31. Winter's Bone, Directed by Debra Granik
Starring Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, & Garret Dillahunt
People who think this movie is "boring" and "overrated" are missing the point. "Winter's Bone" is a fascinating and, from what I hear, very accurate glimpse into a different culture, that of the people living in the Ozark mountains. People like the ones in this film are often dismissed as "rednecks" or "white trash," but this film delivers no such pat statements. And Jennifer Lawrence is a young actress worth cheering for.
Favorite Character- Ree
32. The Cabin in the Woods, Directed by Drew Goddard
Starring Kristen Connelly, Fran Kranz, & Chris Hemsworth
"The Cabin in the Woods" is unique in that it initially plays off an old stereotype, then provides something vitally new to the horror genre. The characters are entertaining, the gore is great, and what an ending! Intrigued? Just go see it.
Favorite Character- Marty
33. Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil, Directed by Eli Craig
Starring Tyler Labine, Alan Tudyk, & Katrina Bowden
Harmless hillbillies Tucker and Dale are the victims of an unfortunate misunderstanding, but that misunderstanding proves to be fatal as a group of college kids arm themselves against the "redneck threat," only to violently become victims of their own incompetence. Director Eli Craig stretches a fairly small idea into a feature length film, with surprising success, and the movie contains a message about making snap judgements about people. Good fun.
Favorite Character- Dale
34. Mean Creek, Directed by Jacob Aaron EstesStarring Rory Culkin, Josh Peck, & Carly Schroeder
Misfit preteen Sam (Culkin's) older brother devises a plan to get back at the bully (Peck) who gave Sam a black eye, but then things go so, so wrong. Gripping and, contrary to popular belief, nothing like "Stand by Me."
Favorite Character- George
35. Jude, Directed by Michael Winterbottom
Starring Christopher Eccleston, Kate Winslet, & Rachel Griffiths
Powerful adaptation of Thomas Hardy's classic novel "Jude the Obscure," which was so highly criticized and controversial for its time that Hardy's career was effectively ruined. Christopher Eccleston proves that he is capable of more than playing a slightly edgier Doctor as Jude Fawley, a 19th-Century stonemason who aspires to more. The heart of the story is the ill-fated romance between Jude and his bright, ambitious cousin, Sue Brideshead (Kate Winslet). Jude is a captivating character and the film is well made in every respect.
Favorite Character- Jude
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