"For some there's no such thing as salvation."

Deliver Us from Evil (2006)
Directed by Amy Berg, not rated, 101 minutes

Deliver Us from Evil is a deeply disturbing and riveting documentary about Father Oliver O'Grady who, in the 1970's, was moved from parish to parish by the Church to cover up his rape of dozens of children. Father O'Grady, who actually appears in the film, is one of the most unsettling and even frightening villains around, and here he seems sickeningly content and unrestricted. And this contrasts harshly with the victims and the victims parents, who let out their immense pain in front of the camera. Deliver Us from Evil puts a human face to the much publicized, horrible tragedies, and exposes some troubling information about the Catholic Church's cover up. You'll like it if: You like religious documentaries, films about the Catholic Church, Capturing the Friedmans, Mystic River or Witch Hunt.

"There's one in all of us."

Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
Directed by Spike Jonze, rated PG, minutes

Where the Wild Things Are is an exuberant and enchanting family film about a disobedient young boy who, after getting in a fight with his mom and sister, runs away and ends up in a bizarre land filled with giant creatures. Max Records is unbelievable in just his second film, hitting all the right notes, and all the wild things are made with an excellent mix of costuming and CGI. The main drawback of the film is that the book it's based on is so short, that there isn't enough plot to fill a full movie. But overall, Where the Wild Things Are has enough poignant moments and beautiful visuals to make a satisfying fantasy film. You'll like it if: You like family movies, the book, Spirited Away, Being John Malkovich or Little Miss Sunshine.

"The first and most important rule of gun-running is: never get shot with your own merchandise."

Lord of War (2005)
Directed by Andrew Niccol , rated R, 122 minutes

Lord of War is a refreshingly bold and darkly funny political crime thriller about the rise of an arms dealer, as he deals with his messed up brother and an Interpol agent trying to catch him. Nicolas Cage delivers a potent and likable antihero, reminiscent of Henry Hill from Goodfellas, and he's given plenty of hilarious, deadpan dialogue . The film starts with an absolutely awesome opening credit sequence, and though the film can try a little to hard to be stylish, at times it really is a hip as it wants to be. Lord of War takes an honest and vivid look at the world of gunrunning, showing all the glory as well as the brutal and unsavory side. You'll like it if: You like dark comedies, political thrillers, Nicolas Cage, Goodfellas, The Weather Man or Blow.

"Love is a puzzle. These are the pieces."

All the Real Girls (2003)
Directed by David Gordon Green, rated R, 108 minutes

All the Real Girls is a subtle and realistic romantic drama about a man with a reputation around town as womanizer, who starts a relationship with his best friend's sister. Paul Schneider and Zooey Deschanel have unbelievable chemistry as the leads, and genuinely seem like two people in love. The film has the definite feel of a independent film, with complex characters and a slow pace, but the story is captivating and even hilarious at times. All the Real Girls captures all the quirky and funny moments of a budding relationship, as well as the beautiful, romantic ones, and immerses you into these two people's lives. You'll like it if: You like romantic dramas, Zooey Deschanel, David Gordon Green's films, The Good Girl, Into the Wild or (500) Days of Summer.

"...[A] journey of betrayal, heroism, and ultimate transcendence"

The Ascent (1977)
Directed by Larisa Shepitko, not rated, 111 minutes

The Ascent is a harrowing and uncompromising Soviet War film about two Soviet partisans sent to a nearby village for food and supplies, but find out the Germans got there first. Instead of taking an epic look at WWII, the film follows just two soldiers, which allows you to build a closer connection to the characters. Filmed with beautiful black and white cinematography and in a brutally realistic way, the film is one of the most tense and ruthless war films around. From the battle scene played over the opening credits to the unbelievable and haunting ending, The Ascent is one bold and unforgettable war film. You'll like it if: You like world war two films, Soviet films, black and white films, Come and See, Johnny Got His Gun or All Quiet on the Western Front.

"A story about one man's search... for who knows what"

Trees Lounge (1996)
Directed by Steve Buscemi, rated R, 95 minutes

Trees Lounge is a charming and subtle independent dramedy about a down and out man who lost his job and his girlfriend, and now spends most of his day drinking at the local bar. Steve Buscemi never fails to create vivid and likable characters, but there are plenty of other impressive performances, including a stunning breakout from Chloe Sevigny. The plot is a bit meandering, but the characters are compelling enough to make you care, and there are plenty of laugh out loud moments. Reminiscent of 1970's character studies, Steve Buscemi, writer, director and star, has made very personal and engrossing film without simple resolutions. You'll like it if: You like independent comedies, films set in small towns, Steve Buscemi, The Station Agent, Sideways or Living in Oblivion.

"Based on a tattle-tale"

The Informant! (2009)
Directed by Steven Soderbergh, rated R, 108 minutes

The Informant! is an offbeat and absurdly funny crime-comedy about Mark Whitacre, the vice president of an agri-business giant, who becomes an informant for the US government over price-fixing accusations. Matt Damon is unrecognizable and delightfully eccentric in the lead, and all the supporting parts are filled with hilarious actors like Scott Bakula, Joel McHale and Tony Hale. The film cleverly uses narration to get you inside the strange mind of Whitacare, and as the story progresses it's almost impossible to believe that this is a true story. The Informant! has a fairly entertaining and darkly funny story, but it's Matt Damon who really shines, creating one memorable, baffling and zany character. You'll like it if: You like crime-comedies, workplace comedies, Matt Damon, Thank You for Smoking, Ocean's Eleven or Fargo.

"They grow up so fast."

Step Brothers (2008)
Directed by Adam McKay, rated R, 98 minutes

Step Brothers is a raucous and over the top comedy about two spoiled, grown-up kids who become stepbrothers after their parents get married, and end up enemies. Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly bring a fun energy to the film playing off each other effortlessly, and the smaller parts are filled with some surprisingly impressive character actors. The story is rather loose to allow Ferrell and Reilly to do basically whatever they want, which has mixed results - sometimes laugh out loud funny, and sometimes not so much. Step Brothers isn't all that different from Ferrell's other films and at times it can be too much, but it's a lot of fun when you're looking for a dumb comedy. You'll like it if: You like raunchy comedies, comedies about dysfunctional families, Will Ferrell, Old School, The Hangover or Anchorman.

"Love Is A Force Of Nature"

Brokeback Mountain (2005)
Directed by Ang Lee, rated R, 134 minutes

Brokeback Mountain is a painfully realistic and powerful drama about the lives of two sheep herders, who are forced to hide their the romantic relationship from society. Heath Ledger is truly amazing breaking away from his teen movie image, and delivering an uncompromising and refreshingly honest performance. All of the characters are relatable, and even likable, despite their many flaws, and the story has many moments of beauty amidst all the sadness. Brokeback Mountain has built up a lot of hype and some controversy, but the film really is that incredible, and leaves a lasting and haunting impression. You'll like it if: You like romantic dramas, independent dramas, Heath Ledger, The Last Picture Show or The Ice Storm.

"You must always grind forward... never backward."

The Cameraman (1928)
Directed by Edward Sedgwick, not rated, 67 minutes

The Cameraman is a charming and inspiring silent comedy about a poor photographer who, after falling in love with an MGM employee, trades in his tintype camera for a film camera to record newsreels. Buster Keaton always provides hardy laughs and incredible stunts, and here he's extremely lovable as he desperately tries to woo this girl. There are plenty of memorable gags, but in the middle of the movie he comes into the possession of a monkey who gives probably the best animal performance ever, and plays off hilariously with Keaton. In The Cameraman, Buster Keaton wraps you up in the terrific story and keeps you enthralled until the amazing and beautiful ending. You'll like it if: You like silent comedies, romantic comedies, Buster Keaton, Sherlock Jr., The Kid or Safety Last!