5-STAR MOVIES - ITS A RATING WE DONT TAKE LIGHTLY, HERES 5 B-MOVIE GAZETTE PICKS

Greetings All- Sure, I could mention some of my 5 star favorites like Apocalypse, The Conversation, American Beauty, Midnight Cowboy, but these 5 are some less obvious choices. And, 100% 5'star worthy. 

THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (2013) - A modern crime drama epic and tour de force for Ryan Gosling.  While only in the first act, he enters and leaves the movie with such intensity, the film is already five star worthy. But then the film really clobbers you over the head with it's equally stunning second and third act featuring Bradley Cooper,  Bruce Greenwood and Ray Liotta. VOD

THE BOUNTY (1984) - Anthony Hopkins spell-binding performance as Captain Bligh will never be topped nor will this version of the famous Mutiny on the Bounty story. From the amazing score to the cinematography and every thing else. And Mel Gibson? He should have just been handed the Oscar without any other nominees, he's that good.  Tubi, Pluto 

GREAT EXPECTATIONS (1946) - If you're in the over-55 gang, you may remember seeing this either on a 16mm projector in yr classroom or perhaps channels 52 or 56 in LA. If you're young, God help you as you probably don't even know what great expectations is. The story will teach you about life and this penultimate version is still listed #5 on BFI's all-time greatest films.  Tubi

IRRECONCILABLE DIFFERENCES (1984) - The late, great Ryan O' Neal worked for scale because he believed in the project written by an early Nancy Meyers of Somethings Gotta Give fame. He later said he considered it some of his best work next to Barry Lyndon and we agree. Now, Shelly Long. Another flat out might as well go up to the podium and make your speech, might just be the biggest snub of all-time. Sharon Stone"s very first feature, also quite impressive. Out of print but just do a search on YT, lots of full versions to find.

LIMBO (1999) - John Sayles, master indie director specializing in multi-character tales (usually with a socio political slant) crafted this genius Alaskan drama. Part survival story part coming of age (Vanessa Martinez, off the chart) part romance (Mary E Mastrantonio and David Straithern) And - are you ready to hear Mastrantonio sing several songs with a voice as sweet as an angels? Sayles crafted a masterpiece with this one.  Tubi