Raising  Arizona

Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter

Another screwball comedy packed with meaning, wild metaphors, simple wisdom, and the kind of scenes and dialogue only the Cohens can do.  (No doubt, it has the best Huggies theft, car/dog/anything-else chase in film.) This zany take which may take a 2nd viewing to tune in, centers around a “gorgeous baby” and a petty criminal’s journey to fatherhood.  It’s one to have in your video library, and to check if it’s still there…

Ran (The Criterion Collection)

By one of the greatest filmmakers to grace our planet, and arguably his best work, here is Akira Kurosawa’a take on King Lear.  Beautifully set in feudal Japan, this film is visually stunning and deftly plunges into the depths and remarkable range of the human soul.  Set aside some time, arm yourself with the right company and wine and enjoy—you’ll get past the subtitles without noticing.

For mature teenagers

and above

For mature middle-schoolers

and above

When the Game Stands Tall

Jim Caviezel, Michael Chiklis

Not exactly great art, often stuck in the tone of dramatic and in stiff writing, nonetheless this is an enjoyable film founded on a true story.  Based on a high school football program, it touches on the practical wisdom of focusing on process over result, (an indirect focus which often brings the desired end—in this case a winning streak over 150 games long).  At times inspiring, this story of effort and indirect effect has much to give and in areas well beyond football.

For mature middle-schoolers

and above