick shots, deep focus, and innovative camera work that might be taken for granted to the untrained eye.  Even if you're not watching for the camerawork, the story itself is enough to get you hooked as you try to decipher the meaning behind the mysterious "Rosebud."  This one makes it onto countless Top 10 lists, and for good reason.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)
#3 Best Film 

This is the standard by which all modern war movies are judged.  The film is harshly realistic, strikingly beautiful, and intimately personal.  Each shot is composed with the level of technical skill that a painter would implore on a canvas.  Spielberg paints his picture over nearly 3 hours, without a dull moment.  With Tom Hanks leading a cast of talented actors, Saving Private Ryan is a modern classic.

Breathless (1960)
#2 Best Film

Breathless is the only French New Wave film to make the list, but I love many of them.  The film doesn't get old for me.  Director Jean-Luc Godard is essentially redefining cinema through his radical techniques and various cinematic and editing styles.  The interplay between the two leads is great to watch as Godard picks apart the Hollywood Gangster film and simultaneously creates a new genre entirely.

Casablanca (1942)
#1 Best Film

Casablanca has one of the best screenplays of all time, phenomenal acting, a classic romance set in WWII, and numerous memorable scenes.  It typifies what the term Classic Hollywood means. Even people that "don't like" black & white films still enjoy Casablanca.  Roger Ebert himself said it might just be his favorite movie on his commentary for the film.  Over 70 years after its initial release, I think it's safe to say that Casablanca has stood the test of time.

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January 2015 Reviews

Here are some quick bullet points on recent releases that can be viewed either in theaters or at home (legally, please).  

The One I Love: 5/5

Brilliant.  A truly original work that defies genre while holding the modern relationship under the microscope.  This contemplative film exists all by itself with a bare bones cast (essentially two actors, an actress, and a couple extras) that you can't help but be drawn towards.  Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss offer truly nuanced, subtle, skilled performances that would reward multiple viewings.  I wouldn't dare give away the plot, but suffice it to say that this is one masterpiece that seems to have flown under the radar.  

The Imitation Game: 5/5

Brilliantly scripted and acted, The Imitation Game is captivating right from the get go.  Benedict Cumberbatch excels once again and will make a strong run for Best Actor during this year's Oscars (whether or not he actually wins will be another matter).  It's thrilling, timely, and completely engaging - truly a "based on a true story" film done right.

Wild: 4/5

Reese Witherspoon turns in a phenomenal performance.  However, the (relatively) unsung stars of this film are Laura Dern as supporting actress and Jean-Marc Vallée behind the camera.  The film is challenging and beautifully shot.  I appreciate films that play with the portrayal of memory, complicating what could be done with a simple flashback into a more realistic montage of thoughts and images that whiz in and out of consciousness (or on screen, in this case).  Wild lives up to its title with stellar editing, acting, and directing making it truly a tour de force on all accounts.



American Sniper: 4/5

This is one where I actually read the book before seeing the film.  The film certainly takes a few cinematic liberties with the facts for the sake of drama.  That's fine. The memoir and the movie are both riveting in their own right.  Bradley Cooper is absolutely fantastic in the title role.  And you get your typical dose of patriotism from director Clint Eastwood.  To preempt the natural comparisons, the film doesn't quite live up to the recent Iraq films of Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty).  In all fairness, the film is extremely well made and gripping.  With many memorable moments, American Sniper represents an admirable addition to the recent collection of excellent films regarding the conflict in Iraq.

Top Five: 4/5

As you might expect, Top Five is often outlandish, but also occasionally touching.  Regardless of which tone a given scene may take, the film is immensely entertaining from start to finish.  Chris Rock directs and stars in a surprisingly thoughtful incite into the entertainment business, the nature of public relationships, and the psyche of "celebrities" that delivers the laughs along with its messages.



Big Hero 6: 4/5

Modern animated films have proven time and time again that their target audience is much more than children alone.  Big Hero 6 is a thoroughly enjoyable superhero film that only adds to the list of outstanding Pixar films.  It works as an action film, a celebration (and cautionary tale) of technological advance, and as a family film.  The film embraces modern medical achievements and converts it into a palatable experience for the audience.  This is the kind of film where the heroes are intelligent and have a love for learning, an important concept to instill in today's youth.  


Into the Woods: 4/5

An undeniably enjoyable, comic twist on some tried and true fairy tales.  With a diversely talented cast, excellent score, and suitably magical visuals, Into the Woods makes for a wonderfully entertaining time at the movies.



Big Eyes: 4/5 

Christoph Waltz and Amy Adams turn in phenomenal performances, yet again!  Director Tim Burton takes a welcome break from his typically gothic subject matter to give us a timely biopic, all while maintaining his knack for visual splendor.

You're Next: 3.5/5

A gruesome horror film that succeeds almost solely upon the shoulders of its unlikely hero, which I won't spoil.  The film does have a nice mix of dark comedy and brutal action violence, allowing it to rise above genre cliches.  The end result is a better-than-average home invasion flick that manages to achieve enough originality to separate itself from the pack.

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