Sound familiar? Don't worry. We're here to help. Some of you out there, okay... not many but a few anyway, have been asking for some recommendations on what to rent at your local video store. Well, seeing as we rent quite a few movies every week, we thought we'd share some of the better ones. We also recommend what NOT to see, 'cause sometimes we all get a little nutty walking around the video store.

Crumb

One of the most intriguing documentaries I have ever seen. Robert Crumb, of twisted cartoon fame, allows a few months of his life to be captured on a film directed by Terry Zwigoff. This film gives you a look inside the mind of a real artist... one who is a tortured soul for sure, but who could not have done anything else with his life except what he has. He has put himself mind body and spirit (as cliché as it sounds) into his work. If I could muster up just a tenth of the artistic passion for my acting as this guy has for his drawing, I'd be bigger than DeNiro, Brando and Pacino combined... okay, maybe that's an exaggeration and it slights the passion of the three amigos, but you get my point. (Paul Molinaro)

American Buffalo

It goes without saying that I'm a huge David Mamet fan, and if you want to see one of his plays done just about to perfection (I have a few very very slight adjustments that I'd make if I was directing), then this version with Dustin Hoffman and Dennis Franz is the gold standard. Both actors are dead on in capturing the characters and the tone of this seedy tale. (Paul Molinaro)

Spanish Prisoner

But of course, another David Mamet film. This time we have comedian-actor extraordinaire Steve Martin heading up the cast. Plot twists and suspense abound in this film based somewhat on Mamet's short play The Water Engine. (Paul Molinaro)

Memento

What we have here is a genuine plot twisting thriller classic which will keep you on the edge of your living room couch for every minute of this bee-yute. Guy Pierce (yeah, the LA Confidential Guy) does a great job as Leonard Shelby, a man with no short term memory trying to track down his wife's killer. This movie is plot driven and boy is it ever. Ain't no way you'll see this ending coming. (Paul Molinaro)

The Contender

In the mood for good solid drama and powerful performances? Then this is it... what else would you expect from Jeff Bridges and Gary Oldman? They deliver the expected... top notch acting. (Paul Molinaro)

The Insider

You expect a great dramatic performance from Al Pacino, but Russell Crowe? Come on he's an action movie tough guy... didn't you see Gladiator? Well, guess what? The guy can act and act well. Great story, great performances, and Crowe doesn't beat the stuffing out of twenty guys all buy himself. (Paul Molinaro)

Following

     If you like stories, and non-linear story telling, you'll want to rent this Following, Christopher Nolan's debut (prior to Memento, two years later). Following is a short film at 69 minutes, black and white, with interesting (if not unique) twists and reversals. A film doesn't have to cost millions to make. (Bob "Showfax Bob" Brody)

Apocalypse Now - Redux

Come on, man... remade or recut or remastered, or whatever the hell they call them, movies always suck... right? Not in this case they don't! Without a doubt better than the original. I never would have believed this movie could get more disturbing, more powerful... but it does. Need I say more? Okay, if you liked the original, you'll love redux! (Paul Molinaro)

The Ruling Class

A friend talked a bunch of us into coming over to watch this movie, saying he loved this movie when he saw it in 1972, and he bought the DVD which we just had to see. Well, we were not disappointed. How to describe this film? Think Monty Python and Rocky Horror Picture Show, but at the same time a fierce satire of British royalty. (Paul Molinaro)

Being John Malkovich

This is at the top of my list of 1999's best films. Yea, great acting, but to make this idea for a plot line work... that was movie magic! (Paul Molinaro)

Fight Club

Took me a while to get around to renting this one... something about the title just sounded stupid... finally realizing that I like almost every movie with Ed Norton and most with Brad Pitt, I watched it... very cool. Nice job by both actors, great chemistry between them. (Paul Molinaro)

Young Frankenstein

Ridiculous, way over the top comedy, one of the funniest movies you'll ever see, but so much more... Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder are another example of the great things that happen when two actors work so well together. (Paul Molinaro)

And of course, you'll want to se this one too.

Snatch

Want to see what great things you can do with the old crime drama shoot 'em up type movie by adding some great character acting, super direction and just enough plot twists to keep your eyes glued to the screen? It's right here. (Paul Molinaro)

Bringing Out the Dead

Not as amazing as Taxi Driver, but as close as you can get without putting DeNiro behind the wheel... Scorsese does it again, but this time Nicholas cage drives (Paul Molinaro)

The Cider House Rules

Does the Academy always award its Award to great films? In this case it did. The actors do a terrific job of making these intense characters real. Nothing negative to say about this one at all. Solid script and well directed. (Paul Molinaro)

Dog Day Afternoon

The year was 1975, and Pacino wasn't yet the household name, but well on his way to being so... want one movie to show you why? This is it. Simply a-friggin-mazing acting. (Paul Molinaro)

The Deer Hunter

Five Academy awards... and again, the Academy was on target, so to speak. Michael Cimino nabbed one Oscar for directing, but I'm sure he'd admit that his actors (Robert De Niro, John Savage and Christopher Walken) sure had a big part in his win. (Paul Molinaro)

Very funny, witty, rapid pace and *thick* British accents. I went ahead and ordered it to buy 'cuz it's a keeper. (Bob "Showfax Bob" Brody)

Coen brothers. A little cartoonish, reminded me of Dick Tracy a bit, but solid entertainment from start to finish. (Bob "Showfax Bob" Brody)

Conspiracy Theory

Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts. It's hard not to enjoy a Mel Gibson performance (for me, at least) and this was no exception. Thrillers don't tend to be funny and work but this one did. (Bob "Showfax Bob" Brody)

Out of Sight

George Clooney, Jennifer Lopez. The story starts on the first page of the script and doesn't stop. Enjoyable and well made. Ms. Lopez and Mr. Clooney pair off perfectly. (Bob "Showfax Bob" Brody)

Jim Carrey and a wonderful supporting cast. Plenty of holes in the story but if you're in the mood to sit back for 2+ hours and watch a feel good, teary at moments, movie then this one should fill the bill. Great job by Mr. Carrey. (Bob "Showfax Bob" Brody)

Bound

Joe Pantoliano, Jennifer Tilly, Gina Gershon. The Mob and two lesbians? I dunno. Until I watched it. What a surprise. The twists might not be too unexpected, but there are unexpected twists on the twists and that just brings it to an entertaining treat. Mr. Pantoliano is at his best. Tough and a bit bloody. (Bob "Showfax Bob" Brody)

Hart's War

Bruce Willis but the story belongs to the co-star, Colin Farrell. Intense, takes place in a Nazi POW camp, albeit a lot of contrivance and improbability. That said, rather suspenseful and held my attention. I can't say pass this one by though I'd rent others before it if forced to choose. (Bob "Showfax Bob" Brody)