The 10 Best Movies You May Not Have Seen
Ok, so Jared and I are on a budget…and it actually has been pretty awesome (a blog post to come about this later). Like many individuals in the state of our current economy, Jared and I have been trying to find ways to enjoy stress-free and cheap ways to spend time together. Movie Night is an awesome way to do this, and since we have a netflix subscription, it is VERY cost effective. However, sometimes it is difficult to figure out what to watch and we end up re-watching new releases because, well, they are new and still on our mind. So, this blog post is for those of you in the same boat.
Here are some GREAT movies, in no particular order, that you may have missed in the theaters (or at least have not seen in a long time). It is often difficult to find movies both females and males will like, but I am positive that all the movies on this list will appeal to members of either sex and, therefore, make AWESOME date night selections. (For those of you with Netflix, CLICK THE MOVIE TITLES below to add the movie to your Queue. Many are available to watch instantly.) So, without further Ado…
1.) K-Pax 
Jared and I both LOVE this movie. First of all, Kevin Spacey rocks. He is a chameleon, each of his characters being so distinct. This, in my opinion, is one of his greatest performances. This is one of those movies that is both entertaining and insightful. The end of the movie will have you on your toes. To this day, Jared an I disagree about the meaning of the ending so once you watch it, be sure and let us know which side of the argument you land on (it will obviously be my side of the argument, but we don’t have to tell Jared!)
2. Life As A House
Another movie that was a sleeper and not nearly as popular as it should have been. Did you know that Kevin Kline is a trained Shakespearian actor? Well, he is! But he is also great at playing the “everyman,” like he does in Life As A House. This is essential a story about love and about family–a story of redemption, forgiveness, and new beginnings. Jared and I re-watched this just the other week and still loved it as much as the first time we saw it. You won’t be disappointed in this flick!
3.) Nothing To Lose
Now for some comedy. Ok, listen, we don’t want to endorse movies with Martin Lawrence because usually they are, well, kinda dumb. But, we just HAD to put this movie on the list! This is a FUNNY movie. You will laugh pretty much throughout the film, but there are a couple of parts of this movie that are so funny you may pee your pants. I don’t want to give too much away, but this movies has humor and heart. We know you will enjoy it.
4.) The Count of Monte Cristo
Romance, Lust, Action, Revenge… what is not to like?!?? I don’t understand why more people haven’t heard of this movie. Perhaps they were forced to read the book in middle school and had a bad experience. But there is a reason the book is a classic, and that is because its themes (jealousy, lust, revenge) are so essential to the human experience. 
5.) Primal Fear
Have you seen this movie? If so, did you see the end coming?!?? I always drive Jared crazy because I figure out what is going to happen in a movie and then tell him (the most recent example being Shutter Island), but I did NOT see this one coming. Edward Norton is a major “Man-Crush” of ours! He is just so sexy and such a good actor. This is one of his BEST performances, but since it was rated R and came out when I was in 5th grade, not a lot of people our age have seen it. Watch it! You won’t be disappointed. A textbook example of the psychological thriller.
6.) Prime
Ok ladies, I will through in some romance. Prime is about falling in love with the wrong “type” of person…in this case, a much younger man who happens to be your therapist’s son. It is cute, funny, and real. The characters feel like people you might know (not some architypal hollywood invention) and the plot unfolds in a familiar and realistic way. Can’t get your dude to watch it?!?? It has some pretty steamy “rated R” scenes… and if that does not work, just watch it by yourself. 
7.) Frequency
Another story about family and the power of a father and son’s bond. Really good story–even if the science behind the plot is a little questionable (a big minus around these parts…someone around here REALLY enjoys scientific accuracy…bet you can’t guess who!) 
8.) The Talented Mr. Ripley
Ok, this movie is NOT for all. (However, I think we have two copies of it because Jared and I both owned our own copies before we got married… or I had purchased this movie twice…not sure). Although it was nominated for many Academy Awards, it is not a mainstream film. It is very dark and very creepy…but in a totally compelling way. I LOVE this film and will always love it. I find the dark side of human nature so fascinating and this movie captures its very essence. Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gywneth Paltrow all give expert performances in this deeply disturbing psychological thriller.
9.) Tristan & Isolde 
Ok…another “Man-Crush” alert! We heart James Franco! And he is wonderful in this movie! Did you like Romeo & Juliet? Then you will love this movie. It is a timeless story expertly told. Another story of star-crossed lovers. This film has action, love, sex, and James Franco. A perfect date night movie.
10. Just Friends
Funny, funny, funny. This is a story we can all relate to (well, maybe just some of us)… Geek in high school, too shy to tell the girl he likes how he feels, grows up, wants to prove himself… AND HILARITY INSUES. Sorry, I don’t think Ryan Reynolds takes his shirt off in this one (see The Proposal or Wolverine for that), but he is still his adorable and witty self.
11.) The Cider House Rules
Ok, I lied… there are 11 movies in this list… I just could not figure out which one to cut, so, last but not least is the Cider House Rules. This is essentially a coming of age story about a time in a man’s life when his naive idealism must meat the harsh realities of the “real world.” A multitude of subplots involving racism, abortion, infidelity, loyalty, and drug addiction keeps you enthralled throughout the feature. This movie is exquisitely directed, acted, edited and photographed. It does not disappoint.
Enjoy
-Lauren (and Jared)