Mini-Review: It will be remembered as the film that kick-started the careers of Johansson and Coppola, but if anything this movie should also be remembered for its own greatness. Starring Bill Murray as Bob, this film focuses on one man's adventures in a foreign land with hilarious results. Small, poignant, but breathtaking, "Lost in Translation" is a feast for mind and heart.
Mini-Review: One of the most refreshing and original titles in recent memory, "Eternal Sunshine..." is an ingenius blend of humor and tragedy that follows Joel (Jim Carrey in arguably his best performance to date) as he attempts to erase ex-girlfriend Clementine (the always brilliant Kate Winslet) from his mind, only to have him fall in love with her all over again as the memories vanish forever. Kaufman's screenplay and Gondry's direction are simply excellent, making this an instant classic.
Mini-Review: A stunningly complex take on the traditional "road-trip formula," "Sideways" follows Miles and Jack as they indulge in California wine-country over the course of a week. An amazing ensemble performance, a simple yet elegant script, and excellent direction by Payne make this movie on truth and love one of the great independent films of the past decade.
Mini-Review: Lynch at his finest! In "Mulholland Dr." the audience is first introduced to the characters of Rita and Betty as they try to uncover the mystery of Rita's amnesia. But what begins as story wrapped in noir becomes a meditation on fantasy and reality, as the audience realizes nobody is who they seem to be. Featuring Naomi Watts in the performance that made her famous!