SLC Punk (1998) dir. James Merendino
I can’t believe no one talks about this movie. It uses voiceover and vignettes to really immerse you in this strange subculture. It’s a beautiful coming of age story about learning to not be ashamed of betraying your younger self’s identity. Amazing performance from Matthew Lillard. It's too bad his career didn’t really grow outside of the 90s and Scooby Doo movies (even though his Shaggy is an absolute icon). Stevo is a really smart, well spoken and developed character that's written in a way that makes me wish I could just hang out with the guy. I can understand the Trainspotting comparisons and some of the criticisms about it wearing its influences on its sleeve, but this movie really really really worked for me.
The Exorcist III (1990) dir. William Peter Blatty
Everyone assumes all of the Exorcist sequels are bad, but OH BOY they are wrong. Spooky atmosphere, amazing sound design, George C. Scott screaming, brutal nihilistic murder, old ladies crawling on the ceiling, AND witty banter???? Criminally underrated. It's one part slow burn detective drama and one part sacrilegious horror. Easily one of my favorite horror movies, and almost as good as the first in the series.
After Hours (1985) dir. Martin Scorsese
A lesser talked about Scorsese comedy with a STACKED cast. I’m a slut for movies that take place over the span of one night, and this is a perfect execution of that premise. Things get increasingly more surreal and unfortunate for the main character throughout the night, so if you like movies that stress you the fuck out, this one is for you! Also, another pair up of Catherine O’Hara and John Heard pre-Home Alone.
City Island (2009) dir. Raymond De Felitta
Not a perfect movie, but goddamnit it was CHARMING. Really fun dysfunctional family comedy. Each character hides their insecurities with a white lie that escalates throughout the film. Watching tough guy Andy Garcia going to acting auditions and young Ezra Miller deal with his fat fetishism is weirdly wholesome. Worth a watch!
Private Life (2018) dir. Tamara Jenkins
Heartbreaking movie featuring top notch performances from Paul Giamatti and the eternally under appreciated Kathryn Hahn. One of the best last shots I’ve ever seen in a movie, so simple but so effective and gut wrenching. It's streaming on Netflix so check it out, and give Kathryn Hahn some love.
The Ice Storm (1997) dir. Ang Lee
Ang Lee’s follow up to the incredible Sense and Sensibility. Wasn’t sure of how I felt immediately after watching it, but it really stuck with me. Great period piece grappling with the shifting culture of the Nixon era. The kids all want to act like adults and the adults are trying to act like children, and all this rebellion ends with agony and awkward sex. Once again a stacked cast, with chubby-cheeked young Elijah Wood, Toby McGuire, Christina Ricci, and the kid from Jumanji (no not the monkey kid, the other one). Added bonus, Sigourney Weaver is an absolute smoke show in her trendy 70s clothes. Watch if you like feeling gross and sad!
Excision (2012) dir. Richard Bates Jr.
Another feel bad movie! A nice mix of comedy and body horror. Really good use of taking the grosser aspects of adolescent awkwardness and using it to unsettle you. Great transformation by AnnaLynne McCord, creating a disgusting but empathetic protagonist. Also, it was interesting to see the sadist/sociopathic pre-serial killer character portrayed as a female, something uncommon in horror (and in real life). Not a perfect movie, but worth it for the originality and an immensely upsetting ending scene. There is a shot of her standing in the garage that I’ve thought about once a day since watching this.
The Daytrippers (1996) dir. Greg Mottola
This movie features Parker Posey and Stanley Tucci (two of my all time favs) and somehow a douchey novelist played by Liev Schrieber ends up being my favorite character? Very off-brand for me. This was an early movie from Gregg Mottola (Superbad), and it's right in my wheelhouse. It's a dysfunctional family dramedy road trip movie that takes place over the span of one day. AND Parker Posey is in it. There’s never been a more Justin movie, and it didn’t disappoint. Streaming now on the Criterion Channel!
Stop Making Sense (1984) dir. Jonathan Demme
You know a concert movie is good when you have the physical urge to clap when the song is over, even though you’re sitting alone on your couch. David Byrne is my favorite artist and it's amazing to see his genius put on display with such craft. Everything about this movie is so passionate and creative and beautifully shot. The lighting on “Swamp,” the choreographed dancing in “Life During Wartime,” the set design in “This Must be the Place” and all the perfectly paced editing AHH I’m just so glad this exists. If you aren’t even necessarily a Talking Heads fan, please check this out. I promise it will put a smile on your face.
Paris, Texas (1984) dir. Wim Wenders
A slow burn drama with a frustrating protagonist. Really builds the mystery throughout the majority of the film until the last 20 minutes, which ends with a well constructed and unique emotional climax. Really relatable themes about jealousy, regret, and feeling unworthy for the people you love. I love this movie because it really makes you sympathize with someone that you’re not sure even deserves your sympathy. Idk it made me cry.
Justin Bertolero - This 23 year old Ithaca College grad had a pretty normal life until his mom got a job as a lounge singer at the Tipton Hotel. Now he and his twin brother run through the halls causing madcap mayhem and terrorizing the hotel’s manager, Mr. Moseby. He also owns a DJ business and sells custom embroidered hats. Follow Justin on Twitter @jmbert546 and on Letterboxd @jbert546.