Suggested Movies

These are movies that have been suggested by site visitors. I can't personally vouch for their entertainment value, but will try to screen them when I can. In the mean time, eruse and enjoy, or make a suggestion of your own.

Title	Brief Synopsis	Comments	Rating	Reviewed by:
A Series of Unfortunate Events	Three recently orphaned children struggle to find a home, answers regarding their parents' deaths, and survive the nefarious attentions of their uncle, Count Olaf.	This movie is an excellent adaptation of the children's book series 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' by Lemony Snicket. It is faithful to the style of the original stories, is visually beautiful, and marked by an impressive focus on detail. The cast is excellent from the children to the cameos, and Jim Carey as Olaf is, surprisingly, fantastic. We saw it on DVD--it was good enough that we found ourselves perusing the special features and even rewatching the credits.		Jake and Kristin
Broken Flowers	Aging Don Juan visits his ex-girlfriends in order to find his unknown son, seeking the truth about him.	Best Jim Jarmusch film since Down by Law. Bill Murray's best performance... with a single look on his face.	none given	Dr. Viola
Code 46	Set in either the not too distant future or perhaps in an alternate present, a fraud investigator travels to China to investigate fraud cases with deadly outcomes in a world where human relations are monitored and governed by the government. In his investigation he falls in love with one of the suspects and in doing so, violates Code46, a law prohibiting relations between people with similar genetic code.	I rented this movie expecting very little and was more than pleasantly surprised. It is the most memorable film I have seen in more than a year. The acting (Tim Robbins and Samantha Morrison) is delightfully understated, reminiscent of Lost in Translation, and the directing and photography of Michael Winterbottom is both visually pleasing and solid. I also enjoyed the fact that the film, unlike many sci-fiction movies, does not try to explain too much, and the viewer is forced to pay attention to details and interpret much for himself. I saw this film a few days ago and am still thinking about it, there are literally dozens of elements which stuck with me.		Brian
Dogtown and the Z Boys	Documentary about the first skateboarding superstars--Stacy Peralta, Tony Alva, Jay Adams--and on how they helped create skateboarding as we know it.	Very well done documentary, by Stacy Peralta (the skateboarder, who has become a respected film maker), that provides info/insight on popular culture I remember hearing about a while ago, but really knew little about.		Chris
Downfall (Der Untergang)	A story set during the final days of WWII in Hitler's in bunker.	Powerful acting and a unique insight transcend this difficult story.		Fabio
Ghost in the Shell	Atmospheric animated Japanese sci-fi, half-cyborg superwoman pursues mind-thieving villian.	The atmosphere is fantastic. Watch for numerous scenes that were later copied to one degree or another and used in later films, including Matrix. Just watch it.		Brian
Hustle & Flow	A small time pimp tries to turn his life around by following his dream of becoming a rapper.	Excellent performances (both acting and rapping), story, and writing make this movie exceptional. It is much more interesting, moving, and articulate than the brief synopsis can suggest. One of the best movies we've seen in a long time.		Jake and Kristin
Kingdom of Heaven	During the Crusades, Balian travels to Jerusalem and is thrust into the middle of ongoing religious, political and military struggles... soon he must lead the defense of Jerusalem.	Besides Ridley Scott\'s fantastic direction and team of cinematogrophers, as well as his attention to detail, this film seems more poignant and important now than ever. A rare attempt to express a story in a historical context without succumbing to prejudice and/or stereotype. Excellent film.		Brian
Kung Fu Hustle	Set in 1940's China, comedic quasi-musical about a turf war between a kung fu gang and a slum landlady.	Oddly different slapstick action. Visually unique. Crouching tiger meets three stooges meets the lovable loser flick.		Patrick
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events	A most unfortunate series of events.	Jim Carey is one of the most talented actors in todays hollywood. His talents are emphasized in this movie and complemented well by the supporting cast of actors. A pretty entertaining movie overall, the artwork is inspiring.		Jacko
Lords of Dogtown	A somewhat fictionalized version of the subject matter of "Dogtown and the Z Boys", about the origin of skateboarding as we now know it.	Well acted, fairly followed true story, and provided fun view of life in LA in the 1970s. Several characters and scenes are very entertaining (like the first Zephyr team skating competition).		Chris
Lost In Translation	Aging actor and bored newlywed explore Tokyo together, bond inexplicably.	Considered overrated by many, Sophia Coppola's film may lack script depth, but is incredibly visually interesting and remains with you long after its over. I enjoyed the fact that the movie isn't preachy like many productions and allows the viewer to interpret as he or she sees fit. I got a lot out of the film. Scarlett Johanssen and Bill Murray as an unlikely "almost" couple. Great soundtrack. Great atmosphere. My wife hates this movie because I watch it too often.		Brian
Million Dollar Baby	An older woman pursues her dreams by becoming a boxer.	I feared watching this movie because of the possible ceiling effect that everyone had given it. However it is easy to see what all the hype is about. The relationship between Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman is my favorite part.		Jacko
Nòi Albinòi	A troubled teenager deals with growing up in an isolated town in Iceland, whose horizons are far too close for him.	Interesting story, good acting, and it was the only time I've seen what Iceland looks like, and what people's lives are like there.		Chris
Princess Mononoke (Anime)	A skilled warrior embarks on a journey and finds himself in the middle of a war.	Most of the time when it comes to fantasy and sci-fi movies Anime writers and directors really create enticing, entertaing, and inspiring stories, not just big budgeted cumbersome movies that just emphasize their greed for the consumers money. e.g. the Alien vs Predator, blah.		Jacko
Project Grizzly	Documentary about a Canadian guy who builds a "suit of armor" to observe grizzly bears up close.	Don Quixote-like character that I envy for being so passionate and confident about something so ridiculous. Watch director commentary after film.		Patrick
Riding Giants	A documentary on the history of big-wave surfing.	Film by Stacy Peralta (the skater turned film maker). Great surfing scenes, great scenes of pre-Gidget surfing in the 1950s, some huge waves and amazing (and amazingly brave) athletes.		Chris
Straight Story, The	A story of an elderly World War II veteran who, lacking a driver's license, drives his lawn tractor several hundred miles in order to visit his ailing brother.	In a simple yet inspired story, Richard Farnsworth's final role is very poignant and memorable. As a man who has lived a life full of difficulties and challenges, he embarks on a journey of humility in order to make amends before it is too late. Along the way he imparts some of the knowledge of his experience to people he meets along the way.		Andy
Stone Reader	a contrived documentary hosted by the most annoying and self-centered person we've ever seen in person or on film.	It just plain sucked!		Jen & Chris
Waiting for Guffman	Chris Guest again, but somehow more hilarious than ever	the "Midnight At the Oasis" rendition, coupled with a little shuffle-ball-shuffle		Kristin
Wicker Park	A young man tries to start up a relationship that ended abruptly. I can't give too much away. The film is pieced together so well, isn't full of annoying music or big-name stars, and it is a pleasure to watch.	To see a relationship via someone else's eyes - especially if you quietly had a "crush" on one of the people.		Jennie
Yes Men, The	documentary about two anti-wto activists who pose as wto representatives at big conferences and do crazy stuff	very funny and politically agreeable; you don't need to know or care about wto to find it entertaining.		Jen & Chris
Yojimbo (1961)	A rogue Samurai plays the local town gangs and offers his services to the highest bidder but his motives are his own.	Akira Kurosawa style of cinema and camera techniques are a polar oppisite of todays trendy 1/2 second shots. It is nice to get away from that once in a while! Also, Toshiro Mifune is one of the greatest actors of all times IMHO.		Jacko