I've been tied up with other projects lately, so I haven't seen any movies I wanted to review. A review of MST3K would just be weird. So I bring you seven films from my personal collection (one I have yet to purchase) that you may have overlooked. These are all little gems that I was very surprised by. That's usually the case. You pick see a film that didn't interest you in the first place, or didn't have expectations for, and then it knocks you on your butt. Keep in mind these films are not universally adored or anything, so I'm not saying that you'll absolutely love them, but you should at least give them a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised. So here they are in no particular order.
1. Shotgun Stories: This is a modern day western set in Southeast Arkansas. This tense and engaging story of a family feud confidently ranks up there with the best films I saw in 2008. The actors are phenomenal, anchored by Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon, and the soundtrack is outstanding as well. It is slow moving, but what it lacks in action it makes up for in story and acting.
2. Oleanna: Oleanna is a 3 act 2 person play by David Mamet, and Mamet brings his work to the big screen with William H. Macy in the lead role. The subject matter is sexual harassment and the film is very tense and very minimal. The power of the acting and script is all that is needed. Its one of those movies that just slowly turns up the tension and makes you boil inside. If you like any of David Mamet's work or any other dialogue driven films, then definitely check this out.
3. Diggers: Written by Ken Marino, starring Paul Rudd and Maura Tierney...need I say more? Ok, I probably do. This film is just a joy to watch. It's one of those movies that just fits in this really nice niche; it doesn't do too much and doesn't ask for too much from viewers. It's funny, touching, and very well done. It really doesn't matter what the story is, just go watch it!
4. A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints: Written and directed by first timer Dito Montiel, Saints tells the story of a group of friends from the mid-80's growing up in Astoria, Queens. This film was very outstanding for a first time Director, let alone a seasoned one. This one is as gritty as it gets, and the fact that is based on Montiel's personal memoir makes it all the more intense. RDJ's performance alone is enough to give this one a shot.
5. Tape: This is another film based on a play. Richard Linklater brings Stephen Belber's stage play to the big screen. Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard and Uma Thurman star in what is a very low budget film. Even more minimal than Oleanna, Tape is shot entirely on what seems like a $250 mini-dv camera (don't worry it's on a tripod), and in a one room location. This film also boasts the feel of a documentary. It is the story of three high-school friends reuniting to reminisce but soon find out one of them has an ulterior motive of revealing one of their painful pasts. Again, if all you need is a good story and good dialogue then check this one out.
6. Brick: You'll either love or hate this one. I haven't really found much of an in between. I personally think it's a breath of fresh air. The story is a throwback to the fast talking hard-boiled detective stories of the 20's, except this one is set in suburbia and the characters are in High School. Turn it up loud and really pay attention because they words come at you very fast. Even if it's not you're thing you can't deny the talent of first time director Rian Johnson. Watch out for his next film which hits the theatre this year; The Brothers Bloom with Adrian Brody and Mark Ruffalo.
7. Waitress: I have to admit I thought this was going to be a very lame chick flick when I first saw it advertised. I caught it at a friends on DVD and I was amazed. It's just very funny, charming, smart and will make you want some pie.
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