Wednesday, March 13, 2013

My 125 Favorite Movies (Part IV: #16-20)

16. The Young Poisoner's Handbook, Directed by Benjamin Ross
Starring Hugh O'Conor, Roger Lloyd-Pack, & Ruth Sheen
Based on a true story, this black comedy follows "tea-cup killer" Graham Young (O' Conor), a weirdo kid genius who poisons his mother and is institutionalized, only to be released and kill again. Hugh O'Conor makes Graham compelling and almost likable, never letting us forget what he is. Great fun, or should I say, haunting and compelling? 
Favorite Character- Graham




























17. This is England, Directed by Shane Meadows
Starring Thomas Turgoose, Stephen Graham, & Perry Benson
Thomas Turgoose gives an impressive first performance, but Stephen Graham steals the show as the hateful, unhinged skinhead who takes young Turgoose under his wing. The whole thing is fittingly complex and rings true with authenticity. Based on director Shane Meadows' own experiences.
Favorite Character- Shaun




























18. The Butcher Boy, Directed by Neil Jordan
 Starring Eamonn Owens, Stephen Rea, & Fiona Shaw
Francie is impoverished, alienated, and abused, and when he goes over the edge, it doesn't surprise anyone much. But Francie doesn't want recognition. He wants revenge. Searing adaptation of Patrick McCabe's 1994 Irish novel is psychologically astute and rather shocking, which helps it get over the campy bits. Newcomer Eamonn Owens gives an impressive performance as the unhinged youngster Francie.
Favorite Character- Francie





























19. The Shining, Directed by Stanley Kubrick
Starring Jack Nicholson, Danny Lloyd, & Shelly Duvall
An oldie but a goodie. And still scary, after all these years (!) The woman in the bathtub (you know the one) still gives me the shivers. 
Favorite Character- Jack





























20. Burn After Reading, Directed by Joel & Ethan Coen
Starring John Malkovich, Frances McDormand, & Brad Pitt
Over-rated? I think not! Hilarious black comedy follows two incompetent blackmailers (McDormand and Pitt) and their exploits. Though I've got to tell you, my heart hurts for Richard Jenkins' character every time. 
Favorite Character- Ted































Continue Reading List ...

2 comments:

  1. To this day, I need to open the shower curtain when I'm in the bathroom. TMI? lol. It's all King's fault. He's writing a sequel to The Shining and it's coming out this year, I can't wait. The film was fantastic, and the book scared the heck out of me. They are both different, yet equally scary.
    I have to watch Burn After Reading, I like both Pitt and Malkovich.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, poor Ted. He had the misfortune to fall for the *wrong* woman.

    ReplyDelete

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts -- reader comments make this blogging gig worthwhile. :-) Due to excessive spam, we are now moderating all comments. Like that dude in the Monty Python skit, we just Don't ... Like ... Spam. I will try to post and respond to your comments as quickly as possibly.