Waltz with BashirReleased in 2008, as the first Israeli animated feature in over 45 years, Waltz with Bashir tells the story of Ari Folman as he tries to recollect the events he endured during the 1982 Israeli invasion of Lebanon. As the film progresses, he reconnects with those events leading up to the Sabra and Shatila massacre.
This animated biography smoothly blends various types of animation into one breath-taking visual package. Add in an intriguing soundtrack coupled with excellent dramatic sequences and this film is a solid rental, although it can be ‘art house’ at times.
Fritz the Cat
Fritz the Cat earned the dubious award of the being the first animated movie to earn an ‘X’ rating when released in 1972. However, when judged against the standards of today, the movie would receive an “R” rating.
Fritz the Cat is Ralph Bakshi’s adaptation of Robert Crumb’s character and during the film explores the politics of the left- and right-wing political movements of the 1970s. Along the way, Fritz offends every culture group possible while rasising several questions about society.
The movie is absolutely offensive but takes an interesting look at the 70s and plays an important role in the resurrection of animated feature films.
Dr. Strangelove
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is Stanley Kubrick’s 1964 black comedy film that takes a look at Cold War hysteria in America and common heal beliefs about the era.
The plot opens with USAF Brigadier General Jack D. Ripper planning to use nuclear weapons on the Soviets for fear that a Soviet plot involving the fluoridation of water is turning Americans into Communists. From there, the film delves further into the era blending fact with fiction into a humorous yet head-scratching piece that everyone should see.
Collateral
Released in 2004, before Tom Cruise went full-blown crazy, Collateral came out and delivered a shot of adrenaline to the film noir genre.
Cruise, in one of his best performances, is a contracted hit man traversing Los Angeles as he carries out his hits. While going on his killing spree, he enlists the help of a reluctant Jamie Foxx who is working as a cab driver. From there, the movie rockets toward the action packed finale.
The movie deals out several sequences that ooze atmosphere and cool. And, after watching this movie, I dare you to look at Paul Oakenfold’s hit “Ready Steady Go” in the same light.
Best in Show
Released in 2000, Best in Show, written and directed by Christopher Guest, tells the story of a wide variety of colorful characters competing in a dog show.
Guest’s humor, also vividly found in his other movies A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration, follows the dry wit paradigm of movies like Office Space. If you don’t enjoy this style of humor, then, Best in Show is not the movie for you.
For everyone else, however, Best in Show is an instant classic as it’s a fun movie filled with several charming and endearing characters that represent nearly every facet of society.
