You Can Count on Me (2000)

Short: When her wayward brother, Terry (Mark Ruffalo), returns home, Sammy (Laura Linney) suddenly dips into her wild side, commencing an affair with her boss (Matthew Broderick) while entertaining a marriage proposal from her boyfriend (Jon Tenney). Terry forms a bond with Sammy's precocious 8 year-old son, Rudy (Rory Culkin).

Oh, year 2000. Serious, such a good year for movies.

Okay, I know this movie goes against my plan on not commenting on critically acclaimed movies. I feel safe with this choice because I have a shiny new dollar that says most have never heard of it.

That said, Kenneth Lonergan is someone I like. He wrote and directed this quiet, unassuming drama. I can relate to the relationship between Terry and Sammy, which is at once strained and understanding. That I find, as I have never experienced the kind of loss they have, is a testament to Lonergan's writing prowess.

Linney completely deserved her Academy award nomination for best actress in this role. She is smart, sexy, silly, and still. Honestly, she knocked my socks off.

Ruffalo is doing pretty well for himself, I think. He's not entirely new to this business (first movie in 1993), but he's done pretty impressive things so far. One thing, though: you might become upset with his character. Terry is a child, and, despite the fact that he should be able to handle what Sammy asks of him, he doesn't know how to behave with other children. It's upsetting, yes, but also very sad.

Culkin is, of course, the best of the three. That kid is awesome.

For serious, 2000 was a fantastic year. This film is one worth seeing, and, what's more, it's worth seeing twice. Or maybe even thrice.