I haven’t done this in a while. Rather than fully expound on one film in particular, I thought I’d recommend a few films quick-hitter style. Here are five quality titles deserving of finding a larger audience.

Appaloosa (2008) – This underrated western directed by and starring Ed Harris slipped through the cracks last year. Gritty and well-acted, it tells the story of two hired guns’ attempt to rescue a small New Mexico town from the grips of a murderous rancher. It’s a terrific film about loyalty, friendship and jealousy co-starring Viggo Mortensen, Jeremy Irons and Renee Zellweger.

Reprise (2006) – A nuanced character study about two life-long friends who go their separate ways after becoming published writers. One is a lovelorn genius battling depression. The other a timid nice guy who struggles to step out from his friend’s shadow. This beautifully photographed meditation on the madness of love and the pitfalls of success reflects well on Danish cinema.

Humboldt County (2008) – An appropriate movie to discuss on 4/20. Nebbish med student Peter Hadley checks out of his life for a while and lands smack dab in the middle of marijuana country. The counterculture clashes with the suit and tie crowd in this offbeat comedy. A stand out performance by Brad Dourif as an ex-professor turned pot dealer highlights this below the radar gem.

The Host (2006) – This South Korean horror flick about a mutant creature terrorizing the residents dwelling on the River Han generated some buzz a couple years ago. The Host is more about a distant family coming together than a giant man-eating lizard, which separates itself from most movies in the genre. Credible special effects keep this one from treading into the land of the silly.

The New Guy (2002) – It’s not just another slapstick high school comedy about a nerd becoming popular. Well, maybe it is, but it’s still entertaining. DJ Qualls does his best Patrick Dempsey impression from 1987’s Can’t Buy Me Love and carries the movie on his narrow back. Look for guest apperances from Lyle Lovett, Tony Hawk, Gene Simmons, Tommy Lee, Henry Rollins, David Hasselhoff and Vanilla Ice. Now that’s casting, folks!

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