“Ace in the Hole” (1951)
Billy Wilder’s “Ace in the Hole” is a scathing takedown of corrupt journalism and self-serving humanity; a masterful film that is just as relevant today as when it was released in 1951.
“West Side Story” (1961)
Even if the storyline and social commentary seem dated, “West Side Story” possesses so much artistic style that it remains a musical classic.
“Chicago” (2002)
A dazzling song-and-dance spectacle, “Chicago” features great performances and grand visuals, although its Best Picture win is somewhat undeserved.
“Spirited Away” (2001)
Not only is Hayao Miyazaki’s “Spirited Away” the greatest animated movie of all time, but it’s also the greatest fantasy movie of all time.
“The Phantom of the Opera” (1925)
Lon Chaney’s iconic titular performance in the 1925 silent horror film, “The Phantom of the Opera,” is one of the cinema’s scariest sights.
“The Producers” (2005)
Led by Nathan Lane’s great comedic performance, the 2005 movie adaptation of Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” musical is highly entertaining.
“The Phantom of the Opera” (2004)
The 2004 movie adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “The Phantom of the Opera” musical is visually stunning, but the story becomes tiresome and repetitive thanks to its bloated runtime.
“The Damned” (1969)
Decadent and depraved, the rated-X Luchino Visconti epic “The Damned” is a beautifully dark look into 1930s Nazi Germany.
“Face/Off” (1997)
Featuring Nicolas Cage and John Travolta playing each other, the action-packed “Face/Off” is exactly as ridiculous and entertaining as it sounds.
“All That Jazz” (1979)
Bob Fosse’s autobiographical musical-fantasy, “All That Jazz,” starring Roy Scheider, is an astonishing cinematic achievement.
“The Crow” (1994)
“The Crow” boasts a brilliant gothic atmosphere and is a fitting epitaph to the late Brandon Lee, who died during filming.
“A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” by James Joyce (1916)
Filled with beautiful writing exploring the subconscious mind, “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” is a necessary read for any James Joyce fan.