Now that the kids are getting a little bigger I'm rediscovering the joys of the cinema.  So here are the top movies I've been talking up, in no particular order...

Dirty Pretty Things

Not nearly as naughty as the name implies, this gritty, honest, heartfelt thriller explores the immigrant life in London through the eyes of Chiwetal Ejiofor (Amistad,) an exiled African doctor who drives a cab by day and works as a desk clerk in a fancy hotel at night.  His world intertwines with that of Audrey Tautou (Amelie,) another immigrant with an equally sad tale.  Things start to heat up when the good doctor finds a human heart in a bathroom of the hotel.  Great acting, solid script and good pace makes it a great film with an important, but subtle, message.  Rent it when you're in the mood for a twist.

The Fog of War

As Secretary of Defense during some of the most controversial years of the Vietnam War, Robert McNamara left the glare of the public spotlight and maintained his silence - until now.  This revealing documentary provides a rare glimpse into one of America's darkest closets.  Thought-provoking no matter how much you know about the subject, this film generates more questions than it answers. A must see for anyone with even a remote interest in the fabric of our nation.

Joni Mitchell: Woman of Heart & Mind

Insightful look at the many contributions of this singer / songwriter.  I found the story inspiring - and it was great to hear so many good tunes and the stories behind them.  Great comments from other stars of the era including Graham Nash and others.  Great for a rainy afternoon.

In This World

Two refugees try to reach London from Pakistan by land.  They have no documents, just a trail of characters to help smuggle them from place to place.  It unfolds like a documentary and is very well put together.  You can't help but root for them.  Watch it after a traffic jam for some wonderful insight into people with real troubles. Won't disappoint!

Before Sunrise

Backpacking through Europe, a young man meets an interesting girl on a train.  Will she get off in Vienna with him?  They'd only have one wild night to share.  One for anybody who ever took a chance (or wished they did...)  Highly recommended.

Lost in Translation

A chance meeting, a friendship, perhaps something more.  Ships that pass in the night.  A little moment in time from Sophia C.  There is much more said than the words that are spoken.  A small stroke of genius.  On a quite night alone, pop this one into the DVD, pour a glass of crisp cold white wine, settle in by the fireplace and let it unfold.

L'Auberge Espagnole (The Spanish Apartment)

Gee, jetting off to live in another country for a year, finding a funky apartment stocked with characters from all over the world, learning about each other and yourself, that doesn't sound like fun at all!  A thoroughly enjoyable jaunt - well thought out and creatively executed - I highly recommend.

Man On The Train

This cool, nervy French film finds two misfits tossed together, giving the filmmakers a chance to explore some of the universal questions of life.  Never over the top, always thought-provoking, there's still enough going on to keep you interested in the characters.  Perfect for a Sunday afternoon. 

Open Your Eyes

Wow, this one blew me away!  Forget, I repeat, forget the vanilla American remake called Vanilla Sky and rent the original Open Your Eyes.  It's a haunting tale that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.  I couldn't even pause it - it's that good!  Check this Spanish classic out from your rental store - you'll be glad you did.

Antwone Fisher

Tremendous directorial debut by Denzel Washington.  This simple tale of a troubled young sailor will touch even the toughest soul.  So great, the audience even burst into spontaneous applause at the end.  Afterwards in the restroom I caught a big bald guy who was at least six foot eight, 280 pounds and tough as nails, weeping.  Stick through the tough scenes for the feelgood movie of the year.  Will not disappoint.

The Nine Queens

The nine queens are a page of rare stamps - bait that launches some small time grifters into a wild series of schemes.  Suspense, double-crosses and a caper that will keep you guessing made this little movie highly entertaining.  Well acted, expertly directed - a testament to the fact that you don't need 50 million bucks to make a quality film.

  Run Lola Run

A wonderful glimpse into the world of fate and coincidence.  Lola has to rescue her boyfriend from his imminent fate but what if she is delayed slightly?  Everything she encounters on her way is slightly altered - with wild results.  I love the way they play with the concept of time - plus cool locations in Germany - who could ask for anything more?  German.

Advertising Rules! (aka: Viktor Vogel, Commercial Man)

I picked this up as a second movie to rent (since I hate to come home with only one and find out it's a stinker.) The other movie was dreadful but I loved this campy send-up of high-end advertising.  A young man (who might pass for a young Steve Cook or Carl Johnson's love child) schmoozes his way into a big meeting and winds up in the spotlight.  (I almost rolled off the couch during the chainsaw commercial he produced!)  Also German.

 Bread and Tulips

I loved this little slice-of-life piece about a woman who finds herself left behind at a bus stop by her family during a vacation in Italy.  Great characters, escapism, and the charms of Venice combine to make this Italian picture well worth seeing.  Rent it today.

The Bourne Identity

Kim swears I read the book but I don't remember.  I caught this film during a recent trip to New York. The theatre was on the fourth floor of a 25 theatre megaplex.  It was packed but I had a great experience.  I sat next to this guy who was hilarious - he really reacted to the movie.  Every special effect he'd say "Aww cool!"  Every time we saw Paris he remarked to his buddy "Wow, it's so beautiful!"  The entire audience applauded when the bad guy died.  Spectacular cinematography and a great action-packed pace - plus  Franke Potente from 'Run Lola Run!' - makes this one a winner.  Very cool.

Memento

Don't try to follow this mindbender - just go along for the ride.  Dude can't remember anything that just happened and the whole movie turns time upside down.  Don't let the weirdness scare you away - you'll be talking about this one for months.

Ghost World

Two outcasts graduate from high school and try to find self expression in the vanilla suburbs.  Steve Buscemi plays a reclusive record collector they encounter when they try to screw up his world for fun.  Witty dialogue and clever explorations of friendship and alienation.  Me liked.

Amelie

Attractive girl tries to do good in this French screen gem.  This one immediately shot up to my favorites list.  The imagery is fresh and wonderful and the style is funny and alive.  If you take one recommendation , take Amelie.  (If you don't like it then you won't like anything else I like.) 

Son of the Bride

A guy exactly my age finds his life turned upside down and learns to look at things in a whole new way.  Great scenes with the Dad.  A heartwarmer if ever there was one.  Touching and relevant, Son of the Bride hits the mark for quality entertainment. From Argentina.

Crupier

Suave dude deals blackjack by night.  This nuevo-cool effort creates a real sense of place as the protagonist takes on challenges left and right.  The real underbelly of small casino life - you'll enjoy!

A Self Made Hero

I just saw this little 1997 French film about a guy who runs away and re-invents himself during the WWII liberation of Paris.  You can't help but root for this resourceful misfit as he ascends the social ladder with his colorful, well-researched lies. 

 Seabiscuit

This one will be around for years as a classic.  See it in the theatre.  When I did, the audience burst into fits of applause.  I don't know why it's so moving - it just IS.  Chalk up one for the little guy!

What to Do in Case of Fire

This little German gem is Punk Meets The Big Chill.  I'll concede, it's not for everyone; but something touching happens when old anarchists reunite after years apart.    See it with someone you once loved but no longer understand...