The Big Lebowski (1998)

Dir. Joel Coen

The writing-directing Coen brothers serve up their signature brand of offbeat comedy here. L.A. slacker "The Dude" (Jeff Bridges) suffers the indignity of having the favorite rug in his house peed upon by two thugs. (They've mistaken him for a millionaire whose wife owes on some bad bets.) From there, the plot contorts more than a rubberized freak at a circus sideshow. But it's all good fun.

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)

Dir. Russ Meyer

Film critic Roger Ebert penned the screenplay for this Russ Meyer classic, which isn't so much a sequel to the original (based on the Jacqueline Susann novel) as an ebulliently vulgar remake. Chronicling the adventures of a trio of female rockers who find their way from the heartland to Hollywood, the film features all the Meyer staples: bountiful breasts, lesbian love scenes and drug-fueled descents into murder and madness.

Deep Red (Profondo rosso) (1975)

Dir. Dario Argento

Deep Red stars David Hemmings as Marcus Daly, a jazz pianist who witnesses the murder of his neighbor, a psychic who had read the mind of her murderer. Marcus soon teams up with a resourceful reporter (Daria Nicolodi), and the two set out to track down the killer.

Kite (1998)

Dir. Yasuomi Umetsu

College student by day, vigilante by night, Sawa protects the innocent and mercilessly kills criminals in this intense Japanese anime. Sawa's parents were murdered when she was young, and she was adopted by policeman Akai, who teaches Sawa to kill and assigns her to dangerous missions. Friend and fellow mercenary Oburi convinces Sawa that the two should leave Akai and stop killing, but escaping won't be easy.

March Update

March Total = 15

2007 Total = 46

Stats:
Rent - 9
Own - 5
Theater - 1
TV - 0
Other - 0
First Viewing - 13

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

Dir. Stanley Kubrick

One of the most authentic portraits of warfare ever captured on film, Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket teems with howling madness, stark images and troubling questions about duty, honor and sacrifice. Raw recruits (including Matthew Modine) suffer the grueling ordeal of basic training and battle with the Viet Cong over the city of Hue during the Tet Offensive.

Children of Men (2006)

Dir. Alfonso Cuaron

Alfonso Cuaron directs this film version of P.D. James's classic dystopian novel (and Oscar nominee for Best Adapted Screenplay), a futuristic drama set in a world in which humans have lost the ability to reproduce and subsequently face certain extinction. Things change when a single woman mysteriously becomes pregnant, prompting a conflicted government bureaucrat (Clive Owen) and his ex-wife (Julianne Moore) to join forces to protect her. Michael Caine co-stars.

The Pursuit of Happyness (2006)

Dir. Gabriele Muccino

Will Smith (in an Oscar-nominated role) and his real-life son Jaden star in this tearjerker about a struggling single parent determined to build a better life for himself and his child. Chris Gardner is smart and talented, but his dead-end salesman job barely pays the bills. When he and his 5-year-old son are evicted from their apartment, they face trying times as Chris takes on an unpaid internship at a stock brokerage firm with hopes of getting rich someday.

From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)

Dir. Robert Rodriguez

Robbers-on-the-lam Seth (George Clooney) and Richard Gecko (Quentin Tarantino) take an ex-preacher (Harvey Keitel) and his kids hostage. On a race to the Mexican border, they rendezvous at a cantina, not knowing the owners and clientele are bloodthirsty vampires. That's when director Robert Rodriguez (Desperado) abruptly switches from hostage drama to tongue-in-cheek, vampiric melee, creating a blood-stained ode to 1960s Mexican horror movies.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Dir. Tim Burton

Lucky Charlie Bucket's one of five golden-ticket holders treated to a tour of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory in Tim Burton's reimagining. Along with the other four (rather naughty) contest winners, good-hearted Charlie (Freddie Highmore) visits the factory and encounters Oompa Loompas, eats wonderful candy creations and meets the fascinating Wonka (Johnny Depp) himself. From the time he enters the factory, Charlie's life changes forever.

Inside Deep Throat (2005)

Dir. Fenton Bailey & Randy Barbato

This fascinating documentary by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato examines the goings-on behind the porn film that grew to become an icon: Deep Throat. Released in 1972, the film made more money than its producers anticipated and ignited a sexual and social revolution. Features interviews with the movie's stars, Linda Lovelace and Harry Reams, plus commentary by director John Waters and writers Norman Mailer and Gore Vidal.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Dir. Jim Sharman

Come to the lab, and see what's on the slab! This notorious horror parody -- a fast-paced potpourri of camp, sci-fi and rock 'n' roll, among other things -- tracks the exploits of naïve couple Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) after they stumble across the lair of transvestite vampire Dr. Frank-N-Furter (a brilliant Tim Curry). The film bombed in its initial release but later gained a cult following at midnight showings.

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Dir. Terry George

Amid the holocaust of internecine tribal fighting in Rwanda that sees the savage butchering of hundreds of thousands of men, women and children, one ordinary man (Oscar nominee Don Cheadle) musters the courage to save more than 1,000 helpless refugees by sheltering them in the hotel he manages. Sophie Okonedo, Nick Nolte and Joaquin Phoenix co-star in this powerful film (sort of an African version of Schindler's List) directed by Terry George.

Love Object (2003)

Dir. Robert Parigi

This horror movie follows introverted technical writer Kenneth (Desmond Harrington), who can't bring himself to reveal his feelings for co-worker Lisa (Melissa Sagemiller). Attempting to get over his fear, he purchases a realistic doll named Nikki that looks like Lisa and eventually works up the nerve to talk to his dream girl. Unfortunately, the doll soon becomes jealous of Kenneth's affection for Lisa and reveals her violent tendencies.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)

Dir. Larry Charles

Fans of the HBO comedy series "Da Ali G Show" will be delighted to join one of their favorite characters -- the Kazakhstani reporter Borat (Sacha Baron Cohen, in a Golden Globe-winning role) -- as he travels to America to report on the "greatest country in the world." Camera in tow, the boorish journalist sets off on his cross-country road trip, but his original purpose is soon subsumed by a much greater quest -- finding and marrying actress Pamela Anderson.

300 (2007)

Dir. Zack Snyder

Zack Snyder directs this faithful adaptation of Frank Miller's (Sin City) graphic novel about the storied Battle of Thermopylae, a conflict that pitted the ancient Greeks against the Persians in 480 B.C. The film, which blends live-action shots with virtual backgrounds to capture Miller's original vision, co-stars Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, Vincent Regan, Rodrigo Santoro and Dominic West.

Night of the Comet (1984)

Dir. Thom Eberhardt

Earth has been ripped to shreds after a run-in with a killer comet, and those who have survived are in a fight for their lives in this campy cult classic. Valley Girl Reg (Catherine Mary Stewart) and her sister (Kelli Maroney) discover they're two of the lucky few. But scientists are after them, and now they must run. Why? Because the researchers believe they need the blood of survivors to concoct a drug that can save them all from further ruin

Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Dir. Marc Forster

As a novelist (Emma Thompson) struggles with how to kill off her main character, IRS auditor Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) begins hearing her narration in his head and realizes he must prevent his own death. Crick's world turns upside down, and it's a life-or-death situation as he tries to persuade best-selling author Kay Eiffel to change the ending of her novel. Maggie Gyllenhaal, Dustin Hoffman and Queen Latifah lead the fine supporting cast.

Underworld Beauty (Ankokugai no Bijo) (1958)

Dir. Seijun Suzuki

Miyamoto is a former mobster who's just been sprung from jail and immediately has two orders of business he must take care of. First on his list is finding a priceless stash of diamonds that he hid before being locked up; his second task is to find the man who risked his own life to save the ex-con. Things don't go quite as planned, however, when a ruthless rival mob boss arrives to stir things up.

The Prestige (2006)

Dir. Christopher Nolan

At the dawn of the 20th century, rival magicians Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) are desperate to reveal each other's secrets. Obsessed by the escalating competition, the two illusionists begin to perform increasingly risky tricks -- which soon turn deadly. Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson and David Bowie also star in this taut psychological thriller from director Christopher Nolan.

February Update

February Total = 15

2007 Total = 31

Stats:
Rent - 6
Own - 4
Theater - 3
TV - 2
Other - 0
First Viewing - 9

Volver (2006)

Dir. Pedro Almodóvar

Written and directed by Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar, this humorous fantasy stars Carmen Maura as Abuela Irene, who revisits her hometown in the La Mancha region -- in spectral form -- to resolve problems she couldn't settle during her life. Abuela's spirit gradually becomes a reassuring presence to her daughters (Penélope Cruz, in an Oscar-nominated performance, and Lola Dueñas) and granddaughter (Yohana Cobo).

Charade (1963)

Dir. Stanley Donen

Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn have chemistry to burn in this suave comedy with an evocative Henry Mancini score. Grant may or may not be a flimflam man who aids the recently widowed Hepburn in her mission to recover a fortune hidden by her late husband. But three sinister crooks -- who'll stop at nothing -- also covet the loot.

Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios) (1988)

Dir. Pedro Almodovar

This madcap farce from acclaimed director Pedro Almodovar introduces us to Pepa (Carmen Maura), who's just been dumped by the love of her life, Ivan (Fernando Guillen). What's more, Pepa's girlfriend Candela (Maria Barranco) is involved with a terrorist; Ivan's crazed wife arrives with loaded guns; and Ivan is about to get on a plane that Candela's boyfriend plans to hijack. It's enough to drive any woman to a nervous breakdown ... or beyond!

I'm Not Scared (Io non ho paura) (2003)

Dir. Gabriele Salvatores

Michele (Giuseppe Cristiano), a 10-year-old boy growing up in a southern Italian village, discovers another youngster, Filippo (Mattia Di Pierro), chained up inside a small hole dug in the yard of an abandoned house. Michele soon learns from watching the news that the boy has been kidnapped … and things take an even darker turn when he realizes his own parents may be involved. Aitana Sanchez-Gijon co-stars.

True Romance (1993)

Dir. Tony Scott


In this darkly comic web of crime, murder and mayhem from writer Quentin Tarantino and director Tony Scott, novice prostitute Alabama Whitman and her lover, comic book store clerk Clarence Worley, become a Bonnie and Clyde for the 1990s. When Clarence kills Alabama's pimp, the newlyweds ride off into the sunset -- with $5 million worth of cocaine in a suitcase and the police and the mob on their trail.

Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance (Boksuneun naui geot) (2002)

Dir. Chan-wook Park

Deaf and dumb Ryu (Ha-Kyun Shin) is romantically involved with young revolutionary Young-Mi (Dun-na Bae) and loves his older sister so much that he sells his kidney on the black market to afford her a life-saving transplant. When Ryu find's he's been ripped off, Young-Mi hatches a better plan: She and Ryu will "borrow" the young daughter of the capitalist boss who fired Ryu and raise the necessary funds that way.

Pan's Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno)

Dir. Guillermo del Toro

In this fairy tale for adults, 10-year-old Ofelia stumbles on a decaying labyrinth guarded by Pan, an ancient satyr who claims to know her destiny. With a new home, a new stepfather -- a Fascist officer in the pro-Franco army -- and a new sibling on the way, nothing is familiar to Ofelia in this multiple Oscar-nominated tale set in 1944 Spain from director Guillermo del Toro.

Jaws (1975)

Dir. Steven Spielberg

When an insatiable great white shark terrorizes the townspeople of Amity Island, a police chief, a grizzled shark hunter and an oceanographer seek to destroy it. Director Steven Spielberg created the summer blockbuster boom with this white-knuckle adaptation of the Peter Benchley novel. John Williams's ominous musical score has become legendary.

A Woman Is a Woman (Une femme est une femme) (1961)

Dir. Jean-Luc Godard

Beautiful striptease artist Angela (Anna Karina) is desperate to have a child, but her boyfriend, Emile (Jean-Claude Brialy), isn't as anxious. Although he cares for Angela and wants to keep their relationship going, he's not ready for a child. Instead, he suggests that she get together with his buddy Alfred (Jean-Paul Belmondo) -- a proposal Angela ultimately accepts, to Emile's shock and dismay. Frenchman Jean-Luc Godard directs.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning (2006)

Dir. Jonathan Liebesman

The genesis of the monstrous Leatherface (Andrew Bryniarski) is recounted in this shocking slasher flick. Before going to fight in Vietnam, two brothers (Taylor Handley and Matthew Bomer) out for a last fling with their girlfriends (Diora Baird and Jordana Brewster) end up in a heap o' trouble when their Jeep crashes. Next thing you know, a psycho sheriff (R. Lee Ermey) ushers them to a place where terror awaits in the form of young Leatherface.

Beyond the Darkness (Buio Omega) (1979)

Dir. Joe D'Amato

This may just be the most extreme movie directed by Italian shock master Joe D'Amato. On the heels of his girlfriend's death, Francesco (Kieran Canter) steps off the edge of sanity completely. Unable to let her go, he keeps her body at home to keep her close. And when that doesn't work to make him feel in control, he starts hunting down women and carving them up, becoming a beast who's lost his tether to humanity.

The Sea Inside (Mar Adentro) (2004)

Dir. Alejandro Amenábar

Based on a true story, this moving film centers on a Spaniard, Ramon Sampedro (Javier Bardem), who's condemned to life as a quadriplegic. Determined to die with dignity, Sampedro leads a 30-year campaign to win the right to end his life. An extraordinary man, Sampedro inspires his lawyer, Julia (Belen Rueda), and a local woman (Lola Duenas) to reach for the stars, and through his inspiration, the women achieve far beyond their wildest dreams.

The Saint (1997)

Dir. Phillip Noyce


Master thief Simon Templar (Val Kilmer) eludes his pursuers by assuming the names of obscure saints. When a Russian politician (Rade Serbedzija) hires Templar to steal the formula for cold fusion, he falls in love with Emma Russell (Elisabeth Shue), the frail Oxford scientist who has unlocked the process' secret. Back in Moscow, Templar must decide whether to betray his new love or the madman who's paying him millions.

Groundhog Day (1993)

Dir. Harold Ramis


In this offbeat comedy from director Harold Ramis, self-centered TV weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray) is sent to Punxsutawney, Pa., to cover the groundhog's annual appearance. Loathing the event, Connors unleashes his bitterness on his producer (Andie MacDowell) and cameraman (Chris Elliott). The next day, however, Connors finds he's doomed to repeat Groundhog Day -- again and again -- until he learns that his actions can affect the outcome.

PCU (1994)

Dir. Hart Bochner

This satirical comedy -- Hart Bochner's directorial debut, starring Jeremy Piven, Chris Young and Jon Favreau -- follows the hijinks of a band of renegade college students out to unveil the idiocy behind blind political correctness at Port Chester University. The students live at the Pit, a dormitory for those who want a reprieve from the rabid PC environment. When their detractors decide to take them down, they fight to the hilarious end.

January Totals

January Total = 16

Stats:

Rent - 13
Own - 0
Theater - 2
TV - 1
Other - 0
First Viewing - 16

For Your Consideration (2006)

Dir. Christopher Guest

A director (Christopher Guest) who's never had a hit pins his hopes on the independent drama Home for Purim, a film set in the 1940s South that's swiftly earning buzz for its performances. Guest's reliable troupe of improv actors -- a cast that includes Catherine O'Hara, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, Harry Shearer, Michael McKean and Eugene Levy -- grows even funnier with the addition of Ricky Gervais, who plays a Hollywood studio "suit."

Plan 9 From Outer Space (1959)

Dir. Edward D. Wood, Jr.

After the embarrassing failure of the first eight plans, a group of evil aliens enacts plan nine -- resurrecting the dead to take over the Earth. Bela Lugosi makes his final film appearance -- along with Vampira, Tor Johnson, Criswell and a chiropractor acquaintance of director Ed Wood -- in one of the most popular cult classics of the 20th century, a two-time winner of the Golden Turkey Award for Worst Film and Worst Director of all time.

Thank You For Smoking (2005)

Dir. Jason Reitman


Big Tobacco spin doctor Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) is on a mission to make the country forget the dangers of his product. Rallying for the cause, he works to promote smoking in the movies and hush former employees who bad-mouth cigarettes, all the while trying to remain a role model for his young son. Maria Bello, Katie Holmes, Robert Duvall and William H. Macy co-star in Jason Reitman's razor-sharp satire, which won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay.

John Tucker Must Die (2006)

Dir. Betty Thomas

When three popular girls (Sophia Bush, Brittany Snow and Ashanti) discover they've all had their hearts broken by the same scoundrel (Jesse Metcalfe), they join forces to get revenge in this teen comedy. Determined to give their ex a taste of his own medicine, Heather, Beth and Kate devise a plan to ruin John Tucker's reputation as a Casanova by enlisting the new girl in town to seduce him and then break his heart. Jenny McCarthy co-stars.

Stick It (2006)

Dir. Jessica Bendinger

When her rebellious attitude gets her in trouble with the law, acerbic 17-year-old Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym), a former gymnast, is sentenced to enroll in an elite gymnastics academy run by notorious coach Burt Vickerman (Jeff Bridges), where she butts heads with a competitive rival (Vanessa Lengies). But with an important international meet on the horizon, can the girls put their differences aside to win?

Hard Candy (2005)

Dir. David Slade

In this suspenseful drama from director David Slade, Hayley (Ellen Page) is an intelligent teen who's been spending time with Geoff (Patrick Wilson), a much older man she met online. Even though Geoff is a charming, good-looking photographer, Hayley should know better than to go home with a guy in his early thirties, especially since he may have ulterior motives. Of course, Hayley may have underlying motives of her own. …

Baise-moi (2000)

Dir. Virginie Despentes & Coralie

Manu, a hardened young waif is violently raped by a group of savage young thugs. Nadine, a tough-skinned prostitute, sells her body but refuses to give up her soul to the world's oldest profession. Angry at the world, they embark on a twisted rage-filled road trip.

Curse of the Golden Flower (Man cheng jin dai huang jin jia) (2006)

Dir. Zhang Yimou

This lavish film from landmark director Yimou Zhang follows the romantic intrigue and political machinations in the house of the Emperor Ping (Chow Yun Fat) and his ailing wife (Li Gong). Even their children are swept into their secret passions and schemes to power, but will their reign end in a bloody coup? Sumptuous costumes and dazzling martial arts form the backdrop for this complex tale of loyalty and deception, love and betrayal.

The Black Dahlia (2006)

Dir. Brian DePalma

In this thriller based on James Ellroy's novel, Los Angeles cops Bucky Bleichert (Josh Hartnett) and Lee Blanchard (Aaron Eckhart) uncover corruption and conspiracy within the force while searching for the killer of Tinseltown hopeful Elizabeth Short (Mia Kirshner). The film follows Bleichert and Blanchard as they venture into Hollywood's darker side to piece together Short's secret life in an effort to crack the 1947 high-profile case.

Cat People (1942)

Dir. Jacques Tourneur

Irena Dubrovna, a beautiful and mysterious Serbian-born fashion artist living in New York City, falls in love with and marries average-Joe American Oliver Reed. Their marriage suffers though, as Irena believes that she suffers from an ancient curse- whenever emotionally aroused, she will turn into a panther and kill. Oliver thinks that is absurd and childish, so he sends her to psychiatrist Dr. Judd to cure her. Easier said than done...

The Seventh Seal (Det Sjunde inseglet) (1957)

Dir. Ingmar Bergman

Exhausted and disillusioned, a medieval knight (Max von Sydow) makes the journey home after years of combat in the Crusades. When the black-robed figure of Death confronts him, the knight challenges him to a game of chess. A powerful meditation on the existence of God and the meaning of life, this drama is considered one of Ingmar Bergman's best and took the Cannes Film Festival Prize in 1957.

Snakes on a Plane (2006)

Dir. David R. Ellis

FBI agents Neville Flynn (Samuel L. Jackson) and Sean Jones (Nathan Phillips) are tasked with escorting a witness, ex-mobster John Saunders (Mark Houghton), to a high-profile trial and to keep him safe from those who would do him harm. As the film's title suggests, however, an onboard assassin determined to rid the G-men of their precious cargo unleashes a crate full of venomous snakes in this taut airborne thriller.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Dir. Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris

Convinced little Olive (Abigail Breslin) is beauty queen material, parents Richard (Greg Kinnear) and Sheryl (Toni Collette) and the rest of the family embark on a life-altering road trip to a pageant in this madcap comedy. Struggling motivational speaker Richard pushes Olive to win, while her silent brother (Paul Dano), depressed uncle (Steve Carell) and nursing-home reject grandpa (Alan Arkin, in an Oscar-winning role) add their own quirks to the mix.

A Dirty Shame (2004)

Dir. John Waters

Acclaimed filmmaker John Waters returns to his favorite city, Baltimore, for this side-splitting film starring Tracey Ullman as Sylvia Stickles, a convenience-store worker who becomes a raging sexaholic after a minor accident. But her newfound lust is more a hassle than a gift, igniting class warfare on her street, Harford Road. Co-stars Johnny Knoxville, Chris Isaak and Selma Blair. Waters's muse, Patty Hearst, makes her usual cameo.

The Brown Bunny (2003)

Dir. Vincent Gallo

Director Vincent Gallo's controversial movie The Brown Bunny garnered much press at both the Toronto International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival for its racy segments. Gallo also stars as Bud Clay, a competitive road biker riding from New Hampshire to California for yet another race. But the journey is also an attempt to erase his memory of Daisy (Chloe Sevigny), the one true love he can't forget even as he beds other women.

Beyond the Sea (2005)

Dir. Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey directs and stars in this film biography of singer Bobby Darin, a hipster in the Frank Sinatra mold and singer of pop hits such as "Splish Splash" and the titular tune. Darin eventually moved on to performing jazz standards that culminated in his signature gigantic hit, "Mack the Knife." Kate Bosworth plays Darin's wife, the movie star Sandra Dee. John Goodman, Bob Hoskins and Brenda Blethyn co-star.