2 Best Movies to Watch by Kevin Cooney

Told with grace and maturity without sensationalizing its subject matter, Dead Man Walking expertly walks the line between taking a moral stand and keeping the messy humanity of its characters intact. Though it may seem just like a legal drama or prison film on the surface, writer/director Tim Robbins weaves in commentary on class and the role religion is expected to play in middle class Southern communities—especially in the context of justice and crime. Sean Penn and Susan Sarandon (in the role that won her her Oscar) play every side to this drama with remarkable control, building an unlikely rapport that culminates in a finale that's as moving as any great tear-jerker. It may be tough to watch at times, given the raw emotions that are laid bare, but Dead Man Walking remains relevant even today.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Adam Nelson, Adele Robbins, Anthony Michael Frederick, Arthur Bridgers, Barton Heyman, Celia Weston, Clancy Brown, Codie Scott, Cortez Nance Jr., Dennis Neal, Eva Amurri, Eva Amurri Martino, Helen Prejean, Jack Black, Jack Henry Robbins, Jenny Krochmal, Jeremy Knaster, Joan Glover, Jon Abrahams, Kevin Cooney, Larry Pine, Lenore Banks, Lois Smith, Marcus Lyle Brown, Margo Martindale, Michael Cullen, Miles Robbins, Missy Yager, Molly Bryant, Nesbitt Blaisdell, Pamela Garmon, Pete Burris, Peter Sarsgaard, R. Lee Ermey, Ray Aranha, Raymond J. Barry, Robert Prosky, Roberta Maxwell, Scott Sowers, Scott Wilson, Sean Penn, Steve Boles, Steve Carlisle, Susan Sarandon, Thomas McGowan

Director: Tim Robbins

You would think that a film made with Demi Moore, Sissy Spacek and Cher would be a major theatrical release, but even in 1996, the topic of abortion rights was still quite controversial. If These Walls Could Talk may be relegated to the small screen because of this, or because of being an anthology of shorts, but with each lead starring each segment, the film outlines real experiences with abortion, from the dangerous ways women had to resort to without it, to the way, that even with the Court’s support, these rights were actively suppressed. Of course, it’s a harrowing, unsubtle watch, and it would have been great to have a segment depicting the safety of modern day procedures, but if you have a friend that’s unconvinced of the procedure’s necessity, or if they’re entirely new to the conversation, If These Walls Could Talk is a place to start.

Genre: Drama, TV Movie

Actor: Aaron James Cash, Aaron Lustig, Anne Heche, Ben Marley, Brendan Ford, Carmen Thomas, Catherine Keener, CCH Pounder, Cher, Chris Ellis, Christine Avila, Craig T. Nelson, Demi Moore, Diana Scarwid, Eileen Brennan, Geoffrey Nauffts, Georganne LaPiere, Harris Yulin, Hedy Burress, Ian Bohen, Jack Kehler, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jason London, Joanna Gleason, Jordana Spiro, Judith Drake, Kevin Cooney, Lindsay Crouse, Lorna Scott, Lorraine Toussaint, Mary Portser, Matthew Lillard, Phyllis Lyons, Rita Wilson, Rob Camilletti, Robert Wisdom, Robin Gammell, Rusty Schwimmer, Sally Murphy, Sarah Koskoff, Shirley Knight, Sissy Spacek, Susie Spear Purcell, Tim DeKay, Xander Berkeley, Zack Eginton

Director: Cher, Nancy Savoca

Rating: R