And Justice For All

So now we're going back many many years to 1979's Al Pacino film "And Justice For All" for which he was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar. Pacino plays Arthur Kirkland, an attorney who ends up with a case defending his least favorite judge, Judge Henry Fleming, played by John Forsythe, is accused of rape. This puts Kirkland under pressure to choose between his career and his personal integrity. It is a two hour edge-of-your-seat crime drama with a stellar cast that will keep you rooting for the good guy.

Anchorman - The Legend of Ron Burgandy

I hate to admit it, but this film is one of a few guilty pleasures in my video vault. Will Ferrell is one of those great comedians that you just can't help but laugh at or with. This is one extremely funny film from beginning to end. With the help of Vince Vaughn, Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate among others, you will spend an enjoyable hour and a half giggling at the very least. The premise is Ron Burgandy (Ferrell) is an anchorman in the 1970's with a crack news team until the addition of a female anchor (Applegate) threatens these macho guys. Throw in some slapstick humor, such as a rumble between the other news stations, and some clever wit and you will smiling every time you watch this 2004 flick.

An American Werewolf in London

If you're looking for a scary movie to rent for the upcoming Halloween holiday, then I would certainly recommend returning to the 1981 John Landis film, An American Werewolf in London. Starring David Naughton and Griffin Dunne as two Americans on a walking tour of London when they wander off the path, though warned not to, to an unexpected horror that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The special effects were incredible for the time and makes this a must see for all horror fans. There's one sequence that still gives me nightmares if I think about it too much. Trust me, this is one for a good scare.

American Beauty

This is one of my all time favorite "dark" movies, though there are moments that you will find yourself chuckling a little. This 1999 Best Picture winner is a must rent if for some reason you were living in Siberia when it came out and have never seen it. Kevin Spacey (another of my Top, well for now, let's say Top 5, though that can change as I continue with this blog) is fantastic as the "bored and sick of it" Lester Burnham whose daughter, played by Thora Birch, doesn't care to talk to him (go figure) and whose wife, Carolyn, perfectly played by Annette Bening, is also teetering on the edge from lack of affection and respect and good old-fashioned bordom. A wonderful afternoon filler at 2 hours that will leave you re-thinking what you thought. If that doesn't make sense, then rent this wickedly funny and very intelligent film and it will.

America's Sweethearts

I don't recall seeing much hype about this 2001 film starring John Cusack (gotta love him), Catherine Zeta-Jones, Julia Roberts and Billy Crystal, but it is worth renting as it is a funny and sometimes touching story about love lost and love found. Cusack and Zeta-Jones were once, apparently, very much in love. Unfortunately they are no longer the country's favorite couple, on and off screen, but have to try to put on a front while promoting their last film they made together with the help of her assistant, Roberts, and their press agent, Crystal. This 101 minute film also co-stars Christopher Walken, Hank Azaria and Stanley Tucci and ends with a heart-touching twist.

Air Force One

Who doesn't love Harrison Ford? Well, maybe not as much as we use to, but watching any of his earlier movies will remind you of why we loved him so much when he was a hot commodity. Air Force One is definitely one of the best 125 minutes you'll spend watching him as the President of United States in this high action film. He is faced with the desperate decision of giving into terrorists' demands who have taken over the presidential plane and sacrificing our country's status and the lives of his family. Gary Oldman, who is by far one of the great bad-guy actors of all time, plays the leader of the terrorists. Look for Glenn Close as the Vice President trying to aide this situation from the ground. Even though this film is from 1997, it is far from outdated in these times when terrorists still threaten our choices as Americans. A must see, sky-high action packed adventure with a good-looking leading man who you can't help but root for from beginning to end.

The Adventures of Ford Fairlane

Okay, so Andrew Dice Clay may not be known by a lot of you and he certainly didn't last very long in the ever changing market of comedians, but this movie is certainly classic Clay and certainly enjoyable to watch when there's not much else. Private Investigator Ford Fairlane (Clay) is hired by shock-jock Johnny Crunch (played by the ever annoying Gilbert Gottfried to find a groupie by the name of Zuzu Petals when someone kills Crunch. Lots of action and funny lines fill this 101 minute film and is a must see for Lauren Holly fans. Holly plays Fairlane's assitant Jazz and is just adorable in this amuzing flick. Also look for Priscilla Presley, Wayne Newton and Morris Day. This 1990 film is good for some laughs, action and entertainment.