#97 - Funny Games U.S.

Directed by Michael Haneke
2007 Thriller
Rated R

****

A LOT of people are going to misunderstand this movie, if not plain hate it. It is director Michael Haneke's (Cache) shot-for-shot remake of his 1997 film of the same name (minus the "U.S."). In it, two psychotic boys (Michael Pitt and Brady Corbet) take a couple (Naomi Watts, Tim Roth) hostage in their vacation home. Throughout a day and night, they make them play games to decide whether each will live or die. Haneke decided to remake his 1997 film because he wanted to reach a broader audience, particularly in the U.S., as that is who he made the original for in the first place. If you go in expecting your standard, paint-by-numbers R rated torture porn, you're in for a surprise. This film was Haneke's way of exploring the fascination he had with how desensitized American audiences seem to have become to grossly violent films. I could go on forever, but instead, i'll just wrap up by saying that if you are a person who views films solely as "entertainment," you will without a doubt HATE this film. However, if you go to films for both entertainment and maybe to be informed, or challenged, I think you'll really enjoy the experience.

#96 - Brief Encounter

Directed by David Lean
1945 Drama
Not Rated

*****

One of the great "wrong place, wrong time" love stories of the 20th century. If you were a fan of Once, you will love this film.

#95 - Le Charme discret de la bourgeoisie

Directed by Luis Bunel
1972 Surrealistic Comedy/Drama
Rated PG

****

#94 - La Règle du jeu

Directed by Jean Renoir
1939 Comedy/Drama
Not Rated

*****

I had always thought that, in my mind, Citizen Kane would sit at the top of the list of the best films ever made forever. While I need a few more viewings to completely decide, it is very possible that this will overtake that spot. There aren't enough good things in the world that I can say about this film; the brilliant script, fast pace, beautiful photography, impressive use of deep focus, etc. This is ESSENTIAL viewing for anyone who loves film.

#93 - About Schmidt

Directed by Alexander Payne
2002 Comedy/Drama
Rated R

****

#92 - Born Into Brothels

Directed by Zana Briski and Ross Kauffman
2004 Documentary
Rated R

**** 1/2

I never thought it was possible for a film to be at the same time both incredibly uplifting and devastatingly heartbreaking. But Born Into Brothels proved me wrong. It tells the story of a group of kids living in India's Red Light District, who were all born into families that survive on prostitution. In a spur of the moment idea, director Briski (who has been teaching the children photography for awhile) decided to let the children snap the pictures of the area, some of which turn out to be incredibly good. The one standout is Avijit, whose talent is on par with some of the better photographers working today. Despite the rather sullen ending, this is one of the most effective and memorable documentaries in recent memory. A must-see.

#91 - Reno 911!: Miami*

Directed by Robert Ben Garant
2007 Comedy
Rated R

***

#90 - Juno*

#89 - I'm Not There.

Directed by Todd Haynes
2007 Surrealistic Biopic
Rated R

****

#88 - The General

Directed by Buster Keaton
1927 Comedy
Rated G

*****

Anyone who is a fan of physical comedy should watch this. Buster Keaton was one of (if not THE) pioneers of the art form. Watching his skill in the ridiculous stunts he pulls off in his 1927 masterpiece is like watching a pianist who has been playing for years and years.

#87 - Juno*

#86 - Cloverfield*

#85 - The Ruins

Directed by Carter Smith
2008 Horror
Rated R

***