American Hustle, the shiny retro mafia romp from The Silver Linings Playbook’s David O Russell, starring The Silver Linings Playbook’s Bradley Cooper, and The Silver Linings Playbook’s Jennifer Lawrence (and some other people) comes out next week. The title seems to suggest that there’s something particularly American about being a con artist in the seventies. As a full-on tea-drinking foul-mouthed middle class Brit, who am I to disagree with this? Here are five more titles which have taught me something about what it’s like to be from THE LAND OF THE FREE.

Being a dad is hard, especially when your kids turn into raging bags of hormones. Either I’ve reached the age where I identify with the parents in high school movies, rather than the teenagers themselves (how depressing), or they were some of the best characters to start with. I’m hoping it’s the latter. Either way, the fathers of these angst-ridden children have it tough. Here are five who seem to do the best for their kids, against all odds:

Pedro Almodóvar’s new film Los Amantes Pasajeros, or I’m So Excited to us English-speaking jerks, is officially out in cinemas everyone! It’s obviously going to be totally weird because it’s by Pedro Almodóvar. Did you guys see that movie, The Skin I Live In? WHAT WAS THAT? Anyway, this film is more or less The Skin I Live In On a Plane. More importantly, though, the film shares its English title with a very famous song by The Pointer Sisters, which got us thinking: what other films out there have famous songs for titles? Turns out, loads. Because nothing in this wretched world is original.

Best For Film has, over the years, tried to bring you the facts that other movie sites ignore. From useful Top 10 guides (hello must-see horror films of 2012!) to not-quite-so-useful lists (top 10 movie cats, anyone?), we’ve pretty much covered every single possible rankings-related question you could have in your cinephiliac brain. And now, in a joyous moment of celebration, we’ve decided to take a look back at some of our best articles, by some of our best writers, and pull out the top 10 most important things Best For Film has ever taught us (via an information-packed Top 10 list). You’re welcome.

Grassroots is the true story of Grant Cogswell’s 2001 campaign for a seat on Seattle’s City Council. Basing his campaign around a desire to expand the city’s monorail system, Cogswell became a serious challenger to incumbent Richard McIver by targeting an untapped zest for change that lay dormant amongst Seattle’s young adults. Grassroots is admirable in its purpose, but a little out of step in the wake of Barack Obama’s successive victories in the war for the White House.

After a long and challenging week it’s finally Friday. The weekend is nigh and it’s the perfect time to indulge in a good old drinking game. But this is not just any old drinking game. No. For this drinking game you’ll need to be as unflappable and calm as James Bond, because if not there’s a chance this could get a little out of hand.

It’s Friday and you want to ride along the fast-track to drunken oblivion. What better way to do it than with a bunch of films depicting people being even more debaucherous and moronic than you?

Seann William Scott is disarmingly loveable in this blood-spattered sports comedy written by Jay Baruchel and Evan Goldberg. Goon might initially strike you as brainless Lad fare, but don’t let appearances deceive you. It’s warm, funny and actually has something (vaguely) serious to say about a culture which encourages, and even downright applauds, violence – as long as it’s safely in the confines of a sports venue, of course.

How to Stop Being a Loser is out in just a few days – but how can you stop unless you know how you started? Our handy guide to Loserville, TN (population: you) will help you navigate the treacherous terrain of social acceptance without becoming a one-note joke in American Pie. Does anyone even remember the Sherminator?

Wondering what to fill your days with in 2012? We recommend some light viewing, considering the world will probably be over then. Here are our best and worst for next year. Prepare to be angry, then a little happy, then quite confused, and then happy again.