Screenplays, the scripts films are based on, are the foundation for a good movie. Every great film has a solid, structured script. The audiences often forget there is such a thing as a screenwriter but almost every film you have ever seen was started by some lonely schlub hutched over their keyboard creating the worlds we enjoy in the cinema. Below are three films with great scripts. Not only are they good watches, I suggest you read their scripts as well.




Forgiving the horrible message, this script by Terry Rosio and Ted Elliot is one of the best I've ever read. On a technical level, is a marvel. It is perfectly balanced and is thoroughly thought out. Johnny Depp was only able to create Jack Sparrow because these two men put the right words in his mouth.

If you have the DVD on hand, listen to the screenwriters commentary as the final credits roll. You will get a full version of the backstory to this film and see how much thought really went into this seemingly simple script.



Dialog is important, plotting is critical but it is character that makes the story. Nick Schenk's screenplay for this film shows the importance of a well-written, developed character. His hero Walt Kowalski is impressive in his depth and verisimilitude.

Schenk also uses Kowalski's deep racism in an interesting way throughout the film. First it isn't played to condemn the man but used for humor. In this age of sensitivity and liberal pillow biting, this is rare. The key is the Schenk takes Kowalski's racism to show his anti-social persona. As Kowalski grows to appreciate his Hmong neighbors, his racism is then used to show his affection. Much in the same way a close friend will mock another friend's flaws or differences, Kowalski retains his racist jabs at his neighbors. If you take his lines at the beginning and the end of the film the words themselves aren't terribly different. What has changed is the context in which they are said. Brilliant.


This film, starring Steve Martin and John Candy, reworks The Odd Couple template pitting one clean, finicky character with a slovenly partner. Neal Page (Martin) yearns to get home to Chicago for Thanksgiving dinner. Along the way, his life gets entangled with the bumbling but likable shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith (Candy). There is little about this movie that is complicated or multidimensional. Hughes’ script is little more than a well crafted situation comedy. This admitted, it is tightly plotted and Hughes squeezes as much out of the limited resources he gives himself. The scenes in the hotel alone make this a notable script. The only real problem with the script is the somewhat awkward resolution that feels tacked on. Everything leading up to that odd ending is wonderful.

Labels: movie recommendations

There's plenty of good films about World War II, here are some of the best.



This film gives us a glimpse of what it was like inside Hitler’s bunker in the final days of World War II through the eyes of his stenographer Tradul Junge. This film is based on Junge’s book of the same name and is stunning in the portrayal of the human side of this evil regime.

Many people believe that Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan should be required viewing in high schools. I would claim that this is the film kids should see. After having The Third Reich explained, the students should watch this film and see how blind faith in a man-made god leads to destruction.



Spielberg’s World War II epic is not perfect, but close enough. This film has changed how war movies are made. Its original look and feel will echo for decades in the industry.

While this is at its heart a "pick-off" film (a "pick-off" is a film that presents an ensemble of characters only to bump them off one by one,) it is still an great piece of cinema. If you haven’t already seen it, the now famous opening half-hour showing the invasion of Normandy is one of the most important pieces of mainstream cinema.

This is a very violent and unrelenting film, in particular the D-Day invasion. None of the violence is out of place and unnecessary. This is a perfect example to reference when speaking about the proper use of violence in the movies.



Although it is a little dated it still packs a punch. The wide scope of this project is jaw dropping. With a monstrous cast and full-scale reenactments of D-Day, a film like this will not come around again. The directors managed to take a very complicated series of events (D-Day) from both the Allies and the Axis perspectives and lay them out in an easy to digest film.

The acts of providence that made D-Day a success are shown over and over in this film. The seemingly random events of that day are shown in their historical perspective and reveal how "directed" the actual day(s) were.

Labels: movie recommendations, World War II

More marketing than movie, the McMovie is the cinematic equivalent of mass market paperbacks or prime time network TV. These movies often have little to offer except the ability to function as amusement rides for audiences. Even through they're inherently junky, some of these can still get by on personality. Here's three McMovies that aren't complete wastes of time.



The quintessential McMovie, this movie asks nothing of its audience and gives little but spectacle in return. Ben Affleck and Bruce Willis star in this goofy flick about a group of oil drillers are sent into space with nuclear warheads to blow up a killer asteroid. The upside to this film is how it openly revels in its stupidity. The frank dumbness at the heart of this piece begs you to wallow in this thoughtlessness carnival of crap without shame. You know this is stupid, the people who made the movie know it’s stupid – everyone agrees. If you like big flashing lights, big explosions and lots of bad dialog screamed at full throat, this is the movie for you. If you’re into plot, character, dialog, or patient exposition, you’ll be better off finding something else.




The movie itself isn't going to win any awards for originality. The plot a bit copy and paste and only serves to introduce Stark/Iron Man. The points of the plot tick off predictably but the movie as a whole works because screenwriters Mark Fergus and Hank Ostby (Children of Men) smartly keep the focus on Stark rather than Iron Man. The time it takes for the transformation from man to superhero takes almost the whole film. If you're heading in to see Iron Man kick the stuffing out of bad guys and perhaps throw something through a building, you won't be completely disappointed but you're going to have to wait. Don't take this patience to mean this is a moody and ponderous film like Batman Begins. This more like Spider-Man - the story is properly developed so there's less time for the visual eye candy we have come to expect from content free films like Fantastic 4, Tomb Raider, and Daredevil, X-Men: The Last Stand.

Labels: McMovie, movie recommendations

Valentine's Day is coming up. I recommend the following romances because guys will enjoy them as well as the ladies.



This is a fantastic film. Men and women can watch it together and the guys won’t get ill. This is a serious Chick Flick, which means the morality is specious and you can forget about any elements of real life creeping in. This film is so well done, you won’t mind.

If you’re in dutch with the little lady, rent this film. The stink-eye she’s been giving to you will go away. This is the only side effect of Chick Flicks that I see as a positive. Use this film for your benefit.



"I'll have what she's having."

It’s unfair to consider this film a Chick Flick because its actually very well done. Funny and original, this movie speaks to both men and women. I couldn’t suggest it more.

The elements all align in this film and it is a true joy to watch. Even if you've seen it before, it is worth seeing again. Very insightful and clever, this film about friendship and love is a great comedy. If you've never seen this film, you should track it down. Billy Crystal is at the top of his game and very comfortable in his role as Harry who eventually falls for Sally, played to perfection by Meg Ryan.

I will place the disclaimer that the morality portrayed in the film is not the best. That said, this is one of those cases where the film may rise above its own crooked view of the world.



This is for those of you guys with ladies who enjoy actual good movies. This is the second best film ever made and gets that distinction for good reason. A great tragic romance drives this brilliant work and Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman were never better. Don’t rent, buy this one today.

Labels: movie recommendations, romance

Usually I recommend movies based on some genre or other connecting theme. This time around I'll give you three films that never received the credit they deserved.



Jeff Daniels portrays George Washington in this made-for-television biopic covering the fateful crossing of the Delaware River. Daniels gives a brilliant performance as the troubled general as he faces certain defeat in the face of overwhelming odds. The film is very simple and quite intimate. Lacking a massive budget, the film relies on a thoughtful and engaging script penned by novelist Howard Fast.





A quiet movie that didn't make a big splash when it was released and has since disappeared. It is a hidden comedic gem. This isn't a masterful film but it is a simple pleasure. Bill Murray stars as Wally Ritchie, a clueless dupe who unwittingly gets pulled into the world of international espionage. Again, not a masterwork but certainly a good piece of comfort cinema.



This is a very smart and clever film. Nicholas Cage gives one of his better performances as David Spritz a weather man who, while on the cusp of professional success, finds himself questioning the trajectory of his life. Michael Caine portrays David's father Robert Spritzel, a brilliant writer who is continuously baffled by the frivolous culture that surround him. The film was written by Steve Conrad (The Pursuit of Happyness) and directed by Gore Verbinski (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl).

Labels: movie recommendations

Here are some classic films you may want to check out the next time what you're looking for isn't available.




This is one of those films where the various elements coalesce to create a work of unique flavor. Orson Welles' performance as Lime is worth the price of admission. This combined with Carol Reed's masterful direction, Robert Krasker's striking cinematography that sets the atmosphere for the production and Anton Karas' score that heightens the mood and never overwhelms the scenes, makes this one of the great films in history.



A former cat burglar (Cary Grant) who, in light of new jewel thefts, is suspected of returning to his old, criminal ways. He joins forces with an insurance man to uncover the identity of the real their. Along the way he gets wrapped up with an American heiress (Grace Kelly). This film is a little uneven and feels stilted in places. The French Rivera backdrops, charming performances by Kelly and Grant along with the fantastic plot all serve to gloss over these flaws. Sometimes personality is enough to get by.


John Ford was a master directors and John Wayne was one of the greatest film actors of all time. This brilliant film stands as a testament to the talents of both men. The story is simple, a stagecoach ride turns rough when the travelers are set upon by Geronimo and his men. Look for a great supporting performances by Thomas Mitchell and Andy Devine.

Labels: movie recommendations

As a rule I hate musicals. They're sappy and just plain stupid. Despite my impulse for carrying a burning hot hatred for all scenes where people irrationally break into song and dance, not all musicals stink. Here's a few that are spared my wraith.

I know, I know, The Sound of Music should be my choice of the greatest film musical. Well, I hate The Sound of Music, the music is almost as irritating as the kids and for crying out loud, who wants to listen to Austrians sing? No, I back Singin' in the Rain. This hodge bodge of spare parts put together to make a full movie works so well and is a delight across the board. Even for people, like me, who are loathe to sit through anything that even remotely acts like a musical, this is a good pick. The dancing is mesmerizing, the music enjoyable and most importantly, the story, surrounding the lives of silent film actors as they attempt to make the jump into sound movies is brilliant. The humor in the film makes the gaudy moments excusable.


It has the benefit of being one of the best movies ever made. This is a rare film where the musical numbers enhance the story and seem completely logical. I guess if you're going to sell me a guy dressed up like a big, flabby lion you may as well have him sing.




If I had a gun to my head and had to finish picking my three I'd have to take this classic. I know, I know, where's Sound of Music, West Side Story or Godspell? You can keep all of those, there's something about this one I've always liked.

Labels: movie recommendations

The narrative is simple: a bunch of criminals conspire to steal something of value, they perform their act of thievery, but there is complications. In the end things begin to fall apart and the conspiracy collapses. Even though the plots are cookie-cutter and many of the films come dangerously close to - or just don't care and openly support the act of theft as a viable means of making some quick cash. Below are three solid heist films that represent some the best in the genre.



If you like heist films and can stand subtitles, this is a film you must track down. If you’re just into great cinema, again, this is one you must see. This is a thoroughly enjoyable film about French thieves who plot a technically perfect crime. But like all heists in film, things go awry and the adage the "no honor among thieves" becomes quite relevant.




Guy Ritchie's sophomore outing is a flashy, stylized gem. It is littered with low characters and seedy locations. The twisting plot following British thugs and thieves trying to track down a stolen diamond is a thrilling watch. This is a very charismatic movie and shows Ritchie to be an exciting filmmaker capable of crafting unique works.

The downside? Ritchie is a postmodernist and has very little concern for making clear moral arguments. His bad guys are the good guys simply because they're not as bad as everyone else. The criminals are supported by Ritchie, there's no moral code being followed other than "might makes right".



The best script of the 1990's.

Complex, layered and expertly executed by Bryan Singer, this film is a reminder of what cinema should be. It is hard to believe anyone would be left unsatisfied by this film about a group of criminals handpicked by a legendary crime boss to pull off a job. Sporting one of the great surprise endings ever this is one of those films that you should see at least once.

Note that the movie is loaded with cursing and violence. If you are sensitive to these elements then I unfortunately have to recommend that you should pass this one.

Labels: movie recommendations

Like my pal Julie D. over at Happy Catholic, I've decided to post my top movies from 2008. This list is made up of films that I saw in 2008 - not just films released in 2008. This is why something like No Country for Old Men is listed, yes that is right, I didn't see the Best Picture from 2007 until well into 2008. I'm a busy guy and things get pushed back on the schedule.

I advise checking out each of the following (with caution if you're sensitive). Looking at the list I have below, it would appear I have a thing for brooding, violent movies.



I was pleasantly surprised by this film. To be completely honest, I thought I was in for yet another low-budget, low talent, Christian film with too much agenda and not enough good writing. This film thankfully manages to avoid the heavy handed sermonizing it could have displayed and relies on its characters to deliver the message - just like a movie should.

Eduardo Verástegui and Tammy Blanchard (Stealing Harvard) star in this story about a former soccer player Jose (Verástegui) who comes to the aid of Nina (Blanchard) who is newly unemployed and pregnant. The script by writer director Alejandro Gomez Monteverde and Patrick Million and Leo Severino does a very good job of developing the relationship between these two characters and giving them a reason to fall in love. The relationship at the center of the film drives much of the film's success and makes this something I highly recommend.




This is one of the better documentaries I've seen in recent years. I know its strange to say that about a movie about geeks fighting for the world record score in Donkey Kong. Many may consider this to be a frivolous movie about frivolous people. In some ways this is true, again, at it's core its just about losers attaching their self identity to their ability to score fantastically high scores on a 1980's arcade game. The arguments, conniving and shed tears in this movie are anchored in human stupidity - then again so are most things we strive after. All of this drama is perfectly captured. This odd, real life story is strangely compelling and is absolutely worth checking out.




Director Sidney Lumet (Network, Fail-Safe) masterfully commands this film about a pair of brothers who have their lives ruined after they fatally screw up robbing their parent's jewelry store. He gives us an intimate film with little intrusion, just pure character and performance. Lumet dips into a distracting editing sequence to indicate flashbacks and time shifts. These jolts break in and unfortunately remind us we're watching fiction. Other than this awkward choice, Lumet is dead-on with his delivery. He also does wonders with his cast, including Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Albert Finney and Ethan Hawke. Finney, as a distraught father coming to terms with the monsters he has created in his own family is incredible.




Chiwetel Ejiofor (American Gangster) is very impressive as Mike Terry, a committed mixed-martial arts instructor who is forced to battle his ideals when financial ruin pushes him towards selling himself out to prize fighting. Ejiofor establishes himself as a very sharp and engaging lead actor in this role. Not only is the role obviously very physical, he sells the idea that he’s a top competitor quite easily, but he is also asked to present a man who is very controlled yet approachable. Terry is a good man who seems liberated by the inner control he finds in jujitsu. His small school is a labor of love not profit. When things turn sour for him and the pressures build, Terry’s ideals are challenged. Ejiofor presents this internal conflict with a leveled performance. Written and directed by David Mamet, this is a guys film for guys in a huge way.




Easily the funnest movie of the year. This bloated, loud McMovie has everything you need in mindless entertainment. There's flashing lights, loud noises, a cool soundtrack and a guy in a metal suit starting things on fire. Jon Favreau pieces together a great mixture of superhero stupidness and sharp minded snarkiness in this big screen adapatation of my childhood favorite. Robert Downey Jr., still stinging from lingering drug issues and time in the hoosegow, pulls off a remarkable charismatic performance as Tony Stark, a wisecracking millionaire industrialist turned hero.




Nimród Antal's debut is a fantastic piece of film. Taking place in the Budapest subways, this film follows a group of ticket inspectors headed by the mopey Bulcsú (Sándor Csányi). The group patrol the dank subway fighting with patrons and grumbling about their awful stations in life. Bulcsú has given up on life and literally lives in the tunnels below ground. His quiet misery is disturbed by two people, Szofi (Eszter Balla), the meek daughter of a drunken train conductor who meanders into the subway always dressed up like a pink bear and a mysterious hooded figure who is pushing patrons in front of the trains. A gang of fighting misfits, a girl in a pink bear suit and a hooded murderer? It may sound like yet another quirky independent flick with goofy characters and clever camera work...well, okay it is just that but its a very inventive quirky independent flick with goofy characters and clever camera work.




Despite the violence and immoral behavior, this is a sharp, well crafted story. Hitmen Ray (Colin Farrell) and Ken (Brendan Gleeson) are sent to hide in Bruges, Belgium following the accidental killing of a boy during a recent job. Ray is a simple, impulsive guy who can't stand being stranded in the old town. Ken is older, wiser and more patient and mentors the twitchy Ray. The two wait to get orders from their boss Harry (Ralph Fiennes). While lying low, Ray falls for local girl/thief Chloë (Clémence Poésy) and befriends a Jimmy (Jordan Prentice), a bitter dwarf who's in town shooting a movie.

The script written by Martin McDonagh is one of the most clever, inventive I've seen since Rian Johnson's high school film noir Brick. McDonagh blends sharp dialog with symbolism and well delivered twists. Farrell is given a lively, multidimensional character in Ray and he runs with the role. This is easily the best performance of his career. Likewise, Fiennes and Gleeson have plenty to work with and both provide memorable performances. McDonagh's direction and writing is top notch and results in one of the more impressive films I've seen in a long time.




Will Smith is precisely the right guy to lead this film. He engenders interest and sympathy as Robert Neville, a military scientist who is apparently the last man on earth after a cure for cancer goes sour and either kills the population or turns them into raging zombies. Smith's charisma carries the first half of the film where he is alone in the world with his dog. As the story picks up and the zombies are introduced his natural talent handling scenes where he is in peril is displayed.

Director Francis Lawrence (the man responsible for the unwatchable Constantine), manages the first half of the film well and sets up the destruction of mankind in effective flashbacks. Once the other characters are introduced the film stumbles a little. Overall, this is a well paced film based on a great concept. The ending is really where the film shines. Christians in particular will find great meaning in the final moments of the story.




I absolutely loved this film. It is a rare film that contains unflinching looks into the evil of man, brutal violence and stark sexual behavior and doesn't come across as gratutious. Writer/Director Christian Alvart starts with what's now a pedestrian concept, a small time cop visits a deranged serial killer in prison to get clues on an unsolved mystery. Alvart surpriseningly develops a moving story from this preposterous beginning that ends with a gripping climax.

While Alvart avoids displaying much gore, his subject matter is still very rough. This film explores evil and how it builds in men. This is not for the squimish.




Yeah, I saw this one late.

Even with its stuttering resolution, this is a remarkable piece of cinema. It is clearly deserving of all of the awards and praised it has received. Every aspect of the film is well managed snd shows a dedication to intricate filmmaking that is a pleasure to witness. The story revolves around three men. Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin), a gruff welder, who stumbles across the results of a drug deal gone bad in the desert. From this he discovers and keeps a case containing two million dollars. He takes it home to his simple wife Carla (Kelly MacDonald). It isn’t long before the menacing killer Anton Chigurh (Javier Bardem, in an Oscar winning performance) arrives in the area, looking to get the lost loot. Chigurh, with a devil’s smile and a patient, yet frightening, tone tracks down Moss across Texas. He gives the feeling of being supernatural, a symbol more than a man, more on that in a bit. As Chigurh pursues Moss, the killer…well, kills. He leaves a trail of dead hotel clerks, criminals and random people on the road. On this trail, old, crusty sheriff Ed Tom Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) struggles to make sense out of the nonsensical deaths caused by Chigurh’s efforts. This may not seem like a foundation for a great film. In many cases, the story itself is rather mundane. Where this movie strikes its cord is in character and in the choices made by the Coens.


So there you go, another year wasted staring at flashing lights on a screen. At least sometimes its worth the time. Happy New Year and have a great 2009.

Labels: list, movie recommendations

To help you celebrate New Years here's a list of some good movies with New Year's Day references.



One of the best comedies of the past twenty years. This piece derives its humor not from gags but from truth. Waltzing through the minefield of American single life, this movie offers an uplifting look at romance. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan have never been better. A perfect movie to watch with the one you love.







It has shades of Being There. This is an impressive film both technically and artistically. There are plenty of manipulative moments but these are forgivable given how likable the film is as a whole. Tom Hanks gives one fo the more impressive performances of the 90's as the mentally deficient Gump, a dimwit who stumbles through his life accidentally making history.

Labels: movie recommendations

Jimmy Stewart offers one of his best performances as poor George Bailey. His classic “aw-shucks” persona is in full effect and feeds the heart of this piece. The supporting cast, with the delightful Donna Reed, Thomas Mitchell, and Henry Travers also provide impressive performances. Even the children playing Bailey’s kids are good. That’s saying something, child actors tend to be as pleasant as public displays of ringworm wounds

The film itself is perfectly paced and presented. The action is sharp and potent without a wasted minute. Capra was an efficient and driven director who delivered his films in nice taut packages. One of the attractive things about this film is its simplicity, not only in its message but in how Capra presents it to us. He was a master at showing life in a positive way. His films, as expressed particularly in this movie, shine a light on the small man and his quiet life of consequence. This film explains that we all have a purpose and our lives are worth living. The film also shows that one doesn’t need huge budget effects or sex and violence when you actually have something to say.





If you can forget that this film has nearly been destroyed by being run in heavy rotation every Christmas season, you will find one of the most enjoyable movies ever made. Jean Shepard's down-to-earth humor and loving depictions of childhood are a joy to witness. I'm hard pressed to think of a movie with more memorable scenes.






Alright, so Die Hard isn't a Christmas movie - I think I saw a Christmas tree in the background somewhere so I'm counting it in!

The story is a lesson in simplicity, haggard cop John McClane goes to visit his estranged wife in a downtown skyscraper. Just after he enters the building it is taken over by a gang of international terrorists.McClane, trapped inside must fight the terrorists in order to save his wife who has been taken hostage. The script by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza is almost perfect in its execution. It is a taut, clean script and is a must read for anyone looking to write their own screenplay.

Labels: movie recommendations

Possibly the creepiest film ever made. Not for the faint of heart or easily offended. This classic introduced the world to Hannibal Lector and gave Anthony Hopkins he respect that had eluded him for decades. The truth be told, Brian Cox (Super Troopers) was the first to play Lector back in 1986 in the film Manhunter, but his fine portrayal has been largely in Hopkin's shadow. Another overlooked performance is in this film. Ted Levine who plays serial killer Wild Bill is often looked over. Where Lector is larger than life, Wild Bill seems all too real. Jodie Foster and Scott Glenn also star in this brilliant film directed by Richard Donner.



This isn't a film for everyone. Its smart and engaging but may be too slow and internalized for some audiences. Gene Hackman gives a brilliant performance as Harry Caul, a private investigator who is hired to spy on a corporate executive's cheating wife and her lover. Caul, already consumed with being secretive, even to those closest to him, becomes even more cautious when the investigation of the lovers turns dangerous. Supported by solid performances by John Cazale, Robert Duvall, Teri Garr and Harrison Ford, Hackman presents a fully developed and intriguing portrayal of paranoia and isolation. Outside of the first two Godfather films, this stands as one of Francis Ford Coppola's best works.

Labels: movie recommendations

Here are a couple of animated films that I recommend.



In a time when most family films are little more than subversive, strobe lights with soundtracks I have only one thing to say. Thank God for Pixar.

Living up to the pedigree of Pixar Animation is not an easy task. Pixar may be the only consistent and wholly trusted name in Hollywood these days. Each production from Monsters, Inc. to The Incredibles is a high quality and most importantly safe choice for parents. Each of their outings has been a richly layered, intelligent gem. Seven major releases under their belt and only one (A Bug's Life) was less than stellar. Cars is another feather in their cap.

Labels: movie recommendations

This classic German film from Fritz Lang (Metropolis) is truly timeless. The story tells of a hunt for a brutal pedophile played brilliantly by Peter Lorre. Most people know Lorre as the frog-eyed, sweaty guy from Casablanca or The Maltese Falcon. The police have difficulty finding the elusive murderer and begin to disrupt organized crime’s business across the city. Before too long, the gangs of underground criminals join the manhunt. Lorre’s portrayal will stay with you. He gives us one the great screen villains of all time and cinema’s first serial killer. Even with his jerky, stylized performance, Lorre is still better than most modern actors in similar roles.



Some audience members may have trouble with this film since it has a white actors portraying Chinese characters. The overall film overcomes this racial distraction. Based on the novel by Pearl S. Buck, the film Follows the life of a simple farmer Wang (Paul Muni - who couldn't look less Chinese) who sees his fortunes rise and fall along with his dutiful wife O'Lan (Luise Rainer). While long, the run time is over two hours, the film is well constructed and expertly delivered.

Labels: movie recommendations