Every Monday, each of us will suggest a film that we feel too few people have seen.

Melissa’s Pick of the Week: The Set-Up

There are a few things as satisfying as a simple story that is masterfully told, and The Set-Up is a fine example. Directed by Robert Wise near the beginning of his legendary career, The Set-Up is a trim tale about a past-prime boxer, his concerned wife, and a wager. The film takes place in real time — the story and the film are both 73 minutes long — which is an unusual stunt for 1949.

Windy’s Pick of the Week: Bring It On

We know how much I love any kind of dance movie. And this one has Kirsten Dunst and Elisha Dushku! Doing cheerleading routines!

Like Josie and the Pussycats and Lake Placid, this movie is built on a solid foundation of satire and sarcasm. It’s a quieter sort of snark, but it’s there. Also, one of the flirtiest yet realistic scenes put on film – Elisha Dushku flirting by spitting great gobs of toothpaste. Seriously.

Spirit fingers!

Every Monday, each of us will suggest a film that we feel too few people have seen.

Windy’s Pick of the Week: Josie and the Pussycats

Another podcast mention that makes the website spotlight, Josie and the Pussycats is brilliant satire masked in bubblegum and bright colors. How do you turn a forgettable Saturday morning cartoon into a smart and clever movie? This is how. (It helps to have a KILLER soundtrack – it’s my go to sunny spring day playlist!) Alan Cumming and Parker Posey are brilliant and Tara Reid gives a startling great performance – the best of her career. This would be an awesome double feature with A Star Is Born.

Melissa’s Pick of the Week: To Live and Die in L.A.

Okay, I haven’t gotten into this yet on the podcast, but I am a wannabe gearhead, and I’m a sucker for a good car chase. To Live and Die in L.A. has one of the greatest car chase sequences of all time, masterfully directed by William Friedkin at the height of his powers. The movie around the car chase is pretty great, too: it’s a Secret Service vs. master counterfeiter 1980s cop drama that involves the likes of Willem Dafoe, John Turturro, Dean Stockwell, and candy-colored 1980s cinematography. What’s not to love?