There's only one movie that I'd recommend unreservedly and that would be In the Mood For Love by Kar Wai Wong. Absolutely hands down the best movie I've seen in the last 5 years. If you've seen it, see it again. If you've seen it twice, see it thrice.

Another good one is Fallen Angles by the same director.

Also a Korean film called Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring is an awesome little movie. Very Buddist, alas, no Jewish angst, just lots of Asian stoicism.

On a fluffy note. The third Harry Potter movie is really good. Much better than the two prior Chris Columbus debacles. It was directed by Alfsono Cuaron of Y Tu Mama Tambien fame. Well worth seeing.

I just saw The Cooler a few weeks ago and I thought it was wonderful! Wish I had caught it in the theater...then again...maybe not. There's something to be said about watching a really violent scene on your TV. The violence doesn't surround you like it does in the theater...

I agree about Macy - I tend to like everything he's in.

I love movies, but haven't had that much time to catch them lately. If you haven't seen Napoleon Dynamite, then I'd suggest that. This is one of those films you'll either love or scratch your head and say "wtf??"... I love it. I'm going to try to make it out to see Sideways tonight.

I can totally relate. I'm signed up with Blockbuster Online. And not only do I get to check out three movies online, but I also get two coupons each month to use at a local blockbuster. So I find myself searching for movies to add to my queue so I can get continued value out of the services. Below are the movies I've rented. Hopefully you'll get a few ideas. Most are decent and worthy of at least once viewing.

50 First Dates

Along Came Polly

Amores Perros

Calendar Girls

Chasing Liberty

Close My Eyes

Cooler

Dirty Pretty Things

East Is East

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Fog of War

For Love of Ivy

Hidalgo

House of Sand and Fog

In America

Jersey Girl

Manchurian Candidate (2004)

Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Matchstick Men

Magdalene Sisters

Mother

Mrs. Brown

Mystic River

Pieces of April

Reservoir Dogs

Saved!

Super Size Me

Tender Mercies

Terminal

Wimbledon

Win a Date With Tad Hamilton

I think I saw all of two movies in the theaters last year, and I can't remember what one of them was. Probably not going to help your list much.

That said, I'd be surprised if you didn't like Maria Full of Grace or Sideways, both of which people I trust have been prodding me to see. I also recommend watching all of HBO's original series. You can't go wrong, except for Arliss.

Have you seen "In good company"? It's mainstream but still makes you laugh and cry.

"The Chorus" was really good. It's a french movie and out at art houses now.

Check out "Ray". If you like the music of Ray Charles at all you should dig this flick.

I forgot about Wonder Boys...great flick.

The Triplets of Belleville was the
coolest film I saw in 2004. Animated
with almost no dialog. Brilliant,
I'm lucky to have seen it on the big screen.

Check out Sideways if you haven't already. Also House of the Flying Daggers is a visual beauty.
Being Julia is another winner. Annette Bening outdoes herself in this smooth and entertaining film.

triplets of belleville was really super. no dialogue is always a plus, very french like jacques tati. if you want to go back in time, pick up a couple of his movies. as for more recent movies- shaolin soccer may change your life. do not get the disney version, many art houses or asian distributors can get you the original. oh and i just read that spirited away was the largest japanese grossing film ever, at $200 million, but only 10 million came from u.s. viewing. super movie. see Spellbound! a documentary on spelling bees, what could be more boring?? ha HA- a must see. also, if you can find it, ghengis blues. made by SF filmakers, follows blind bluesman paul pena to tibet to throat sing. ?!! will also change your life, but in a different way than shaolin soccer. nominated for best doc a few years ago. happy viewing.

If you're in the mood for an older movie, try Fort Apache the Bronx. Great acting by Paul Newman and a much more 'real' relationship bewtween Paul's character and his love interest, the junkie Latina nurse, than you normally see in today's movies. Ken Wahl is good too.

Also, since you have Netflix, you should rent season 1 of Carnivale, all of the available seasons of Soul Food, and Firefly. And Dark Angel.