13 Assassins

I first became aware of 13 Assassins because of director Takashi Miike involvement, it seems that any time he releases a movie the web fan boys go crazy. I finally got to see it at the 2010 AFI Film Fest. I watched with three of my good buds and a packed audience. This movie did not let me down, it's the samurai movie that I always hoped would be made. The plot involves the real life assassination of a mad feudal lord in the 1840's. The first half of the movie is the team of assassins being formed and preparing ala Oceans 13. The last half of the movie is pure samurai action with the 13 going on a suicide mission against an army of 200. It's 300 with samurai swords and much better acting. For a Takashi Miike film it's rather subdued, I would say there is only one scene that really throws on the gnar factor. Throw this one with your boys.

Stalag 17 Christmas Movies Part 1

One of my favorite things about this time of the year is Christmas movies. This 1953 comedy from Billy Wilder(Some Like It Hot) stars one of my old time faves, William Holden(check out this dudes movies he's legit). This movie is about the humorous life inside a prison of war camp during WW2. It's like a theatre version of The Great Escape, with absolutely no motorcycle jumping. This is an amazing film, no fooling. The reason I'm putting this in as a holiday movie is for one scene near the end. It's not just any scene, it's one of the greatest reveals ever put on film. The best part is it's during a musical number; the men of the barracks on Christmas are singing "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" as the spy reveals himself to the audience. It's a total surprise and what true film making is all about. Please watch this movie. Tune in tomorrow I'll have another holiday fave, or maybe some weird sci fi movie.

American Movie

I don't watch allot of documentaries, but if I watch one I enjoy I make these people my family. With American Movies family doesn't get any more dysfunctional, but that's not a bad thing. The main star is mid 30's Wisconsin native Mark Borchardt; who spends two years on film trying to finish and screen his 35 minute opus "Coven". Coven is a horror film about a recovering alcoholic (Mark) who enters the wrong 12 step program. Shooting on 16mm (this is 96-97, I was in high school) is expensive, Mark does not have allot of money. For anyone who is ever worked on their own films (hand up) everything costs and everything that's free is so tough! Mark has two good friends; Mike Schank and Ken Keen, who also do just about everything on Mike's films. Mike has done WAY to much acid and Ken gets arrested mid way through the film. Please watch this movie you will enjoy it!

Check out the link below about the special 15 year anniversary screening they had for American Movie at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The event happened last August, I missed it because I was on a trip that weekend.

http://www.sundance.org/festival/article/next-weekend-kicks-off-with-american-movie-at-hollywood-forever-cemetery/

District B13

Not to be confused with the equally amazing District 9, B13 is the action movie that this list needed. B13 was produced by Luc Besson(who has done everything) and directed by Pierre Morel who later worked for Mr. Besson on Taken. This film starts with two spectacular action sequences. The first involves parkour legend David Belle free running through the title French neighborhood. The 2nd has police officer Cyril Raffaelli breaking up a underground casino. Both action scenes are notable for there lack of wires or CG. Check this flick out you won't regret it!

Timecrimes

With Timecrimes Spanish native Nacho Vigalondo has made one of my favorite time travel movies, it's up there with Primer and Back to the Future. This movie has allot going for it, a scary looking dude, a very terrified main star, a time loop and an amazing twist! The other thing about Timecrimes is they had no money what so ever and yet they still made an awesome flick! Please watch this one!

How awesome is the cover of this flick!!

After Hours

After Hours is my favorite Martin Scorsese film and also his funniest. This film is about Griffin Dunne's early 80's word processor Paul and his misadventures in the city that never sleeps. This movie is so funny, in a very dark way, this is the rare occasion where suicide is hilarious. The characters that Paul runs into during the course of the film are what really sell this flick. Cheech & Chong bring a few laughs, John Heard is a really nice bar tender, Linda Fiorentino has never looked sexier & Will Patton never scarier. Paul does something to women, they go insane. like a Shakespeare play we have three women for three acts. Rosanna Arquette, Terri Garr and bat shit crazy Catherine O'Hara way before she was Kevin's mom in Home Alone. Watch this flick I promise you some good laughs.

Rubber

Rubber is a film about a tire that comes to life, rolls around and blows peoples heads up with it's mind! I know how that sounds ad guess what, it's even weirder than that. This film is from French director Quentin Dupieux/ French electronic musician Mr. Oizo. If I only had one word for Rubber it would be absurd, besides that it's equal part black comedy and satire. Please watch this one if you want a one of a kind experience.