A Stoner Action-Comedy

Pineapple Express (2008)
Directed by David Gordon Green, rated R, 111 minutes

Pineapple Express is a one of a kind film: A stoner action-comedy. Pineapple Express is about a weed-loving process server who, after witnessing a murder by a drug lord and a "lady cop," must go on the run with his overly friendly dealer. James Franco, who surprises with impeccable comedic timing, is basically perfect as the dealer, and Danny McBride is nothing short of amazing in his small part. Pineapple Express surpasses most stoner comedies and action movies because of the hilariously written and acted dialogue, and the fantastic directing by indie filmmaker David Gordon Green. Pineapple Express is the best of both worlds: it's Cheech and Chong meets Diehard. You'll like it if: You like stoner comedies, slapstick comedy, Seth Rogen, Superbad or Pulp Fiction.

"It's not who you love. It's how."

Chasing Amy (1997)
Directed by Kevin Smith, rated R, 113 minutes

Chasing Amy is a smart and ingenuous romantic comedy about two comic book artists, whose friendship is strained when one falls in love with a girl who he finds out is a lesbian. Chasing Amy was once described to me as a chick flick for guys, and although perhaps true, the film is satisfying because it avoids cliches and lets the relationship between the leads occur naturally. Ben Affleck had his breakout role in the film, but it's Jason Lee that really keeps the film moving. Chasing Amy is an astonishingly well written love story that never bores. You like it if: You like romantic comedies, raunchy comedies, Judd Apatow's films or Clerks.

A Sly and Suspenseful Mystery

Dial M for Murder (1954)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, rated PG, 105 minutes

Dial M for Murder is what Alfred Hitchcock does best: films about "the perfect crime." Dial M for Murder is about a man who hatches a brilliant plot to murder his wife, but even when things go wrong, he finds a way to salvage his plan. Hitchcock never fails to create suspense, and this film is a perfect example. You can't help but get sucked in by the crafty plot, and subtle acting. Dial M for Murder is a masterfully made mystery film, that will keep your palms sweaty till the very end. You like it if: You like suspenseful mysteries, movies based on plays, Alfred Hitchcock films or Rope.

Well Written, Monumentally Acted

Doubt (2008)
Directed by John Patrick Shanely, rated PG-13, 104 minutes

Doubt is a incredibly acted drama set in 1964 about a nun who confronts a priest she suspects of molesting the school's only black student. Doubt is based on the play by John Patrick Shanely, who also wrote the screenplay, and directs for the first time since 1990. But, it's the acting that makes Doubt so powerful. Meryl Streep is great as always, and Philip Seymour-Hoffman never disappoints and Amy Adams is fantastic. Furthermore, Viola Davis gives an amazing performance with only a few minutes of screen time, earning her a Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Doubt is an intense film, that brilliantly plays with the viewer's doubt, and delivers a powerful message. You'll like it if: You like movies based on plays, Philip Seymour Hoffman or Mystic River.

A Quick and Clever Comedy

Adaptation (2002)
Directed by Spike Jonze, rated R, 114 minutes

Adaptation is a cleverly written satire about a depressed screenwriter's difficult attempt to adapt a book about flowers, while dealing with his twin brother, who is a not-so-talented screenwriter. The story is based on the experience of real life screenwriter, the endlessly talented Charlie Kaufman. Nicolas Cage plays the lead and his twin brother, yet manages to make two very distinct performances. Adaptation is a funny and sharp film that entertains all the way through. You'll like it if: You like movies about movies, The Player or Being John Malkovich.

5 Terrific, Non-Mafia Gangster Movies

5. Boyz n the Hood (1991) Directed by John Singleton, rated R, 107 minutes

Boyz n the Hood is a dark and honest look at black culture in the 90's, about a group of friends growing up in a Los Angeles ghetto. This bold and honest film, is an incredibly well written and well paced morality tale. John Singleton received Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Original Screenplay, and Boyz n the Hood definitely deserved the recognition. You'll like it if: You like movies about black culture, Cuba Gooding Jr. or Juice.

4. Pusher (1996) Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, not rated, 105 minutes
Pusher is a brutal and disturbing Danish cult film about a drug pusher who gets arrested during a drug deal he doesn't have the money to back up, and begins a frantic quest to pay his debts. Pusher takes an honest look at drug dealers, without glamorizing or damning them. Pusher is fantastic because of it's excellent music and interesting visual style. You'll like it if: You like movies about drugs, disturbing movies, or Layer Cake.

3. Pulp Fiction (1994) Directed by Quentin Tarantino, rated R, 154 minutes
Pulp Fiction was probably the most influential movie of all of the 90's and there's good reason for it. Pulp Fiction is about four intertwined tales about gangsters and criminals. The fantastic, non-linear plot never slows down and the characters are so well written, you could watch them do nothing and still enjoy it. Pulp Fiction has it all: hilarious dialogue, shootouts, great music and interesting stories. You'll like it if: You like dialogue heavy movies, Samuel L. Jackson or Reservoir Dogs.

2. Miller's Crossing (1990) Directed by Joel Coen, rated R, 115 minutes
Miller's Crossing is a brilliant and darkly funny neo-noir film about a gangster who plays the two gangs in town off each other to stay alive. All of the acting is great, but John Turturro gives a truly unforgettable performance. This film is ridiculously well written, there's twists and turns all the way through, and the Coen brothers' visual style makes Miller's Crossing a feast for the eyes. This is an undoubtedly amazing movie that entertains in every way. You like it if: You like the Coen brother's films, Gabriel Byre or A Fistful of Dollars.

1. Get Carter (1971) Directed by Mike Hodges, rated R, minutes
Get Carter is a masterfully made British film about a gangster who comes back to his home town to investigate the death of his brother. Michael Caine sinks into the lead role, in one of the most intimidating and menacing roles of all time. This dark and brooding film takes no prisoners, and is an absolute masterpiece. You'll like it if: You like British cinema, Michael Caine or The Italian Job.

"They Wrote the Book on How Not-to-Be Criminals"

Big Nothing (2006)
Directed by Jean-Baptiste Andrea, rated R, 86 minutes

Big Nothing is a laugh out loud, neo-noir, crime thriller about an unemployed teacher who joins up with a couple of schemers in a blackmailing plan and that goes way out of control. David Schwimmer and Simon Pegg are both hilarious, but it's the smart and sly writing that really shines. This relentless dark comedy never lets up, and has more twists and turns than you can count. Big Nothing is a truly fun ride, you never know where it's going and it's never slow. You'll like it if: You like dark comedies, movies about amateur criminals, Fargo, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels or Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

A Mystifying Sci-fi Masterpiece

Donnie Darko (2001)
Directed by Richard Kelly, rated R, 113 minutes

Donnie Darko is an amazing, psychological thriller about a social misfit who has bizarre visions of a large bunny rabbit, that uses him to commit a series of crimes. The entire cast is terrific, and Jake Gyllenhaal does a fantastic job as eponymous character. The writing is absolutely masterful, from the reality-bending plot to the darkly hilarious dialogue. And, the music works perfectly with the film. Donnie Darko is an absolutely magnificent film, every aspect is well done. You'll Like it if: You like cult movies, movies about time travel, perplexing movies, David Lynch films, Jake Gyllenhaal or 12 Monkeys.

"There's someone for everyone...apparently"

Eagle vs Shark (2007)
Directed by Taika Cohen, rated R , 88 minutes

Eagle vs Shark is a charming and awkward romantic comedy about two socially awkward oddballs, and their irregular attempt at love. The film stars the bizarrely cute Loren Horsely and Jemaine Clement, from HBO's Flight of the Concords. Eagle vs Shark is so lovable because the dialogue is fantastic and the film avoids cliches. This indie comedy is an original and convincing look at love. You'll like it if: You like quirky comedies, romantic comedies, Jemaine Clement or Napolean Dynamite.

The Men Behind the Myth

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford (2007)
Directed by Andrew Dominik, rated R, 160 minutes

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford is an exquisite, yet unsettling western, about Robert Ford trying to join the gang of his idol, Jesse James, and their intriguing relationship till the inevitable conclusion. Roger Deakins, probably the best cinematographer working today, makes the film remarkably beautiful and visually stunning. The acting is top notch all around, but Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck really shine in the two main roles. This incredibly effective and moody western is truly exceptional. You like it if: You like westerns, dark films, Brad Pitt or Unforgiven.