The libes doesn’t have that obscure foreign film noir you’ve been pining for. You’ve exhausted the selection of “rom coms” (that’s romantic comedy for those unfamiliar with the ditzy powers of Kate Hudson and her ilk) on your bookmarked pirated movie Web sites. Plus, Netflix simply requires too much planning – and a bit of timely luck – in order to get a hold of that sublime stoner flick when it’s, um, high time for a movie night. So take a jaunt down Foster Street, the unofficial equator of NU’s Evanston territory, to video rental mecca After Hours, 911 Foster St.
We came up with a couple of apropos and all-too-familiar movie nights that might figure into your social calendar and put co-owners and Evanston locals Charlie Albin and Karen Binor to the test. Albin has worked at other video spots and Binor couldn’t get over the dearth of legit rental places locally, especially compared to college towns like Madison, so the duo set up shop two years ago. “There used to just be Blockbuster here, and it sucked,” Binor says. So whether you’re banking on some booty, craving some bromance or in the mood for a David Gordon Green marathon, check out these film buffs’ suggestions for almost every occasion.
[Get thee to a sorority living room] SLUMBER PARTY HITS
Dirty Love”It’s not your typical rom com, since it’s about the hot girl (Jenny McCarthy) going after the nerdy guy,” Karen says.
ALSO: Pretty in Pink, Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist
[Picky and, well, pretentious] ARTHOUSE SELECTIONS
The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, & Her Lover”The film is very nuanced. Every shot has a purpose,” Charlie says. “It’s hard to watch but grimy and beautiful. I mean, they don’t talk for like the first 20 minutes,” Karen adds.
ALSO: Reflections of Evil
[Guaranteed to score]DATE PICKS
Frivolous Lola”The cover alone says it all; it’s nothing but ass,” Charlie says.
ALSO: Seven, Pillow Book
[Frat hard or go home] BEST OF THE BRO FLICKS
Slap Shot”It’s a ’70s hockey movie starring Paul Newman and it’s probably the funniest movie ever made,” Charlie says.
ALSO: Weird Science, Waiting, Rudy, The Foot Fist Way
[High(ly) entertaining] STONER SMORGASBORD
The Room”This is an amazingly awesome movie when you’re high… You’ll have no idea what you’re watching, and it’s full of sick irony. It’s the new Rocky Horror,” Charlie says.
ALSO: Dazed and Confused, Videodrome, Smiley Face
[Beyond Pineapple Express] DAVID GORDON GREEN MUSTS
Snow Angels”We don’t really rent it out often and it’s totally the opposite of Pineapple Express, but it’s one of the better dramas out there,” Karen says.
ALSO: Undertow, All the Real Girls
[Charlie and Karen’s Favorite Flicks]TRUST THEM.
Karen’s picks: Sweetie, IdiocracyCharlie’s pick: Zandalee”Anything starring Nicholas Cage with facial hair.”
