Head of State (2003)

Dir. Chris Rock

Washington D.C. alderman Mays Gilliam (Chris Rock) is about to lose his job when the sudden death of his party's front-runner in the presidential elections breathes new life into his political career. He's immediately pegged as the substitute and must deal with his bumbling brother and running mate, Mitch (Bernie Mac), and his social-climbing ex-girlfriend, Kim (Robin Givens), while trying to win the race.

Pineapple Express (2008)

Dir. David Gordon Green

After witnessing an underworld murder involving a corrupt cop (Rosie Perez) and a drug kingpin (Gary Cole), straitlaced pothead Dale Denton (Seth Rogen) must go on the run with his dealer (James Franco) to escape the wrath of the vengeance-minded criminals. Acclaimed indie auteur David Gordon Green directs the stoner road comedy, penned by Rogen and his Superbad co-writer, Evan Goldberg.

Vision Quest (1985)

Dir. Harold Becker

In this stirring coming-of-age story, a Spokane, Wash., high school wrestler (Matthew Modine) pursues his "vision quest" -- winning the state championship and finding true love. Advising the young man on his quest are his half-American Indian best friend (Michael Schoeffling) and a seductive, slightly older woman (Linda Fiorentino, in one of her first roles). Madonna makes her first appearance in a major film, crooning "Crazy for You" in a bar.

Hairspray (2007)

Dir. Adam Shankman


Set in 1962, this colorful adaptation of the Tony-winning musical (spawned by director John Waters' cult classic of the same name) follows ambitious teen Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky), who tries to integrate a racially divided Baltimore one watusi at a time. The film's star-studded cast includes John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Allison Janney, James Marsden and Amanda Bynes.

4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days (2007)

Dir. Cristian Mungiu

In the last days of communism in Romania, Gabita (Laura Vasiliu), a young college student, wants to end her unplanned pregnancy. With the help of her best friend, fellow student Otilia (Anamaria Marinca), she seeks an abortion, illegal under the oppressive Ceaucescu regime. Director Cristian Mungiu's searing portrait of life under dictatorship received a slew of film festival awards as well as a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film from the Golden Globes.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Dir. Christopher Nolan

Batman (Christian Bale) teams with Lt. James Gordon (Gary Oldman) and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) to continue dismantling Gotham City's criminal organizations in this sequel to Batman Begins. But a psychotic new villain known as the Joker (Heath Ledger) threatens to undo all their good work. The star-studded cast includes Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman, Anthony Michael Hall, Michael Caine and Eric Roberts.

Midnight Meat Train (2008)

Dir. Ryuhei Kitamura

Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers) stars as Leon Kauffman, an ambitious New York photographer whose reckless search for a serial killer (Vinnie Jones) known as "the Subway Butcher" leads him down a dark and dangerous path. Based on a short story by horror giant Clive Barker, this spine-tingling thriller from director Ryuhei Kitamura also stars Leslie Bibb, Brooke Shields and Tony Curran.

Rubber's Lover (1997)

Dir. Shozin Fukui

In this chilling horror film from director Shozin Fukui, a group of scientists working for a powerful corporation are attempting to uncork the psychic potential of humans. The experiments prove successful, but the results are frequently lethal for the test subjects. When the company tries to shut down the project, two desperate researchers hold a secretary hostage while they use a colleague to continue their gruesome experimentation.

July Stats

July Total = 5
2008 Total = 54

Stats:
Rent - 3
Own - 1
Theater - 0
TV - 1
Other - 0
First Viewing - 5