The Stunners, Part I: Current Flicks

Our top 5 current films . . . revealed! Decide for yourself if you agree with either of us . . .

Shocked:

1. The Book of Eli - This movie wins No. 1 for me because it simply pushed the envelope. There are more violent movies, there are more racy movies, but there aren't many movies that dare to push the envelope of religion - especially having such a strong Christian message woven in under the chaos. Whether one agrees with it or not is moot; the movie has balls for presenting it to a largely liberal/ PC media market, and it's an admirable move.

2. Paranormal Activity - This was The Blair Witch Project done right, in my opinion. I was so excited when Blair Witch was released, and then I realized after sitting through the massive amount of arguing and screaming I wasn't scared at all. I had the same fear of disappointment going into PA, but was pleasantly surprised. The acting was natural, the use of only one setting was masterfully executed, and the camera feeds were absolutely terrifying.

3. Zombieland - Emma Stone, you had my heart at the first shotgun blast. With great verbal humor and use of digitalized sight-gags (Eisenberg's "rules" popping up in the scenes - you'll see it), Zombieland succeeds as a great action-comedy and also delivers a bit of a heartwarming message of trust and loyalty.

4. The Hangover - OK, this movie is a little older than the others mentioned but it is the first movie that I've laughed so hard at that I've cried in a while. Zach Galifiwhatever is amazing and a true scene stealer throughout. I am now truly terrified of investigating strange noises in the trunk of cars ...

5. Extract - This is another slightly older movie. I had been wanting to watch this movie for some time after seeing the trailers and kept putting it off. This is a very fun and entertaining movie, and I certainly recommend it to round out a "movie rental night". Jason Bateman does a fantastic job as usual in his expected regular-joe demeanor, and Mila Kunis adds an interesting element as an attractice kleptomaniac drifter.


Stoked:

5. I Love You, Man - Taking friendship to the next level. This may be the best man-love film (other than Milk and Brokeback, of course) since Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Yes, I just said that. You laugh and laugh ... and then laugh a little more. And, then you hope with every fiber of your being for a happily ever after. Plus, it's got that one chick, you know the one ... yeah, the girl from The Office (Rashida Jones)!

4. Precious - This movie can be very hard to watch. But, no matter what, you just can't take your eyes off the screen. Every single performance is amazing. Every scene, character, and line of dialogue is real. Nicely done, Gabourey Sidibe, Mo'Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, and Lenny Kravitz.

3. Inglourious Basterds - Who would've thought a new WWII movie could be so unique and leave you guessing on how it would end? But, that is exactly what Quentin Tarantino accomplished here, as he managed to re-write history in an intriguing and breath-taking way. Tension, humor, tension, humor, And, then, just for the fun of it, let's throw in sharp dialogue for the icing on the cake. Every scene is powerful and beautiful. Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, and Til Schweiger steal the show.

2. Up in the Air - I've never been on a plane, sadly. But, from what I hear, this film is very much like modern day times. I don't know about that. What I do know, is that this is a very original story with great performances from George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick. And, it does a good job of making us re-evaluate what is actually important to us as we fly through our own lives.

1. (500) Days of Summer - Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel do their thing in this extremely underrated film. I mean, even before the movie started, I was laughing! How does that happen, you ask ... With an author's note that precedes the film which sets the tone. So, that gets it off on the right foot, and it only goes up from there. But, don't confuse this as strictly a comedy or a romantic comedy, for that matter. No, this is simply a great movie.