Oh well, I'll post my Proviews from the MB from the past week or two. Note I'm on a 4 Star Scale now, not 5
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Taxi Driver - (Scorsese;1976;USA) - ****
A powertrip into the mind of a paranoid and depressed taxi driver trying to live in a constricting society of crime and filth. A masterpiece by Scorsese and definately in DeNiro's top 5 best performances. Scorsese's style is very well used in this, and another gem is the beautiful score by Bernard Herrmann. A strong supporting cast is also a plus. A classic.
#3

Double Indemnity - (Wilder;1944;USA) - ****
I cannot decide if this beats Sunset Blvd. and I don't think I wanna think about that. I like to think of the equally great things, such as the similar and equally outstanding narratives. I think I'm leaning to SB for Wilder's best because of the better acting, but I enjoyed this a little more altogether. A compelling Film-Noir.
#17

Finding Neverland - ***1/2
One of Depp's better performances and probably Winslet's best. This film's comic relief and serious points are placed perfectly, if only for a few unneeded CGI parts (not all the CGI, some). Highmore is also very good for his age, and deserves more credit for his part. The word to describe this film is beautiful.

12 Angry Men - (Lumet;1957;USA) - ****
Beats Serpico, mainly in direction. Fonda's second best performance from what I've seen and Cobb's best (beating "On the Waterfront"). The ending could have been improved on but overall it was an excellent film.

Blow - (Demme;2001;USA) - ***
A stylish film with a superb performance by one of my favorite actors, Johnny Depp. The supporting cast is strong, although I'd love to see more depth with the relationship between father and son. The ending is one of the most moving scenes in a crime movie I've ever seen.
needs to be placed in favorites

Mean Streets - (Scorsese;1973;USA) - ****
One of Scorsese's top works, and a perfect example of Scorsese's style used in many of his films. Not a really a "mob movie" but it doesn't need to be, it's about the feelings of the men involved with the street, whether a "honorable man" or a young punk, mainly focusing on Charlie, portrayed brilliantly by Keitel. Other then the beautiful music and strong cast, is another gem, DeNiro's performance, while not his best, is still great. Expect a review by me soon.
#7

1) Goodfellas
2) Raging Bull
3) Taxi Driver
4) Mean Streets
5) Casino
6) The Aviator
7) Gangs of New York
8) Cape Fear

Dinner Rush - (Giraldi;USA;2000) - ***1/2
"Revenge is a dish best served cold."
Wow, this movie was a surprise. When I got it in the bargin bin at Wal Mart I had no idea of a true deal it was. I thought it was a mediocre cheap movie and was completely wrong. Think of a mob version of Magnolia in an Italian restaurant. It's full of memorable characters each with realistic performances and dialogue. After a friend is whacked, we view one night at the restaurant afterwards where a seemingly normal night with some money problems between characters arise, then two Queens mobsters come and want a part of the restaurant. The film focuses on several different people during the night, from the owner to the cooks, to the patrons that lead to a very interesting and unpredicted end.
#12