I frequently recommend movies that are little known or out of the mainstream. Below are some favorites, placed in order as if I were forced to do so, but they really don't have an order. Movies are such a "mood-thing." I've included links to trailers (if available) or scenes so you can get an idea if a movie is up your alley.
If you're looking for the movies that I would consider the greatest of all-time, this is not that list. Just highly enjoyable, for one reason or another.
10. The Flamingo Kid (1984). Matt Dillon, Hector Elizondo, Richard Crenna. Coming of age comedy. Loved for the nostalgic feel, and the father-son relationship at it's core.
9. Freeway (1996) Reese Witherspoon, Keiffer Sutherland. Reese as America's anti-sweetheart. Loved for the clever play on the tale of Little Red Riding Hood, and the just deserts.
8. Seems Like Old Times (1980) Chevy Chase, Goldie Hawn, Charles Grodin. What can I say? I'm a sucker for Charles Grodin.
7. The Machinist (2004) Christian Bale. Disturbing. Fascinating. Can't believe it's Christian Bale. After watching, I felt as exhausted as he was in the end.
6. The Heiress (1949) Olivia de Havilland, Montgomery Clift. Loved for the strength of the main character, but even more so for the charisma of Clift.
5. Indian Summer (1993) Alan Arkin, Diane Lane, Kevin Pollack. This movie fell short of it's great potential, but I still love it because it takes me back to my own summer camp experiences. Alan Arkin is flawless, as usual.
4. Little Darlings (1980) Kristy McNichol, Tatum O'Neal. Don't let the name fool you.
3. The Man in the Moon (1991) Reese Witherspoon, Sam Waterston. A early-teen Witherspoon showing signs of future stardom. Loved for the relationship with her parents, and the bond of sisterhood.
2. Before Sunrise (1995) Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy--which must be followed by Before Sunset (2004). The ultimate romance, with none of the "chick-flick" cliches. Takes my breath away.
1. Dogfight (1991) River Phoenix, Lili Taylor. Heartbreaking. On multiple levels.
Stay tuned next week for my all-time favorite "campy" movies.