Sea of Love

Harold Becker directed this 1989 film starring Al Pacino and Ellen Barkin.

Suspense thriller about a detective who is searching for a serial killer who finds victims through a lonely hearts column.

Barkin is the love interest and possibly the killer.

Intense, taut mystery with both actors turning in pro performances.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098273/

Diner

Barry Levinson directed this 1982 comedy/drama about a group of friends coping with responsibilities and adulthood.

Great dialogue and good story...part of Levinson's group of films centered in Baltimore. Outstanding cast includes Mickey Rourke, Kevin Bacon, Paul Reiser, Ellen Barkin, Steve Guttenberg, and Tim Daly.

Has a lot of heart...and humor. Love the scenes in the diner (natch) and the sports test a fiance has to take before she is considered worthy of marriage.

I'll have some gravy on those fries.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083833/

The Big Easy

Makes me crave Jambalaya.

1987 Jim McBride film stars Dennis Quaid and Ellen Barkin.

Mob murder brings together a dashing New Orleans cop and an Assistant D.A. who investigates him for corruption.

Good feel for New Orleans and great cast keeps this different kind of crime drama moving and interesting.

If you watch this and don't have a hankering for crawfish or a desire to listen to zydeco, something's wrong.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092654/