Year of the Dragon

Michael Cimino directed this 1985 cop flick starring Mickey Rourke.

Taut action film follows Vietnam vet NY cop whose prejudice against Asians is complicated by both a crime boss in China Town and his relationship with his mistress.

Taut drama with lots of atmosphere.

www.imdb.com/title/tt0090350/

The Stunt Man

Man, has this film got it all...

1980 movie directed by Richard Rush is a thriller, drama, comedy, romance, action flick...about the only thing it isn't is a musical.

Starring Peter O'Toole, Steve Railsback, and Barbara Hershey, The Stuntman is about a fugitive who comes upon a film set. Unwittingly causing the death of the film's stunt man, the convict is given refuge by the director if he replaces the stunt man.

Railsback is the fugitive. O'Toole absolutely steals the show as the director, who threatens, cajoles, does anything to get his way and to get his scenes shot.

Brilliant film, lots of fun and thought provoking.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081568/

Pulp Fiction

If you haven't seen it...run - don't walk to the DVD store, NerFlix, or wherever and see it!
Arguably the coolest movie ever made.

Made in 1994 by Quentin Tarantino this dramedy stars John Travolta, Ving Rhames, Samuel Jackson, Uma Thurman..shall I go on? Bruce Willis, Eric Stoltz, Amanda Plummer, Tim Roth...and more.

Non-linear look at four stories that interconnect very cleverly. Dramatic, freaky, funny, and above all...cool.

Look for: Royale with cheese
It's a chopper, not a motorcycle
The Watch
and especially the segment with Mr Wolf
Don't miss it!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/

Seven Days in May

Taut thriller from 1964 directed by John Frankenheimerstars Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas.

Rod Serling scripted this drama about an attempted military takeover of the U.S. Government.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058576/

A Bronx Tale

1993 drama directed by Robert DeNiro and written by Chaz Palminteri from his play.

Both star in this New York story of a boy's coming of age with two strong influences: his straight arrow loving father and a flamboyant criminal who rules the neighborhood.

Good feel for its 1960s setting and both actors know New York. Great cast supports them in a story that is poingant and heartfelt.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106489/

Paths of Glory

Stanley Kubrick film from 1957 stars Kirk Douglas as a French officer and lawyer who defends soldiers who are accused of cowardice after a badly planned World War One battle.

Looks at the futility of war, what constitutes bravery, and tears apart the justice system.

Dynamic social commentary with great acting.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050825/

The Legend of Bagger Vance

Robert Redford directed this film from 2000 starring Matt Damon, Charlize Theron, Jack Lemmon, and Will Smith.

Golfers love this film but it should appeal to everyone.

Traumatized World War One vet tries to piece his life - and golf game - together. Big match pits him againsy legendary golf figures like Bobby Jones. Help is provided by a mystical caddy (Smith at his best...humble and folksy.

Touching drama with an excellent cast is seen through the eyes of a youngster who adores the game and idolizes his golf hero.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146984/

Birdy

Matthew Modine and Nicolas Cage star in this 1984 drama from Alan Parker.

Story of two Vietnam vets who both return home damaged...one physically, the other mentally. Always fascinated by birds, one friend thinks he is a bird himself. Touching story of how they can help each other overcome their afflictions.

Interesting drama is eventually uplifting. Good cast, intriguing story.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086969/

Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World

I love sea epics...grew up on Captain Horatio Hornblower books. So this one appealed to me.

Russell Crowe stars in this 2003 adventure directed by Peter Weir.

A captain during the Napoleonic Wars places his crew in harm's way as he pursues the enemy at all costs.

Good action adventure that won two Oscars. I thought it was ripe for a sequel, but that hasn't happened yet. Too bad.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0311113/

The Warriors

Walter Hill directed this 1979 film starring Michael Beck, James Remar, and Deborah Van Valkenburgh.

Violent drama depicts a street gang's journey from the Bronx to their home base as other rival gangs try to stop them.

Interesting look at the various types of gangs and gritty view of the city and its inhabitants.

Many violent segments but worth seeing Hill's vision of a very tough New York.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080120/

The Bedford Incident

1965 drama directed by James B. Harris starring Richard Widmark, Sidney Poitier.

Tense Cold War cat and mouse game between all-business U.S. Navy captain and the Russian submarine he is stalking in North Atlantic waters. Poitier is a reporter assigned to the ship whose opinions differ greatly from the captain's. Film builds tension in the chase and also in the interaction of the characters on the ship.

Elements of The Enemy Below, Caine Mutiney, and Crimson Tide, but well worth seeing. Suspenseful.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058962/