The 10 Best Lesser-known Movies of the 1st Qtr of 2011
Perhaps it's a bit too early to pull out a lesser-known movies list, as I ended up including some films which had significant advertising, but none have received the audience that they deserve - yet. All had their first major release in January, February or March of 2011. There is sure to be at least one that you should go out and find today.
(Follow my blog Napierslogs' Movie Expositions at http://napierslogs.blogspot.com)
(Follow my blog Napierslogs' Movie Expositions at http://napierslogs.blogspot.com)
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- DirectorSofia CoppolaStarsStephen DorffElle FanningChris PontiusAfter withdrawing to the Chateau Marmont, a passionless Hollywood actor reexamines his life when his eleven-year-old daughter surprises him with a visit.I wasn't planning on including Somewhere on this list because it had a fairly large advertising budget and expectations, but it quickly disappeared. And that's a shame. Another character study by Sofia Coppola, this time about an actor, with some humour and subtle maturation which I found meaningful.
- DirectorGregory DarkStarsMatthew ModineCallum BlueAdam BaldwinMr. Jack and Sweet Stephen cruise aimlessly through the streets of LA speculating about life, death, divine will and the force of power that predetermines their existence. Mr. Jack attempts to illustrate to his sidekick the delicate and natural forces of the universe. Sweet Stephen's superficial charm and bloodsucking lifestyle sends him and Mr. Jack on a voyage that is relentless, engaging, and darkly hilarious.A philosophical dark comedy about... well, who knows what really... but the characters, played brilliantly by Matthew Modine and Callum Blue, are hilarious and smart with highly addictive dialogue.
- DirectorRob EpsteinJeffrey FriedmanStarsJames FrancoTodd RotondiJon PrescottAs Allen Ginsberg talks about his life and art, his most famous poem is illustrated in animation while the obscenity trial of the work is dramatized.Finally released on DVD in January, Howl is poetry on film, literally. It was a fascinating, educational and artistic tale of Allen Ginsberg's poem "Howl".
- DirectorSam Taylor-JohnsonStarsAaron Taylor-JohnsonKristin Scott ThomasAnne-Marie DuffA chronicle of John Lennon's first years, focused mainly in his adolescence and his relationship with his stern aunt Mimi, who raised him, and his absentee mother Julia, who re-entered his life at a crucial moment in his young life.Poignant and affectionate, John Lennon grows up in Nowhere Boy. It was well shot, well written and well acted, and even if it wasn't entirely true, I still found it very interesting.
- DirectorÁlex de la IglesiaStarsElijah WoodJohn HurtLeonor WatlingAt Oxford University, a professor and a grad student work together to try to stop a potential series of murders seemingly linked by mathematical symbols.An old-fashioned murder mystery that uses math and logic. It's enjoyable and compelling.
- DirectorJohn CarneyKieran CarneyStarsDavid MurrayKevin MaherDonna DentWhen the Cassidy family finds a red leather clad man passed out on their living room floor, they assume he's an alien. Zonad is more than happy to oblige.An alien comedy. Zonad is recommended for those that like the quirky charms of small Irish towns mixed with the alcohol-induced and sexually-laced jokes for American audiences but written with the smart and adept skill of small independent filmmakers.
- DirectorRichard LevineStarsLiev SchreiberHelen HuntCarla GuginoA comedy about a New York City couple (Schreiber and Hunt) in romantic and family crisis.A dysfunctional family dramedy that was fairly funny and with some great actors. If you didn't get to know Ezra Miller in City Island, then you will want to meet him here.
- DirectorGeorge GalloStarsLuke WilsonGiovanni RibisiGabriel MachtChronicles Jack Harris, one of the pioneers of Internet commerce, as he wrestles with his morals and struggles not to drown in a sea of con men, mobsters, drug addicts, and porn stars.Based on the true story about the beginnings of internet commerce, Middle Men is interesting and well acted.
- DirectorKatie AseltonStarsKatie AseltonDax ShepardMaggie PhillipsA young couple decides to give each other a night off, no questions asked.A relationship drama that is told so raw and intimately, that there is a significant amount of power behind the thoughts and feelings that The Freebie is impressive for its low-budget and lack of script.
- DirectorJon GunnStarsMira SorvinoBarry PepperCole HauserA young boy is torn away from his adoptive parents by his alcoholic, abusive birth parents.Penned by an Oscar nominated screenwriter, Like Dandelion Dust tells a story. Which seems pretty rare these days. The story is sad at times, but it explores the hope and the powers of wealth, love and family.