Non sono arabiato
So I was going to write a post about how much I hate Valentine's Day and all of the bad experiences I've had with this holiday over the years. Then I decided that'd be just too bitter. SO, in a bit of irony I thought I'd write about another key event in American crime history, the St. Valentine's Day Massacre of 1929 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Valentine%27s_Day_Massacre). Then I realized how that two would have just been bitter because, well, I'm celebrating the murder of gangsters on this "special" day.
I decided instead to list the movies that get me through these times of Hallmarkian monotony and basically just share with you what makes feel a little better about being alone. Again, not trying to obsess about the downer of this day or whatever, but I don't think people pay too much attention to those DVDs on the lower racks and sometimes, SOMETIMES, they're quite the aid in the dark times. I don't watch ALL of these movies every year, but I do enjoy one or two of them during the course of dark day.
Poolhall Junkies: Simply put, it's about pool sharks. Mars Callahan plays a hustler eager to get out of the game but lured back in to help out his screw-up brother. Callahan wrote and directed the picture which costars Chazz Palmenterri and Christopher Walken. The best part? Every actor in the movie does their own pool shots. While that may sound "who cares?" now, when you watch the movie, it's pretty amazing.
The Station Agent: Peter Dinkelege plays Fin, a dwarf who inherits a train depot in Newfoundland, NJ when his best friend dies. There, he meets Patricia Clarkson's Olivia, a mother who's lost her child and Bobby Carnavale's Joe who just can't stop being friendly. The three form a unique and very real friendship that we can all relate to.
Around the Bend: Josh Lucas, Christopher Walken, and Jonah Bobo play three generations of Lair men who must embark on a roadtrip after the death of Michael Caine, the patriarch of the family. The trio learn a thing or two about what it means to be a family and that you can't choose who your father is. 
The Baxter: Have you ever wondered what happens to the guy who gets left in those romantic comedies for the main protagonist? Meg Ryan's fiance that she dumps in favor of Tom Hanks and so on? Well, this movie is about that guy: The Baxter. Michael Showalter plays Elliot Wendall Sherman, an accountant who likes the finer things like good wine and opera and is about to be dumped by his fiance in favor of her old high school boyfriend. How does Elliot know this? Because it's the story of his life as a Baxter. The humor is very subtle and may not be for everybody, but it's a great movie.
Layer Cake: Best action movie of last year. The Brits sure can make a great crime movie and they always wind up showing us how it should be done. Daniel Craig plays a drug dealer who's almost out of the game as long as he can survive this last deal. The directorial debut of producer Matthew Vaughn is simply stunning.
Changing Lanes: Yes, it has Ben "Ass-fleck," but it also has Sam "the Man" Jackson to balance it out. The story revolves around a chance encounter during a very important day for two strangers (Affleck and Jackson) that happens to send both of their lives out of control. A very good morality play with an amazing supporting cast.
Spartan: Proof that sometimes we Americans can also make damn fine action movies. Val Kilmer plays a special OPs agent who gets tangled up in a kidnapping of a high-placed government official. As he tries to get all of the facts he stumbles onto a conspiracy that threatens himself and anyone involved. Taut-action and David Mamet dialogue (that is sometimes a bit to get used to) make this a great movie.
Hustle and Flow: If Rocky Balboa was a pimp instead of a thug and aspired to be a rapper instead of boxer. That's essentially what this movie is about. Terrence Howard turns in an amazing performance as DJay, the aforementioned pimp with big dreams. The movie follows DJay and his friends as they cut his demo and dream of making it big. One of the best movies of last year.
Girl Next Door: Romantic teen sex comedies are a hard nut to crack. Remakes of classic romantic teen sex comedies are even harder, but this update of Risky Business that uses porn stars instead of hookers is not only fun, but has a lot of heart and ultimately that's what makes it work.
Sky High: Teenagers with superpowers who go to a special high school that teaches them how to be superheroes. Are there any questions why this movie cheers me up?
Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead: Long title, amazing cast, great movie. A crew of criminals who all need to just get out of the game are brought back together for one more job... that they screw up so immensely they're all marked for death. Jimmy the Saint, Franchise, Pieces, Easy Way, Critical Bill, The Man with the Plan, Mr. Shush... I totally dig this movie.
posted by AmeroKafka @ 9:41 PM
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