"A groundbreaking roman à clef"

Z (1969)
Directed by Costa-Gravas, rated PG, 127 minutes

Z is an unnerving, sharp and intriguing political thriller about an investigator who attempts to discover the truth behind the murder of a prominent leftist while all the other government officials are trying to cover themselves. The story is based on many true and unfortunate moments in Greek history, but the film keeps a dark, acerbic wit which makes the satire all the more effective. The ridiculously catchy score compliments the tense and almost eerie atmosphere that director Costa-Gravas builds. Z is a provocative and stunning film filled with unforgettable images and powerful themes. You'll like it if: You like political thrillers, French cinema, 60's cinema, The Battle of Algiers, Network or The Manchurian Candidate.

"It takes a clever man to make money, it takes a genius to stay alive"

The Counterfeiters (2007)
Directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky, rated R, 98 minutes

The Counterfeiters is a tense Austrian-German film about a skilled forger who is captured by the Nazi government and eventually sent to a concentration camp where he's made leader of the largest counterfeiting operation in history. The main character, brilliantly played by Karl Markovics, is one very interesting character to follow, as he goes from living a comfortable life of crime to staying in the barbaric conditions of a concentration camp. The true story shows a side of the Holocaust that was previously unseen, and makes for a captivating and taut film. The Counterfeiters is a gripping and smart film avoids cliches and presents some truly intriguing characters in a horrible situation. You'll like it if: You like films with criminal protagonists, holocaust dramas, The Pianist, Owning Mahowny, or Schindler's List.

"Fast Food. High Times."

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle (2004)
Directed by Danny Leiner, rated R, 88 minutes

Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle is a wildly funny and preposterously enjoyable comedy about two stoners who get a craving for White Castle and end up on a ridiculous adventure. John Cho and Kal Penn play brilliantly off each other as they deliver some of the funniest dialogue in recent memory, and Neil Patrick Harris shows up in a bizarre and memorable cameo. Few films have as many jokes that absolutely hit their mark, but what makes the film stand out is the mix of clever, intelligent and juvenile humor. Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle surpasses most other stoner comedies as a poignant, genuinely entertaining and hilarious film. You'll like it if: comedies dealing with race, stoner comedies, "road-trip" comedies, Pineapple Express or The 40 Year Old Virgin.

"A trust so deep it cuts both ways."

Bound (1996)
Directed by Andy Wachowski and Larry Wachowski, rated R, 108 minutes

Bound is visually amazing and darkly funny crime thriller about a woman who makes a plan with her neighbor and lover to steal two million dollars of mob money from her violent boyfriend. Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon have fantastic chemistry as the leads, and Joe Pantoliano is truly frightening as the villain. The story is absolutely captivating as the intensity builds and the situation gets more out of control and explosive. Bound is an inspired and unbelievably entertaining neo-noir crime film in which every moment is packed with suspense and incredible style. You'll like it if: You like independent crime films, 90's cinema, strong female protagonists, Reservoir Dogs, Blood Simple or Wild Things.

"Desperation knows no borders."

Frozen River (2008)

Directed by Courtney Hunt, rated R, 97 minutes

Frozen River is a painfully realistic and tense crime drama about a struggling single mother who ends up partnering with a Mohawk woman in a smuggling scheme to bring illegal immigrants into America. Mellisa Leo delivers a desperate but tough performance, you really can't help but root for her as she sacrifices for her family. Each of the characters are well written, which makes the suspense of the crime scenes all the more effective. The bleak setting, powerful story and rich characters make Frozen River one memorable and powerful drama. You'll like it if: You like films with strong female leads, films about families, films about Native Americans, Babel or The Visitor.

An Orson Welles Tour de Force

F for Fake (1973)
Directed by Orson Welles, not rated, 85 minutes

F for Fake is an intriguing, clever and preposterously fun documentary by Orson Welles about fraud and fakery including an artist who paints forgeries and Welles' own infamous radio performance of War of the Worlds. Orson Welles is in top form and unbelievably charismatic hosting the film, and always one step ahead of the audience. The film follows some truly interesting people and the editing makes for an incredibly fast paced and exciting experience. F for Fake is a profoundly interesting and entertaining film that has simply a mindblowingly incredible conclusion. You'll like it if: You like documentaries, films about fraud, Orson Welles, Being John Malkovich, Sans Soleil or The Trial.

"Big Cops. Small Town. Moderate Violence."

Hot Fuzz (2007)
Directed by Edgar Wright, rated R, 121 minutes

Hot Fuzz is a clever action movie spoof about a top London cop who, because of some jealous coworkers, gets sent to a small British town to work with a bumbling and witless partner. Director Edgar Wright reunites with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost from Shaun of the Dead, and they're just as funny, and the action genre gives them plenty of material. The film brilliantly mocks action movie tropes from the soundtrack to the cinematography to the actual action sequences. Hot Fuzz is ridiculously fun and quick satire of action flicks, that's hilarious all the way to its explosive ending. You'll like it if: You like parodies, action-comedies, Simon Pegg, Shaun of the Dead, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang or Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

"They'd never let the truth come between them"

The Brothers Bloom (2008)
Directed by Rian Johnson, rated PG-13, 114 minutes

The Brothers Bloom is an adventurous and sweet romantic comedy about two of the best con men around, who come up with elaborate schemes. But when the younger brother wants to quit, he gets roped into one last con of a beautiful millionaire. The cast, including Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo and Rachel Weisz, is wonderful and they have amazing chemistry. As with most movies about con men, you can never be sure what's part of the con and what's real, and that plays well into this delightfully odd and quirky film. The Brothers Bloom is a delightful film with a slew of memorable and deeply intriguing characters. You'll like it if: You like romantic comedies, movies about con artists, Wes Anderson's films, Grosse Pointe Blank, Brick or The Royal Tenenbaums.

"...Bring an umbrella"

The Weather Man (2005)
Directed by Gore Verbinski, rated R, 102 minutes

The Weather Man is an unformulaic and bitingly funny dark comedy about a successful weather man whose life outside of his job is a complete failure. Nicolas Cage gives a subtle and endearing performance, and he has great chemistry with Michael Caine, who plays his father, and Hope David, who plays his ex-wife. What makes the film really stand out is its rather bleak tone and its clever and raunchy humor. The Weather Man aptly mixes darkly hilarious moments and potent dramatic ones, that make the film so memorable and refreshing. You'll like it if: You like dramadies, dark comedies, Nicolas Cage, Lord of War, American Beauty or About Schmidt.