Here is my second installment of what I think to be some of the best films by, for, or about America and its inhabitants. Once again we celebrate our independence in just a day or two, so why not celebrate our artistic endeavors as well.
In America
The truly touching story of a family of Irish immigrants who move to the Hell’s Kitchen section of NYC, and their struggles and triumphs therein. The standouts are Samantha Morton and the always delightfully frightening Djimon Hounsou, as the “man who screams.” If you have not taken time to see this film, be sure and do so at the next possible interval. A great film, one to watch over and over.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Forget the incurable sequel-itis that has insistently plagued Hollywood, and the downfalls of franchises because of them. The first Pirates film was brilliant by any standards, I have yet to talk with someone who didn’t enjoy it. Undead pirates, Johnny Depp, and the astute Geoffrey Rush as Barbosa, ’twas an adventure film fan’s dream come true.
Million Dollar Baby
Veteran Actor/Director Clint Eastwood re-teamed with Morgan Freeman in the powerful and subtly beautiful film also staring Hillary Swank. Who would have though that a film of this type, including the tear jerking ending would have won enough votes to land four Academy Awards. A moving film about starting over, friendship and determination, see this ASAP.
Walk the Line
Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon gave the performances of their lives in this biopic/musical about the life and times of Johnny Cash. A magnum opus for the ages, this film raised the bar that had been previously set by Ray: not only raised the bar, it bent the bar into a club and beat its competition down to become the greatest film of its kind. Joaquin, Reese, its all downhill for you now. Sorry.
The Departed
Nothing says America like a good crime drama, and Martin Scorsese does it better than anyone. This film had more twists than an eight foot corkscrew and viewers were strapped into their seats until the shocking conclusion, and it really was shocking. The standouts here were Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg. This film is not for the faint of heart, but if you can take the beating, watch and enjoy.
Well that is all for now, I hope that if you haven’t seen these films that you will take time to do so! Cheers!
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July 25th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Good choices…but I’m still trying to figure out how Pirates qualifies. It is because Disney is an American company?
July 25th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Actually, it was the fact that it was Johnny Depp (an American) outshining all of those classically trained UK actors in the film. Thanks for the comment
August 12th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!