Rebel Without a Cause - 5/5

This is the type of movie that looks and feels like any number of its peers but surpasses them all. It’s a coming of age tale that replaces angst with practical existentialism and suspenseful dread. The characters are immensely practical and the script is a tour-de-force in showing dynamic, complex character motivations without making them shrouded and esoteric. It’s power is in its simplicity, which allows the depth to shine through.

Closest comparison: It’s like American Graffiti by way of In A Lonely Place.

Setting: High School Drama
Plot: Coming of Age
Tone: Thriller

The Sons of Katie Elder - 4/5

This movie is an excellent Western that stands on its own feet, without the rape-revenge or one-lone-hero tropes to fall back on. Discovering who Katie Elder is along with her sons is an engaging plot and propels the story well through to the end, providing a solid backdrop for the meaty character drama. This film has several good shootouts, as any good Western should, but it’s got much more going on. If you’re not particularly familiar with the Western genre, this is a very approachable place to start.

Closest comparison: It’s like Stagecoach by way of Shane.

Setting: Western
Plot: Detective
Tone: Family Drama