Michael Sanderson
Rental Picks

'The Usual Suspects' (1995)

Starring: Gabriel Byrne, Stephen Baldwin, Benicio Del Toro, Kevin Spacey, Chazz Palminteri, Kevin Pollak

Directed by: Bryan Singer

Running time: 96 min.

Rated R

This Oscar winner boasts a star-studded cast and one of the most memorable characters ever in Keyser Soze (Scott B. Morgan). Police investigating an exploded boat, 21 bodies and millions of dollars of drug money question a handicapped man named Verbal Kint (Spacey) and a badly burned Hungarian terrorist six weeks after the event. The twisty suspense/thriller done to perfection!

'Rocky II'

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Burgess Meredith, Burt Young

Directed by: Sylvester Stallone

Running time: 120 min.

Rated PG

Sly, reprising his role of Rocky Balboa in the second installment of this legendary series, faces off against Apollo Creed (Weathers) in a much-anticipated rematch.

'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' </srong>

Starring: Chevy Chase, Randy Quaid, Beverly D'angelo, Johnny Galecki, Juliette Lewis

Directed by: Jeremiah Chechik

Running time: 97 min.

Rated PG-13

Arguably the best National Lampoon's film ever features Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold hoping for a Christmas bonus and hosting a family holiday gathering at his home. Hysterical and ridiculous happenings unfold. Hilarious! A Christmas classic!

'40 Days and 40 Nights'

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Shannyn Sossamon, Paolo Costanzo, Adam Trese, Lorin Heath

Directed by: Michael Lehmann

Running time: 96 min.

Rated R

Having recently broken up with his girlfriend, a handsome 20-something decides to give up all sexual contact of any kind for lent but of course, meets the girl of his dreams promptly after making the vow. Attention gentlemen: Shannyn Sossamon!

'In the Bedroom'

Starring: Nick Stahl, Marisa Tomei, Tom Wilkinson, Sissy Spacek

Directed by: Todd Field

Running time: 131 min.

Rated R

A college-bound young man dating a woman 10 years older than him is murdered by her estranged husband and leaves the young man's father thirsty for revenge when the killer is acquitted of the crime and set free.

'Arlington Road'

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack, Hope Davis

Directed by: Mark Pellington

Running time: 120 min.

Rated R

An urban terrorism college professor who recently lost his wife in a shootout with a group of right-wing militia types becomes suspicious of his seemingly perfect new neighbor when he finds blueprints of buildings hidden behind a picture frame in his home.