La soga (2009)

Nature or nurture? Are we products of our upbringing and environment, or are who we are from our first breath? This story, written by Manny Perez, who also is brilliant in the lead role, is clearly on the side of nurture theory.

This peek into the Dominican Republic police operations is like looking into our own wild west history. Very interesting and very well done. In a mix of Spanish and English the story is so easy to follow you may not even need the subtitles.

Denise Quiñones, a former Miss Universe, is stunning here as the love interest. Juan Fernández appears made for this role as the corrupt police general.

While this movie is certainly violent, it is not overly gory. The soundtrack is danceable.

Watch this movie with a vegetarian.

Black Swan (2010)

This movie is certainly not for everyone. Not everyone likes ballet. Not everyone likes mild psycho thrillers. Not every likes creepy overbearing parents or bosses. Not everyone like an overly dramatic finish. This story has all of those things and more that might turn the weak-minded away.

Natalie Portman is stunning and definitely earned her best actress Oscar here. Nominated in 4 other categories, this is certainly a movie for fans of cinema to see. It is done in a classic grand drama style, not often used by Hollywood anymore. Very well done indeed.

Barbara Hershey is great here as the control-freak mother. Vincent Cassel is creepy good as the ballet director. His range is made more obvious to those who have been following his career.

Even if you don't like many or all of the items mentioned above, you should see this movie. You will be talking about it for weeks. If you like ANY of the above items, you must see this one.

Watch this movie with someone who gave up a career in dancing.