The Houseboat

Van, a boat dweller, runs a bookstore. He has lots of time to daydream and write out his stream of consciousness in never-to-be-published tomes. After seeing a particularly fetching girl walk by the store, he chases after her, but to no avail. She becomes the object of his fantasies, seeing her with a customer in the store, on the street, even on the TV in his houseboat den. Days pass and he finds her being harassed by a cop on his street corner. He comes to her aid, she confides her troubles and he takes her in... to his bed. And the rest is history.

Directed by Chuck Lords, The Houseboat leans on a strong ensemble — Brea Lynn, Van Damage, Jenaveve Jolie — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2007.