The Virgin Suicides (1999)

This is the story of the Lisbon sisters; Lux, Cecilia, Bonnie, Therese, and Mary, who reside in Michigan in a nice suburban neighborhood. Four boys who live near them become obsessed with the girls in the summer of 1974. When their youngest sister Cecilia takes her own life, the boys start to collect souvenirs of them as they learn about the girls' lives. When Lux gets in trouble after coming home late one night, she and the other girls are taken out of school and isolated from everything and everybody, except for the four boys whom they secretly contact. Emotionally tragic and haunting film, based on the novel by Jeffrey Eugenides and wonderfully directed by Sofia Coppola. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Josh Hartnett, James Woods, Kathleen Turner, Scott Glenn, Danny Devito, A.J. Cook 8/10 Rated R

Les Miserables (1978)

Woodcutter Jean Valjean is sentenced to five years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread. After many failed escape attempts, which adds more time to his sentence, Jean does eventually succeed, and after being welcomed in by a kind bishop repents his criminal ways. But always on his trail is the cold, unrelenting Police Inspector Javert that will not give up until he has captured Valjean. One of the best adaptations of Les Mis; engaging and moving, with great performances all around. Most especially Perkins, who is supberb as the merciless, never bending Javert. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo. Starring Richard Jordan, Anthony Perkins, Cyril Cusack, Claude Dauphin, John Gielgud, Ian Holm 8/10 Unrated

Hitchcock (2012)

It is 1959, and after the success of his film North by Northwest, director Alfred Hitchcock is frustrated by Hollywood thinking he's lost his touch. However after finding himself intrigued by a book based on serial killer Ed Gein titled Psycho, Hitch decides that this will be his next picture, to everyone's astonishment of the horrific subject matter. Hopkins is outstanding as The Master of Suspense, as well as Mirren's Alma, Hitch's doting wife. I also found D'Arcy, whose uncanny liking to Anthony Perkins, is quite intriguing to see. The making of the Psycho film is the most interesting, with Hitch sparring with the censor board and Paramount execs; however the marital problems between Hitch and Alma left much to be desired. Based on the book, Alfred Hitchcock and The Making of Psycho by Stephen Rebello. Starring Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, James D'Arcy, Jessica Biel, Toni Collette, Danny Huston, Michael Wincott 7/10 Rated PG-13

My Week with Marilyn (2011)

Colin Clark, a young man travels to London for his first job; landing the position in film production as Laurence Oliviers' assistant as the actor is filming his new picture, The Prince and the Showgirl, alongside the world's most famous actress, Marilyn Monroe. But being in the movies isn't easy, as Colin soon witnesses; her insecurities about herself and her work take a toll on everyone on set. Despite constant warnings not to, Colin strikes up a friendship with her and soon comes to realize that the Marilyn off screen is much different from her persona on screen. Michelle Williams is absolutely breathtaking to watch, giving a most beautiful performance of one of the world's most iconic sex symbols of all time. Starring Michelle Williams, Kenneth Branagh, Dominic Cooper, Eddie Red Mayne, Julia Ormond, Toby Jones, Judi Dench, Emma Watson, Dougray Scott 8/10 Rated R

Melancholia (2011)

Newlyweds Justine and Michael have their wedding reception party at her sister Claire and her husband John's lavish mansion, however there is trouble brewing in paradise between families which puts a strain on Justine, making her wonder if she'll ever really be happy. Meanwhile a planet called Melancholia is slowly approaching the earth, supposedly referred to as a "fly-by", that may or may not pass by without impact. The visual effects are stunning, as well as the extraordinary musical score in this tense family drama. Starring Kirsten Dunst, Alexander Skarsgard, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, Stellan Skarsgard, John Hurt 7/10 Rated R

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)

After his father dies in the World Trade Center on 9/11, eleven year old Oskar Schell finds a key in an envelope that had once belonged to his father. Soon after his discovery, he sets out on an arduous adventure through the city to find whatever it unlocks, hoping that somehow it can get him closer to his father. Extremely moving and incredibly heartbreaking story of an amazingly smart young boy coming to terms with grief. Starring Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Thomas Horn, Viola Davis, John Goodman, Jeffrey Wright, Max von Sydow 7/10 Rated PG-13

Dazed and Confused (1993)

It's the last day of school at Lee High School, Austin, Texas, 1976. The senior students are doing degrading initiation rituals on the new freshman, and later that night planning to cruise around and have one wild party consisting of drinking, getting laid and stoned. Hilarious coming-of-age film with an awesome ensemble cast and a kick ass soundtrack; think the American Graffiti of the 70's. Starring Jason London, Rory Cochrane, Sasha Jenson, Wiley Wiggins, Michelle Burke, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg, Anthony Rapp, Marissa Ribisi, Shawn Andrews, Cole Hauser, Milla Jovovich, Joey Lauren Adams, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey 7/10 Rated R

Showgirls (1995)

Nomi Malone is on her way to Vegas to be a dancer, where she meets a girl named Molly Abrams, who becomes her friend and roommate. Molly is a costume designer at the Stardust Casino, while Nomi is a stripper in the Cheetah's Topless Club. Molly brings Nomi along to watch the dance show Goddess where she meets the star Cristal Connors. Cristal begins to notice and arranges an audition for Nomi, but James, one of her bouncer friends think she has too much talent to be showgirl. What can you say about this God awful piece of junk? It's degrading, disgusting, the characters are boring, the acting is horrible, and the dialogue is even worse. Despite it being such a box office flop, it has since had a big cult following, but it's bad, really, really bad. Starring Elizabeth Berkley, Kyle MacLachlan, Gina Gershon, Glenn Plummer, Robert Davi 4/10 Rated NC-17

The Deep End of the Ocean (1999)

Beth Cappadora and her family live in Massachusetts. They go traveling to Washington D.C. because she is to attend her high school reunion when her youngest son Ben suddenly disappears in the crowded hotel lobby. There is a worldwide search to find him but are seemingly unsuccessful. Nearly a decade later, the Cappadora's have relocated to Chicago, where Beth just by sheer coincidence thinks she may have found her long lost son. The performances are poignant but as far as story is concerned, it seems a little far-fetched. Based on the best selling novel by Jacquelyn Mitchard. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Treat Williams, Jonathan Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg 7/10 Rated PG-13

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

It has been eight years since Harvey Dent's death, and Gotham City has put away more criminals because of the Dent Act. The vigilante known as The Batman has vanished as well as Bruce Wayne, and Wayne Enterprises is on the verge of collapse. A new villain, the massive monster called Bane plans to destroy Gotham while a saucy cat burglar named Selina Kyle plays cat and mouse with Bruce. The effects and stunts in this film are unbelievable, and what makes it so compelling is Bruce Wayne's struggle to choose to return as The Batman or not. Newcomers Gordon-Levitt and Cotillard are terrific, as well as Hathaway who makes an unforgettable heroine and Hardy, who in spite of his face being covered delivers a chilling performance. Starring Christian Bale, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman 9/10 Rated PG-13

The Iron Lady (2011)

This is the story of Margaret Thatcher, formerly Margaret Roberts who was a grocer's daughter growing up in Britain. As seen through flashbacks Margaret meets businessman and future husband Denis, is voted on to become a member of Parliament, and despite being in a political world of men runs in the race for British Prime Minister, the first female to ever do so. As shown in the present day, she is haunted by the ghost of her deceased husband. Streep is absolutely incredible, and plays Thatcher with such strong-will and conviction, as a woman who just wanted to make a difference in the world. Starring Meryl Streep, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Colman, Iain Glen, Richard E. Grant, Anthony Head, Michael Maloney, Susan Brown, Nick Dunning, Alexandra Roach 8/10 Rated PG-13

Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

Cal Weaver and his wife Emily are getting a divorce after twenty-five years of marriage. Shocked and humiliated by this, Cal resorts to drinking in bars and going on and on about his wife cheating on him with another man. Until Cal meets Jacob Palmer, a smooth womanizer who transforms him into a confident ladies man. Meanwhile Cal's son Robbie is smitten with the babysitter Jessica but she's in love with Cal. And Hannah, a young law student who's almost sure her boyfriend is planning to propose to her ends up catching Jacob's eye. A crazy, hilarious screwball movie; the acting is great, the story is realistic and not the typically sweet chick-flick. Starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon 7/10 Rated PG-13

 

The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982)

It is Paris, 1792, during the Reign of Terror of the French Revolution. A mysterious figure is at large called The Scarlet Pimpernel (named after the red flower used as his insignia) who is helping to  prevent the people of France from being sent to the guillotine. Sir Percy Blakeney is a debonair aristocrat who meets and falls in love with a beautiful theater actress named Marguerite St. Just after he rescues her brother Armand. However Paul Chauvelin, a Frenchman who is also vying for Marguerite, plans to stop The Scarlet Pimpernel, afraid he'll try to restore the monarchy. Anthony Andrews is utterly charming in this interesting television movie, based on the novels The Scarlet Pimpernel and Eldorado by Baroness Orczy. Starring Anthony Andrews, Jane Seymour, Ian McKellen, James Villiers, Malcolm Jamieson 7/10

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011)

In the eighth and final film of the Harry Potter saga, Harry along with his friends Ron and Hermione continue their search for the Horcruxes of Lord Voldemort to be able to destroy him, but unfortunately Voldemort finds out that the trio are hunting them. Harry realizes that the last of the Horcruxes is inside the Hogwarts Castle, but they need help getting in. However after Severus Snape, the now Headmaster of Hogwarts knows that Harry is back, the inevitable battle between good and evil begins. Many say this is the best of all the Harry Potter films and I must agree; with awesome edge-of-your-seat action, stunning visual effects, and epic battle scenes it is a remarkable conclusion to an unforgettable series. Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters 9/10 Rated PG-13

The Beaver (2011)

Walter Black used to be a happy guy; a successful businessman and a good family man. But now is depressed with despair cause his business is declining as is his personal life. His wife Meredith wants him to move out and his oldest son Porter uses notes to write down all of Walter's habits so he won't become like him. After trying and failing at his suicide attempts, Walter finds a hand puppet in the shape of a beaver in the trash. Soon afterward he gives him a voice and personality of his own and through the beaver he starts to turn his life around. An unusual story; daring and surprisingly watchable. Despite what you may think do not judge a book by its cover. Starring Mel Gibson, Jodie Foster, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence, Cherry Jones 7/10 Rated PG-13

Drive (2011)

Ryan Gosling is known as The Driver, a mechanic, movie stunt driver and getaway driver for criminals. He leads a pretty lonely life until he becomes close with his neighbor Irene and her young son Benicio. He also meets Irene's husband, Standard who has returned after being in jail. But Standard still owes money to a gangster and if he doesn't rob a pawn shop he'll come after his family. So Driver agrees to help Standard with the job only if he pays off the debt. Adapted from the James Sallis novel, Drive is a subtle film but on the other side it is explicitly violent film with entertaining chases; think The Man With No Name meets Bullitt. Starring Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Bryan Cranston, Christina Hendricks, Ron Perlman, Oscar Isaac, Albert Brooks 7/10 Rated R

Bel Ami (2012)

Paris 1890; Georges Duroy is a poor ex-soldier who has just returned to France, hoping to make his fortune. He meets an old acquaintance from the war named Charles Forestier and is invited to dinner at his home. There Georges meets Madeleine, Charles' wife, Clotilde de Marelle, and Virginie Walters. Soon he finds himself climbing up the social ladder of wealth and power not by getting close to the richest men of Paris, but by seducing their wives. Bel Ami is an erotic and intoxicating film; the three leading ladies are all terrifically played but it is Pattinson who steals the show, so immersed in the role of the desperate money-hungry Georges, he looks like he just stepped out of the 19th century world. Starring Robert Pattinson, Christina Ricci, Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Colm Meaney, Holliday Grainger 7/10 Rated R

Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1993)

Sissy Hankshaw was born with abnormally large thumbs and had been hitchhiking since she was a kid. A former model, she travels to New York City to see her friend "The Countess" where she is persuaded to a ranch called the "Rubber Rose" in Oregon, to be featured in an ad for a new feminine hygiene spray. There she meets a bunch of cowgirls and takes a liking to Bonanza Jellybean, their leader. Strangely bizarre film; has some funny moments but is quite awful, and the only memorable performance being by John Hurt. Based on the 1976 Tom Robbins novel. Starring Uma Thurman, Lorraine Bracco, Angie Dickinson, Pat Morita, Keanu Reeves, Rain Phoenix, John Hurt, Crispin Glover, Sean Young, Heather Graham, Roseanne 5/10 Rated R

Unknown (2011)

After arriving in Berlin to attend a summit, Doctor Martin Harris is involved in a horrific car accident. He wakes up four days later after being in a coma and tries to locate his wife's whereabouts. When he does find her, she denies that's he's her husband, and another man whom he's never met before is claiming to be the real Martin Harris.With the help of an ally, Martin attempts to find out the truth to prove his identity. Liam Neeson's still got it in this compelling international thriller that'll have you thinking twice about who to trust. Starring Liam Neeson, January Jones, Diane Kruger, Aidan Quinn, Frank Langella 7/10 Rated PG-13

Footloose (2011)

After a night of dancing and partying, a tragic car accident kills five friends. In the small town of Bomont, Georgia a ban is passed to prohibit any dancing within the town limits. Three years later, new kid Ren McCormick moves to Bomont from Boston, Massachusetts to lives with his aunt and uncle after the death of his mother. He begins to take notice of Ariel, the wild and rebellious daughter of the Reverend Shaw Moore. The music and dance numbers are high energy, but the characters lack any depth or appeal, especially the lead roles of Ren and Ariel, who were so terrifically played by Kevin Bacon and Lori Singer in the 1984 version. Do yourself a favor, brush this remake off and stick with the original classic. Starring Kenny Wormald, Julianne Hough, Andie MacDowell, Dennis Quaid, Miles Teller 6/10 Rated PG-13