The Mist Final Scene

From Frank Darabont, starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Bob Gunton, William Sadler
Rated R

The Shawshank Redemption is a 1994 American drama film written and directed by Frank Darabont, based on the 1982 Stephen King novella Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. The film stars Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne, a banker who is unjustly convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment in the fictional Shawshank State Penitentiary in Maine, where he befriends a fellow inmate, Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding (Morgan Freeman). The story follows Andy's life in prison, his friendship with Red, and his ultimate redemption as he gains freedom and control over his own destiny. Along the way, Andy resists the prison authorities, helps his fellow inmates to gain confidence and hope, and adapts to life in prison. Andy also uncovers evidence of corruption and injustice within the prison system, which ultimately leads to his own freedom. The film highlights themes of friendship, hope, and justice, and has become one of the most beloved and highly rated films of all time.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, Martin Balsam, John Fiedler
Rated Approved

12 Angry Men is a courtroom drama about a jury deciding the fate of a young man accused of murder. The majority of the jury is convinced of the boy's guilt, but one juror, Juror 8 (played by Henry Fonda), takes a stand and argues for reasonable doubt. Through a series of intense debates and deliberations, the jury members are forced to confront their own prejudices and preconceived notions of the case. In the end, the jury unanimously finds the defendant not guilty, showing that justice is not always blind. Despite its low budget and one-room setting, 12 Angry Men is an intense, gripping, and powerful movie that is still regarded as a classic.

From David Fincher, starring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier
Rated R

Fight Club is a 1999 American film directed by David Fincher. It stars Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter. The film follows an unnamed narrator (Norton) who is disenchanted with his white-collar job and forms an underground fight club with Tyler Durden (Pitt), a free-spirited soap salesman. The fight club quickly grows into an underground movement of experienced fighters from all walks of life. As the movement grows, the narrator eventually discovers Tyler's even more extreme agenda for the fight club and its members. The film follows their struggle to survive in a world of consumerism and conformity, as they attempt to make sense of their lives and find freedom.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Elliot Page, Ken Watanabe
Rated PG-13

Inception is a science fiction action thriller directed by Christopher Nolan, released in 2010. The film follows Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio), a thief who specializes in stealing secrets from the subconscious mind during dream states. Cobb is offered a chance to redeem himself by planting an idea in the mind of a CEO. He assembles a team of people with the ability to manipulate dreams and enter the subconscious, and they travel into the depths of the mind to perform the task. The mission is complicated by the target's subconscious defenses, as well as the personal secrets of the team, who must confront their innermost fears in order to succeed. In the end, the team manages to succeed, and Cobb is able to return to his family.

From Milos Forman, starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, Peter Brocco
Rated R

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest is an award-winning 1975 film directed by Milos Forman and based on the novel of the same name by Ken Kesey. It follows Randle McMurphy (Jack Nicholson), a criminal who feigns mental illness to serve his sentence in a state mental institution rather than a prison. In the institution, he clashes with the oppressive Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) and rallies the other inmates to rebel against oppressive authority. McMurphy's rebellious spirit and charisma help to bring the inmates together and give them a sense of purpose, but the consequences of his actions are ultimately devastating. The film won five Academy Awards and remains a classic of American cinema.

From David Fincher, starring Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, Andrew Kevin Walker
Rated R

Se7en is a 1995 American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by David Fincher and written by Andrew Kevin Walker. The film stars Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt, Kevin Spacey, and Gwyneth Paltrow and tells the story of two detectives investigating a series of mysterious and gruesome murders, which are apparently related to the seven deadly sins. As the detectives uncover more details about the murderer, they discover that their case is far more complex than they had originally thought. As the story progresses, their investigation leads them to an unspeakable dark secret that could have wider implications for humanity.

From Robert Zemeckis, starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover
Rated PG

Back to the Future is a 1985 science fiction adventure film directed by Robert Zemeckis and written by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale. The film stars Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, a high school student who is accidentally sent back in time to 1955 where he meets his future parents and becomes his own father's mother's romantic interest. With the help of eccentric scientist Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd), Marty must find a way to return to his own time while also preventing disastrous changes to the timeline. Along the way, he encounters a variety of memorable characters, including the bully Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson), and helps his future parents fall in love. The film also features a memorable soundtrack by Alan Silvestri. The story is a light-hearted combination of comedy, adventure and science fiction elements, as Marty and Doc Brown attempt to use time travel to fix present-day problems.

From Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Rated PG

Casablanca is a classic romantic drama set during World War II. The film tells the story of Rick Blaine, an American expatriate in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, who clashes with local authorities and finds himself embroiled in a dangerous love triangle. Rick runs a popular nightclub frequented by Vichy French, refugees, and German officers. He is also a master of manipulation, manipulating everyone around him in order to protect his own interests and those of the people he cares about. In the midst of the chaos, Rick is reunited with Ilsa Lund, the woman he loves. Ilsa and her husband, Victor Laszlo, are trying to escape to America to continue their fight against the Nazis. To do this, they must get two letters of transit. As they struggle to obtain the letters, they are threatened by a Nazi officer, and Rick must ultimately decide what is more important: his own happiness or the freedom of Ilsa and Laszlo. In the end, Rick makes the ultimate sacrifice and sends Ilsa and Laszlo on their way, teaching the audience that true love sometimes means letting go.

From Christopher Nolan, starring Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine
Rated PG-13

The Prestige is a 2006 psychological thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows two rival magicians, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Rupert Angier (Hugh Jackman). In their pursuit of the ultimate trick, they become obsessed with one-upping each other in increasingly dangerous ways. Their rivalry takes them to the brink of ruin, and both men will stop at nothing to create the greatest illusion of all - the prestige. The film features twists and turns, as well as a plot filled with mystery, that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. It is a dark story of revenge, obsession, and deception. It examines the lengths that two obsessed men will go to in order to gain the upper hand over one another. The Prestige is a thrilling, suspenseful, and thought-provoking film that will keep viewers enthralled until the very last frame.

From Tony Kaye, starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien
Rated R

American History X is a 1998 American drama film directed by Tony Kaye and written by David McKenna. The film tells the story of Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), a reformed neo-Nazi skinhead attempting to prevent his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) from going down the same path of racism and hatred. Derek is sent to prison for murder, during which time he reflects on his past actions and begins to question and reject his former beliefs. Upon his release, he attempts to bring his family together and start a new life. However, his old ideas come back to haunt him, and he must confront the consequences of his actions and the people who enabled him. The film explores themes of racism, crime, and the power of redemption.

From Bryan Singer, starring Kevin Spacey, Gabriel Byrne, Chazz Palminteri, Stephen Baldwin
Rated R

The Usual Suspects is a 1995 neo-noir mystery film directed by Bryan Singer. It follows the lives of five criminals brought together by a mysterious figure known as Keyser Söze, who is believed to be responsible for the massacre of an entire ship crew at the Port of Los Angeles. The story follows the five men, who are eventually taken into police custody and interrogated. As they attempt to outwit each other and the authorities, they discover the hidden truth behind Keyser Söze and the depths of his power. The film stars Stephen Baldwin, Gabriel Byrne, Benicio del Toro, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin Pollak, and Kevin Spacey. It won Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor (Spacey).

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee, Harry Myers
Rated G

City Lights is a 1931 American silent romantic comedy film written, produced, directed by, and starring Charles Chaplin. The story follows the misadventures of Chaplin's Tramp as he falls in love with a blind girl who sells flowers on the street. The Tramp's efforts to assist the girl financially and help her regain her sight ultimately succeed with the help of a millionaire. The movie ends with the two embracing as the girl is able to see for the first time. The film also features iconic moments of physical comedy, including Chaplin's signature dance with a streetlight. City Lights was an instant success upon its release, and has since become a classic of the silent film era.

From Damien Chazelle, starring Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons, Melissa Benoist, Paul Reiser
Rated R

Whiplash is a 2014 drama film directed by Damien Chazelle and starring Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons. It tells the story of Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), a promising young jazz drummer who enrolls at a prestigious music conservatory. There he is mentored by Fletcher (J.K. Simmons), an intimidating instructor who will stop at nothing to realize Andrew’s potential, pushing him to the brink of both physical and emotional exhaustion. The film follows Andrew's struggle to prove himself as he attempts to gain Fletcher's approval and become one of the great drummers of his generation.

From Giuseppe Tornatore, starring Philippe Noiret, Enzo Cannavale, Antonella Attili, Isa Danieli
Rated R

Cinema Paradiso is an Italian drama film directed by Giuseppe Tornatore. It tells the story of Salvatore, a young Italian boy growing up in a small Sicilian village in the 1950s. He becomes enchanted by the local movie theater, Cinema Paradiso, and its projectionist, Alfredo. As Salvatore grows older, Alfredo helps him to discover the magic of cinema and the power of friendship. Through the course of his life, Salvatore comes to realize the beauty, joy, and pain that comes from his love of movies. When the theater is threatened with closure, Salvatore takes it upon himself to save it, ensuring that its spirit and magic live on.

From Sam Mendes, starring Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley
Rated R

American Beauty is a 1999 drama directed by Sam Mendes. The story follows a mid-life crisis experienced by Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), an advertising executive who is living an empty, unhappy existence. After his wife Carolyn (Annette Bening) begins an affair with her real estate broker (Peter Gallagher), Lester begins to reassess the choices he has made in life. He quits his job and begins to appreciate the beauty in those around him, including his daughter (Thora Birch) and the girl next door (Mena Suvari). Lester's newfound appreciation of life brings him closer together with his friends and family, and eventually leads him to confront his own mortality. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Spacey), Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Director (Mendes).

From Christopher Nolan, starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, Joe Pantoliano, Mark Boone Junior
Rated R

Memento is a 2000 neo-noir psychological thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan. The film follows Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce), a man with anterograde amnesia, who is searching for his wife's murderer. He is unable to store new memories, so he tattoos clues on his body to help him remember his mission. As the film progresses, Shelby pieces together clues from his tattoos and past conversations to uncover the truth about his wife's death. The film is presented non-linearly, with scenes shown in reverse chronological order, blurring the line between truth and fiction. The film's title refers to the Latin phrase 'memento mori', which translates to 'remember you must die', a warning to live life to its fullest. Memento has been acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, praised for its unique and innovative storytelling.

From Milos Forman, starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce, Elizabeth Berridge, Roy Dotrice
Rated R

Amadeus is a 1984 biographical drama film directed by Miloš Forman, adapted by Peter Shaffer from his stage play of the same name. It is based on the Play Amadeus by Peter Shaffer, which was adapted into the film. The movie, set in 18th century Vienna, tells the story of Mozart's rivalry with composer Antonio Salieri—the court composer of Austrian Emperor Joseph II. Salieri, envious of Mozart's talent and success, becomes consumed by jealousy and begins a campaign to destroy Mozart's career and reputation. The movie won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Forman, Best Actor for F. Murray Abraham as Salieri, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Shaffer. It also won four BAFTA Awards and a Golden Globe Awards. The film has been praised for its accurate and historically accurate portrayal of the period, its vibrant depiction of the music, and its intelligent and entertaining script. It is an enduring classic of cinema, with its memorable soundtrack, memorable performances, and powerful story.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou, George Macready
Rated Approved

Paths of Glory is a 1957 war drama directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. It is based on the 1935 novel of the same name by Humphrey Cobb. The film follows French soldiers during World War I who are tasked with attacking a German position deemed "impossible" to capture. The regiment suffers heavy casualties and, despite their gallantry and bravery, their Colonel (Kirk Douglas) is ordered to court-martial three of his men for cowardice. Through Douglas' efforts to save them, the three men are eventually spared. The film is a condemnation of the officer class and their lack of empathy for the common soldier. It is a powerful anti-war statement that serves as a reminder of the futility of war and its devastating effects on the lives of those who fight it.

From Michael Mann, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight
Rated R

Heat is a 1995 crime drama film written, produced, and directed by Michael Mann. The film follows a Los Angeles police detective and a professional thief as they try to outwit each other amidst a dramatic cat-and-mouse game involving various other characters. The main character is Neil McCauley, a professional thief played by Robert De Niro, who is being pursued by Lt. Vincent Hanna, a Los Angeles Police Department detective played by Al Pacino. Throughout the film, the two form an intense rivalry as they attempt to outwit one another in a game of wits and violence. The film largely focuses on the internal challenges faced by the main characters, as they struggle against the pressures of their criminal lifestyles and the temptation to cross the line. Both men are pushed to extremes as they try to outmaneuver each other in a dramatic showdown. The film also features a strong ensemble cast, including Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Ashley Judd, Natalie Portman, Danny Trejo, and Dennis Haysbert. Heat is now considered a classic crime drama and is widely regarded as one of Mann's best works.

From Quentin Tarantino, starring Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Chris Penn
Rated R

Reservoir Dogs is a 1992 crime film directed by Quentin Tarantino about six criminals, referred to as "dogs", who are hired by a crime boss to carry out a diamond heist. The film follows the group of criminals as they plan and execute the robbery, and explore the aftermath of the failed heist. As the movie progresses, the audience learns more about the characters and the past of each of the criminals, as the characters are thrust into a series of violent and tense situations. Through a series of flashbacks, the audience is given insight into the events that lead up to the heist, and the ultimate fate of the criminals. Reservoir Dogs is a violent and tense crime thriller that features strong performances and a unique visual style.

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Rated R

Scarface is a 1983 crime drama about Cuban refugee Tony Montana (Al Pacino), who arrives in Miami in 1980 with his friend Manny (Steven Bauer). With the help of criminal kingpin Frank Lopez (Robert Loggia), Tony quickly rises to the top of the Miami drug trade. He becomes increasingly ruthless, even killing his best friend in the process. But his violent lifestyle eventually catches up with him and he finds himself at odds with the law and many of his former allies. As he fights to gain ultimate control, Tony is ultimately brought down by his own arrogance and greed.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

"2001: A Space Odyssey" is a classic 1968 sci-fi film directed by Stanley Kubrick. The film follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a featureless alien monolith, which strongly affects the ship's crew. The film is divided into four sections: The Dawn of Man, When Jack Met HAL, The Jupiter Mission, and Beyond the Infinite. The Dawn of Man segment focuses on hominids finding an alien monolith that brings about a leap in human intelligence. During the second part, When Jack Met HAL, astronaut Dr. Dave Bowman and the other crew members on board the Discovery One are presented with the imposing, sentient computer HAL 9000. The third part, The Jupiter Mission, sees Bowman and HAL's conflict reach a dangerous climax as the Discovery approaches Jupiter, and Bowman eventually shutting HAL down. The fourth and final part, Beyond the Infinite, follows Bowman's journey through a psychedelic landscape as he is transformed into a childlike, space-traveling being. The film received critical acclaim upon its release, and is now regarded as one of the greatest films of all time. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Visual Effects, and won one for Best Special Effects. The

From Darren Aronofsky, starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, Marlon Wayans
Rated R

Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 American psychological drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky, and starring Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans. The film depicts four characters from Brooklyn, New York whose lives are derailed by their addictions: an elderly widow (Burstyn) and her son (Leto), his girlfriend (Connelly) and best friend (Wayans). Each of the characters become addicted to their own forms of escapism and illusions, which leads to devastating consequences. Despite the bleakness of the story, the film is ultimately a cautionary tale of how people can self-destruct if they are unable to control their own vices.

From Michel Gondry, starring Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Tom Wilkinson, Gerry Robert Byrne
Rated R

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a 2004 romantic sci-fi comedy-drama directed by Michel Gondry. The film follows the story of a couple, Joel (Jim Carrey) and Clementine (Kate Winslet), who have just broken up and have decided to erase each other from their memories. Joel soon discovers that he is unable to let go of his memories of Clementine and begins to re-experience their relationship through altered memories. In the end, he decides to keep the memories of their relationship, despite the heartache it causes. The film explores the idea of letting go of the past and moving on through the power of love.

From Gus Van Sant, starring Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård
Rated R

Good Will Hunting is a 1997 American drama film written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck and directed by Gus Van Sant. It stars Robin Williams, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Stellan Skarsgård, and Minnie Driver. The film follows the story of 20-year-old Will Hunting, an unrecognized genius from working-class South Boston who, after a violent altercation with the police, is sentenced to therapy sessions with a renowned psychiatrist, Sean Maguire. As Will opens up to Sean about his troubled past, Sean helps him to recognize his inherent potential and encourages him to make the most of it. As Will learns to accept and trust Sean, he also discovers a new sense of purpose in life and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Through the course of their therapy sessions, Will learns to accept and embrace his strengths, while also learning to take responsibility and overcome his fears.