Elge's Movie Recommendations

Noroi (The Curse) (2005)
Rated R for some disturbing content.


"Everybody died."

The Plot
Paranormal investigator and television personality Masafumi Kobayashi is filming a documentary on seemingly unrelated incidents in and around the Tokyo area when strange coincidences begin to link back to an ancient ritual performed by a lost occultist civilization of Japan. With the aid of Maria Takagi, an actress with a reported "sixth sense," and Mitsuo Hori, a local paranoid psychic, Kobayashi goes on the hunt for the origin of this ritual.

Starring
Jin Muraki
Rio Kanno
Tomono Kuga
Maria Takagi
Satoru Jitsunashi

Why You Should See This Movie
Noroi is very much in the same vein of horror films like The Blair Witch Project and Cannibal Holocaust in that it's filmed in the style of a documentary with the moniker that it is "real." We of course know it's not, but the level of authenticity that goes into these films to give us that sense of realism is amazing - and Noroi is no exception. Similarly, this is also where it begins to separate itself from many of the most famed j-Horror movies such as Ju-on (The Grudge) and Ringu (The Ring). Noroi approaches two hours in length, which is long by any film standard, and relies on atmospheric tension and suspense built up by character interactions rather than the tired use of "scare tactics," which consists of surprising or sudden moments on screen, a cliché that is frustratingly overused.

Ils (Them) (2006)
Rated R for some violence and terror.


"You'll never feel safe in your home again."

The Plot
A series of strange and provocative events torment Clementine and her husband, Lucas, in the middle of the night. What starts out as a seemingly-random prank turns into hours of terror as the couple fights to survive in their own home.

Starring
Olivia Bonamy
Michael Cohen

Why You Should See This Movie
Before there was The Strangers in America, Europe had Ils. While both are based on the same conceptual events, what distinguishes the two is that in the end, The Strangers is nothing more than a glorified slasher film masquerading as a thriller. Ils, on the other hand, shows a minimal amount of actual violence, but rather relies on the tense atmosphere of the nighttime and the fear being portrayed by both actors to create a truly gripping movie.

Fun Fact: The house used in the film was an actual sprawling old estate in Bucharest, Romania. The house was so large that the production was unable to furnish all the rooms for shooting, but it was also large enough that the entire production worked out of the location.

Falling Down (1993)
Rated R for violence and strong language


"The adventures of an ordinary man at war with the everyday world."

The Plot
At his whit's end, and frustrated with the state of the world around him, William Foster goes on a morally-righteous rampage through the streets and suburbs of Los Angeles. Fueled only by his desire to go home and visit his daughter on her birthday, his ex-wife becomes fearful when Foster starts calling, demanding that she let him return.

Starring
Michael Douglas
Robert Duvall
Barbara Hershey
Rachel Ticotin
Frederic Forrest
Tuesday Weld

Why You Should See This Movie
I began this entire recommendation thread with one of my favorite Michael Douglas films, The Game. Here I am now almost a month later with another Douglas classic about an ordinary man standing up in the face of adversity and societal oppression. Foster will tear down a convenience store because the items are overpriced, fight back against a local gang because they would not allow him on their turf, and simply stand up for what he believes is his right to be an American. And what better way to celebrate yesterday's Fourth of July then to watch a man defending his honor and dignity?

Fun Fact: Foster never uses the same weapon twice (aside from the baseball bat).

Fargo (1996)
Rated R for strong violence, language and sexuality.


"A lot can happen in the middle of no where."

The Plot
Jerry Lundegaard, a car salesman in financial turmoil, concocts a scheme to have his wife kidnapped so that he can collect a ransom from her millionaire father. The plan quickly falls apart thanks to the persistent police work of pregnant officer Marge Gunderson and the foolishness of Jerry's henchmen.

Starring
Frances McDormand
William H. Macy
Steve Buscemi
Peter Stormare
Harve Presnell

Why You Should See This Movie
A classic film in the repertoire of the brilliant Coen Brothers, Fargo is a fascinating look at a homespun murder mystery. There is a unique and very distinct sensation about this movie and its characters; from the way they speak, to the way they operate, right down to the very atmosphere. In an almost self-referential way, the film pokes fun at murder mysteries while in its own right providing a remarkable movie experience.

Fun Fact: In the kidnappers' cabin, Bruce Campbell can be seen on the fuzzy TV screen. Bruce Campbell was in the Coen Brothers' The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) and has been in various films by Coen buddy Sam Raimi. The footage was not shot for this film, but was actually old footage of a regional soap opera in which Campbell appeared.

Gattaca (1997)
Rated PG-13 for brief violent images, language, and some sexuality.


"There is no gene for the human spirit."

The Plot
In a futuristic society where one's destiny is planned out from birth by DNA evaluation, a man's dream of traveling into space is hindered by his pre-determined inadequacies. In a grand scheme to fool even the most elite organization, Vincent Freeman plots to impersonate every fabric of the genetically superior Jerome Morrow. But when a murder is committed at Gattaca Aerospace Corporation, his plans for space travel may soon be foiled by the persistent investigation of the police.

Starring
Ethan Hawke
Uma Thurman
Jude Law
Gore Vidal
Xander Berkeley

Why You Should See This Movie
Gattaca is a fascinating look at what could quite possibly become our near future; a society - a world - where DNA prevails over nurture, over adaptation. Where one's entire life is known from day 1. Jude Law puts forth what is arguably his best performance to date as the real Jerome Morrow, while Ethan Hawke plays destined-for-failure Vincent Freeman in a captivating and often sympathetic film.

Fun Fact: When Gattaca was first released, as part of a marketing campaign there were adverts for people to call up and have their children genetically engineered. Thousands of people called, wanting to have their offspring genetically engineered

Jacob's Ladder (1990)
Rated R: See list for full content guide


"The most frightening thing about Jacob Singer's nightmare is that he isn't dreaming. "

The Plot
New York Postal worker and Vietnam war veteran Jacob Singer finds himself under the constant torment of strange, demonic hallucinations on the job, at home, and everywhere else. When he begins to question his sanity, fellow war veterans affirm that they, too, can see the demons. Now Jacob must find the reason for their appearance, before he loses more than just his mind.

Starring
Tim Robbins
Elizabeth Peña
Danny Aiello
Jason Alexander
Ving Rhames

Why You Should See This Movie
Considered one of the biggest influences on the Silent Hill video game franchise, Jacob's Ladder is a tour de force of psychological torment and anxiety. Tim Robbins puts forth a remarkable performance as the agonized and fragile Jacob in this thriller about a man with a troubled past, and an even more troubled present.

Fun Fact: All SFX were filmed live, with no post-production. For example, to achieve the famous 'shaking head' effect, director Adrian Lyne simply filmed the actor waving his head around (and keeping his shoulders and the rest of his body completely still) at 4fps, resulting in an incredibly fast and deeply disturbing motion when played back at the normal frame-rate of 24fps.

28 Days Later (2002)
Rated R for strong violence and gore, language and nudity.


"The days are numbered."

The Plot
After waking up from a coma suffered during a car accident one month ago, Jim finds himself strangely abandoned and alone as the streets of England are in ruins. As he investigates the situation, he quickly realizes his darkest fears - he isn't alone. Now Jim must work together with a group of survivors as they make their way across the country looking for the last beacon of military protection.

Starring
Cillian Murphy
Naomie Harris
Noah Huntley
Christopher Eccleston
Brendan Gleeson

Why You Should See This Movie
A modern horror classic with a contemporary twist on the zombie genre, Danny Boyle serves up a full-course meal when it comes to tension and anxiety. 28 Days Later boasts an incredibly powerful and memorable soundtrack, dark and gritty visuals, and a chilling atmosphere that perfectly simulate the necropolis that is England.

Fun Fact: The 'design' for the symptoms of Rage was based on Ebola, which is communicable in all primates (including humans), and is transmitted through the blood. Ebola is a hemorrhagic fever which leads to a rash, red eyes and both internal and external bleeding. Indeed, in 28 Days Later: The Aftermath (a graphic novel set between 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later (2007), it is explained that the Ebola virus was being used by the scientists as a carrier for the inhibitor which mutated into Rage.

Blue Velvet (1986)
Rated R: See list for full content guide.


"It's a strange world."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbb5-WZ1VSw

The Plot
Returning home to visit his ailing father in the hospital, Jeffrey Beaumont finds a severed ear one day in the middle of a field. Unsatisfied with the way the police handles this possible crime, Jeffrey and Sandy, the daughter of local police detective Williams, begin their own investigation. What they soon discover is a seedy underworld of sex, violence, and drugs that operates around this once-thought peaceful and quiet town.

Starring
Kyle MacLachlan
Isabella Rossellini
Dennis Hopper
Laura Dern
Dean Stockwell

Why You Should See This Movie
Any fan of David Lynch can attest to the man's absurd, surrealist approach to cinematography. His more recent films like Inland Empire and Mulholland Drive are some of the most symbolic, yet confusing works in his filmography. Blue Velvet, on the other hand, is one of his more simpler films, but its simplicity does not in any way hinder its powerful presentation. Featuring one of Dennis Hooper's most violent, memorable roles as the seedy crime lord, and a film-favorite of Lynch in Kyle MacLachlan, this movie is a one-of-a-kind experience filled with sensuality, beauty, fear, and pain.

Fun Fact: Several of the actors who were considered for the role of Frank found the character too repulsive and intense. Dennis Hopper, by contrast, is reported to have exclaimed, "I've got to play Frank. Because I am Frank!"

Pitch Black (2000)
Rated R for sci-fi violence and gore, and for language.


"The darkness, for me, is where I shine."
(Quote taken from the "Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena" video game)

The Plotl
A spaceship transporting citizens maroons on a barren, sun-scorched planet, leaving the crew and its passengers in a struggle to survive the harsh temperate and the approaching darkness. Their only hope for survival lies with the most dangerous man on board, Richard B. Riddick, a criminal being shipped to the nearest high-security compound, whose uncanny ability to see things in the dark as clear as day makes him the most valuable man on the planet.

Starring
Vin Diesel
Radha Mitchell
Claudia Lee Black
Cole Hauser
Keith David
Lewis Fitz-Gerald

Why You Should See This Movie
Vin Diesel gets a lot of criticism, and very often it's rightfully justified. But for those who are aware of his career outside of the Fast and the Furious franchise realize that there is potential that is waiting to be tapped (if you don't believe me that Vin Diesel can be a respectable actor, watch this short film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YszYwOyAfw). From the movie that spawned another franchise of its own comes Riddick, arguably one of the most recognizable antiheroes of recent years. Pitch Black features some amazing light-and-dark visuals, and Riddick's often cynical and suggestive wit makes for some very amusing moments. The movie has been the epicenter of the franchise, with two sequels - Dark Fury (animated) and The Chronicles of Riddick - and two prequels - Escape From Butcher Bay and Assault on Dark Athena (both video games).

Fun Fact: The contacts that Vin Diesel wore to play Riddick were a prototype. After the first day of filming, when they tried to remove the contact lenses, they couldn't. Due to where they were filming, they had to have an optometrist flown in from the nearest town, three hours away. Diesel called the contacts hubcaps.

American History X (1998)
Rated R: See list for content guide.


"His father taught him to hate. His friends taught him rage. His enemies gave him hope."

The Plot
One man's path to redemption must first come from his brother's salvation. As Derek Vineyard is released from prison for the murder of two black men, he finds his younger brother, Danny, falling into the same hole of hatred and racism that landed him behind bars. Enlightened during his time in jail, Derek must now convince Danny that there is good and bad in every race.

Starring
Edward Norton
Edward Furlong
Beverly D'Angelo
Avery Brooks
Stacy Keach
Jennifer Lien
Fairuza Balk
Elliott Gould
Ethan Suplee
Guy Torry
William Russ

Why You Should See This Movie
Edward Norton gives one of his finest performances here, which is an achievement in its own right given the man's incredible filmography. American History X is one of those films that every person should so no matter who you are. It's a powerfully gripping tale about the way a country once was, and some people still are. But more than that, it's about the strength of the human spirit to overcome something as sinister and vile as racism.

Fun Fact: The diner that Danny and Derek get breakfast before Danny goes to school in the morning is the same diner that is used in The Big Lebowski (1998), during the infamous "toe" scene.

Memento (2000)
Rated R for violence, language and some drug content.


"Some memories are best forgotten."

The Plot
A man tries to solve the mystery of his wife's murder by recollecting the memories of his past and the testimonies of those he trusts. There's only one problem - he has no short term memory. His entire body now serves as his pamphlet of truth as he tattoos the facts of the crime to himself and scribbles down clues on the spaces of Polaroid photos.

Starring
Guy Pearce
Carrie-Anne Moss
Joe Pantoliano

Why You Should See This Movie
Memento is one of the most interesting thrillers because it relies on a very unconventional method of story-telling. The entire film is played in reverse-scenes; the opening is the furthest event down the chronological timeline, and the final scene is the first event. This serves to emphasize Leonard's own plight as he desperately tries to solver the murder while unable to remember events as early as 5 minutes ago, but it also adds a greater degree of ambiguity to the mystery, and in the end, you will be left trying to distinguish fact from fiction.

Fun Fact: The medical condition experienced by Leonard in this film is a real condition called Anterograde Amnesia - the inability to form new memories after damage to the hippocampus. During the 1950s, doctors treated some forms of epilepsy by removing parts of the temporal lobe, resulting in the same memory problems.

The Truman Show (1998)
Rated PG for thematic elements and mild language.


"All the world's a stage..."

The Plot
Welcome to The Truman Show, a live television broadcast operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for 30 years - and still going strong. The life of Truman Burbank is an open book for the entire world as his very existence is the center of a daring reality series that seeks to capture the raw, genuine human spirit in a natural atmosphere. There's only one problem - Truman doesn't know he's on television.

Starring
Jim Carrey
Laura Linney
Ed Harris
Noah Emmerich
Natascha McElhone

Why You Should See This Movie
In a rather dramatic turn of events, today's movie is quite the contrary to my usual recommendations. However, The Truman Show is, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorite films. The nuances of Jim Carrey as the unsuspecting Truman are about as extraordinary as if this was real. A man's life is at the center of the entertainment world, and has been since birth, and Carrey captures the ignorance of his character brilliantly by maintaining a carefree and high-spirited attitude throughout the bulk of this film. His usual wit and humor only increase the character's likability factor, and the sheer amount of creativity of the city-sized production set is nothing short of amazing.

Fun Fact: According to an August 28, 2008 New York Times article, psychologists in Britain and the U.S. have reported a number of people experiencing "Truman Syndrome" or "the Truman Show delusion" - the belief that they are the unwitting star of their own reality-TV show. According to the article, many of those afflicted have specifically mentioned the film while in therapy.

Pontypool (2009)
Rated R for language and some graphic scenes


"Shut up or die."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsGPsbAd7Dc

The Plot
Controversial radio talk show host Grant Mazzy is the first to break the story of a developing riot in downtown Pontypool, Ontario. At first considered a hoax by his colleagues, further reports begin to come in declaring this more than just a political insurgency. Now Grant must find a way to quell the oncoming disaster with his voice, the one tool that only seems to agitate the crowd even more.

Starring
Stephen McHattie
Lisa Houle
Georgina Reilly
Hrant Alianak
Rick Roberts
Boyd Banks

Why You Should See This Movie
First and foremost, Pontypool is a thinking-man's zombie film. In fact, calling it a zombie movie at all is a bit of a stretch; the 28 Days Later infected are more similar to zombies than what are featured in this movie. But the broad, general term still applies. This is not a zombie film of the Romero-days, full of running, constant shooting, and mindless action. This is a patient, well-paced and taut thriller trapped in the confines of the radio station's studio. From the moment you enter this studio, you are never once going to leave it throughout the course of this movie. The majority of the action is relayed through call-in reports and increased tension within the studio, until the deadly threat finally reaches its front doors. The zombies are also incredibly unique and original, and about as poignant as those from 28 Days. The "virus" does not spread through saliva or blood - but through words.

Fun Fact: Pontypool is based on the Canadian novel "Pontypool Changes Everything," and is the first in a planned trilogy of movies: the second will be called Pontypool Changes, and the third Pontypool Changes Everything

Cure (1997)
Rated R for violence and language


"Madness. Terror. Murder."

The Plot
A string of brutal murders sweeps across inner-Tokyo as a detective tries to put the pieces of the enigmatic crimes together. His only evidence of a connection is a bloody X carved into the necks of each victim.

Starring
Koji Yakusho
Tsuyoshi Ujiki
Anna Nakagawa
Masato Hagiwara

Why You Should See This Movie
Cure is a fantastic mystery film that dips beyond the realm of what is fact and reality; it is a study into the world of hypnotic suggestion and the surrealism of the state of hypnosis. There are moments in the film that are so intricately placed, and integral to the plot, that even on a second and third viewing, they may go unnoticed. The most keen of observational skills are required to notice every trick and every hint in this film.

The Thing (1982)
Rating R for language, violence, alcohol consumption, and blood


"The ultimate in alien terror."

The Plot
In the isolated frozen wastelands of Antarctica, a group of American scientists find themselves in a fight for survival against an alien parasite that had been buried for hundreds of years and recently dug up. With the ability to assimilate and copy the form of anything it comes in contact with, the group's paranoia quickly becomes their biggest threat.

Starring
Kurt Russell
Wilford Brimley
Keith David
David Clennon
Donald Moffat
Thomas G. Waites
Joel Polis
Peter Maloney
Charles Hallahan
T. K. Carter
Richard Dysart
Richard Masur

Why You Should See This Movie
The Thing is a horror classic, plain and simple. It is a film that specializes in dramatic tension and builds to a grand finale. It always amazes me how many people have not actually seen the film, especially those who call themselves horror fans. With the trend of splatter films gaining popularity in the modern age, the percentage of people that appreciate the more subtle horror films seem to diminish, and masterpieces like The Thing are quickly forgotten. Well, not by me.

Fun Fact: John Carpenter and Kurt Russell both admit that after all of these years they still do not know who had been replaced by the creature and when.

The Devil's Backbone (2001)
Rated R for violence, language and some sexuality.


"The living will always be more dangerous than the dead."

The Plot
Carlos, the 10-year-old son to a fallen Republican war hero in Spain's bloody 1939 civil war is left by his tutor at a secluded orphanage out of harm's way. He has more odds to overcome than trying to fit in with the other boys, as he soon begins to foster visions of a ghostly image all around the property. As the history of the orphanage reveals that a young boy died only several months before Carlos' arrival, the coinciding plot of one of the caretakers to rob the headmaster's fortune leads the boys to discover the mystery surrounding this death.

Starring
Eduardo Noriega
Marisa Paredes
Federico Luppi
Íñigo Garcés
Fernando Tielve
Irene Visedo
Berta Ojea

Why You Should See This Movie
In 2006, writer/director Guillermo del Toro gave us the inspiring and mesmerizing fairy tale Pan's Labyrinth. Just 5 years prior, he brought to life the haunting ghost story The Devil's Backbone, a film many consider to be spiritually connected to the aforementioned Pan's Labyrinth. Both center on the hardships of childhood during violent and turbulent war-times. Whereas Ofelia in Pan's Labyrinth creates her fantasy world to cope with her stress and anxiety, Carlos in The Devil's Backbone involves himself in a grand adventure surrounding the mysterious ghostly figure nicknamed "the one who sighs."

Fun Fact: Guillermo del Toro has said that this is his favorite movie of his own (as of 2003).

An Evening With Kevin Smith (2002)
Rated R for language


"Silent Bob speaks."

The Plot
Writer/director Kevin Smith interacts with fans across America in various Q & A sessions at five college campuses, including Cornell University, Indiana University, Kent State University, University of Wyoming, and Clark University.

Starring
Kevin Smith
Special appearance by Jason Mewes

Why You Should See This Movie
Kevin Smith is a man of interesting perspective. Many people find his movies crude, self-indulgent, and of poor taste. Kevin Smith finds them hilarious. In this three-plus hour recording of various Q & A sessions across America, Smith answers the burning questions from his fans regarding his personal life, his professional career, and his many friendships with the actors in his films. It is rare that you will find such a grounded, modest, down-to-earth filmmaker in Hollywood with as little regard for fame and as flexible a vocabulary as Kevin Smith. With little acknowledgment about his movies, and a major focus of the film on his own life and his many interactions with people, An Evening With Kevin Smith is perhaps one of the funniest documentaries to be made about anyone in the movie business.

Fun Fact: At his performance at Cornell, Smith began by stating that he would stay longer than anyone else in the auditorium, because he didn't have class the next day. In fact, he kept going for 4-5 hours, only stopping when his wife forced him to.

Cube (1997)
Rated R for some strong sci-fi violence/gore and language.


"Fear... Paranoia... Suspicion... Desperation"

The Plot
Seven strangers find themselves trapped in an endless series of deadly mazes, each person containing a unique skill essential to the survival of everyone else. They must overcome the paranoia and work together to make it out alive, lest they make their graves within the Cube.

Starring
Nicole de Boer
Nicky Guadagni
David Hewlett
Andrew Miller
Maurice Dean Wint
Julian Richings
Wayne Robson

Why You Should See This Movie
Cube was an interesting choice for me this week, considering the generally mixed reviews about this movie. Of course the premise is incredibly intriguing in the days of pre-Saw, and even after the latter franchise has taken over, Cube remains an ingenious concept. What may turn viewers away, however, is the on-and-off acting, dialogue, and the effects of the constrained budget. The movie was certainly in no contention for an Oscar worthy of amazing performances, but the struggle of these strangers and the sheer imaginative leap of the Cube more than makes up for any of the film's flaws and shortcomings. As a final note, if you choose to see the film, I implore you to also disregard anything else that has to do with Cube (including the sequel and prequel). The less you know of those movies, the better person you will be.

Fun Fact: All of the characters are named after prisons: Quentin (San Quentin, California), Holloway (England), Kazan (Russia), Rennes (France), Alderson (Alderson, West Virginia), Leaven and Worth (Leavenworth, Kansas).

5. The Final Destination
Status: Completed
Release Date: August 28, 2009



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQVXU09pkqU

Perhaps more of a guilty pleasure than anything else, the Final Destination series has been fairly inconsistent when it comes to both quality of storytelling and excitement in the death sequences. The first was an entertaining and fun experience, and while the second seemed to lack in many departments - including but not limited to the acting - the third seemed to regain form and retain the essence that the first one possessed. Whether this fourth (and last?) installment will follow in suite with the first and third remains to be seen, but I can almost guarantee with the benefit of 3D that it will at least be a sensory overload.


4. Tron Legacy
Status: Post-Production
Release Date: 2010



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AwvuirSEAA

Speaking of sensory overloads, the trailer for Tron Legacy is one of the greatest and most visually astonishing trailers I have ever. Whether you're a fan of the original or not, there must be at least one iota of your being that is excited after seeing that clip. Promising to push the limit of technology and computer-generated images, Tron Legacy will hopefully live up to the incredible and surprising treat that was the first movie.


3. REC 2
Status: Completed
Release Date: October 9, 2009 (Spain)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPrh-Hiar7k

I am reserved about this film for one primary reason: when the military becomes the center focus of a horror movie, it tends to turn more into an action film. It happened with 28 Weeks Later, the sequel to one of my favorite films and one of the most acclaimed of the zombie genre, and I fear the same will happen in Rec 2. Despite that, I am holding out hope that it will contain the same savage shock and adrenaline rush the first one utilized brilliantly.


2. Pontypool Changes
Status: In Development
Release Date: 2010

Without much info released yet, this will be a fairly brief and empty number 2. However, the sequel to my current favorite film of the year was planned from the start, as will be the third installment of the series perhaps to come in 2011. All three films are based on the Canadian horror novel Pontypool Changes Everything, with each film containing one part of the book's title and the subsequent film adding onto it with the next word (the first was simply Pontypool, and the third will be Pontypool Changes Everything). While the first film of this trilogy was based on the aforementioned book, the characters and the plot are entirely original. The only consistent thread is the viral outbreak that is the catalyst of the events. Where the second film will go is anyone's guess, but you can bet I will be waiting with bated breath for it.


1. The Descent 2
Status: Post-Production
Release Date: October 14, 2009



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b92Ayxg2kFs

Coming this fall is the sequel to my favorite horror movie, so I hope my reluctance comes through with this. What I feel was the brilliance of the first film will have its worth and integrity tested when the sequel kicks off the continued saga of the doomed and tormented heroine. Writer/director Neil Marshall is signed on only as Executive Producer, which only adds to my anxiety, but in the interest of fairness, I will give this film the benefit of the doubt and my full support when the time comes (unless of course it completely removes all sense of paranoia, claustrophobia, and suspense contained in the first one).

eXistenZ (1999)
Rated R for strong sci-fi violence and gore, and for language.


"Play it. Live it. Kill for it."

The Plot
World-renowned game designer Allegra Geller unveils her newest foray into the virtual world, her latest masterpiece, "eXistenZ." When a focus group is selected to be the first public citizens to openly test the game, an assassination attempt puts Allegra's life in danger. Damaged from the attack, the world of eXistenZ now hangs on by a thread as Allegra and a marketing trainee must tap into the virtual reality and determine if there is any lasting damage.

Starring
Jennifer Jason Leigh
Jude Law
Ian Holm
Willem Dafoe
Don McKellar
Callum Keith Rennie
Christopher Eccleston
Sarah Polley

Why You Should See This Movie
The mind of David Cronenberg once more brings us another of his surreal masterpieces, this time in the form of a virtual thriller that many gamers will find exciting. While it received not nearly as much recognition as it should have during its release - due in large part to the release of The Matrix one month prior, another virtual-world film - eXistenZ still remains a tight, engrossing film about one's perception of reality. What may turn the casual audience away from the movie, however, is the questionable and sometimes careless acting by a majority of the cast. I can assure you now, that the acting in this movie is entirely 100% intentional and not a flaw on the part of anyone involved; should you watch this movie, you will understand why they are meant to be portrayed in such a way.

Fun Fact: Jennifer Jason Leigh had already finished shooting her role in Eyes Wide Shut (1999) when she took on this role. When her scenes in that film required re-shooting, the schedule required for it interfered with this one. Leigh chose to stay on this film and her role in Eyes Wide Shut was re-cast.

Dark City (1998)
Rated R for violent images and some sexuality.


"They built the city to see what makes us tick. Last night one of us went off."

The Plot
A man with no memory of his past finds himself on the run in a world blanketed under eternal darkness and ruled by a cult of enigmatic fair-skinned beings with telekinetic powers.

Starring
Rufus Sewell
William Hurt
Kiefer Sutherland
Jennifer Connelly

Why You Should See This Movie
In keeping with the trend of movies overshadowed by the flash and bright colors of The Matrix, Dark City was released one year prior to the Wachowski brothers' blockbuster film. Praised by critics across the board, Dark City did not receive the recognition it deserved at the time; but in retrospect, it has gained a cult following that will fight - tooth and nail - to the death to argue that it is a better movie than The Matrix. And do you want to know something? I think they'd be right. Should you watch this, make sure you get the director's cut version: see the trivia below to find out what the original version had, and why you should avoid it.

Fun Fact: New Line Cinema forced Alex Proyas to include the opening narration by Kiefer Sutherland, which Proyas objected to, saying it was unnecessary. The narration gives away several key plot twists and consequently many fans of the film prefer to watch it with the sound turned off during the narration until Sutherland looks at his pocket watch.

Upcoming Theme: "James Cameron Week"



In anticipation for James Cameron's soon-to-be-released sci-fi adventure Avatar, I thought it only fair to present an entire week of Cameron-only movie recommendations to shed some light on the man's storied film career and also to bring his classic movies to the attention of those who may have skipped over them. Starting on Sunday, I will spend the whole week recommending movies directed, written, and/or produced by James Cameron.

Day of the Dead (1985)
Rated R for extreme violence, language, and graphic disturbance.


"The Dead have waited. The day has come."

The Plot
The few remaining survivors seek refuge deep underground as the walking dead claim the surface as their own. With limited resources and ammunition, a handful of military personnel, civilians, and scientists must work together to find a way to cure the zombie plague; when all else fails, they must figure out how to control it.

Starring
Lori Cardille
Terry Alexander
Joe Pilato
Jarlath Conroy
Anthony Dileo Jr.
Richard Liberty
Sherman Howard

Why You Should See This Movie
Considering the success of Romero's two earlier films in "The Living Dead" series, a daring and risky approach was taken for this third film in the cyclical-trilogy. It is a much slower, more paced experience, especially compared to the earlier hectic and adrenaline-filled Dawn of the Dead. And while this film has received only a fraction of the recognition as both Dawn and Night of the Living Dead, it is arguably one of the top movies in the franchise. The make-up effects are top-notch; the acting - for the most part - is all around solid; the familiar Romero character archetypes are ever present, but much more developed; and the movie rides on a sense of claustrophobia and impending doom, creating a feeling of anxiety as you hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. Oh - it also has Bub.

Fun Fact: The lowest grossing film in George A. Romero's "Dead" trilogy. Nonetheless, it's gained a cult following over the last two decades, and the director himself has stated that he considers it his best film.