By Matt Mueller Culture Editor Published Oct 07, 2015 at 11:26 AM

It's the penultimate day of the Milwaukee Film Festival. You could make the day one of melancholy and tears and Sarah McLachlan. But instead of firing Green Day's "Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)" on repeat, you should remember that, hey, there's still a whole pack of really great movies to check out. These three movies in particular.

"Cartel Land"

The border between the United States and Mexico has been a hot topic recently thanks to the current GOP presidential race, not to mention the new cartel-themed thriller "Sicario" that recently came out. But don't let those tire you out from the topic – and from checking out the utterly gripping Sundance doc "Cartel Land," which follows two small vigilante groups on both sides of the border fighting the cartels' influence like unsponsored armies. For one, it's unbelievable somebody managed to get the footage – big gunfights, behind-the-scenes with the drug cooks – on display here. And secondly, it's brought together into an incredible story that starts off as a courageous vigilante action movie and smartly turns into a cautionary tale. It's one of the best movies of what's been a high quality film festival. 

"Cartel Land" shows today at 12:45 p.m. at the Times Cinema, as well as Thursday, Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. at the Downer Theatre. 

"Extraordinary Tales"

Guillermo del Toro has a new movie, the ghoulish ghost tale "Crimson Peak," coming out in a few weeks. Need an early dose of del Toro, though? Then "Extraordinary Tales" is just for you, getting you some extra Guillermo – plus fellow horror icons like Roger Corman and the late, great Sir Christopher Lee – sharing some of Edgar Allen Poe's greatest, ghastliest stories, each in their own uniquely animated fashion. Come see some old stories brought to new life – not that they really need much help. 

"Extraordinary Tales" screens today at 10 p.m. at the Times Cinema. 

Milwaukee Film Secret Members Screening

Usually, Milwaukee Film saves one of their best for their members. Last year was admittedly a bit of a misfire – not that "Last Days in Vietnam" wasn't a fine documentary, but it may not have been enough to fit the bill. The previous year, however, it was "Short Term 12," one of the best movies of 2013 – and of the decade thus far.

I'm hoping this year they get back to that kind of form with this year's screening, which if I was a betting man, I'd put my money on perhaps either "Carol" or "The Danish Girl," two huge potential Oscar candidates with guaranteed acting nominations in tow. I'd personally love the former because of its lack of Tom Hooper ruining everything, but both would be great treats for the members. And even if it's not one of those two, if the past two weeks have taught me anything, it's that you should trust in what Milwaukee Film picks. They're kind of good at this.

The Milwaukee Film Secret Members Screening shows twice today at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Oriental Theatre. 

Matt Mueller Culture Editor

As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.

When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.