Movie, (ahem) Film Stuff

I recently became another Blockbuster zombie. I walk up and down the drama and comedy aisles looking for “classic” films that I never took the time to see so that I’d be able to catch up with the rest of the world and stop smiling vaguely when any of these movies are mentioned in conversation since I hate to admit that I’m not in with the in crowd. (run-on sentences are funky!)

Here’s a list of movies I recently watched and loved:

Confidence – Really good caper flick. Edward Burns is the selling point for me, but Paul Giamatti, Dustin Hoffman, and especially Frankie G were outstanding. (Frankie G was the mechanic in The Italian Job). A con within a con on top of a con – great stuff!

Lucky Number S7evin – love this movie – Another con caper – I was surprised at the end so I won’t print a spoiler – but damn! (and I payed attention). I was SHOCKED at the ending. Josh Harnett was great, Lucy Lui was hilarious, Bruce Willis: terrifying. Morgan Freeman and Ben Kinsley were good as the crime bosses.

Akilah and The Bee – Wonderful and moving film. The lead actress was outstanding. Great to see Ike and Tina (c’mon…you know who the actors are) acting together again. (smile) This was my “feel good” movie of the weekend.

Tsotsi – I cried. And cried. This film was made in South Africa by South Africans – it’s subtitled and it’s the story of redemption. There are some scenes that are difficult to watch, but it’s truly worth it. The tribe of little children living alone broke my heart.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels – Sometimes a card sharp ain’t as sharp as he thinks. Sometimes a gansta ain’t as gangsta as he thinks. Sometimes a thief doesn’t steal the show. Funny as hell, great dialogue. This little slice of London is a dangerous place to live.

This is Spinal Tap – I don’t believe I missed this gem all these years. These guys are EXACTLY right as an aging rock band who just doesn’t get it. I understand why this is a cult classic. Now I have to catch, “A Mighty Wind” to see these guys together again: Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer and Rob Reiner are great together. Good stuff!

I have a couple more DVDs left to watch: Hotel Rwanda and The Big Lebowski – Yes, I admit that it’s stupid that I haven’t seen these movies. Damn! Stop laughing at me. Stop it!

EDIT:
Just remembered a couple more recently viewed films and I can’t do the same topic tomorrow so I’m adding these to the mix.

Inside Man – I loved putting the pieces together after the fact (like the hole that was dug). Much better than I thought after seeing the promos. Well executed plan and I really like the motive for the crime.

19 Blocks – Anyone can change. Great theme. I really liked this one too.

Nanny Mcphee – Good family film – Watch for the changes in Nanny Mcphee. Good little movie.