"In a world where everyone can only tell the truth... this guy can lie."

The Invention of Lying (2009)
Directed by Ricky Gervais & Matthew Robinson, rated PG-13, 99 minutes

The Invention of Lying is a flawed but ambitious comedy set in world where everyone can only tell the truth, until one depressed writer discovers how to lie. Ricky Gervais brings his familiar sad-sack comedy to the film and has plenty of self-deprecating charm as the lead, and all the supporting parts are filled by talented comedians, plus there are even a few hilarious cameos. The premise of the film is intriguing and sets up some rather funny gags, but the story is split between religious satire, which is funny and thought provoking, and a love story, which effectively fails. The Invention of Lying is proof that perhaps Gervais can't be a successful romantic lead, but this bold comedy proves he can be very funny and even subversive You'll like it if: You like fantasy comedies, satirical comedies, Ricky Gervais, Idiocracy, Liar Liar or Life of Brian.

"My Name is Daniel Johnston. This the name of my tape- it's Hi, How Are You? And, I was having a nervous breakdown when I was recording it."

The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005)
Directed by Jeff Feuerzig, rated PG-13, 110 minutes

The Devil and Daniel Johnston is a tragic and yet inspiring documentary about Daniel Johnston, a revered musician, who's life fell apart when his manic-depression took over and he became obsessed with demons and the devil. The film has a staggering amount of old footage since Johnston documented his life, believing he would one day be famous, and his powerful, though divisive, music provides a wonderful soundtrack. Johnston himself is an interesting and charming man, who despite his painful flaws is exhilarating to watch. The Devil and Daniel Johnston is a lasting portrait of complex and brilliant artist, who's life couldn't be more interesting if it was made up. You'll like it if: You like films about artists, films about mental disorders, films about music, American Movie, Grizzly Man or Grey Gardens.

"You're not even old enough to know how bad life gets."

The Virgin Suicides (1999)
Directed by Sofia Coppola, rated R, 97 minutes

The Virgin Suicides is a peculiar and dream-like drama about a group of boys obsessed with a group of mysterious sisters who are shut off from the outside world by their parents after one commits suicide. All the performances by the teens are unexpectedly good, especially Kirsten Dunst who adeptly hides her character's sadness under her outwardly lovable persona. The film has a unique style of throwing tons of information at the audience in various ways, like little voice overs and documentary style interviews, which surprisingly makes the story clearer as well as adding a feeling of fantasy. The Virgin Suicides is both subtly funny and depressingly bleak, and it's strange atmosphere is unforgettable. You'll like it if: You like teenage protagonists, films about family, Kirsten Dunst, American Beauty, Lawn Dogs or Heavenly Creatures.

"One of the most bizarre episodes in the annals of American Crime."

The Honeymoon Killers (1969)
Directed by Leonard Castle, rated R, 108 minutes

The Honeymoon Killers is a stark and shocking crime thriller, based on true crimes, about a couple that sets up a scheme where the man dates lonely women, proposes to them, steals their money, then kills them. Tony Lo Blanco is horrifyingly charming and sleazy, perfectly complementing Shirley Stoler as his manic and boorish wife. The film is clearly low budget, but instead of being a hindrance, it makes everything seem real - almost like watching a documentary where people are actually killed, and the murder scenes are some of the most disturbing ever filmed. The Honeymoon Killers walks the line between John Waters style campy fun and In Cold Blood-esque true crime horror, which results in a truly chilling and unpredictable experience. You'll like it if: You like true crime films, independent horror films, serial killer films, In Cold Blood, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre or Heavenly Creatures.

"Sometimes I feel like you're really taking me for an imbecile."

The Dinner Game (1998)
Directed by Francis Veber, rated PG-13, 80 minutes

The Dinner Game is a quick paced French comedy about a group of upper class friends who have dinners where they all invite the dumbest guy they can find. However, on the night of the dinner things go awry and one inviter is stuck all night with his "idiot." Jaques Villeret is perfect as the unwitting dolt as he keeps his frustratingly stupid character likable, and writer-director Francis Veber manages to prevent the the story from becoming predictable, providing plenty of twists and turns. The Dinner Game is only 80 minutes, but it's packed with memorable bits and laugh out loud scenes, and if you like films where nothing seems to go right - this is as good as it gets. You'll like it if: You like French comedies, slapstick comedies, Dumb & Dumber, The Ladykillers or Amelie.

"They're just people. They're not like you."

The Messenger (2009)
Directed by Oren Moverman, rated R, 113 minutes

The Messenger is a painful and brilliantly acted drama about an Iraq War veteran who struggles with his new assignment at the Casualty Notification Office when he disobeys his new captain and fraternizes with a widow. Ben Foster gives a raw and utterly believable performance in the lead, capturing the frustration and helplessness of his character, and Woody Harrelson perfectly complements him as his stern captain. The story is captivating as each scene where they must notify someone of a death s truly heartbreaking, and the characters are carefully drawn and without cliches. But, The Messenger's greatest strength, besides the amazing acting, is the compelling friendship that develops between the two soldiers despite their troubles. You'll like it if: You like films about veterans, war dramas, Ben Foster, The Hurt Locker or The Wrestler.

"I don't wanna go back to jail again. Least not for more than a week or two."

Citizen Ruth (1996)
Directed by Alexander Payne, rated R, 106 minutes

Citizen Ruth is a polarizing and darkly funny film about a careless, drug-addicted pregnant woman who is thrust into the national abortion debate after a judge offers to lower her sentence if she gets an abortion. Laura Dern is amazing in the lead, bringing a certain charm to her shockingly unlikable and selfish character, making her into an almost relatable person in a tough situation. The film doesn't really pick sides, making fun of the idiocy on both sides, and seeing them fight over the amoral and ungrateful Ruth provides plenty of humor. Citizen Ruth is a great piece of satire that doesn't shove it's message down your throat and just let's you laugh at the absurdity of it all. You'll like it if: You like controversial films, political comedy, surreal comedies, Election, Thank You for Smoking or Happiness.

"Mr. Franz, I think careers are a 20th century invention and I don't want one."

Into the Wild (2007)
Directed by Sean Penn, rated R, 148 minutes

Into the Wild is an inspiring and spellbinding film about a successful college graduate who gives away his money and abandons his possessions so he can hitchhike to Alaska and live in the wild. Emile Hirsch is utterly convincing in the lead, as he easily gets you on his side despite some his questionable decisions, and the supporting parts are filled with excellent character actors. Based on a true story, the film is absolutely mesmerizing, telling a shocking and in a strange way relatable tale. Into the Wild doesn't have any gimmicks, just raw human emotion, and a exhilarating protagonist you can't help but like. You'll like it if: You like films about nature, adventure films, Emile Hirsch, Grizzly Man, Mysterious Skin or Deliverance.

"You can count on me. I hate them."

Mouchette (1967)
Directed by Robert Bresson, not rated, 78 minutes

Mouchette is a raw and genuine French drama about a young teenager in rural France who struggles with a dying mother, a drunk father who doesn't care about her, being an outcast at school, and trying to help support her family. The film has mostly non-actors, but in the lead Nadine Nortier, in her only film, brings charm and resilience to her grim character, and the camera simply loves her face. There's not really a conventional story, but Mouchette is such an interesting character that watching her try to overcome her hardships is plenty. Mouchette is a simple and bleak film that has an incredible effect with minimal dialogue and story. You'll like it if: You like teen protagonists, 60's cinema, Robert Bresson's films, Pather Panchali, Au hasard Balthazar or Precious.