"Brick"
This 2005 thriller from Rian Johnson is a modern mystery about a high school girl's unknown involvement in a drug ring and her former boyfriend's efforts to save her. The twist? It's written as an old film noir, circa 1940. Imagine Humphrey Bogart's quick wit coming from the mouth of a high school student. Oh, and that high school student is Joseph Gordon-Levitt, so it's got that going for it, too.
"Dazed and Confused"
Taking its name not only from a Led Zeppelin song, but also from a way of life, this cult comedy classic is one of the great teen movies that is essential viewing for Netflix Instant. The film takes place over the course of one day, à la "American Graffiti," in a small Texas town as school gets out for summer in 1976. The entering freshmen have to avoid hazing from the exiting seniors, and everyone is looking to party. Starring a who's who of early 90s indie comedy including Ben Affleck, the real breakout star was Matthew McConaughey in a role he has yet to top.
"Father of the Bride"
Steve Martin portrays the most lovable father in the 1991 remake of a film about a young woman's engagement and its effects on her dad's mental state. Having never met the lucky man before the announcement, George Banks (Martin) is understandably shocked and even horrified. While the wedding planning continues to break the bank, Banks gets more distraught by the day. It all leads to one of the most touching phone calls that represents the father-daughter relationship in all its complexity and love.
"Monty Python's Flying Circus"
Most people know the hilarious British sextet for their classic comedy, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail." But before John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam went on a hilariously low budget search through silly obstacles, they entertained the English masses on the BBC with their sketch comedy show, voted consistently in the top ten on TV Guide's "Top Cult Shows Ever." From silly walks to fish-slapping dances, lumberjacks to the Spanish Inquisition, everyone can find a skit that will pick them up after a long day of schoolwork.
"Sports Night"
Aaron Sorkin's "Sports Night" was a highly underappreciated drama-comedy in the same vein as his later created "West Wing," one of the most highly acclaimed shows in the history of television. The show follows the behind-the-scenes lives of sportscasters and producers of a "SportsCenter"-like show. "Sports Night" never developed a large audience, and thus only lasted two seasons. However, in Sorkin's typical style, it is tightly written and contains enthralling storylines with the biting wit that has made Sorkin famous.
