Marathon Man (1976)

Laurence Olivier is brilliant in this movie as an undercover Nazi in America to retrieve his stash of diamonds. I will never ever be able to have a German dentist because of this movie. "Is it safe?" has to be one of the creepiest lines ever used in a movie and Dustin Hoffman is very convincing as a panicked and terrorized college student in way over his head. All the international intrigue adds a nice touch to this movie as well.

The movie does start off a bit slow but make sure you stick with it. Over time the film slowly builds to a fever pitch and you end up on the edge of your seat. Add this one to your queue, it's got brilliant acting, an interesting plot and just enough suspense to keep you guessing. And really, can you think of a scarier villain than a Nazi dentist?

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This movie will stop streaming on 1/1/2011.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? People have told me it was a good movie, they were right.

Is it artsy? No.

Best thing about the movie? Is it safe?

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? A suspenseful one.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars. 

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Memento (2000)

Featuring: Guy Pearce, Carrie-Ann Moss. Director: Christopher Nolan.

I've been avoiding watching this movie for some strange reason. I think it's because people tell me it's a movie I'd really like. I don't like it when people tell me what I'm supposed to like, like they have me all figured out. I resent that. Plus Christopher Nolan is the "it" director right now so it seemed a little mainstream to me. But, despite all that it's still a good movie and not really what I expected. The twists and turns weren't as obvious as I thought they'd be and it wasn't as convoluted as I thought it'd be.

My favorite part of the movie (initially anyway) was the importance of facts and fact-finding to the protagonist. He has no short term memory so he has to take notes, rely only on facts and put things together off of instinct repeatedly. I sort of want to write a research paper for pleasure now. I'm such a dork. Check out the movie though it's an interesting time. I'm off to do some deductive reasoning.

Click here to add this movie to your Netflix queue. 

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Everyone has told me it was a good movie, plus the director did the last two batman movies.

Is it artsy? Not artsy, but it'll make you think things out.

Best thing about the movie? Fact-finding is fun.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Willing to pay attention.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 stars.  

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