Reel Culture: 50 Classic Movies You Should Know About (So You Can Impress Your Friends)

With this compact, chronological film guide, which rounds up 50 movies of the 20th century, savvy teens can get the gist without necessarily seeing every one. Along with synopses, there's also brief commentary, under such headings as “Why All the Fuss?” and “The Stuff People Still Talk About.” Films include It's a Wonderful Life (“it's been known to bring even the most hard-core cynics to tears”), The Graduate (“gave voice to a whole generation of kids who felt lost after graduating college”), and The Silence of the Lambs (one of many R-rated films included). Despite its cheat-sheet approach, stills and quotes should spark enough interest for readers to want to view the films. Ages 17–up. (Nov.)