Most Entertaining Movies to Rent

I consider myself to be quite the movie buff, and I usually watch everything with any hype within a week or two of it coming out on DVD, if I missed it in the theatre. Anyhow, for those of you looking for some clutch DVDs to rent I have eight must see movies that definitely topped my list in the last year or so. These are not necessarily the BEST films of the last year, but certainly some of the “coolest” most entertaining flicks.

Lucky Number Slevin – The best word to describe this movie and its’ protagonist Josh Harnett (Slevin) is slick. Accused by some critics of trying too hard to be clever, I though it was just that, clever. The sharp dialogue particularly between Hartnett and female lead Lucy Liu is both witty and quotable. Caught up in a deadly feud between hitmen Morgan Freemand and Ben Kingsley, this movie has plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers intrigued throughout. Bruce Willis (Mr. Goodcat) also delivers in one of the best con flicks since Matchstick Men.

V for Vendetta – Quite possibly one of my favorite movies of the year, and the best part about it is that I don’t know why. Like others have stated, I couldn’t take my eyes off this movie. From the opening sequence when I was first introduced to “V” (Hugo Weaving), I was enthralled by the plot. Natalie Portman (Evey) also stars in a perfectly paced politically allegory set in a futuristic London. The movie is intelligent without being too over the top and I loved some of the visualizations the movie provides.

The Departed – I didn’t reach very far for this one did I? Scorsese ended the Oscar drought with this one and there’s no argument from me. With a stellar cast and an intoxicating blend of blood, drama, twists and turns this film is right up there with my favorite for the year. Unfolding like a great Shakespearean tragedy, DiCaprio and Wahlberg are phenomenal. It ran a little long, but definitely an enjoyable ride.

Talladega Nights – My Dad would tell you it was stupid and he didn’t like it if you asked him, but he laughed throughout the entire movie. With any other lead other than Ferrell maybe this movie isn’t the funniest movie of the year, but like some of his predecessors I can watch it over and over and the jokes don’t get played out. The supporting cast delivers with both the kids in the movie, and co-star John Reilly. I wasn’t a huge Sacha Baron Cohen fan in this movie though. The dinner table scene is the funniest thing I ever recall seeing in a movie.

Inside Man – Spike Lee really brings this highly plot driven flick together and like all solid movies, the acting stands out, especially Clive Owen (bank robber), though Denzel Washington (negotiator) wasn’t bad either. Like most of his movies Lee touches on race, class, etc., but it doesn’t take away from this heist thriller. Very witty, Jodie Foster, also excels in a co-starring role as a high powered fixer. Another very clever film!

The Illusionist – I’m a huge Edward Norton fan so it didn’t take any convincing for me to watch this movie. The movie is really an enchanting tale at heart that explores the boundaries of love and mystery as it tries to decipher the difference between power, corruption, magic and more. Jessica Biel wasn’t even that bad. The film wasn’t baffling, but at the same time it wasn’t all that predictable. I really enjoyed it.

Borat – Honestly, it wasn’t as funny as I anticipated, but it was a better movie than I anticipated. It was very smart and Sacha Baron Cohen’s ability to get everything in one take deserves the utmost respect from viewers. Cohen targets America’s ignorance in his beautifully constructed satire featuring racism, homophobic comments, and plenty of Anti- Jewish Semantics to go around. Disguised as a Kazakh journalist Cohen orchestrates and manipulates the American people.

And FINALLY (these have been in no particular order)

My favorite movie I’ve watched relatively recently is…..

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang – I don’t even know what possessed me to watch this movie. It’s from ’05, but I hadn’t heard anything about it. Robert Downey Jr. is hilarious as is Val Kilmer and the whole movie is an absolute uproar. Certainly a quirky, weird, dark satire of sorts I was intrigued by the plot, and laughed throughout and it’s not very often a movie can do both. Downey Jr’s narration is hysterical. This movie is seemingly as pop culture as it gets and completely inventive. Val Kilmer (Gay Perry) makes the movie even more worth it. I convinced some of my friends to watch this film and now we all quote it, like you would a Will Ferrell comedy. You’ll especially like the part where he tells the guy he’ll beat his ass and the following sequence.

Other movies I have heard are good but haven’t had the chance to see just yet are:

Casino Royal, Half Nelson, The Prestige, Stranger than Fiction

And finally, yes I watched Little Miss Sunshine, no I didn’t like it, and sure you can try to crucify me for it. I got the message, and the intention. Sure it was a little bit endearing, but all the different quirks were just too much, and I thought the pacing was terribly slow. Steve Carell wasn’t really utilized too his full potential. Maybe it was just over-hyped for me, but I didn’t enjoy the film.