City of God (2002)

Dir: Fernando Meirelles

This is a raw and intense movie-going experience that you

can't really say you ejoyed it; awesome and beautiful cinematography;

the stories and how they intertwine together is movie magic; incredible

film, along with the ranks of Fight Club and Requiem for a Dream;

the film is also based on a true story! Must-see!

"Where do you want to take the shot? In the hand or in the foot?"

Fight Club (1999)

Dir: David Fincher

One of my all-time favorite movies based on the debut novel from the twisted

mind of Chuck Palahniuk; extremely memorable roles from Brad Pitt, Edward Norton,

and Helen Bonham Carter; my personal Fincher favorite; just an explosive movie

that touches on the rough edges of American society

and the complexities of being a male; incredible film; too many great lines,

"It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything."

American History X (1998)

Dir: Tony Kaye

This is Edward Norton's tour de force; a stunning performance in a very heavy movie

with a relevant message; with all the misunderstanding in our world today, this

movie speaks volumes about the baggage created by hate; a truly great performance

from Edward Furlong and a moving script;

"Has anything you've done made your life better."

The Big Lebowski (1998)

Dir: Joel Coen

It's the Dude, what else needs to be said; awesome supporting roles from

John Goodman and the always entertaining Steve Bescemi; great plot twists

and enough quotable lines to keep your friends laughing for days;

"Smokey, this is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules."

Cool Hand Luke (1967)

Dir: Stuart Rosenburg

Paul Newman is the coolest of cats in this solid role as Luke Jackson;

almost made the labor farm look like fun (almost); a great in-depth look

at the anti-hero protagonist; wonderful film;

"What we got here... is a failure to communicate."

The Usual Suspects (1995)

Dir: Bryan Singer

The movie is just a cool crime drama with an awesome cast; Stephen Baldwin

and Benicio del Toro develop very entertaining characters within a great script

that leaves your mouth open by the end;

"The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn't exist."

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Dir: Milos Forman

Arguably Jack Nicholson's finest hour playing the outspoken R.P. McMurphy;

is there a better female villian than Nurse Ratched? Rarely is a movie adaptation

better than it's novel predecessor, but this film sure makes a strong case;

5 Oscars (all the major ones);

"Somebody get me a f**king weiner before i die!"

On The Waterfront (1954)

Dir: Elia Kazan

Marlon Brando in a powerful performance about questioning the powers that be

and standing up for the little guy; the cinematography was ahead of its time,

and the acting is superb all the way around;

"I coulda been somebody. I coulda been a contender!"

It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

Dir: Frank Capra

Although Jimmy Stewart has plenty of memorable roles, this is my favorite as the lovable, down-on-his-luck George Bailey; classic Capra storytelling and an uplifting message;

"To my brother George, the richest man in town"

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

Dir: Michel Gondry

Jim Carrey's best performance in a movie, hands down; brilliant direction from

the creative genius of Michel Gondry and a (always) fabulous script from the

innovative mind of Charlie Kaufman; the story is eye-candy and the cast is perfect;

just a lovable movie with something new every time;

"Meet me... in Montauk"