...Saved (2004)

Saved is a wonderfully directed and intelligently written film set in a parochial school that teaches tolerance while bemoaning the hypocrisy of born-again Christians. The acting is top-notch with Jena Malone, Mandy Moore, Macaulay Culkin, and Eva Amurri especially deserving of shout outs. I laughed, I cried - it became a part of me.

...Donnie Darko (2001)

Even after multiple viewings, Donnie Darko never fails to enthrall. The metaphysical premise of the film is fascinating, the acting is phenomenal (except Drew Barrymore whose teacher doesn't ring true but gets kudos for being an executive producer), and the emotional resonance of the script left me in tears. Writer/director Richard Kelly's first feature film, although probably not for everyone, is intelligent film fare with style, and this theatrical version is required viewing BEFORE taking in the re-imagined Director's Cut, a fascinating film in its own right.