+10/20/09
Still Bill (2009) - dir. Damani Baker / Alex Vlack
A glimpse into the life of singer/songwriter Bill Withers. With a light touch and fine storytelling instincts, the filmmakers reveal a remarkable subject who is facing personal challenges with humor and compassion. And the music is awesome!!

+4/20/09
Goodbye Solo (2008) - dir. Ramin Bahrani
If you haven't seen Bahrani's other movies (particularly Chop Shop), do! His latest film features magnetic performances by characters inhabiting worlds you won't find anywhere else in American cinema.

+4/13/09
Reprise (2006) - dir. Joachim Trier
A terrific first-feature out of Norway. The dialogue, cinematography and editing combine to a nice, sparse effect and the performance of Anders Danielsen Lie as troubled Phillip is outstanding... Grave yet whimsical... A fresh look at a new generation in Oslo.

+3/15/09
Running on Empty (1988) - dir. Sidney Lumet
How did I not catch this one growing up? A really touching coming-of-age story starring River Phoenix, Judd Hirsch and Martha Plimpton. Some decent fake-piano-playing too...

+2/26/09
The Visitor (2007) - dir. Thomas McCarthy
The trailer had me a little wary, fearing this would be a heavy-handed "social-issue" movie with an obligatory "redemption-through-compassion" through-line for the jaded upper-middle class anglo college professor. But no! It turns out I'm the jaded one. This movie is terrific. What's-his-name Richard Jenkins is incredible as are the rest of the relatively unknown cast. And the plot avoids the cliched tropes mentioned above. Oh, and TRIVIA! Writer/Director Thomas McCarthy will be familiar to you Wire fans out there...

+1/23/09
American Splendor (2003) - dir. Springer Berman / Pulcini
Because I own this I often take it for granted, but American Splendor is a gem. Appearances by the real Harvey Pekar and family make this more than your typical biopic. Plus, 30-Rock's Judah Friedlander takes on the role of his life as "genu-wine ni-eeeerd" Toby Radloff.

+1/09/09
The Wrestler (2008) - dir. Darren Aronofsky
You must have heard by now: Mickey Rourke is amazing. Not even some clunky dialogue can derail this rollercoaster. Yeah, that's right, I called it a rollercoaster. One of those emotional ones. Don't miss it in the theaters.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008) - dir. Danny Boyle
Yeah, I have to admit this was pretty cool. That's it. My second-favourite movie this year set in India (see The Pool below!!).

Ghost Town (2008) - dir. David Koepp
If I wasn't such a fan of Ricky Gervais, I never would have added this to my netflix queue but surprise, surprise, it's hilarious! Gervais underplays just enough and Greg Kinnear is awesome as a blackberry-addicted slimeball.

+11/12/08
Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008) - dir. Peter Sollett
A fun East-Village update of a classic 80's "hook up" romantic comedy recipe. Michael Cera is at his understated, awkward best. More than a few hilarious moments, not to mention the most disgusting toilet I've ever, ever seen. Ever.

American Movie (1999) - dir. Chris Smith
A celebration of the underdog, the out-of-place, the dreamer among the sleeping. Aspiring Milwaukee filmmaker Mark Borchardt struggles to create something out of nothing, rejoicing in small victories against great odds. "Kick f#*%ing ass, I got a Mastercard!"

+9/13/08
The Wire (2002-2008) - Creator David Simon
This is why I haven't been watching movies lately. I'm totally wired and I don't care. (To give you an idea of the devotion of this show's audience, check out the length of its wikipedia page.. it's as long as the Gulf War's!) The Wire goes beyond entertainment, exploring urban American issues like drugs, education, race, economics and politics. Required viewing. Period. (But don't plan on having much free time once you get started.)

Big Trouble in Little China (1986) - dir. John Carpenter
Oh yeah, definitely a favourite. Formative, too; I feel like I'm equal parts Jack (strength), Wang (speed/sensitivity) and Egg (wisdom). But let's face it: if you haven't already seen this movie, you're probably not going to. "It's like I told my last wife..."

+9/6/08
The Pool (2007) - dir. Chris Smith
An amazing little movie that centers on hard-working teenager Venkatesh, who becomes obsessed with an unused swimming pool visible from the branches of a tree in an opulent neighbourhood. This movie's light, natural touch left me inspired as a filmmaker and did nice, warm, pulpy things to my insides. Don't miss this one.

Man on Wire (2008) - dir. James Marsh
A fun account of the events leading up to daring Frenchman Philippe Petit's wire-walking stunt between the towers of New York's World Trade Center in 1974. Sort of 'Ocean's Eleven meets the History Channel'. (I'd love to watch this one with my grandpa).

Audition (1999) - dir. Takashi Miike
I can't say I really ENJOYED watching this at all. And I unplugged the dvd player for a while when I was done... But Takashi Miike is brilliant and beyond the tension and violence there are some very serious issues and stereotypes explored here. Pretty much the opposite of a "watch with your parents" movie.

Rocky (1976) - dir. John G. Avildsen
Between this movie and The Karate Kid, Avildsen had a huge influence on my childhood, turning me into the kick-ass underdog that I am today. See this timeless classic again for the outstanding attention to detail in gritty mid-70's South Philly and the real-as-it-gets performance by Stallone. (Not to mention the fact that he also wrote the script!)