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/

Gran Torino

Produced and directed by Clint Eastwood in 2008. He also stars.

Widower and Korean War vet is disgruntled by society in general and specifically about how ethnic his old neighborhood has become. After a teenager from next door tries to steal Eastwood's vintage '72 Gran Torino, the boy's family, especially his sister, wins Eastwood over to the extent that he befriends them.

At times comic, at times tragic, Gran Torino is a little heavy handed. But Eastwood and the entire supporting cast are fine and the film won me over just for its message and heart.


http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1205489/

Nothing Sacred

William A. Wellman directed this deric March and Carole Lombard.

One of the original screwball comedies about a reporter who fakes a story and the hilarious complications that ensue.

Romance, comedy, and drama all belnd well. Lombarde was a masterful actress who excelled in comedic roles. Catch this one.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029322/

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/

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 Big Sleep

Bogart and Bacall in a 1946 classic from Howard Hawks.

Their chemistry is evident in this noir mystery about a rich family that hires detective Philip Marlowe to protect the patriarch's younger daughter. But Marlowe falls for the older sister. Can she be trusted?

Great thriller-mystery with killer cast.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038355/