I've gotten the opportunity to review films in the past, so I'm sorry if this is too much. I just get so damn excited to talk about great films. See rottentomatoes.com for further reference on some of these. In reference to City of God, I believe City of Men is released tomorrow, which is the follow up by the same director. I haven't seen it, but it got good reviews. Stellar films I've seen lately: The Wicker Man (NOTE: I'm talking about the original. not the crappy Nicholas Cage follow up). The plot twists may be spoiled if you've seen the modern version, which was horrible. The Thin Blue Line Best documentary I've seen outside of hoop Dreams. It was so convincing, it got a man released from a life sentence for murder. Was done by Errol morris who also did the outstanding documentary Fog of War. Nashville Not for all tastes but this 160 minute film is Robert Altman at his peak (also see: Short Cuts, The Player). If you need results and constant action, it's not for you. But if you can pace yourself, this is quite solid in retrospect. In Bruges The best 2008 film I've seen yet- and this is coming from a guy who has always hated Colin farrell. Once This film proved that I actually do have a soft spot. (NOTE: My friends' band opened for The Frames- Glen Hansgard's band- At The Annex in Madison in 2002/2003. There was no more than 50 people in that room. Now the guy's playing the freakin Oscars. His only other movie was also great: The Commitments) One False Move Billy bob thornton's first writing effort, starring him and Bill Paxon. Though different, this film can easily be uttered in the same breath as Slingblade. (Note: first 15 minutes are not for the faint of heart) Bonnie and clyde You've either seen it or you haven't, but everyone knows about it. Some solid documentaries: My Kid Could Paint That, Air Guitar Nation, King of Kong: A Fist full of Quarters. Some solid band docs: We Jam Econo (Minutemen), Fearless Freaks (Flaming Lips), The Kids Are Alright (the Who), The Band that Would Be King (Half Japanese), The Devil and Daniel Johnston (Daniel Johnston), The Last Waltz (The band), The filth and the fury (sex pistols), New york doll (Arthur Kane of the N.Y. Dolls). I'm still yet to see the Joe strummer doc. Some cult classics: True Stories (if you liked the Talking Heads, you'll dig this film, written, directed, and starring David Byrne), 24 Hour Party People (also: see Control if you have the slightest affinity for Joy division) Ripley's Game (Same ripley Character as The Talented Mr. Ripley but a MUCH better film with John Malkovich playing a much better Tom Ripley) Darkman (directed by Sam Raimi who did the Spiderman movies, the Evil Dead movies, and Army of darkness. But this one is my favorite) Great directors: Coen brothers: Must see's (that you might not have) include Blood Simple, Miller's Crossing (2 of my all-time favorites). David mamet: House of games, Spanish Prisoner, Glengarry Glen Ross. Recently released Redbelt is worth a viewing. Woody Allen: When he misses, he's bad. But when he's on, he's great. See: Annie Hall, Crimes and Misdemeanors, and (if you like those 2) try Deconstructing Harry. Neil jordan: Crying Game Danny boyle: Trainspotting and Millions (an overlooked dark children's movie- pardon the oxymoron). P.T. Andersen: First film, Hard Eight, has been overlooked, but is great. Alternatively titled Sydney. David Arnofsky: Pi and Requiem for a Dream. Not for all tastes. Only if you dig the macabre. Robert Redford: Quiz Show did the worst at the box office of any of his movies, but I firmly believe it's his best. Richard Linklater: I haven't liked any of his recent stuff, but years ago his Waking Life and Before Sunrise were outstanding (Yes- I also have a soft spot for Dazed and Confused). Gus Van Sant: Everyone saw Good Will Hunting, but I actually preferred Finding Forrester. Elephant is a pitch black masterpiece (yes- it is basically a recreation of Columbine). and both My Own Private Idaho and Drugstore Cowboy were great.