He Was A Quiet Man contains some fairly well-known actors; Christian Slater, Elisha Cuthbert and William H. Macy, however, there is a good chance you have never heard of it. This likely is not due to low budget as much as it has to do with the poor first half the film and weak storyline. Although this film may not be a gem to most, it still maybe worth a watch as it does pick up about mid-way through.

Chop Shop will not likely be on top of your all-time favorite films but if you know what you are getting into, it’s more than your average troubled youth film. It has an interesting character and gives you a detailed look into the young boy’s life and struggle to survive.

Easier with Practice made a splash at the 2010 Independent Spirit Awards where it won the Someone to Watch award and was nominated for Best First Feature. It’s a film about a writer trying to live out a fantasy and overcoming his shyness. If the first half of the film can keep you interested enough to carry on, I think you will be rewarded.

There are a few qualities that The New Year Parade does possess, some of which include good acting, filming and editing but it is a film that lacks a strong lasting impression. Although, the film may not be all that memorable, it should still be applauded with what it did with such a low budget.

It’s impossible to describe There Will Be Blood in one word but if forced to, I would say powerful. If I had to further describe in using just single words they would be; politics, greed, religion and morality. It’s a true instant American classic film whose technical aspects far exceed that of most other films out there.

Treeless Mountain is a foreign indie film that is both a simple and sad story about two kids basically living on their own after their mother leaves. The two young children put on great performances considering their age. It’s a film that was pretty well done but lacked in substance.

An Education is a simple and sophisticated foreign indie film directed by Lone Scherfig. It was nominated for 3 Oscars including Best Picture and won Best Foreign Film at the Independent Spirit Awards. Not sure if I myself would nominate it as Best Picture, while it was a good overall film, it was not spectacular.

In Search of a Midnight Kiss is an indie comedy romance story shot on a shoestring budget that was written and directed by Alex Holdridge. It’s a seemly simple tale of guy meets girl but keeps you guessing until the very end. Ultimately, it’s about growing up and becoming a mature adult.

The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call – New Orleans is an indie intelligent “cop movie” that is really much more. A little worried it was going to be a typical cop movie, I was a little hesitant to watch it, but I was glad I did. Digging deep into both addiction and morality, this thriller will keep you wanting more and it delivers.