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Sunday Matinee at Chess Cinemas

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On this Father’s Day, I am going to re-recommend the great father/son tale told in Road to Perdition (2002), one of those rare films this century which actually lives up to the inevitable hype created by its all-star cast. At the same time, it is interesting that this film is actually one of the more under-watched films, considering the mega stars it features.

The superb soundtrack, cinematography, and attention to historical detail all add to the greatness of the acting and writing.

Watch it, or re-watch it.

via Netflix:

Hit man Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), known in his 1930s Chicago world as The Angel of Death, is on the run after his wife (Jennifer Jason Leigh) and son (Liam Aiken) are murdered. With his surviving son (Tyler Hoechlin) in tow, Michael sets out to exact brutal vengeance. Complicating matters in this crime actioner are a reporter (Jude Law), Al Capone’s enforcer (Stanley Tucci) and other shady characters.

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Saturday Night at Chess Cinemas

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The Apostle (1997) is the consummate Robert Duvall vehicle, showcasing the legendary actor’s talents as writer, director, and lead.

Billy Bob Thornton, Farrah Fawcett, June Carter Cash, Miranda Richardson, Billy Joe Shave,r Todd Allen, Brother Paul Bagget, John Beasley, and even Walton Goggins (“Boyd Crowder: of TV’s Justified fame) all add flavor to this very solid film.

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Sunday Matinee at Chess Cinemas

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I am going to re-recommend a terrific summer film, one of the all-time underrated comedy/drama/sports movies.

Three years ago, I suggested DIggstown (1992). Check it out, if you have not already done so. This is classic James Woods.

Here is what I had to say:

One of James Woods’ best performances was in the overlooked late summer of 1992 film, Diggstown. Woods plays a “good con man” in lieu of just another small-time hustler putting on the con of his life in sleepy, southern, boxing and gambling crazed Diggstown. The clip below features a nice compilation of some of the best scenes from the film. It is definitely worth checking out. Louis Gossett Jr., Bruce Dern, Oliver Platt, and a young Heather Graham all deliver great performances as well.

 

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Sunday Matinee at Chess Cinemas

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Although I have periodically referenced it I have yet to officially recommend Full Metal Jacket (1987) until now.

Over this Memorial Day weekend, this is one of the darker war films made, in the classic (writer/director) Stanley Kubrick sense.

Matthew Modine, R. Lee Ermey, and Vincent D’Onofrio all turn in memorable performances.

From imdb:

A pragmatic U.S. Marine observes the dehumanizing effects the U.S.-Vietnam War has on his fellow recruits from their brutal boot camp training to the bloody street fighting in Hue.

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Saturday Night at Chess Cinemas

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It has been over two years since I recommended Chinatown (1974), and I think it is appropriate to re-recommend it tonight given my view it is easily one of the top five films ever made.

Here is what I said back in March 2012:

They don’t come much better than Chinatown (1974). Regardless of Director Roman Polanski’s personal crimes, there can be no denying his talent as displayed in this bonafide masterpiece, starring a young Jack Nicholson and a cagey, older John Huston. Faye Dunaway as a knockout doesn’t hurt either, in this period piece set in 1930′s Los Angeles. Nicholson plays the memorable “J.J. Gittes,” a feisty, independent-minded private eye who is hell-bent on getting to the bottom of a massive scheme of corruption that goes right to heart of modern society–Stealing a city’s water supply.

I believe Chinatown is one of the top five films ever released, fusing a well-developed plot with excellent acting, directing, and cinematography. Check it out.

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Saturday Night at Chess Cinemas

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Suffice to say, I was surprised I had not previously suggested Gladiator (2000), which transcends a mere action/adventure film on many levels.

Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix lead this Oscar-winner for Best Picture (Crowe won Best Actor while Phoenix was nominated for Supporting Actor). The estimable Ridley Scott won Best Director, deservedly so for turning what could have easily been a run-of-the-mill historical action film into a classic piece of cinema.

via imdb:

When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by an emperor’s corrupt son, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge.

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