Knocked Up (2007)

Starring: Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl
Director: Judd Apatow
Country: USA
Genre: Comedy

It’s all fun and games until someone pops a baby out.

After his 2004 gem The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Judd sharpened his hooks to sink into a more mature story with immature characters. Apatow and gang know how to craft a crude yet insightful coming of age comedy that can glide between its main character tripping on mushrooms to the fear that comes from having a child. Few films that attempt their hand at both comedic and dramatic can boast success, but then there definitely aren’t enough that give it their all. Knocked Up does, and there’s no question whether or not it works because it all just feels so natural. Most of the funniest comedies, and even some of the most dramatic films could find here a lesson in genuineness.

In America (2003)

Starring: Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine, Sarah & Emma Bolger
Director: Jim Sheridan
Country: Ireland, USA
Genre: Independent, Drama

If you aren’t in tears by the end of this film, leave me your number. I want to congratulate you for not having a soul.

There are children who can act, and there are children that can be. The latter is so rare, and it’s exemplified so well in this touching story of an immigrant Irish family and their struggle to make ends meet, (financially and emotionally.) Quite often with these little independent films we’re given a mosaic of melodrama, a barrage of overwrought sentimentalism. In America certainly isn’t always a happy film, but it doesn’t forget to provide the audience with smiles and hope. Because of this, it makes the emotional scenes not only more organic, but more engaging. There are a few breathtaking scenes, and an all-round amazing cast. Independent dramas don’t get much better than this.

Juno (2007)

Starring: Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, Jason Bateman
Director: Jason Reitman
Country: USA
Genre: Independent, Comedy

Who knew teenage pregnancy could be so funny? Ellen Page shines in Diablo Cody’s sharply written script about teenage angst, rebellion, love, and growing up. Juno constantly has other films compared to it, which generally creates an anti-hype with some circles who are ‘too cool’ to like anything mainstream, but hyped or not one can’t deny how tightly it has its finger on the pulse of the youth of the 21st century. It really is one of a rare few films to show teens in an independent light away from the horrible cliches that usually riddle high school films, (particularly my biggest pet peeve in generic teen bedroom set dressing.) But like any endearing comedy, Juno has heart.

Paris Je T’aime (2007)

Starring: Natalie Portman, Gena Rowlands, Nick Nolte, Bob Haskins, Steve Buscemi
Director: The Coen Brothers, Alfonso Cuaron, Alexander Payne
Country: France, USA, China, Spain
Genre: Romance

There is a part of me that wants to say that this is my favorite film. Then I realize that by saying that I instantly become classified as someone who thinks they know a lot about films because they’ve seen this one partly-obscure arty-esque romance film. But then I watch it again and cry and fall in love and laugh my ass off and realize that this is one of my favorite films. It’s a cycle that continually keeps me from saying it’s one of my favorites. Plus, it’s kind of like saying that a “greatest hits” album is your favorite album of all time. It can’t be. It takes too much from other albums to be considered an album of its own. But I digress. Paris Je T’aime is one of the greatest modern examples of how different filmmakers can tackle the same subject and have the outcome be so incredibly different from one another. It’s essentially 18 short films about different aspects of love set in Paris by 18 directors and 20195801938 actors. The reason why I think I know this film is my [one of my] favorite[s]? I never knew mimes could make me cry [for them.]

4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days (2007)

Starring: Adi Carauleanu, Luminiţa Gheorghiu, Mădălina Ghiţescu, Vlad Ivanov
Director: Cristian Mungiu
Country: Romania
Genre: Foreign, Drama

If you made a list of topics that make for uncomfortable film viewing, I am willing to bet ‘an abortion’ would be pretty high up there. But sometimes uncomfortable issues can be dealt with in such a way that it adds perspective to the topic, brings the topic into the open, and stamps an impression that is sure to linger for a very.long.time. Such is the case with this hard-to-watch Romanian Palm D’Or winner. It’s sometimes unbearable in a Hanake-sort-of-way, but the film is crafted marvelously. It shows the sacrifice in ways I’ve never imagined, not just on film, but in all of human nature. I can’t recommend this enough, but only for those who seek it, and those who are prepared to handle the topic. It’s searing.

Away We Go (2009)

Starring: John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Maggie Gyllenhaal
Director: Sam Mendes
Country: USA
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Independent

Quirkiness is quickly becoming a stereotype of independent cinema. In fact, here is a fun commentary on the entire genre. Away We Go is not exempt from falling into a few of the clichés, but on the whole it’s just a quality film, if quaint. It’s characters are eclectic, it’s moments are sometimes outrageous, but at no moment does it really feel absurd. The worst thing about the film is that it doesn’t take that big of risks, but rather lives in a light and airy sort of world, which is a completely fine place to be. Both Krasinski and Rudolph put in a pair of above average performances that will most likely be a useful stepping stone for them into better projects, (License to Wed? Idiocracy?) Really, it’s nice to see the versatility of Sam Mendes. While he always seems to find his way back to the theme of relationships and family issues, each time around he tends to focus on different aspects. And in Away We Go it’s all about the fear of the question “will it all work out?” The answer for this film, is yes.

The Hangover (2009)

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zack Galifianakis
Dir.: Todd Phillips
Country: USA
Genre: Comedy

The story for The Hangover picks up theoretically where Bachelor Party leaves off– the day after one of the biggest nights of partying the characters have ever seen. But this hugely “what if” concept movie doesn’t falter in anyway as it provides some of the decade’s biggest laughs. Director Todd Phillips plays within familiar territory developing the friendship of a group of males through a series of extraordinary circumstances, (see Road Trip, Old School,) and The Hangover trumps all of his previous efforts (probably put together.) In a market so saturated with formulaic “comedy”, this movie brings an edginess to its humor, a relentlessness, and is very unapologetic about it, which is why it’s so effective. Possibly the strongest aspect of the film is its cast, which though unusual for a major Hollywood film, consists of relatively unknowns, (though since the release of this film they are all on-the-rise, and will eventually reach A-list status.) This is sure to become a comedy classic, as it’s already become the highest grossing R-rated comedy of all-time.