So far, this year has not been a memorable one for Hollywood. Most of the highest grossing films thus far are either kids movies or super hero movies that brought in money but, lacked a clear story line. With the horrid blockbuster season over and Oscar season approaching, here's a few movies that flew under the radar this year that you should see.
"The Lobster"
Original dramas like Yorgos Lanthimos' "The Lobster" are hard to come by these days. With an estimated budget of around 4.5 million dollars, Lanthimos does an outstanding job of depicting a different universe with unique governing laws that David (Colin Farrell) struggles to follow.
"The Nice Guys"
This film does what many Kevin Hart films of late fail to do... Deliver a healthy balance of explosions and gun fights with well timed comedy. Russell Crowe (Jackson Healy) and Ryan Gosling (Holland March) are a perfect match, while Angourie Rice (Holly March) plays the sarcastic teenager role better than most. It's a shame this film is considered a box office bomb.
"Hell Or High Water"
There is nothing mind blowing about the story line here. No real plot twist or flashy fight scenes. In many ways, it's your run-of-the-mill bank robber story. The story has been told countless times before-- however, David Mackenzie might just tell it best. Chris Pine (Toby Howard) and Ben Foster (Tanner Howard) make a great pair of outlaw brothers, however, it's Jeff Bridges that (Ranger Marcus Hamilton) steals the show. Bridges puts on a performance that may be worthy of an underdog Oscar nomination.
"10 Cloverfield Lane"
There's been a few critically acclaimed horror movies to come out this year and the follow up to the 2008 hit "Cloverfield" may be the best of them. This film consistently builds up suspense and always comes through when the thrill hits the fan. John Goodman (Howard) puts on an acting clinic and the last 15 minutes of the movie will have you gripping your seat and mentally rewinding the movie to put together the missing pieces.
"Sausage Party"
It seems like when the Seth Rogen crew does a movie they can't miss. This raunchy animated comedy touches on everything from race relations to conformity. The last 10 minutes of the film will either make you leave your seat in disgust or laugh until your stomach hurts.
