These are my current MUST SEE movie recommendations of 2009. And guess what? They are all available instantly on VOD. In fact all three of them were part of specific plans to help push VOD as the format of the future. Now personally, I think the jury is still out on the benefits of Video on Demand. I'm not sure it is the wave of the future that everyone is planning for it to be...But it is most definitely the wave of the present...So why not take advantage of it and see some great films and support some great filmmakers from the comforts of your own (or friend with cable's own) home?

Two Lovers - This movie is amazing. If Joaquin Phoenix really did want to retire from acting and become a rapper...Fine, he earned it. I can't believe how good this movie is and how few people know about it. Maybe it's because the promotion got blindsided by JP's ongoing personal publicity stunt…Actually, I don’t think anyone would have cared even if he had been out hyping it properly...its a good movie, and good movies get missed. But trust me, this is one you don't want to miss.

Alexander the Last - Director Joe Swanberg is my friend...So you might think my thoughts on this one are totally biased. You might be right...But I would usually tell you (and Joe) if I didn’t like the movie...I'm not one to shy away from sharing my opinions. This is certainly Joe’s most accessible movie to date and I am quite fond of a lot of the performances in the film. Say what you will about "mumblecore" but the truth is, a good "talky" relationship film connects to everyone...And the best movies in this "New York Press Created" genre are probably the most independent films out there...And that alone is reason enough to support them.

Three Blind Mice - This is a foreign film...It's from Australia. It rules. I saw this at SXSW and was pretty blown away. Let's just leave it at that.

Kudos to IFC and MAGNOLIA for releasing truly indie films and embracing a challenge instead of running from one…

-ti