Blood Simple
The Coen Brothers’ first outing – Blood Simple – suffers at times from its small budget and limited scope but is bolstered by their familiar style, a proto-No Country story, and a stellar breakout performance by Frances McDormand as their leading lady.
Johnny Guitar
Johnny Guitar cements itself as a classic western thanks to its strong leading performances, well-developed supporting cast, and incredible use of tension and action throughout.
From Russia with Love
A combination of thrilling spy action and a plot that lays the groundwork for future Bond greatness are the hallmarks of From Russia with Love that make it one of the Greatest Films of All Time.
Blue Velvet
Powerful symbolism throughout, a perfect villainous performance from Dennis Hopper, and a strong showing from Isabella Rossellini help to make Blue Velvet into the classic that it is.
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
A not completely mindless action espionage film, Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation brings so much thrilling spy action to the table that it far outshines its lack of deeper concepts and commentary and makes its way firmly into the list of Great Films.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Solid acting performances from some of the U.K.’s most awarded actors help bolster Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy’s weak first act and propel it forward to a satisfying conclusion for a quality spy thriller.
Seven Days in May
A classic political thriller, Seven Days in May triumphs through its skillful acting and consistently resonant themes of hope in democracy and peace over fascism and militarism.
Boiling Point
Stephen Graham’s skilled performance as Chef Andy and the film’s genuinely stressful one-shot cinematography help the audience see past Boiling Point’s lack of major statements about the many issues that dance around its periphery.
Road to Perdition
Suspending disbelief about Tom Hanks’s ability to be a violent killer is necessary to fully enjoy Road to Perdition, but the film’s strong relational commentaries and juxtapositions and its well-crafted conflict reward viewers.
