Five Indies I'm Stoked To See

#5 The Wrestler
Plot: Former pro-wrestler, Randy "The Ram" Robinson (Mickey Rourke) struggles through old age, broken hearts, and broken families to try and get back on top of the world.
Why I'm Stoked: Mickey Rourke is a very under-appreciated and talented actor, so I am so happy to see him back at the top of his game. Already, he's been nominated for a Golden Globe and rumour is that an Oscar nom is next on the list. Plus, from the trailer, this movie seems like one of those "feel-good-but-not-in-a-cheesy-way" films. It looks like one of those movies that can make grown men cry (although they'll just blame it on "allergies.")

#4 Gran Torino
Plot: Korean war veteran, Walt Kowalski is dead set on reforming his collapsing neighborhood after a punk teenage tries to steal his prized 1972 Gran Torino.
Why I'm Stoked: It's Clint Eastwood's last film as an actor. He announced awhile back that, at 78, he's too old to be an actor and that he will continue to focus on being a director. So, I'm hoping that Mr. Eastwood will go out with a bang.

#3 The Boy In the Striped Pyjamas
Plot: Bruno, the eight year old son of a Nazi commandant, makes friends with a young Jewish boy who is imprisoned in his father's concentration camp. With their forbidden friendship grows a realization that what they hold dear may be taken away from them by the harsh misconceived ideals of Nazi Germany.
Why I'm Stoked: I love WWII films, but this indie seems truly unique. The film is told through the innocent eyes of an eight year old boy--something we've never seen before. It should be interesting to see how the child concieves the idea of the concentration camp.

#2 Slumdog Millionare
Plot: A young Indian man wants to compete in the Indian version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" in order to win the love of his life, Latika.
Why I'm Stoked: This film is directed by one of my favorites, Danny Boyle, the mastermind behind Trainspotting and 28 Days Later. Also, it is currently contending for a best-picture Golden Globe. All in all, sounds like a good film.

#1 The Matador
Plot: This documentary follows the journey of David Fandila who wishes to become the world's top matador.
Why I'm Stoked: C'mon, how often do we get to see a movie about a dude that teases a bull for a living? Looks pretty cool to me. Plus, with documentaries you get to see real people, real situations, and real emotions. That's a nice break from the illusion of film.