Movie - 2

So, my last post talked about movies to look forward to this year, while this is a list of movies you should see, but may not have. While many of them, in fact most, are very mainstream, or classics this in no way detracts from how good they are. These films were ground breaking, innovative and more importantly creative. Here they are in no particular order. Enjoy.

1. The Godfather - While it is often considered the greatest film of all time, it is one of my personal favorites and is great film-making at its finest. The story, the characters, the direction, everything comes together so well in this movie that it's hard to point out any glaring errors.

2. The Usual Suspects - A movie that was captivating, entertaining and full of twists and turns, it remains a classic, and is not soon forgotten.

3. Memento - Another very innovative movie, it was very well thought out, played out and brought together. Director Christoper Nolan has yet to top this, though Batman Begins is a solid film, this one was so well done and so creative that it is up there with the best of thrillers.

4. Pi - This is a small budget film by the director of the Fountain, Darrin Arronofsky, and it is a very entertaining, and extremely trippy movie that makes you feel everything that the character is going through, and leaves you thinking about what you just saw for a long time.

5. Pulp Fiction - This is still my personal favorite of the Tarintino movies, and deserved its Oscar. It is creative, innovative, and so odd and eratic that you can't help but love it. The characters are memorable, and the plots, though somewhat strange, come together very well.

6. Casablanca - One of, if not thee all time classic, other than Citizen Kane, it is memorable, heartfelt, engaging and always quotable. The characters and the way it was carried out have been copied but never duplicated to the same effect.

7. Being John Malcovich - This movie truly is one of a kind, and is so crazy at times you wonder what they were smoking when they wrote it, but it really is a cool movie, and the idea behind it is so unique and original that you can't help but love it. It is acted out very well, and is defiantly worth seeing.

8. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - While it is not for everyone, I think that is only because it carries a certain stigma and they haven't given it a chance. While this is a newer film and shows what a buttload of cash can bring you, it is truly great art, and a very brilliant set of films. The extended editions and features on the dvd's show you how remarkable this movie really is.

9. Sin City - Arguably the coolest movie I have ever seen, it is funny, smart, dark and clever all at the same time. And yes, smart and clever are different things. This movie was innovative in what it tried to do, and in how it came to be. As noted in my last post 300 is attempting to use the same techniques to make its mark. This film was brilliant, and hopefully so will the next one.

10. American Beauty & Forrest Gump - It seemed criminal to leave either of these of the list so they will both go here. The writing, direction and Acting in these films is second to none, and they both were well deserving of all the awards they garnered. They are memorable in every way and are movies that make you think.

What are some of your favorites. Let me know.