“Good movies to watch over the weekend, great movies of all time, top movies of 21st century, top Oscar-winning movies, critically acclaimed, underrated movies”, I too am tired of asking Google for an unexpected, abundant resource of movie list that will not coax Citizen Kane, Forrest Gump, Shawshank Redemption (none of which are my honorable mentions). Lend me your metaphorical ear so that I can whisper into it the suggestions that will help you breeze through at least a couple of months.
Two (1964)
If you are not a film student then you definitely haven’t heard about this one. Given, it is a short film, but this one has gravitas and message that modern-day three-hour menaces entirely lack. Two, by the legend Satyajit Ray, is a film so strong for sake of an argument that you can watch it right now and here to decide if you should trust my list. (Go on! Click, click. Tap, tap.) Two was written, directed, and composed by Satyajit Ray in 1964. When asked to make a film in English by the oil company Esso, he went ahead and made a film without words to be showcased at ESSO World Theatre. Two exposes attitudes to approach life. It subtly displays the economic inequality since his milieu.
Horrible Bosses (2011)
A low key, black and absurd humor film, Horrible Bosses manages to keep hitting you in the guts till you collapse with laughing fits. The film stars names like Kevin Spacey, Jaime Foxx Jennifer Aniston, Jason Sudeikis, and is directed by Seth Gordon. Not a lot of people know about Horrible Bosses, but those who know, know that it’s suitable for the same pedestal as Hangover. Movies take us on a journey with three guys who, tired of constant abuse (wink; you’ll know what it means), decide to kill their bosses(literally). Horrible Boss is a mad ride from start to end which gets madder when Jaime Foxx’s Dean ‘MF’ Jones enters. If you are planning to spend a weekend in bed with no wish to think then Horrible Bosses is a perfect pick. If you like it, there’s a sequel you can munch on to too.
Train to Busan (2016)
Train to Busan is a South Korean zombie horror that takes place on a train to Busan(duh!). The film has a unique, fresh look to the zombie apocalypse genre that was madly dominated by the likes of Resident Evil, World War Z. If whatever happening around is not giving you chills enough then hop on to Amazon prime video and enjoy it the trip.
The Gift (2015)
The Gift directed by Joel Edgerton is an example of how an actor like Jason Bateman can reinvent himself into a completely new style. In this psychological thriller, Simon (Jason Bateman) and his wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall) move to a new neighborhood closer to Simon’s alma mater. The couple receives gifts from a stranger who turns out to be Simon’s old schoolmate. Even though beginning as a lovely gesture, the film manages to tie you with suspense. What follows and conjures leaves one wondering about the nature of a lie and the validity of truth.
Rififi (1955)
I personally am a fan of heist movies since I watched Rififi (in your face Rick Sanchez!). Rififi is a product of Jules Dassin in his exile from America. The film stars Jean Servais, Robert Hossein, Janine Darcey. It’s a story of four men looking for a quick grab-and-run. What makes the job interesting is Tony’s ambition to go for the vault instead of some cheap display ornaments. What stands out about Rififi for me is its silent heist sequence. The rest of the film progresses with grace and style of its own. The Paris of the 60s makes the movie even juicier.
Logan Lucky (2017)
Without a doubt, this film is a gem. I just love Adam Driver as Clyde Logan of the Logan brothers. Channing Tatum, who plays the other of the Logan brothers, Jimmy Logan, pulls a sweet one in this offbeat, southern flick. What is a cherry on top? It’s Daniel Craig Joe Bang. The movie is of course a comedy, but it platters drama, tension, and thrill. The colors used in the film are praiseworthy. The settings match any Steven Soderbergh film. The dialogues are tight. If you have the guts for one more heist movie then go for it, because it is not about the object, it is about the art.
Sideways (2004)
A film adaptation of Rex Pickett’s novel of the same name, Sideways follows two men in their forties, Miles Raymond (Paul Giamatti), a depressed teacher and unsuccessful writer, and Jack Cole (Thomas Haden Church), a past-his-prime actor. The film is an absolute treat for: writers, actors, and wine lovers. Not meant for the common audience but some elements of the film are rather uncomplicated and dramatic. What makes it a perfect watch is the synchrony of countryside and a jazz score which melts through the glass.
