[1] Dying Breed (2008), starring Mirrah Foulkes, Leigh Whannell
Dying Breed is a great edgy genre piece that is one of the first to appear in the new wave of horror cannibal films, so its ahead of the game world wide, also. I would have to rate it right up there with Rogue from last year and Acolytes, Horseman and Rats and Cats.
[2] American Beauty (1999), starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening
Probably the best film of 1999. This dark comedy drama marks two fantastic feature film debuts with Alan Ball as writer and Sam Mendes as director (both winning oscars for their sterling efforts).
[3] The Dark Knight (2008), starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger
There are now six Batman films and I must say that The Dark Knight is the best out of all of them...
[4] Blindness (2008), starring Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo
This one is for 'hardcore' movie fans - don't watch it if you're depressed or sad. And it offers the viewers very little in the way of comfort. However, it's so well-executed and disturbing, that you can't help but agree that their goal was reached.
[5] Choke (2008), starring Sam Rockwell, Brad William Henke
The pacing of the film as well as the narrative was very much "Palahniuk" and this is a pace and narrative that is one of a kind and most interesting to view; which is aside from the usually predictable flow of the other films of today.
[6] Cloverfield (2008), starring Lizzy Caplan, Jessica Lucas
The movie does not have a major actor stealing the screen. Everyone is treaded just about equal. As the viewer you feel you are with the group as you are seeing the movie from the first person view. You feel connected to the characters as you understand that because of their loss, they have to set something right and not escape from the city. The movie draws you in and you feel like you are a part of the action.
[7] Crank (2006), Jason Statham, Amy Smart
Fast. Hyper. Action-packed. Drug-induced. Insane. Crank is all these things, and extremely entertaining too. No doubt a movie made just for the guys, it's filled with guns, car chases, sex, random humor, nudity, Amy Smart, Pedro from Napolean Dynamite, sex, nudity, etc.
[8] Gosford Park (2001), starring Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon
Despite its intricacies and confusing moments, there is so much more to Gosford Park that makes it interesting and enchanting. While it is clearly a sophisticated piece of film work with impeccable acting, directing and design, don't stress about not keeping up with it all the time. Sit back and take it in, and you'll feel satisfied in the end.
[9] Dead Silence (2007), starring Ryan Kwanten, Amber Valletta
This movie is a throwback to the golden age of horror films. This is a Williams Castle sort of movie... a Vincent Price sort of movie. The filmmakers realized that all a horror movie actually has to do is be scary... and that is exactly what this movie is.
[10] Intervention (2007), starring Rupert Graves, Andie MacDowell, Jennifer Tilly
Most of the positive credit for this film goes to the actors who improvised the whole thing, and the cinematographer who took advantage of the beautiful winter desert backdrop. Sometimes, however, it seems that director Mary McGuckian goes a bit over the top to prove the film's "indie-ness"...note the last five minutes of camera spin-shots around the principal characters.
[11] Jeepers Creepers (2001), starring Gina Philips, Justin Long
If you want something scary and creepy, this movie is the thing you are looking for. People who don't like blood, dead bodies, heads being chopped off... better choose something else to watch. I liked it and I would have given it a very high score if it hadn't annoyed me a little too often. Now I give it a 6/10, which is still not bad.
[12] The Silence of the Lambs (1991), starring Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins
'The Silence of The Lambs' is one of the most finely crafted films of its genre. It's definitely stood the test of time and it's one that doesn't get dull with repeated viewing. It's a classic.
[13] Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006), starring Ben Whishaw, Dustin Hoffman
In this colourful and gripping film, you can literally "smell" the pictures. Sometimes they are captivating, sometimes awful, but they are always fascinating. A great, great movie about sensuality, desire, greed... and the quest for love. Wonderful cast (even Hoffman is excellent!), wonderful music (and the score is not "too" present, which is a good thing), wonderful direction.
[14] Pulp Fiction (1994), starring John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Roth, Bruce Willis, Uma Thurman
"Pulp Fiction" is one of those roller-coasters of a movie. It is both a joy and a trial to sit through. Amazingly original and unforgettable, Quentin Tarantino's trash masterpiece never gets old or seem outdated...
[15] Religulous (2008), starring Bill Maher, Steve Burg
Is it worth seeing? Hell yes! Will people be offended? Most definitely. Will there be protesters? There should be, this is far more blasphemous than "Dogma", "Passion of the Christ", or "The DeVinci Code".
[16] The Birds (1963), starring Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy
It's scarier when there are no birds on screen. The tension, the silence, the uncertainty, the mystery. That's what suspense is about.
[17] The Good German (2006), starring George Clooney, Cate Blanchett
In true noir-ish fashion, much of the intrigue with The Good German is about to whom, and why, the title applies. For a film that has so much devotion to being a 40s recreation or homage, and in spite of another mesmerising performance from the very talented Cate Blanchett, it is also a mystery as to why it is not more of a runaway success.
[18] Vacancy (2007), starring Kate Beckinsale, Luke Wilson
"Vacancy" sneaks into your brain from the get-go by skillfully exploiting several elements: the urban myth about the couple that watches some porn in a fleabag motel and suddenly realizes they are the porn stars, the paranoia of characters who think they're being watched (and they're right, since we are watching them) and our awareness of previous movies with similar mayhem.
[19] The Eye (2008), starring Jessica Alba, Alessandro Nivola
The consensus appears to be that this film is just boring. Boring isn't a strong enough word to describe it though. It's tedious, dragged out, and makes you want to stab yourself with a fork to stay awake for the 97 minutes running time just in case anything happens at all.
[20] Alone In The Dark (2005), starring Christian Slater, Tara Reid
Hmm, the poster is the only good thing from this movie.
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