9 Under the radar movies

So many movies and still often I find myself wondering, what should I watch today. Got that same problem? Maybe I can help you with listing some movies I found out about that are lesser known but good nonetheless. Reminder: it’s all a man’s  opinion, but if you like some of them, I feel like I’ve contributed something worthwhile.

In Fear (2013)
A low budget thriller, gets under your skin as young couple gets lost in the woods and driving in circles, they are being terrorised and the movie portrays their survival. 

Matinee (1993)

Criminally underrated movie with a fantastic role for John Goodman as a sleazy producer of 60s monster movies. Directed by Joe Dante who gave us Gremlins and The Howling.

In my Father's den (2004)
I really love this movie. I just saw it once, maybe 2 years back, it still has an impact on me. Matthew McFadyen gives his best performance as an journalist who comes back to his hometown, befriends a girl, and then the girl goes missing. Its gritty and rewarding. 

Henry Fool (1998)

I could list all the movies by director Hal Hartley, because he is really not as well known. Awkward situations and deadpan conversations are his trademark. Henry Fool is best known perhaps, but also check out Trust, The Unbelievable truth, Amateur and Simple Men.
 

The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970)
Such an easy going western. Jason Robards gives a laidback performance, sometimes reminding of Jeff Bridges’ The Dude. David Warner plays a priest with a preference for young girls and also gives an hilarious performance.

Bellflower (2011)

A strange beast. A friendship based on Mad Max and making flamethrowers goes deeply south, when one of the friends gets a new girlfriend, which eventually is the breaking point between the two of them. Very Brooding and dark, but also hypnotic and original.  

The Road (2011)

Not to be confused with The Road starring Viggo Mortensen. This movie from the Philippines is a surprisingly effective horror movie that spans 3 decennia’s of murder and mystery. 

Fermat's Room (2007)

Four Mathematicians are trapped in a room that gets smaller and smaller, as they are confronted to solve difficult tasks in order to survive. Very suspenseful 

Lonesome Jim (2005)
A small movie by Steve Buscemi. With Casey Aflleck in the titlerole. A movie that makes the best of one man's depression and the people around him.  

My Top 5 Favourite songs

Not per definition a list that will never change, but the top 3 has been steady for a long time.

5. The National - Apartment Story

Since Bloodbuzz Ohio i fell in love with the deep, brooding sound of the National. Working my way back from that I discovered Apartment Story on the magnificent album “Boxer”.  It just triggers me, great song for when you’re in a train/car/airplane, watching the world outside.

4. Thin Lizzy - Emerald

Emerald sounds like the beginning of an epic battle. The heroic theme and the duelling guitar play at the end make for a wonderful ride. 

3. Foo Fighters - Everlong

The band that got me into Rock music in the first place. As with Emerald, Everlong has that broad epic feel where you feel invincible and can take on the world, and Dave Grohl is just a great musician. 

2. Pantera - Cemetary Gates

Oh man, this song, it’s the sole definition of awesome. From the sweet build up to pounding verse, crazy guitars and that damn high pitch from Phil Anselmo near the end, just perfect. 

1. Manic Street Preachers - Motorcycle Emptiness

I don’t know what it is with this song,  but it’s one of those tracks that just stand out and for some reason stick with you the most. Is it the great guitar work by Richey Edwards? The overall tone of the song? I can’t quite explain why, but this is my all-time favourite song.