Movies you think are underrated [Archive]

Hanshotfirst113

04-02-2008, 07:53 PM

Lets cut the negativity/flamebating crap around here and try something positive for a change.

Although its easy to say a film is overrated, its actually much harder to say a film is the exact opposite. These are films you feel don't get an even enough shake because they were overlooked for various reasons by the general populace at the time of release or too this day. Of course there are films that generally deserved this because they're, well to put it in the vulgar tongue... crap.

Therefore what films do you feel are underappreciated for whatever reason?

Yes, lets.

Flawed movies that don't deserve their bad reps:
Dune

David Lynch's Dune is like a if someone built a gorgeous statue out of gold, silver, and diamonds and then blew it into pieces. The pieces would no longer be a cohesive whole, but each separate one would still be gorgeous. That's kind of like that film. The special effects, makeup, production design, and pretty much every visual element is incredibly imaginative and rich, the cast is a one-in-a-million dream, and the scale of the production, for its time, is great, though elements of it haven't dated well. But thanks to the DeLaurentis family, the final product was edited down to the point of incoherence. All dressed up an no place to go, so to speak. But God, it's so pretty to look at...

Bicycle ThievesAh, one of the founding Italian Neo-realist films! A heartbreaking minimalist masterpiece.

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)That's a brilliant film, easily one of the best thrillers ever made, but it's such a classic that I don't know if once could call it "underrated?"

TitanicAgain, overhyped to nth degree, overblown, and overlong, but so gorgeous to look at. Titanic is a great film anytime that the character don't talk :p. It's not as bad as some have said, but nowhere near as great as the endless hype.

Any Kevin Smith movie (Mallrats in particular)

Kevin Smith has a massive cult following.

I love 'Clerks' and most Kevin Smith movies, but I think the one that really deserved MORE attention was 'Chasing Amy'. It really is an oddity and a really well made film.

Or, as I like to call it, "Hey, he actually can write after all!" Amy is by far Smith's most mature film, and it's funny, insightful, and actually very compelling.

There's also The Funhouse and Kiki's Delivery Service. They're very underrated at least in my opinion.

Ah, Kiki's. Guaranteed a smile or your money back.

I'd have to say The Last Man On Earth. It's by far the most faithful adaptation of I Am Legend, and it's surprisingly dark thematic elements are pretty powerfully resonant. Sam Raimi's Darkman is far from flawless, but it's more fun than many other superhero movies with budgets far larger. And Guillermo del Toro's Mimic, despite being disowned by him and hacked to shreds by the Weinsteins, is full of some of the most beautiful and unique images ever committed to celluloid. Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow is a wildly imaginative valentine to genre fans, full of nods to Mario Bava and Hammer Horror,and of some of the most gorgeously Gothic images I've ever seen, with a sheerly delightful cleverness, quirky characters, and dark sociological themes. And even in the wake of Pan's Labyrinth's success, del Toro's previous Spanish Civil War Gothic romance political ghost story masterpiece The Devil's Backbone and his hard-to-find debut Cronos still don't get the credit they deserve, and J.A. Bayona's The Orphanage, which del Toro produced, is one of the best ghost stories since The Innocents and Robert Wise's The Haunting. Alex Proyas's Dark City out-Matrixes The Matrix, and is one of the most dazzlingly visually imaginative genre films ever made.

Draft

04-02-2008, 08:00 PM

Ya, but outside that cult base generally most people hate his movies (Hell, that one critic walked out of a showing and there were protests of Dogma)

I didn't care for Chasing Amy, maybe too romantic for me, but it wasn't bad (I think it is my least fav Kevin Smith movie, if not Clerks since it is poor quality and seems a little jagged at times)

Desensitized

04-02-2008, 08:02 PM

If we're talking generally, I think most people completely missed out on Clerks 2. A perfect bookend to the original, the movie actually made me feel sorry for Randall at a few points.

Still has some silly jokes and has real offensive stuff in there, but it has real heart. Something that was shoe-horned into Jersey Girl and wasn't in Mallrats. It's something I think only those who grew up with the original can understand. If more sequels were like Clerks 2, I don't think sequels would get half the flak they do.

HG Revolution

04-02-2008, 08:05 PM

Flawed movies that don't deserve their bad reps:
The Golden Compass
Beowulf

A good movie that doesn't deserve its bad rep:
The Darjeeling Limited

Seldom seen:
Idiocracy
Ma Vie En Rose
Mindgame
Tekkon Kinkreet
Waking Life
A Scanner Darkly
Shadow Magic
The Devil's Backbone

Unfair backlash:
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
most of Michael Moore's movies

Underappreciated:
Flushed Away
V For Vendetta
Porco Rosso
Harold and Maude
School of Rock
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Death Note LA

Movie06

04-02-2008, 08:14 PM

V for Vendetta good one. Along with Mimic, Clerks II, Rat Race and TB's Sleepy Hollow.

Other films I consider underrated include:
Re-Animator
Katsuhiro Otomo's Memories
The Island
The Rock
Phantasm
Eaten Alive
April Fool's Day
Sailor Moon R: Promise of the Rose
Osamu Tezuka's Metropolis
Porco Rosso
Titan A.E.
Innerspace
Killer Klowns from Outer Space

Ragebot

04-02-2008, 08:20 PM

Seldom seen:
Ma Vie En Rose

I was wondering if that was a typo, but then I typed it in IMDB to discover, indeed, a 1997 film by that title.

MindgameQuite! I really need to see this.

Shadow MagicHadn't heard of this one either! And I'm generally pretty good at recognizing titles to Chinese films.

Underappreciated:
V For Vendetta
School of Rock
Was considering listing these two myself.

Movie06

04-02-2008, 08:24 PM

Here's more:
May
Cardcaptor Sakura: The Sealed Card
Mouse Hunt
Salem's Lot
The Last House on the Left
The Howling
Rayearth (OVA)
Steamboy
Akira
Donnie Darko
Jersey Girl
Ali G Indahouse

Hanshotfirst113

04-02-2008, 08:31 PM

The Rock

That movie made $135 million dollars. It was seen by millions of people. It's difficult to call it "underrated," IMO.

PhantasmAh, a cult classic!

The Devil's Backbone

Good, I was beginning to think that I was the only one who'd seen the bloody thing.

most of Michael Moore's moviesI smell a liberal ;).

School of Rock

A great movie, but it was a pretty popular film.

Donnie DarkoAh, a longtime personal favorite that's finally built up a big cult following in recent years. A wild melting pot of genres that manages to succeed at almost every one and blend them was one of the most interesting pieces of work I've seen in many moons, part social satire, part Breakfast Club, part David Lynch, part character study, part SF time travel tale, part allegory, and pretty much everything else. I love it.

Antiyonder

04-02-2008, 08:37 PM

Aren't we suppose to provide reason as to why these films are underrated? I mean some of the posts do seem to border on the list thread violation.

Anyway, for the moment, I'll go for Superman 2 The Richard Donner Cut. Overall, despite a number of positive reaction, I believe the movie fell under a heavy number of criticism for the story not being the best that it could have been considering that it was a Richard Donner film. Considering that they couldn't refilm new scenes to help the story flow better, I think they did well enough with considering what they had to work with. Personally, it helps to look at this movie as what could have been rather than an anticipated epic. Now if Donner had been able to complete Superman 2 on his own terms, then it would no doubt have been candidate for the definative Superman film.

Movie06

04-02-2008, 08:40 PM

Ok, you have a point with The Rock but it's still unfairly bashed by the IMDB guys.

Anyway, more underrated films

From Beyond
The Lost Boys
An American Werewolf in London
The Burning
Sailor Moon S: Hearts in Ice
InuYasha: Affections Across Time
Blood: The Last Vampire
Tokyo Godfathers
Mean Creek
The Iron Giant
The Dark Crystal
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

GWOtaku

04-02-2008, 08:44 PM

Amazing Grace is a fantastic movie that more should know about. Terrific acting, excellent historical accuracy, and a compelling account of William Wilberforce's efforts to end the slave trade. The movie does a fine job illustrating both the reality of the slave trade and the political climate that Wilberforce had to fight against for years before he was finally successful.

It seems like everyone knows Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but Hero is an excellent action movie of the same genre that did much more than deliver stylized action sequences (not bashing Crouching Tiger). The film is a visual joy to look at whether a fight sequence is going or not, and I found the four different narratives to be a very fresh approach. By the end all four versions of events coincide to portray one complete truth, yet each one had different themes and was drastically different enough to keep the movie from feeling rehashed and boring. Jet Li is also in terrific form.

Desensitized

04-02-2008, 08:49 PM

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back
No way, man. That was a pure fan-wank movie. If you don't like Kevin Smith even slightly there is no way you'll like that movie.

Plus it did average at the box office, so I can't see this underrated. Clerks 2, Mallrats (to an extent) and Chasing Amy are the only ones I can consider overlooked or unfairly judged/should have done better.

Hanshotfirst113

04-02-2008, 08:52 PM

No way, man. That was a pure fan-wank movie. If you don't like Kevin Smith even slightly there is no way you'll like that movie.

It was Kevin Smith's massive ego trip ode to himself. I found it funny in a way, but I can see where its endlessly juvenile preoccupations and massive self-indulgence could grate on most people, and really, I can't blame them in the slightest.

Now, back on topic, I'd have to say that Alan Parker's Angel Heart was a greatly underappreciated horror classic. It blended occult elements with a film noir narrative, and it's chilling final revelation makes for some dark questions. And Michael Seresin's photography was gorgeous, halfway between The Big Combo and Mario Bava, with enough atmosphere to give Se7en are run for it's money. Adrian Lyne's Jacob's Ladder was a great psychological portrait of death and abstract meaning, accepting that it was essentially a retooling of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek," it's shocker ending still feels layered with more meaning that one would expect. Dragonslayer was one of the best, and unfortunately little-seen effects fantasies to rise out of the 80s sword-and-sorcery craze, a great Dungeons and Dragons fantasy. Kathryn Bigelow's Near Dark was one of the most unique genre films ever made, part Western, part horror film, part action movie, part Southern Gothic, bathed in Adam Greenberg's gorgeous nighttime photography. And Fright Night was fun self-referential horror romp full of great makeup effects, predating Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson's Scream by over a decade.

Movie06

04-02-2008, 08:53 PM

No way, man. That was a pure fan-wank movie. If you don't like Kevin Smith even slightly there is no way you'll like that movie.

But that movie introduced me to Kevin Smith.

And another I consider underrated is Beerfest. Yeah, this one is actually my favorite Broken Lizard movie.

And Hanshotfirst, you just beat me when it comes to mentioning Jacob's Ladder, Near Dark and Fright Night.

FightingDreamer

04-02-2008, 09:00 PM

Cardcaptor Sakura: The Sealed Card

YES. Lovely animation, a sweet story, and a rockin' English dub. What more could you want?

Draft

04-02-2008, 09:02 PM

How is School of Rock underrated? That movie is extrmemely popular with both kids and adults alike

I showed my friend J&SBSB as his first View-Askew, and he loved it (Likes Clerks II too, and unfortunatly won't stop quoting it, in particular the offensive parts, which included asking a teacher what it meant). But ya, I didn't watch Chasing Amy nor Clerks before watching J&SB, and I enjoyed it more after watching it

Movie06

04-02-2008, 09:07 PM

YES. Lovely animation, a sweet story, and a rockin' English dub. What more could you want?

No doubt there.

And other movies I consider underrated include

Maniac
Project A-ko
Alien 3
The Hills Have Eyes (Remake)
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
Mars Attacks

Aaron_bhkk

04-02-2008, 09:22 PM

There are some great underrated comedies from last year. See Hot Rod, The Ten, and/or Walk Hard (which comes out this week on DVD, by the way) if you're looking for a good comedy. Trust me, you'll be glad you ignored the critics.

Hanshotfirst113

04-02-2008, 09:24 PM

Desensitized

04-02-2008, 09:36 PM

Walk Hard was well-reviewed.
Yeah, but it was unfairly dismissed by everyone else. The critics got this one dead on and the general public didn't even care. :sweat:

The Irishman

04-02-2008, 09:45 PM

Jackie Brown - Quentin Tarantino with perhaps his best script.
Monty Python The Meaning of Life - Already mentioned but yes, it is a rather slanted view of life in general and has some great moments.
Guesthouse Paradiso - Prepubescent gross-out jokes for everyone!
My Neighbour Totoro - One of Miyazaki's quietest films is actually quite intimate in terms of its characters and setting.
Superbad - Underrated for how groundbreaking this film actually is.
Mars Attacks! - Haven't seen it in a long time, but I'm sure I would appreciate some of the more intelligent humour now.

Mynd Hed

04-02-2008, 11:28 PM

Most of the films I'd be tempted to list aren't really underrated per se-- they tend to be pretty well-liked by people who actually saw them-- just undeservedly obscure.

Ragebot

04-02-2008, 11:36 PM

Most of the films I'd be tempted to list aren't really underrated per se-- they tend to be pretty well-liked by people who actually saw them-- just undeservedly obscure.

"Underrated" can mean different things in regards to different movies. That's why HG Revolution and myself divided our lists into different categories. For example, all of the movies I listed as "unappreciated" got good reviews, but I still believe they should be held in a higher caliber.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 12:02 AM

Anyone else feel that Jim Henson's Labyrinth is a very underrated film? I mean critics hated, audiences ignored it at first but now it's cult film.

Michael24

04-03-2008, 12:13 AM

I'll say it..... Waterworld and The Postman. Both fall into the "Unfair Backlash" category.

And I thought Paycheck and The Saint were very well done action flicks.

Underappreciated:
Memento

Ditto. I'm usually not much for the "backwards story" gimmick, but I thought this was an excellent little movie.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 12:19 AM

You know, Army of Darkness is very underrated now that I think about it.

Antiyonder

04-03-2008, 12:32 AM

My Neighbour Totoro - One of Miyazaki's quietest films is actually quite intimate in terms of its characters and setting.

I'd have to say that one moment that certainly would warrent mention that's rarely covered (though a Toonzone Father's Day article touches upon it) is that the father (Tatsuo) doesn't talk down to/or riducle Mei when she mentions Totoro. He actually takes her seriously.

A movie that I'd have to add is 3 O'Clock High. While the whole mild student becoming the victim of a bully is hardly original, Buddy Revell (the bully) actually has guts. Unlike most bullytype characters who back down when an authority is present, he shows willingness to let the teacher witness his behavior.

Joe

04-03-2008, 01:04 AM

Adrian Lyne's Jacob's Ladder was a great psychological portrait of death and abstract meaning, accepting that it was essentially a retooling of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek," it's shocker ending still feels layered with more meaning that one would expect.

I agree very much with this. I was very much impressed with this film.

Another film that's sort of stuck with me is Happiness, a very offbeat and dark comedy and character study. I haven't ever really heard much buzz about it, thoug that might be because its already 10 years old.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 01:09 AM

Then there's also Larry David's Sour Grapes. Why exactly did hate that movie?

Baltofan

04-03-2008, 03:16 AM

I guess few here has seen those.

Little Buddha with Kenau Reeves from 1993.

The Cup from Bhutan 1999.

Luna Papa from Tajikistan 1999.

Ajax

04-03-2008, 03:49 AM

Project A-ko
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
Lulz, are you kidding me? How is Cowboy Bebop: The movie underrated? We are talking about underrated movies and not "movies no one talks about anymore". With the massive following that Cowboy Bebop had in Japan and America I highly doubt Knocking On Heavens Door is an underrated movie. Someone mentioned Kiki's delievery service, now I would believe that to be an underrated movie cause of all the Miyzaki movies, it never gets talked about or even mentioned. Project A-ko? Again im sure anyone who is anime fan is famailir with the Project A-ko movies (since thats all the anime is, a bunch of OVA movies).
You also mentioned CCS the Sealed Card. Again, I dont know how in the world you would categorize this as underrated. If anything the first CCS movie would quailfy more. The Sealed Card was incredible, tied up all the lose ends, ended the series and gave everyone what they wanted. Back when CCS was popular I highly doubt anyone would agrue the movie as underrated.

Just because CCS and (oh god) Ako and CB are no longer popular or talked about doesnt mean their movies are automatically underrated.

James

04-03-2008, 05:11 AM

I think my slant is going to be films underrated by teh internets blogsphere - films that aren't as bad as fans would like to pretend they are.

I'd agree with Star Trek: The Motion Picture, I think if you see it as it is, an extension of the series format placed into a visual spectacle (a motion picture even), it's a beautiful and consistent film. Slow, but I think it adds majesty to the tale. The Directors Edition more so.

And while not brilliant, I think there are good thinks in Trek V too - far more than the bashing it gets. It's bookended with some nice character scenes, the film runs at a decent pace and the antagonist is an interesting even if undeveloped character. I'm not suggesting it's a "classic" but not as terrible as it has become pop culturatastic to claim.

Enough Trek...

The Black Hole - Disney's star flop, but actually again, not as terrible as some blogs suggest. It carries menace, it carries threat. There is a great score and some interesting themes and questions carried throughout. The film progresses from mystery to action giving the story a little more punch. Again, certainly not the best film in the world, but an enjoyable one when taken for what it is rather than the Star Wars it isn't.

Starship Troopers - not so much a blogsphere issue, a general misunderstanding of the dark humour and historical satire. Often misconstrued as a pro-fascist film, this is a rare take where the film intentionally places us on the side of totalitarian state without painting it as overtly evil. We see how many in totalitarianism live blind to its cold side, and how blind soldiers can be - and have to be - to the truths behind the wars they fight if they are to defend their home - regardless of whether it deserves defending. A clever, dangerous film which is misunderstood largely because it has pretty faces - that apparently prove it must therefore be so devoid of realism it must be rubbish.

HG Revolution

04-03-2008, 06:42 AM

I wouldn't consider Akira, The Iron Giant, and Donnie Darko to exactly be underrated. Not a lot of people have seen them, true, and they were certainly underrated at their times of release, but by now it seems 98% of the internet praises them as the greatest things ever.

My School of Rock inclusion may not have been so much about the movie itself, but about how there's so much general Jack Black hate.

Anwar

04-03-2008, 06:45 AM

Alien 3, one of the most misunderstood and under-appreciated films out there (especially since the release of the Assembly Cut).

tucsoncoyote

04-03-2008, 08:23 AM

Well, if there's one underrated film I can come up with it's perhaps one of the longest (in terms of Theatrical Run time) that really tells the greatest story about how man got into space.. and it has three words..

The Right Stuff.

Now this movie, which was made in 1983, The Right Stuff is based on Tom Wolfe's popular hit book by the same name, and the story about how we as Americans got into the ultimate space race to the moon. But there's one reason why it's so underrated... it's extremely long.

How long you may ask?

Try 3 hours and 13 minutes long, 193 minutes... well far above the usual 90 minute to 2 hour length movie. Heck if they shown this movie on John Glenns Flight aboard Friendship 7, he would have had watched it entirely by the time he finished his second orbit.. But most movie goers thought that Director Phillip Kaufman had directed more of a film that had you become an astronaut, than watching the astronauts on the screen..(Try holding your bladder like Alan Sheppard Jr. for 3 hours.. and not go to the bathroom...Now we know why Shepard did what he did.. If he had to sit that long he'd be going in his space suit alright...

Now Like I said, this movie is so underrated not because of the story or plot, but just because of the run time. Otherwise, it's perhaps one of the best films that deals with Space travel that told the story quite well, with perhaps the exception of maybe Ron Howard's Apollo 13.

And if you thought The Right Stuff was long..

Try 1984's Amadeus...coming in at a whopping 180 minutes (3 full hours in the director's cut), of film depicting perhaps one of the most ingenious musical minds of the world. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The story in this one is rather long and drawn out, and if it were not for the acting, this one might put any casual viewer to sleep like Braham's Lullaby.

But Amadeus and The Right Stuff interestingly enough won awards... The Right Stuff for Example, won 4 oscars, including best Musical Original score..and believe me, the musical score is what makes this movie good as well as the acting.

as for Amadeus, this film won 8 Oscars.. including Best Picture in 1985.. And yet this is perhaps one of the most underrated films ever.. You say the words "Amadeus" and everyone goes.. HUH?

Believe me, something was up in 1983 and 1984.. Maybe the directors wanted to tell a story well, and substituted run time for trying to cram things into a given package..(of just 90 minutes). But believe me, these are perhaps 2 of the most underrated Movies I can think of.. and it's not because of it's bad rep or anything.. it's because they're too darn long!

Now another film I think that is perhaps is also underrated is perhaps 1966's Spaghetti Western best known for it's three phrase title.. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. This movie is perhaps a classic, considering it was directed by Italian director Sergio Leone. But this 1966/1967 Film introduced a lot of people to perhaps one name that is synonymous with Cowboy westerns.. and I'm not talkig John Wayne either.. I'm talking Clint Eastwood.

Now depending on where this film is shown, the film is much like The Right Stuff and Amadeus... Long and drawn out.. 3 hours yet again on average. Try watching 3 guys searching for 200,000 dollars in gold coins for 3 hours and try not to go to the bathroom.

Yet here's a cult classic, when it comes to westerns.. The music is excellent, the plot is interesting yet not boring.. So why is this movie underrated.. it's probably because at the time, Westerns (which this Was) were a dying breed.. Sure kids were brought up in the 1950's with Westerns and this movie was perhaps the last and rarest of it's breed.. But in all, this movie didn't suck.. it was just like it's counterparts previously mentioned.. Long, Drawn out, and well told, yet no real theater goer could watch this movie.. not without having to go to the bathroom..

But really this is why some movies get underrated.. they are in fact good, but rather just too long.. Much like this post..

So I'll leave it at that, and let the folks tear this post apart..

After all it took me all of 15 minutes to write this and it'll take you another 30 minutes to figure it out.

:coyote:

GWOtaku

04-03-2008, 09:10 AM

Starship Troopers - not so much a blogsphere issue, a general misunderstanding of the dark humour and historical satire. Often misconstrued as a pro-fascist film, this is a rare take where the film intentionally places us on the side of totalitarian state without painting it as overtly evil. We see how many in totalitarianism live blind to its cold side, and how blind soldiers can be - and have to be - to the truths behind the wars they fight if they are to defend their home - regardless of whether it deserves defending. A clever, dangerous film which is misunderstood largely because it has pretty faces - that apparently prove it must therefore be so devoid of realism it must be rubbish.

Even so, this is a case where one is far better off reading Heinlein's novel. It is far too fine a book to be represented by a special effects festival infected with hordes of alien bugs.

Speedy Boris

04-03-2008, 09:15 AM

The Negotiator. Despite getting decent business back in 1998, it seems to have been forgotten and nobody seems to talk about it anymore. Personally, I think it's one of Samuel L. Jackson's better action outings: A well-crafted thriller where he has to prove his innocence by taking people hostage.
Starship Troopers - not so much a blogsphere issue, a general misunderstanding of the dark humour and historical satire. Often misconstrued as a pro-fascist film, this is a rare take where the film intentionally places us on the side of totalitarian state without painting it as overtly evil. We see how many in totalitarianism live blind to its cold side, and how blind soldiers can be - and have to be - to the truths behind the wars they fight if they are to defend their home - regardless of whether it deserves defending. A clever, dangerous film which is misunderstood largely because it has pretty faces - that apparently prove it must therefore be so devoid of realism it must be rubbish. I agree. Starship Troopers has some great satire on pro-war propaganda, such as only being considered a civilian until you join the military, at which point you're a full citizen. Those futuristic news reels throughout were especially clever. "Would you like to know more?" YES

Hanshotfirst113

04-03-2008, 09:26 AM

You know, Army of Darkness is very underrated now that I think about it.

That movie has a cult following so big that the Internet can hardly contain it :p.

Lulz, are you kidding me? How is Cowboy Bebop: The movie underrated? We are talking about underrated movies and not "movies no one talks about anymore". With the massive following that Cowboy Bebop had in Japan and America I highly doubt Knocking On Heavens Door is an underrated movie.

Agreed.

I think my slant is going to be films underrated by the Internet's blogsphere - films that aren't as bad as fans would like to pretend they are.

Starship Troopers - not so much a blogsphere issue, a general misunderstanding of the dark humour and historical satire. Often misconstrued as a pro-fascist film, this is a rare take where the film intentionally places us on the side of totalitarian state without painting it as overtly evil. We see how many in totalitarianism live blind to its cold side, and how blind soldiers can be - and have to be - to the truths behind the wars they fight if they are to defend their home - regardless of whether it deserves defending. A clever, dangerous film which is misunderstood largely because it has pretty faces - that apparently prove it must therefore be so devoid of realism it must be rubbish.

http://www.reel.com/movie.asp?MID=40705&buy=open&PID=10100950&Tab=reviews&CID=18#tabs

Woefully misunderstood.

Alien 3, one of the most misunderstood and under-appreciated films out there (especially since the release of the Assembly Cut).

Alien 3 is like Guillermo del Toro's Mimic, David Lynch's Dune, and other films hacked to shreds by the studio. They're still full of moments of brilliance, but I can't help but watch all of them and think "there's a great movie in here somewhere."

Even so, this is a case where one is far better off reading Heinlein's novel. It is far too fine a book to be represented by a special effects festival infected with hordes of alien bugs.

Again, http://www.reel.com/movie.asp?MID=40705&buy=open&PID=10100950&Tab=reviews&CID=18#tabs

GWOtaku

04-03-2008, 10:59 AM

Hmm, I get the intent...I guess I mostly mind that the Starship Troopers movie is named Starship Troopers, as I worry that people who don't pay much attention will think the movie is the book and vice versa when they are saying different things. I guess that doesn't have much to do with the movie itself, though.

Nightwing

04-03-2008, 11:40 AM

I was surprised as the listings of Kevin Smith movies and Jack Black movies at first, but after reading on I got it. With those two areas, I think any bashing has to do with something that lies on a more individual level.

I think there's hate on Kevin Smith even for the slightest thing simply because of all the hype and cult. Well I can't help it. He's a geek like me, with the exception that he has ideas in his head and is creative and can put them on film, so I like him for it. Plain and simple.

With Jack Black, it's similar but with a more individual theme to his movies, probably. But how can you even THINK about hating Tenacious D! He rules, Tenacious D rules, and they're just fun and awesome. It's not like we get one in the same Jack Black movies sequentially each year. Anyway, School of Rock was adorable.

I'm not going to devote myself to either of them religiously or anything. I just simply love them. Simply! That's all. It's a very simple fandom!

If we're talking generally, I think most people completely missed out on Clerks 2. A perfect bookend to the original, the movie actually made me feel sorry for Randall at a few points.

Still has some silly jokes and has real offensive stuff in there, but it has real heart. Something that was shoe-horned into Jersey Girl and wasn't in Mallrats. It's something I think only those who grew up with the original can understand. If more sequels were like Clerks 2, I don't think sequels would get half the flak they do.

That is a very strong and accurate interpetation of not just Clerks 2, but Clerks in general. Although I will say it took me a while to warm up to the first one. I hate to say this, but it was in fact the hype. I didn't know what to expect cuz the hype was so big so I didn't take it for the simple thought provoking stuff it had to say.

A Scanner Darkly. I didn't totally understand it, but I really enjoyed it.

Michael Moore is probably a touchy subject for the reasons stated above for Jack Black and Kevin Smith. Again, I don't really mind. A thing becomes a big World Ending thing only if you go crazy about it. If nothing else I at least get a different perspective from his films. When you let things scare you is when you lose yourself.

Superbad - Underrated for how groundbreaking this film actually is.

Okay that does it! I HAVE to see this movie now. I chose not to because I don't like the subject matter. It's nobody's fault or anything, I just very strongly avoid anything romantic angst related, especially when children are involved. But there might be something to this. Well if the purpose of this thread was to help those that underrate give a movie a chance, good job Entertainment Board members! I'm going to see this as soon as possible.

The Negotiator is one of my FAVORITE MOVIES and it is what made Sam Jackson to be one of my like top 5 actors. I'm glad someone mentioned it.

Has anyone ever mentioned JUDGE DREDD? It's even less than a popcorn movie but the costumes and score were memorable and lots of fun, and I just enjoy it when it's on. :p

And as I've noticed with most posts, I think it would benefit the thread to be specific with our lists. A movie title and a one-sentence description can make the discussion much more rich than a simple list of movie title.

Speedy Boris

04-03-2008, 11:51 AM

Michael24

04-03-2008, 12:29 PM

Has anyone ever mentioned JUDGE DREDD? It's even less than a popcorn movie but the costumes and score were memorable and lots of fun, and I just enjoy it when it's on. :p

I agree. It's hardly a great movie, but my dad and I saw it in the theater, and you know what? It was fun. It's far from being one of the best movies ever made, but it's a fun ride and a pure popcorn movie, and you're right, that Alan Silvestri score is damn fun. :)

Elf

04-03-2008, 12:35 PM

Judge Dredd was a fun one.

I saw on cable a week ago called Broken Arrow and I thought that was a lot of fun, and seeing John Travolta as the villain was interesting.

And I love the music, I miss 90's action music.

Michael24

04-03-2008, 12:38 PM

Desensitized

04-03-2008, 12:53 PM

When did the Clerks over-hype begin anyway? I first saw the movie in 1999, and none of my friends had heard of it. They looked at me like I was speaking a foreign language when I was describing it. Was it the release of Jay & Silent Bob that did it?

I guess what I'm saying is, I went into Clerks without any hype and thus, was able to enjoy it.
I started to notice it around Dogma. I saw his first 3 movies before it came out, and I was hooked. I couldn't believe no one was talking about him. Then Dogma and Jay & Silent Bob came out and it seemed everyone was in to him. Then he made Jersey Girl and it seemed to fade a bit, and Clerks 2 was just plain dismissed.

Now there seems to be a bit of backlash, but Clerks is impressive considering how it was made and the fact that the writing still holds strong today. It hasn't dated itself at all, which is very impressive for an indie movie from the mid-90s.

Leaping Larry Jojo

04-03-2008, 01:22 PM

Movie06

04-03-2008, 01:24 PM

You know, I already mentioned Alien 3 being underrated but yeah, it's definately one of the more underrated films. And I definately agree that Starship Troopers is underrated. That movie rocks even Takashi Miike loves the film.

And anyone else feel that Hellraiser: Bloodline is a little underrated? I mean that movie got hacked by the studio.

Hanshotfirst113

04-03-2008, 01:55 PM

And anyone else feel that Hellraiser: Bloodline is a little underrated? I mean that movie got hacked by the studio.

Yet another film eviscerated by the studio and disowned by its director. I'm beginning to see a pattern here :p.

"I think that there are times that we need to scream, all of us, you know? It's like when a joke is told you have no choice but to laugh and the laughter is there for a reason. It's a releasing of an anxiety. I think if you can get rid of that for 5 minutes, then you've just accomplished something."-Tobe HooperFixed minor spelling errors dude ;). Just FYI.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 02:01 PM

Yet another film eviscerated by the studio and disowned by its director. I'm beginning to see a pattern here :p.

You know, alot of underrated films are also poorly marketed by various studios.

Fixed minor spelling errors dude ;). Just FYI.

Well, at least someone noticed my Tobe Hooper signature.

CaptainHero

04-03-2008, 02:22 PM

James

04-03-2008, 02:22 PM

I agree. It's hardly a great movie, but my dad and I saw it in the theater, and you know what? It was fun. It's far from being one of the best movies ever made, but it's a fun ride and a pure popcorn movie, and you're right, that Alan Silvestri score is damn fun. :)

I found Judge Dredd hard less because it was bad as a film - I agree, as Summer Blockbusters go, it was far from terrible, even if it was a little formulaic (summer blockbuster? formulaic? Really?). As a fan, it was disappointing the film failed to capture the comic, when Robocop had come before this comic adaptation and pretty much nailed Dredd without being Dredd. Some that mixed Robocop with Sin City would far be more suitable for Dredd.

But again, as with Starship Troopers, one has to divorce the film from the book somewhat and assess each on their own merits than over-compare. Regardless of Starship Troopers original book, I think the film works as a film. Likewise, I should Judge Dredd by the same merit. Not that I think Dredd is personally as successful as a film as Starship Troopers, the latter being a smarter and riskier venture, but Dredd isn't as a bad a film when judged on the merits of its Summer Blockbuster intent than as a good adaptation of the comic character and his associated universe.

And I agree with Alien 3. While it was a travesty that they lost Newt, Bishop and Hicks (I recall Dean Foster saying he intended to include them in the novelisation but was told he couldn't - much to his irritation), the movie had atmosphere, an interesting setting and a decent resolve. Maybe not the best cut in its cinema version, but it did ooze ambiance and threat - which surely are key ingredients of any Alien movie.

EDIT: Kingpin - the best of the Farrelly movies. One of the few comedy films I've cried laughing at. There was some very dark, - very British (we love laughing at the underdog) - humour in there that outweighed the standard Farrelly "gross out" gags.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 02:23 PM

Beerfest is an extremely underrated comedy that I think most people pass off as some generic stupid comedy, it is one of my favorites.

The Cable Guy is also one of the most underrated Jim Carrey movies of all time, so dark yet so hilarious

Good choices. Heck, I like Beerfest, that was very funny.

And does Grindhouse count as being underrated? I mean audiences ignored the film when it came out.

HG Revolution

04-03-2008, 02:26 PM

And does Grindhouse count as being underrated? I mean audiences ignored the film when it came out.

Grindhouse is a strange beast. As a whole, it's a bit underrated, but I think Death Proof is overrated.

Hanshotfirst113

04-03-2008, 02:29 PM

And does Grindhouse count as being underrated? I mean audiences ignored the film when it came out.

True, but it was also hyped to death. So it's probably somewhere in between. Personally, I just thought that the film wasn't very good.

Grindhouse is a strange beast. As a whole, it's a bit underrated, but I think Death Proof is overrated.

Death Proof was god-awful, IMO, but there's something endearing about Grindhouse as a whole.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 02:30 PM

What about Rob Zombie's Halloween? I mean, the hardcore fans unfairly bash it just because it's different from the original film.

Ajax

04-03-2008, 02:50 PM

Michael24

04-03-2008, 03:01 PM

Movie06

04-03-2008, 03:05 PM

Anyone else feel that Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers is underrated as well? It's another movie that was hacked by the studio.

Michael24

04-03-2008, 03:12 PM

Hanshotfirst113

04-03-2008, 03:14 PM

I do wish the "Producer's Cut" could get release. While I like the theatrical cut, I prefer the Producer's Cut. (Though I would like to edit my own combination because there are a couple things I like in the TC that aren't in the PC.)

Knowing Disney as I do, I'd say that the chances of seeing the Producer's Cut get a legal release are Jack and Squat, and Jack left town years ago :p:(.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 03:20 PM

Knowing Disney as I do, I'd say that the chances of seeing the Producer's Cut get a legal release are Jack and Squat, and Jack left town years ago :p:(.

Actually, I read on Fangoria that an official release of the Producer's Cut might be possible. The original writers confirms it.

Michael24

04-03-2008, 03:20 PM

Knowing Disney as I do, I'd say that the chances of seeing the Producer's Cut get a legal release are Jack and Squat, and Jack left town years ago :p:(.

Most likely true. Though couldn't Dimension make the decision themselves? (Not that they would, of course, but wouldn't it still be their choice?) If it wasn't Dimension, Anchor Bay probably would have already licensed it and had it out already.

Actually, I read on Fangoria that an official release of the Producer's Cut might be possible. The original writers confirms it.

I'm not holding my breath, but it would be nice to have. Daniel Farrands (yes, I've met him too :D ) said he really wishes they would release it because, even though it's still different from his original script, he think it's closer to it and superior to the theatrical cut.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 03:23 PM

I'm not holding my breath, but it would be nice to have. Daniel Farrands (yes, I've met him too :D ) said he really wishes they would release it because, even though it's still different from his original script, he think it's closer to it and superior to the theatrical cut.

http://fangoria.com/news_article.php?id=5606

Michael24

04-03-2008, 03:28 PM

Wow, that actually does sound promising. Thanks for the link. :)

Movie06

04-03-2008, 03:31 PM

Wow, that actually does sound promising. Thanks for the link. :)

The question is though, who's going to supervise the restoration of the Producer's Cut?

James

04-03-2008, 03:31 PM

You know on the whole Starship Troopers topic, I always thought Starship Troopers had a massive cult following, and was widely regarded as a really badass sci-fi flick? Question is, in what way was it underrated?

And a massive cult following makes it overrated? By definition, a cult following isn't a mainstream following, its an underground appreciation.

Starship Troopers has rarely been fully understood outside its movie buff affectionados. Few get the less overt satire (stopping at the simplistic "Do you want to know more", and failing to go deeper), some actually see it as a fascist movie, and there are those who just see the big CGI, big guns and young bratty cast and write it off as brain candy. You don't have to go far to find reviews, blogs or even comments in this forum history which pigeon holes the film into one (or more) of those three catagories.

If we're going by cult followings, hell, most of the movies we talk about here are hardly "under-rated" given most here are quite good films and are bound to have a niche who see beyond what the mainstream or the hacks suggest. :) Starship Troopers is certainly one of the most misunderstood and under-credited films I've seen out there in the movie and popular circles.

Michael24

04-03-2008, 03:36 PM

The question is though, who's going to supervise the restoration of the Producer's Cut?

Likely not the director, and since Moustapha Akkad is no longer with us, his son Malek would probably oversee it.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 03:37 PM

Likely not the director, and since Moustapha Akkad is no longer with us, his son Malek would probably oversee it.

That's true. Malek is sitting on his father's property.

Michael24

04-03-2008, 03:49 PM

And I think The Curse of Michael Myers is the first one Malek was involved with, so I'm sure he'd like to see it properly restored to the version he originally produced. :)

Movie06

04-03-2008, 03:59 PM

And I think The Curse of Michael Myers is the first one Malek was involved with, so I'm sure he'd like to see it properly restored to the version he originally produced. :)

He was the Co-Producer of the film I think.

Michael24

04-03-2008, 04:14 PM

Just checked my DVD. He was the Associate Producer, and Paul Freeman (no, not the one who played Belloq :p ) was the Producer. So I'm sure they would both be involved if the release gets rolling.

Akkad became co-producer on Resurrection, then replaced Freeman as producer on the Rob Zombie remake.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 04:37 PM

John Dorian

04-03-2008, 05:30 PM

Damn, this thread got big.

Anyway:

Sweeney Todd (It hasn't been talked about after it's release).

The Jacket (This movie's too good. Watch it!)

Good Night And Good Luck (Haven't heard nothing about this after it got released).

Michael24

04-03-2008, 05:43 PM

Sweeney Todd (It hasn't been talked about after it's release).

I plan to rent this soon. Johnny Depp just seems right at home in this kind of setting.

Hanshotfirst113

04-03-2008, 05:46 PM

Transformers the Animated Movie. Really, I think this is the REAL Heavy Metal movie of the 80s. I think it represents the decade better than almost any 80s movie I've seen. Now, it's not a GREAT movie, but I don't think it's as bad as people saying it is. And I personally don't think it is a "low" for Orson Welles at all...

Oh, god, that movie is so much fun! Really, the animation has dated, but the actual spatial dynamics used by the animators are pretty good, the action never stops, and the soundtrack is all kinds of awesome, the voice acting superbly over the top, and whole thing a great slice of cheese. It makes me feel like a kids again, and the mythology of the universe it creates is really pretty intriguing. And having Citizen Kane in it is all the more awesome.

Ajax

04-03-2008, 05:48 PM

And a massive cult following makes it overrated? By definition, a cult following isn't a mainstream following, its an underground appreciation.Lolz, never said it was overrated either.

Starship Troopers has rarely been fully understood outside its movie buff affectionados. Few get the less overt satire (stopping at the simplistic "Do you want to know more", and failing to go deeper), some actually see it as a fascist movie, and there are those who just see the big CGI, big guns and young bratty cast and write it off as brain candy. You don't have to go far to find reviews, blogs or even comments in this forum history which pigeon holes the film into one (or more) of those three catagories. Then if you mean its underrated as a satire film then yeah, not many people know that Starship Trooper is a satire on militarism (or how deeply influential the book was on the modern military), but then thats what i asked. Saying that is pretty much like saying NBA foward Josh Howard is an underrated player because few people know hes an excellent peoples person. Could you really say the whole film is underrated because a certain aspect of the film was misunderstood (this is an actual question, not trying to prove you wrong or anything like that, just really curious :D)

If we're going by cult followings, hell, most of the movies we talk about here are hardly "under-rated" given most here are quite good films and are bound to have a niche who see beyond what the mainstream or the hacks suggest. :) Starship Troopers is certainly one of the most misunderstood and under-credited films I've seen out there in the movie and popular circlesLol most people have been dead on with some of these movies, a lot of others I think are just listing films people just forgot about lol. Just cause a film doesnt stand the test of time really doesnt make it underrated IMO, maybe wrong though.

James

04-03-2008, 06:05 PM

Lolz, never said it was overrated either.

No, you didn't, Michael24 did and I sort of gestalted both your opinions as one, which was terribly rude of me - my apologies to both of you.

Could you really say the whole film is underrated because a certain aspect of the film was misunderstood (this is an actual question, not trying to prove you wrong or anything like that, just really curious :D)

It's an interesting question. There is an arguable point that one of the film's flaws is that the underlying questions are lost in the glam, though I got the impression one of the points of the film was that these beautiful young kids are the layer of veneer on an ugly system; that in a way, their good aesthetics are as much an analogy for the propaganda as they are an audience pleaser. After all, we really are following the antagonists in this film, who have encroached across borders and their military machine is painting a propaganda campaign of being the aggrieved party, something the heroes - and the audience - lap up.

I think what makes Starship Troopers great is it can be seen for the personal layers of anti-fascism/anti-propaganda/anti-war that Verhoeven has crafted, or you can watch it for simply gung-ho fun. The film works on both levels. The reason I feel it is under-rated is its largely conceived as just a piece of gung-ho fun, when it can actually be viewed as far more than that. If the film is only represented on one approach to enjoying this film, I don't think it's getting the appreciation it deserves.

Just cause a film doesnt stand the test of time really doesnt make it underrated IMO, maybe wrong though.

I think interestingly, Starship Troopers is arguably as pertinent today than ever, with so many questions/perspectives surrounding recent conflicts, Starship Troopers feels surprisingly up to date - it will be interesting to see what Starship Troopers 3 manages to do later this year.

Lonestarr

04-03-2008, 06:12 PM

Big Trouble - A movie whose climax involves two unwashed morons sneaking hostages and a bomb onto an airplane among the most lax airport security imaginable could never be a box-office smash. (I've made my peace with that.) Still, this film is one of the funniest I've ever seen. The ensemble cast is terrific, making the most of the films brief running time. James Newton Howard's music is also a delight.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang - With its pedigree (the writer and producer of Lethal Weapon) and its low budget ($15mil), there's no reason for this comic noir to have failed. The dialogue is crisp, the rapport between Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer is fantastic and Michelle Monaghan is just stunning.

dark knight acolyte

04-03-2008, 06:14 PM

The truth is I don't have a lot of time to elucidate (MRI scheduled tonight, o' joy of joys...NOT!), but I did want to make mention of a movie I feel is extremely underrated, "L.A. Confidential."

I realize that it was recognized by many critics as a fantastic character study of good cop/ bad cop and received acclaim as an Academy Best Picture nominee. However, when you attempt to discuss the film, most people haven't seen it. Most who have, from my experience, completely seem to miss how well it captured ol' L.A. and a rife aura of mystery and ominous inner-workings amongst the LAPD. Watching this film made me feel like I was wearing a kevlar vest and a bad attitude; I was completely ensnared!

Anybody with me?

The Penguin

04-03-2008, 06:16 PM

The truth is I don't have a lot of time to elucidate (MRI scheduled tonight, o' joy of joys...NOT!), but I did want to make mention of a movie I feel is extremely underrated, "L.A. Confidential."

I realize that it was recognized by many critics as a fantastic character study of good cop/ bad cop and received acclaim as an Academy Best Picture nominee. However, when you attempt to discuss the film most people either haven't seen it. Most who have, from my experience, completely seem to miss how well it captured ol' L.A. and a rife aura of mystery and ominous inner-workings amongst the LAPD.

Anybody with me?Oh, I thought 'Confidential' was a fantastic movie. I've never even tried to talk to anyone about it, I suppose because I assume no one has seen it.

Hanshotfirst113

04-03-2008, 06:20 PM

Oh, I thought 'Confidential' was a fantastic movie. I've never even tried to talk to anyone about it, I suppose because I assume no one has seen it.

I was overshadowed by another film that year, the name of which escapes me. Some film about a big sinking boat :D....

Movie06

04-03-2008, 06:30 PM

Does Batman Forever count as underrated? Because alot of the dark material was cut out by WB.

FightingDreamer

04-03-2008, 08:08 PM

Big Trouble - A movie whose climax involves two unwashed morons sneaking hostages and a bomb onto an airplane among the most lax airport security imaginable could never be a box-office smash. (I've made my peace with that.) Still, this film is one of the funniest I've ever seen. The ensemble cast is terrific, making the most of the films brief running time. James Newton Howard's music is also a delight.

Ooh, yes, although I wouldn't say it's one of the funniest I've ever seen; it takes a pretty high laugh ratio to do that. Still, it's definitely a lot of fun, with, as you said, a great ensemble cast. My favorites include Zooey Deschanel, Janeane Garofalo, and the gorgeous Sofia Vergara. Vergara doesn't get many lines, but she has a good sense of timing and some priceless facial expressions.

Hanshotfirst113

04-03-2008, 08:12 PM

I'll swallow your soul!

Swallow this!

:):anime::D;):p

The Irishman

04-03-2008, 08:17 PM

Does Batman Forever count as underrated? Because alot of the dark material was cut out by WB.

Um, yeah, sure, why not. I thought it was decent, a bit over-hyped having all big-name players, but when you campare Tommy Lee Jones as Harvey Dent (whoa, I remembered his name!) and Jack Nicholson as The Joker, you can see how much darker than the first movie it really is. I think it's possibly underrated because it has been forgotten in the smoking crater that was Batman & Robin.

The Big Hit (starring Mark Wahlberg) is way underrated in my opinion. I still can't decide what this movie is (comedy, action, etc). It's fairly serious, i.e. people die, but there are so many funny moments and characters. It's not a bad movie by any means, but is definitely one that's under the radar.

Nothing But Trouble (Dan Ackroyd and Chevy Chase). I saw this movie when I was about 8 or 9 & thought it was hilariously over the top. Apparently it bombed when released but the cast is great (and it's a who's who on as well), especially Chevy Chase as the straight guy.

FightingDreamer

04-03-2008, 08:18 PM

Yeah, I also like Broken Arrow. (Unlike others, I like John Woo's American films.) For awhile there back in the '90s, that was a frequent choice for Family Movie Night. And the score is great, one of my favorites by Hans Zimmer. I love the semi-spaghetti western flavor to it. :)

:confused: I was under the impression Woo's American films up to MI:2 were well liked. I've heard many describe Hard Target (which looks like a lot of fun) as a genuine, rather than guilty, pleasure, and Face/Off is one of the best action movies of the 90s.

GregX

04-03-2008, 08:26 PM

"Bram Stoker's Dracula." The Coppola movie. Not only is it the best Dracula movie ever made, it's the best horror film ever made. The only Dracula movie that ever did the book.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 09:12 PM

"Bram Stoker's Dracula." The Coppola movie. Not only is it the best Dracula movie ever made, it's the best horror film ever made. The only Dracula movie that ever did the book.

Well, it is one of my favorite Horror films and it's certainly one of the better Dracula adapatations but I think Silence of the Lambs holds the title for "Best Horror film."

GregX

04-03-2008, 09:16 PM

Well, it is one of my favorite Horror films and it's certainly one of the better Dracula adapatations but I think Silence of the Lambs holds the title for "Best Horror film."

See, I never thought of "Silence" as horror.

Nightwing

04-03-2008, 09:33 PM

Yeah, I also like Broken Arrow. (Unlike others, I like John Woo's American films.)

Uh oh. I just thought of another one that I liked enough to buy, which will make everyone yell at me: HULK. I'm only generally familiar with the comic's character and his happenings, so I really liked what they did with the movie. They took "man get angry and become big green muscle man" and gave it so many layers.

Does Batman Forever count as underrated? Yep! It was much lighter than it should have been, but the pacing was cool and I had fun.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 09:41 PM

See, I never thought of "Silence" as horror.

But alot people say it is. And I can see why.

FightingDreamer

04-03-2008, 09:41 PM

Uh oh. I just thought of another one that I liked enough to buy, which will make everyone yell at me: HULK. I'm only generally familiar with the comic's character and his happenings, so I really liked what they did with the movie. They took "man get angry and become big green muscle man" and gave it so many layers.

Does Batman Forever count as underrated? Yep! It was much lighter than it should have been, but the pacing was cool and I had fun.

Agreed on both counts. HULK is awesome if, like me, you're a relative noob when it comes to the Angry Green Giant. Batman Forever is probably too campy for its own good, but I'm not a huge fan of Burton's films anyway, so I'm okay.

mookie75

04-03-2008, 10:06 PM

"Bram Stoker's Dracula." The Coppola movie. Not only is it the best Dracula movie ever made, it's the best horror film ever made. The only Dracula movie that ever did the book.

Oooh, I should check that one out. I read the book for the first time a couple months ago and I'd like to see a film adaptation of it.

Hanshotfirst113

04-03-2008, 10:18 PM

Oooh, I should check that one out. I read the book for the first time a couple months ago and I'd like to see a film adaptation of it.

Rent this (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075882/). Genre buff have told me that it's probably the most faithful adaptation.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 10:27 PM

Anyone else feel that the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake is underrated? I mean, it tried to be different from the original instead of being a shot for shot remake.

GregX

04-03-2008, 10:33 PM

Anyone else feel that the Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake is underrated? I mean, it tried to be different from the original instead of being a shot for shot remake.

Any remake that isn't burned is overrated.

Movie06

04-03-2008, 10:35 PM

Any remake that isn't burned is overrated.

Oh come on, it's a decent remake. It's unfairly bashed by fans, art freaks and people who don't like Michael Bay for no reason.

What I like about it, is that it's disturbing, tried to be scary and violent. I loved it and I still do.

Rolling Cloud

04-03-2008, 10:38 PM

See, I never thought of "Silence" as horror.

How can you not think it's horror? There's a serial killer, he's murdering people, the victim's screaming to get away. It's got all the traits of a horrors movie. xD

GregX

04-03-2008, 10:41 PM

How can you not think it's horror? There's a serial killer, he's murdering people, the victim's screaming to get away. It's got all the traits of a horrors movie. xD

I always thought of it as a drama.

Patchwork

04-03-2008, 11:03 PM

Bamboozled.
This movie's gotten a lot of bad press that frankly, it just doesn't deserve. It's got its' flaws in places, but I've always thought those flaws actually emphasized the film in the point it was trying to make (even if the point was sharpened a tad much). The good outweigh's the bad in the end, and it deserves an honest chance.

Even though I recall it getting fairly decent feedback, I'm also going to add Plesantville to the list, if for no other reason than it seems to attract a lot less attention than what it deserves, due to it's premise and slightly misleading trailers.

The Wiz
Come on. I know it's not a masterpiece, but it wasn't all THAT bad. If nothing else, the use of scenerey and costuming was fantastic, as was roughly a fourth of the soundtrack.

Bird Boy

04-03-2008, 11:12 PM

Movie06 just stop talking to Greg X. You can't seem to do it without trying to incite some kind of mini-flame-fest.

Now, get back on topic.

-BB

Movie06

04-03-2008, 11:15 PM

I think John Landis' The Stupids might be underrated since it was marketed in the wrong way and ignored by audiences.

Actually, John Landis said that Disney was actually going to buy the rights to the film but it turns out by doing that, they would have to buy the whole Savoy Pictures property. So, the film went to New Line instead.

And BB, sorry. It's just that art freaks make me upset.

Hanshotfirst113

04-03-2008, 11:30 PM

Back on topic, I'd have to say that John Ford's The Horse Soldiers would rank among his unfairly less appreciated films. It's got a great story, some gorgeous cinematography, and William Holden AND the Duke. And Romero's Day of the Dead, which unfairly languishes in the monstrous shadows of its two superb predecessors, is a great piece of work in its own right. Also, The Super Inframan is some of the most fun that I've had this side of the original 80s Transformers: The Movie, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Secret of the Ooze is a longtime guilty pleasure. And if Disney would ever rerelease the blasted thing, the Danish thriller Nightwatch is a fantastic piece of work. I'd also have to say that in light of Unforgiven, Eastwood's other Westerns should be reevaluated, particularly his marvelously bizzare Gothic Western High Plains Drifter and his understated The Outlaw Josey Wales. Both are excellent, IMO. Though it ultimately gets lost in the Chinatown shuffle, Arthur Penn's Night Moves is the essence of 70s cinema, a superb detective thriller/character study. And Jean-Pierre Juenet and Marc Caro's fabulist films Delicatessen and The City of Lost Children are marvels to behold. The Nick Cave-penned Aussie Western The Proposition was a chilling journey into the heart of darkness. The Westerns of Budd Boetticher and Anthony Mann (why did the font just change?) are brilliant unsung master pieces (WHERE are the DVDs Warner?). And Farewell My Concubine was a gorgeously lush character study. Fritz Lang's The Big Heat is a great noir picture that gets lost in the shuffle sometimes.

Films that I hear are underrated and still need to see: Paul Thomas Anderson's Debut Sydney (Hard Eight), the Coens Barton Fink and Miller's Crossing, Kurosawa's The Bad Sleep Well, Sugar Creek, The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai, Come and See, Spring in a Small Town, Springtime in A Small Town, and Nicholas Meyer's Time After Time, which I plan on blind buying soon, something that I very seldom do.

mini-flame-fest.

That is one of the greatest phrases that I have ever read :).

Robin2099

04-04-2008, 12:49 AM

Off the top of my head I would probably say:

Ghostbusters 2: Ok, so it isn't has good as the original, and was a lot less memorable. It still was a pretty entertaining movie in it's own right.

Shaun of the Dead/Hot Fuzz: Both movies are cult favorites on the internet, but both also deserved to gross ten times more then they should have(Especially Fuzz).

Willow: Bad timing basically killed this movie at the time of release.

Top Secret: The forgotten Zucker/Abrahams/Zucker spoof. Most noteworthy for being Val Kilmer's first starring role, as well as a darn funny spoof in it's own right.

Highlander:It eventually became a cult classic but the original was unfairly overlooked in it's original release. The story was original and intriguing, Clancy Brown made the Kurrgan one of the best villains in cinematic history, and Christopher Lambert did a great job in his signature role as Connor Macleod. Factor in strong direction by Russell Mulchay and you have a winner.

The Beastmaster: Probably the best Conan knock off to come out in the eighties. Don Coscarelli did a great job with the movie, which was also overlooked in all the crap low budget sword and sorcery movies.

Michael24

04-04-2008, 01:30 AM

:confused: I was under the impression Woo's American films up to MI:2 were well liked. I've heard many describe Hard Target (which looks like a lot of fun) as a genuine, rather than guilty, pleasure, and Face/Off is one of the best action movies of the 90s.

In my experience, Face/Off seems to be the only American Woo film that tends to get any praise. Broken Arrow and (especially) Hard Target I've almost always seen brushed off as "weak" trite not worthy of Woo's talents. But I like a lot of what he's done in U.S., though I didn't care for M:I2.

Oh come on, it's a decent remake. It's unfairly bashed by fans, art freaks and people who don't like Michael Bay for no reason.

Agreed. I personally thought it was superior to the original, but most people just write it off because it's a remake of something they consider a classic piece of horror and/or because it had Michael Bay's name in the credits.

Off the top of my head I would probably say:
Top Secret: The forgotten Zucker/Abrahams/Zucker spoof. Most noteworthy for being Val Kilmer's first starring role, as well as a darn funny spoof in it's own right.

The Beastmaster: Probably the best Conan knock off to come out in the eighties. Don Coscarelli did a great job with the movie, which was also overlooked in all the crap low budget sword and sorcery movies.

Yeah, The Beastmaster has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. Love Lee Holdridge's old-fashioned heroic score, too.

Top Secret is great as well, definitely one of the best spoof movies. Heck, Val Kilmer even does his own singing and is actually pretty impressive, and the songs are damn fun. (And he and Michael Gough team-up nearly a decade before Batman Forever!)

James

04-04-2008, 03:30 AM

"Bram Stoker's Dracula." The Coppola movie. Not only is it the best Dracula movie ever made, it's the best horror film ever made. The only Dracula movie that ever did the book.

On a tangent, again, without falling into the trap of simply judging a film based on its adaptation and not on its own merits, Coppola's movie was nothing really that close to the book, in fact, the very ethos of the drama was further removed from the book than the Hammer horrors.

Some good stuff in there, and certainly one of the forerunners of the more sympathetic revisions of Vampire mythology, but I was always slightly irritated that the film was sold on being a close adaptation of the book, when really it made such massive dramatic rewrites that distorted the very core motivator behind the book's horror.

I'm still waiting for the Dracula movie to actually do the book, and that will mean having to drop this pop-culture need to make vampires lonely/lost/pained characters.

ROBOTRON

04-04-2008, 04:36 AM

The Hidden
Ronin
Big Trouble in Little China
Deja Vu
White Lightning
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot
Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman

People are so used to remakes, but there are original movies that are much better...

Omega man > I am Legend
Walking Tall (70's) > Walking Tall (The Rock)
The Day of the Jackal (60's) > The Jackal (Bruce Willis)
Godzilla vs Mothra (60's) > Godzilla vs Mothra (2000)

:D

James

04-04-2008, 06:20 AM

I must admit I have no problem with remakes as an ideology, though I agree few seem to carry the strengths of the original. Just as we don't seem to discourage variants of Hamlet on stage, I see no reason why films should suffer a stigma beyond the quality they produce.

I for one far prefered the remake of the Thomas Crown Affair, for instance, and I'm happy to suffer the chance of a poor remake where there may be a few gems in amongst the rough.

Ajax

04-04-2008, 10:22 AM

Ronin Deja Vu
:D I agree with these two movies, especially Ronin. Jean Reno and De Niro = win imo.

HG Revolution

04-04-2008, 11:39 AM

Any remake that isn't burned is overrated.

You didn't even like The Departed?

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 11:49 AM

The Hidden

Ah, yes, a b-movie gem. Combination of special effects monster mash, buddy cop thriller, action blow-out, and a dash of Jean Renoir humanism.

And BB, sorry. It's just that art freaks make me upset.

What's an art freak?

You didn't even like The Departed?

OK, valid point :D.

GregX

04-04-2008, 12:08 PM

You didn't even like The Departed?

My feelings about that movie are many and mixed. I don't think it's Scorsese's best, not by a long shot.

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 12:10 PM

My feelings about that movie are many and mixed. I don't think it's Scorsese's best, not by a long shot.

And, of course, THAT's the one that the Academy gives him the Oscar for.

Ragebot

04-04-2008, 12:12 PM

You didn't even like The Departed?

The Manchurian Candidate (2004)?
Insomnia (2002)?

Movie06

04-04-2008, 01:16 PM

You didn't even like The Departed?

Excellent point HG, thank you. But don't forget David Cronenberg's The Fly.

Michael24

04-04-2008, 01:36 PM

Ronin
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot

Oh, jeez, I haven't seen Thunderbolt and Lightfoot in, like, forever. I totally forgot about that movie.

And yeah, definitely Ronin. One of the best action-thrillers ever, as far as I'm concerned. I remember thinking at the time, "I wish the new Bond movies could be this good."

On a related note, I also nominate The Peacemaker. Another solid action-thriller that put recent Bond flicks to shame, and still the only George Clooney movie I like.

People are so used to remakes, but there are original movies that are much better...

Omega man > I am Legend
Walking Tall (70's) > Walking Tall (The Rock)
The Day of the Jackal (60's) > The Jackal (Bruce Willis)
Godzilla vs Mothra (60's) > Godzilla vs Mothra (2000)

:D

I've only seen clips from I Am Legend, but those combined with the fact it stars Will Smith, I would definitely say I'll stick with The Omega Man. Though I prefer the Walking Tall remake to the original. I just wish it was about 10-15 minutes longer. It's so short it almost feels like a TV pilot. Haha!!

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 01:45 PM

Excellent point HG, thank you. But don't forget David Cronenberg's The Fly.

I mentioned that one :D. It and Carpenter's The Thing are usually the gold standard exceptions to the rules.

And yeah, definitely Ronin. One of the best action-thrillers ever, as far as I'm concerned. I remember thinking at the time, "I wish the new Bond movies could be this good."

Instead, we got it sandwiched between Tomorrow Never Dies, and The World is Not Enough :p. Then we got the god-awful Die Another Day.

On a related note, I also nominate The Peacemaker. Another solid action-thriller that put recent Bond flicks to shame, and still the only George Clooney movie I like.

Which, ironically enough, he does not :p.

I've only seen clips from I Am Legend, but those combined with the fact it stars Will Smith, I would definitely say I'll stick with The Omega Man.

Read the book. The latest version works superbly for the first hour or so, but the second half doesn't deliver. Still, it's worth seeing, and Smith surprisingly quite good. The Omega Man is pure 70s cheese. I've always dug The Last Man On Earth though. But read the book. It's genre-defining, but it'd be almost impossible to adapt faithfully.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 02:02 PM

Does The Descent count as being underrated? Because while it was praised by critics and genre fans. Audiences kind of ignored it probably because the only film that came to their minds was The Cave.

Michael24

04-04-2008, 02:03 PM

I mentioned that one :D. It and Carpenter's The Thing are usually the gold standard exceptions to the rules.

Carpenter's The Thing is excellent, one of his finest, though childhood nostalgia draws me more to the original. Though both movies are on my shelf and are given regular viewings.

Cronenberg's The Fly took me a long time to get into because it just seemed so strange and grotesque when I first discovered it. Eventually I decided it was something I liked, but not something I'd find myself watching countless times. Have only seen the original once, but I have a fondness for '50s B-movies. :)

Which, ironically enough, he does not :p.

What, does he talk about it negatively nowadays? Like he think it's below him now or something? I actually haven't even heard him talk about since it first came out.

Read the book. The latest version works superbly for the first hour or so, but the second half doesn't deliver. Still, it's worth seeing, and Smith surprisingly quite good. The Omega Man is pure 70s cheese. I've always dug The Last Man On Earth though. But read the book. It's genre-defining, but it'd be almost impossible to adapt faithfully.

I have the book (my dad's copy, actually) and have attempted to read it a few times over the years, but something always distracts me from it and I never get around to finishing it. One day, though, I'll hunker down and shut out the world around me in order to read it straight through.

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 02:07 PM

Does The Descent count as being underrated? Because while it was praised by critics and genre fans. Audiences kind of ignored it probably because the only film that came to their minds was The Cave.

It was a great piece of work, no doubt. Though the U.S. theatrical release was cut, and it got lost in the shuffle with The Cave.

What, does he talk about it negatively nowadays? Like he think it's below him now or something? I actually haven't even heard him talk about since it first came out.

I was reading in some magazine where they asked Clooney what he honestly thought were his best and worst, and he felt that The Peacemaker was well below par.

I have the book (my dad's copy, actually) and have attempted to read it a few times over the years, but something always distracts me from it and I never get around to finishing it. One day, though, I'll hunker down and shut out the world around me in order to read it straight through.

There's a great audiobook from Blackstone out now too. It's a very different creature (no pun intended) from its filmed adaptations, but its influence is beyond a doubt. It's intriguing, at any rate.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 02:09 PM

It was a great piece of work, no doubt. Though the U.S. theatrical release was cut, and it got lost in the shuffle with The Cave.

Exactly my point. Because of The Cave and the cut ending, audiences just didn't care.

Nice avatar by the way Han, The Soup Nazi is one of my favorite Seinfeld episodes.

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 02:11 PM

Exactly my point. Because of The Cave and the cut ending, audiences just didn't care.

I preferred Dog Soldiers, honestly. The Descent was very good, but I expected a bit better. Still, Marshall is one of the few Splat Pack members who actually peaks my interest, so I'll be intrigued to see where his career takes him.

And thanks. M24 mention Seinfeld, and that immediately popped into my mind, so off to Google Image Search I went.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 02:17 PM

I preferred Dog Soldiers, honestly. The Descent was very good, but I expected a bit better. Still, Marshal is one of the few Splat Pack members who actually peaks my interest, so I'll be intrigued to see where his career takes him.

For me, I like all of Mr. Marshall's films. He's certainly a filmmaker who has alot of potential.

And here's another underrated film, High Tension. Yeah, the thing is it was released in the wrong time of month back in 2005 and for some reason, the ending is bashed constantly.

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 02:26 PM

And here's another underrated film, High Tension. Yeah, the thing is it was released in the wrong time of month back in 2005 and for some reason, the ending is bashed constantly.

Yet another film released cut and dubbed by its uncaring American distributor. That would be because the ending essentially undoes the meaning of the whole previous 80 minutes. High Tension is an extremely visceral and raw movie (and full gratuitous gore, but I digress). Personally, I think that it's modestly effective at best as bare-bones slasher thriller (though I care so little about the characters, the craftsmanship is pretty superb), but the ending feels too much like a grasp at self importance. It's really a movie that divides people down the center because of its shocker ending. Actually, if you watch the film a second time, it does make sense, though just barely.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 02:29 PM

Yet another film released cut and dubbed by its uncaring American distributor. That would be because the ending essentially undoes the meaning of the whole previous 80 minutes. High Tension is an extremely visceral and raw movie (and full gratuitous gore, but I digress). Personally, I think that it's modestly effective at best as bare-bones slasher thriller (though I care so little about the characters, the craftsmanship is pretty superb), but the ending feels too much like a grasp at self importance. It's really a movie that divides people down the center because of its shocker ending. Actually, if you watch the film a second time, it does make sense, though just barely.

Good points but for me, I like the ending because it's a nice twist on what you would see in a slasher film. I just immediately loved the film because of that ending.

Michael24

04-04-2008, 02:49 PM

I was reading in some magazine where they asked Clooney what he honestly thought were his best and worst, and he felt that The Peacemaker was well below par.

Interesting. He must have forgot about Revenge of the Killer Tomatoes. :D

Another one I'd offer up as underrated (though I think most of his films would qualify, IMO) is John Carpenter's Vampires. He had said for years he wanted to do a vampire movie, but everything he looked at was the typical stuff with dark musty castles, candelabras, slow-speaking and dramatic vampires, and the like, and he wanted something different. I love the western feel of the movie, the fact it's more about the hunter(s) than the vampires, and it offers some interesting twists to the vampire mythology such as their origins and what can/can't hurt them. And James Woods is excellent in a totally against type film. (It's pretty different from the novel, the result of a last-minute budget cut by the studio, but I think superior to it.)

Definitely got overshadowed by Blade that same year, and while I liked that one as well, I preferred Vampires. It's one of my Top 3 favorite Carpenter movies.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 02:53 PM

Another one I'd offer up as underrated (though I think most of his films would qualify, IMO) is John Carpenter's Vampires. He had said for years he wanted to do a vampire movie, but everything he looked at was the typical stuff with dark musty castles, candelabras, slow-speaking and dramatic vampires, and the like, and he wanted something different. I love the western feel of the movie, the fact it's more about the hunter(s) than the vampires, and it offers some interesting twists to the vampire mythology such as their origins and what can/can't hurt them. And James Woods is excellent in a totally against type film. (It's pretty different from the novel, the result of a last-minute budget cut by the studio, but I think superior to it.)

John Carpenter's Vampires? Oh my God, I love that movie. That one's definately underrated.

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 04:42 PM

Definitely got overshadowed by Blade that same year, and while I liked that one as well, I preferred Vampires. It's one of my Top 3 favorite Carpenter movies.

Carpenter is growing on me. It's your doing :D!

Carpenter's The Thing is excellent, one of his finest, though childhood nostalgia draws me more to the original. Though both movies are on my shelf and are given regular viewings. Cronenberg's The Fly took me a long time to get into because it just seemed so strange and grotesque when I first discovered it. Eventually I decided it was something I liked, but not something I'd find myself watching countless times. Have only seen the original once, but I have a fondness for '50s B-movies. :)

Yeah, The Fly can be a difficult movie to stomach, but unlike many gore-fests, it has something to say, a very sharp screenplay, good performances, and superb direction. Even before you began to sway my opinion on Carpenter, I was quite fond of The Thing.

Interesting. He must have forgot about Revenge of the Killer Tomatoes. :D

He neglected to mention that one, yes :D.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 04:45 PM

Speaking of Carpenter, anyone else feel that In the Mouth of Madness is underrated? I think audiences ignored that film too.

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 05:11 PM

Speaking of Carpenter, anyone else feel that In the Mouth of Madness is underrated? I think audiences ignored that film too.

I've heard that Prince of Darkness doesn't get the appreciation that it deserves either.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 05:15 PM

I've heard that Prince of Darkness doesn't get the appreciation that it deserves either.

That one too. Say, didn't critics bash that movie?

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 05:17 PM

That one too. Say, didn't critics bash that movie?

It wasn't real acclaimed when it came out, but there are still plenty of genre fans who don't much care for it either. It's built up something of a cult following though.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 05:24 PM

It wasn't real acclaimed when it came out, but there are still plenty of genre fans who don't much care for it either. It's built up something of a cult following though.

That's true.

Say, you know what other movie is underrated? Office Space.

Michael24

04-04-2008, 05:43 PM

Carpenter is growing on me. It's your doing :D!

That's good to hear. :D

Yeah, The Fly can be a difficult movie to stomach, but unlike many gore-fests, it has something to say, a very sharp screenplay, good performances, and superb direction.

I'll have to rent The Fly again. It's been years since I last saw it all the way through, so maybe I'll like it even more now. :)

Speaking of Carpenter, anyone else feel that In the Mouth of Madness is underrated? I think audiences ignored that film too.

In the Mouth of Madness was quite an experience the first time I saw it. I couldn't really decide how I felt about it afterwards and had to watch it a few more times. Sam Neill was great, though. (But that's to be expected.)

I also like his Village of the Damned remake, which I think also has one of his best scores. (Truthfully, about the only Carpenter movies I don't care for are Dark Star and Ghosts of Mars, though I've still yet to see Elvis and Someone's Watching Me. I hope one of his long-rumored upcoming projects will go back to his roots.)

I've heard that Prince of Darkness doesn't get the appreciation that it deserves either.

Yeah, after the box office failure of Big Trouble In Little China, Carpenter decided to get away from studio films and went back to indies with Prince of Darkness. But, in my experience, it seems to be a "love it or hate it" movie. I personally like it and think it's a pretty cool little flick. The grainy dream-like footage is rather creepy, and the ultimate revelation of exactly what it is at the end was (to me) unexpected.

That one too. Say, didn't critics bash that movie?

Critics have bashed virtually every movie Carpenter has ever made. There's a funny quote from him where he says something like, "In Europe I'm considered an auteur, in America I'm considered a bum." LOL!

Movie06

04-04-2008, 05:51 PM

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 05:56 PM

Critics have bashed virtually every movie Carpenter has ever made. There's a funny quote from him where he says something like, "In Europe I'm considered an auteur, in America I'm considered a bum." LOL!

Not at all. Halloween has 90% at Rotten Tomatoes, Escape From New York 83, Assault on Precinct 13 has 92, The Fog 68, They Live 88, and Christine 65. He's had his share of panning, but Carpenter's had more than his acclaim too.

As I understand this, European critics praise Carpenter as a genius. Now American critics, they dislike him.

That's true of various American filmmakers who've been reevaluated here years later.

That's good to hear. :D

:D. What can I say? Your enthusiasm is contagious, and the more I watch Carpenter with much much less cynical side, the more I see how much fun he can be, how smart at times, and his great craftsmanship. I still don't hold him in the esteem that many others do, but is growing on me. I need to stop taking things way too seriously, for starters :P.

I'll have to rent The Fly again. It's been years since I last saw it all the way through, so maybe I'll like it even more now. :)Yeah, it's definately a difficult film and not for all tastes, but it's an interesting one.

In the Mouth of Madness was quite an experience the first time I saw it. I couldn't really decide how I felt about it afterwards and had to watch it a few more times.I think that it's supposed to be a Lovecraft pastiche.

Sam Neill was great, though.What else is new ;).

(But that's to be expected.)Indeed.

I hope one of his long-rumored upcoming projects will go back to his roots.Yeah, he's languished a lot lately.

Yeah, after the box office failure of Big Trouble In Little China, Carpenter decided to get away from studio films and went back to indies with Prince of Darkness. But, in my experience, it seems to be a "love it or hate it" movie. I personally like it and think it's a pretty cool little flick. The grainy dream-like footage is rather creepy, and the ultimate revelation of exactly what it is at the end was (to me) unexpected."Love-it-or-hate-it" sounds about right.

Michael24

04-04-2008, 06:03 PM

Not at all. Halloween has 90% at Rotten Tomatoes, Escape From New York 83, Assault on Precinct 13 has 92, The Fog 68, They Live 88, and Christine 65. He's had his share of panning, but Carpenter's had more than his acclaim too.

I think he was talking more in terms of the critics rather than the movie-going populace, who tend to like his movies more than the critics. It seems most critics have only occasionally been positive about his movies.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 06:03 PM

That's true of various American filmmakers who've been reevaluated here years later.

Like Darren Lynn Bousman? Then yeah, you're right in that point.

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 06:11 PM

Like Darren Lynn Bousman? Then yeah, you're right in that point.

Um, no. Especially since aside from Saw sequels, he hasn't made much of anything, and they've been largely panned. I was referring to people like Sam Fuller, John Ford, Howard Hawks, Nicholas Ray, Paul Verhoeven, Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles, Roger Corman, Douglas Sirk, and David Cronenberg, to name but a few. They tend to have much different perspective on cinema, especially their critics in the classical era. The directors of the French New Wave embraced lots of Hollywood filmmakers who've been reevaluated since here.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 06:18 PM

Um, no. Especially since aside from Saw sequels, he hasn't made much of anything, and they've been largely panned. I was referring to people like Sam Fuller, John Ford, Howard Hawks, Nicholas Ray, Paul Verhoeven, Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles, Roger Corman, Douglas Sirk, and David Cronenberg, to name but a few. They tend to have much different perspective on cinema, especially their critics in the classical era. The directors of the French New Wave embraced lots of Hollywood filmmakers who've been reevaluated since here.

Oh, I see what you mean.

Anyway, anyone else consider The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 to be underrated? The thing is, Tobe Hooper wasn't exactly trying to imitate the original. He just wanted to add another chapter to the original. Even Kevin Smith thinks so too. Yeah, it's true, he likes Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2.

asphaltviking64

04-04-2008, 06:45 PM

When I saw this thread I immediately thought, Brain Donors.

What is Brain Donors? Certainly the one of the funniest Zucker Brothers movies ever. It's quite a gem. The beginning and ending animation are great pieces done by Vinton (sorry name's just not coming to me now) studios and the humor's hilarious. It plays out just like a Marx Brothers movies and the lines are so quotable. John Turttoro as Roland T. Flakfizer is stupendous. Sure the entire is basically a homage/remake of Night at the Opera, but its so damn funny. I really liked the actors and the plot structure fit perfectly. It's such a good movie and anyone who didn't see it must go and rent it and/or buy it right now.

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 07:27 PM

LD still hasn't chimed in yet, and he started the thread.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 07:39 PM

I think Rob Zombie's Halloween is underrated too. I mean it's unfairly bashed by hardcore fans just because it's a remake and it tried something different.

Michael24

04-04-2008, 07:46 PM

I think that it's supposed to be a Lovecraft pastiche.

Yeah, it's basically a tribute to the Lovecraft mythos, which I'm totally unfamiliar with, so that might have contributed to my initial reaction to the film. Thus, plus the fact the ending with Sam Neill in the movie theater just totally threw me for a loop.

Yeah, he's languished a lot lately.

I have both his Masters of Horror episodes. "Cigarette Burns" I thought was "just okay" upon first viewing, but I've come to really like it now. "Pro-Life," though, I thought was terrible. It had a couple okay moments, but for something with Carpenter at the helm, it felt surprisingly "Sci-Fi Channel Original Movie"-esque, and that wasn't good at all. I thought it also came off a little too preachy and one-sided, though Carpenter states in the featurette that he tried to steer the film clear of any one agenda and not take a particular side.

When I saw this thread I immediately thought, Brain Donors.

I've never heard of Brain Donors, but the title did make me think of another movie I don't think I've ever seen anyone talk about, and that's Brainscan with Edward Furlong. I'd never heard of it until my friend pulled it on me one night and, with the exception of Trickster getting a little too over the top I felt, I thought it was a good little movie. Even the somewhat cop-out ending didn't bother me too much.

LD still hasn't chimed in yet, and he started the thread.

Unfortunately, it seems like the last couple of big threads like this have inadvertently been dominated myself, you, and movie06. LOL!

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 07:46 PM

I think Rob Zombie's Halloween is underrated too. I mean it's unfairly bashed by hardcore fans just because it's a remake and it tried something different.

You mentioned that a few posts back. Here's (http://www.reel.com/movie.asp?MID=144385&buy=open&Tab=reviews&CID=13#tabs) a good review, I think.

Movie06

04-04-2008, 07:48 PM

You mentioned that a few posts back.

Oops. My bad. :sweat:

HG Revolution

04-04-2008, 07:51 PM

Lord Dalek

04-04-2008, 08:26 PM

The Hudsucker Proxy seems a bit underrated. I'm not a Coen brothers expert (to be totally honest, the only other movies of theirs I've seen are Fargo and No Country For Old Men), and it does seem pretty clear it's not their strongest effort, but for what it is, it's a very enjoyable movie with a great Tim Robbins performance.
I would probably say its their most underrated film (or in close proximity of Intollerable Cruelty and their remake of The Ladykillers) considering alot of Coen diehards I've met have dismissed it as being just an exercise in fluff conventional filmmaking.

It seems to be an unwritten rule that when the Coens work inside the studio system, the public avoids them like the plague (except of course Raising Arizona), but when they do an independent flick like Fargo or Big Lebowski (which I think is actually a wee bit overrated) we all fawn for them.

Mr. Anime

04-04-2008, 08:46 PM

Batman
Batman Returns
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (It's aways A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back that get the praise never Jedi.)
Samurai X: Trust and Betrayal.
Howl's Moving Castle
My Neighbour Totoro
Sailor Moon R: Promise of the Rose
Sailor Moon S: Hearts in Ice
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
The Dark Crystal
Labyrinth
All the Old Silent Movies

Movie06

04-04-2008, 08:51 PM

Hanshotfirst113

04-04-2008, 09:03 PM

Yeah, it's basically a tribute to the Lovecraft mythos, which I'm totally unfamiliar with, so that might have contributed to my initial reaction to the film. Thus, plus the fact the ending with Sam Neill in the movie theater just totally threw me for a loop.

I'm almost completely unfamiliar with Lovecraft, but I'm slowly brushing up. Read "Dagon," and and "The Outsider," and am tryingto work through a lot more. If I want to write myself, I definately need to be well-read. He's one of the founding figures in genre fiction, and I need to become more familiar with his work. Haven't seen it yet, but as I say, I'm working through Carpenter's ourve now, so I'll come across it eventually. Thanks, by the way ;). A second look can mean a lot, apparently.

I have both his Masters of Horror episodes. "Cigarette Burns" I thought was "just okay" upon first viewing, but I've come to really like it now. "Pro-Life," though, I thought was terrible. It had a couple okay moments, but for something with Carpenter at the helm, it felt surprisingly "Sci-Fi Channel Original Movie"-esque, and that wasn't good at all. I thought it also came off a little too preachy and one-sided, though Carpenter states in the featurette that he tried to steer the film clear of any one agenda and not take a particular side.Never seen either one myself, but neither was particularly well-reviewed. But then, I've heard that about most Masters of Horror episodes. They seem to reek of missed opportunities sometimes, if anything that I hear is true.

Unfortunately, it seems like the last couple of big threads like this have inadvertently been dominated myself, you, and movie06. LOL!With occasional contributions from GregX :p.

I would probably say its their most underrated film (or in close proximity of Intolerable Cruelty and their remake of The Ladykillers) considering a lot of Coen diehards I've met have dismissed it as being just an exercise in fluff conventional filmmaking.

Ah! LD! There you are! I'd say that Miller's Crossing and Barton Fink, along with of course Hudsucker Proxy, are the ones that don't seem to get much attention, IMO. The three of them are sandwiched between Blood Simple and Raising Arizona and Fargo and The Big Lebowski.

It seems to be an unwritten rule that when the Coens work inside the studio system, the public avoids them like the plague (except of course Raising Arizona), but when they do an independent flick like Fargo or Big Lebowski (which I think is actually a wee bit overrated) we all fawn for them.There's probably something too that, but I'm too bloody tired to think about it right now.

ToOn~g@l

04-04-2008, 11:06 PM

I have three in mind.

Secondhand Lions: Its such a great family movie with a nice storyline to it. Haley Joel Osmet is in it but Michael Caine is probably the best one in there. I'm just surprised no one else seems to know about this one.

Hidalgo: A great adventure movie that also seems to be ignored a lot.

Romancing the Stone: A great 80s romantic comedy that no one seems to remember, starring Michael Douglas.

Robin2099

04-05-2008, 12:47 AM

Thought of a couple more:

Lord of Illusions: Clive Barker's best movie which is unfairly ignored because people almost always want to focus on Hellraiser. Too bad since it was easily his strongest movie featuring a great performance by Scott Bakula.

The Hunted: Not the Tommy lee Jones.Benicio Del Torro version. This was the mid 90's version with Christopher Lambert. While the plot is a little goofy and Lambert is way out of place it's still a good Samurai/Ninja movie.

Showdown in Little Tokyo: Brandon Lee and Dolph Lundgren star in a fun buddy movie. Both had good charisma, and the action was fun. It does a good job showing what a tragic loss Brandon was.

Shanghai Noon/Knights: Both are much better then the Rush Hour trilogy and are easily Jackie's best American movies.

Equilibrium: The movie was marketed in limited release as a Matrix knock off and thus didn't get a big enough audience. It still becomes highly recommended for the great action scenes, and Christian Bale's great performance.

Death Sentence: Ok, so this plot has been done in everything from Death Wish to The Punisher, but it's still one of the better revenge movies to come out. Plus Kevin Bacon is awesome in the lead role.

Movie06

04-05-2008, 01:40 AM

Thought of a couple more:

Lord of Illusions: Clive Barker's best movie which is unfairly ignored because people almost always want to focus on Hellraiser. Too bad since it was easily his strongest movie featuring a great performance by Scott Bakula.

Shanghai Noon/Knights: Both are much better then the Rush Hour trilogy and are easily Jackie's best American movies.

Equilibrium: The movie was marketed in limited release as a Matrix knock off and thus didn't get a big enough audience. It still becomes highly recommended for the great action scenes, and Christian Bale's great performance.

Death Sentence: Ok, so this plot has been done in everything from Death Wish to The Punisher, but it's still one of the better revenge movies to come out. Plus Kevin Bacon is awesome in the lead role.

Good ones.

You know which other film is underrated? Doomsday, again, like The Descent, audiences ignored but for a different reason this time.

Michael24

04-05-2008, 02:14 AM

I'm almost completely unfamiliar with Lovecraft, but I'm slowly brushing up. Read "Dagon," and and "The Outsider," and am tryingto work through a lot more. If I want to write myself, I definately need to be well-read. He's one of the founding figures in genre fiction, and I need to become more familiar with his work. Haven't seen it yet, but as I say, I'm working through Carpenter's ourve now, so I'll come across it eventually. Thanks, by the way ;). A second look can mean a lot, apparently.

Are you trying to watch his movies in order? I've thought about doing that myself, but I still lack a few on DVD. Looking forward to hearing what you think about them as you see them. :)

As an aspiring writer myself, I should probably also read a lot more than I do, but time and money just make it tough, and sometimes I just can't get into the "classics" that people always recommend. We need a Netflix-like place for books. :D

Never seen either one myself, but neither was particularly well-reviewed. But then, I've heard that about most Masters of Horror episodes. They seem to reek of missed opportunities sometimes, if anything that I hear is true.

I recall Cigarette Burns getting some praise at the time, which I initially disagreed with but have changed my mind with repeated viewings.

Romancing the Stone: A great 80s romantic comedy that no one seems to remember, starring Michael Douglas.

I never thought this seemed forgotten. I think it's pretty well-remembered, usually as "one of the better Indiana Jones rip-offs," even though the script had been around since the late-70s. But a really fun movie. Just watched it a couple weeks ago, in fact. "Ah, man. The Doobie Brothers broke up." :D

Lord of Illusions: Clive Barker's best movie which is unfairly ignored because people almost always want to focus on Hellraiser. Too bad since it was easily his strongest movie featuring a great performance by Scott Bakula.

Although I'm not a Clive Barker fan, I saw this one at the time and liked it, though I remember being confused by the ending. Need to see it again. And it's always nice to see Scott Bakula lead a feature film since it's so rare.

The Hunted: Not the Tommy lee Jones.Benicio Del Torro version. This was the mid 90's version with Christopher Lambert. While the plot is a little goofy and Lambert is way out of place it's still a good Samurai/Ninja movie.

Agreed. A friend told me about this in high school and I found it at Blockbuster, and I was pretty impressed. Lambert is not what I normally consider a "good actor," but I liked him in this, and John Lone was great, too.

Death Sentence: Ok, so this plot has been done in everything from Death Wish to The Punisher, but it's still one of the better revenge movies to come out. Plus Kevin Bacon is awesome in the lead role.

Keep meaning to check this out. Though it's actually (loosely, apparently) based on the book that was the sequel to the original Death Wish novel, which probably explains the similarities you're talking about.

Ajax

04-05-2008, 02:55 AM

Good ones.

You know which other film is underrated? Doomsday, again, like The Descent, audiences ignored but for a different reason this time.Yet unlike the Descent, it wasnt that good of a movie at all. Doomsday was just an updated version of Road Warriors and Escape from New York. Yo man just because a movie underperformed or was ignored by audiences or didnt have great box office success doesnt mean it falls under the "underrated" category. There is such a thing as a bad movie...........

Movie06

04-05-2008, 03:15 AM

Yet unlike the Descent, it wasnt that good of a movie at all. Doomsday was just an updated version of Road Warriors and Escape from New York.

That was the point. Neil Marshall made that movie as a love letter to those films.

Ajax

04-05-2008, 03:58 AM

That was the point. Neil Marshall made that movie as a love letter to those films.
Yeah i know, and he did a poor job of it imo. You can easily call The Descent an underrated movie, hell even Dog Soldiers, but Doomsday? I mean explain to me what exactly makes it underrated, curious to read why :anime:.

Lonestarr

04-05-2008, 09:58 AM

Death Sentence: Ok, so this plot has been done in everything from Death Wish to The Punisher, but it's still one of the better revenge movies to come out. Plus Kevin Bacon is awesome in the lead role.

I saw this last year. No masterpiece, but a pretty solid thriller. I esp. love the chase scene and John Goodman's performance.

Movie06

04-05-2008, 01:49 PM

Yeah i know, and he did a poor job of it imo. You can easily call The Descent an underrated movie, hell even Dog Soldiers, but Doomsday? I mean explain to me what exactly makes it underrated, curious to read why :anime:.

Simple, he made it to be B-Movie fun and as throwback to the days of Mad MAx and Escape from New York. Considering, I think he did a pretty good job.

Movie06

04-05-2008, 06:01 PM

Another film I consider underrated is Mean Creek. Sure it went to the Sundance Film Festival but it didn't get enough attention even on DVD.

Hanshotfirst113

04-05-2008, 07:57 PM

Has anyone seen Brick, a high school noir-blending picture? I saw the ending coming about halfway, but the style and story are still pretty interesting.

Desensitized

04-05-2008, 09:00 PM

Has anyone seen Brick, a high school noir-blending picture? I saw the ending coming about halfway, but the style and story are still pretty interesting.
I love it. Of course you saw the ending coming, it's a giant noir tribute. ;)

But yeah, it's not talked about too much, but I just like Joseph Gordon-Levitt's work in general.

Movie06

04-05-2008, 09:03 PM

Anyone else feel that Wes Creven's The People Under The Stairs is underrated?

DisneyBoy

04-05-2008, 09:05 PM

Legend. Batman Returns. Down With Love.

Baltofan

04-06-2008, 03:17 AM

Cats & Dogs with Charlton Heston as The Mastiff.

Movie06

04-06-2008, 01:41 PM

What about The Serpent and the Rainbow? That one barely gets any attention.

Ragebot

04-06-2008, 03:18 PM

Secondhand Lions: Its such a great family movie with a nice storyline to it. Haley Joel Osmet is in it but Michael Caine is probably the best one in there. I'm just surprised no one else seems to know about this one.

I second this one! It's just too bad that this seems to have ended Tim McCanlies' career. (He also wrote The Iron Giant, btw.)

Hanshotfirst113

04-06-2008, 09:26 PM

Movie06

04-06-2008, 09:32 PM

You know, I feel that Predator 2 is underrated? Why? Because it expanded onto something else. Predator 2 showed the Predator in an different and interesting enviorment, showed the inside of a Predator spaceship and a first look at other Predators.

Robin2099

04-07-2008, 12:04 AM

Anyone else feel that Wes Creven's The People Under The Stairs is underrated?

Eh I wouldn't really say underrated, but it was still one of Wes' better films.

What about The Serpent and the Rainbow? That one barely gets any attention.

Yeah Serperent and the Rainbow is very underrated. I'd put it right behind the Original Nightmare, New Nightmare and Scream in terms of his best film works.

You know, I feel that Predator 2 is underrated? Why? Because it expanded onto something else. Predator 2 showed the Predator in an different and interesting enviorment, showed the inside of a Predator spaceship and a first look at other Predators.

Yeah Predator 2 isn't as bad as people make it out to be. I think most the venom directed towards it has to do with Danny Glover. He was incredibly miscast and couldn't fill the shoes left behind by Arnold. I still think Patrick Swayze was the better choice till he dropped out and they cast Glover.

Movie06

04-07-2008, 12:39 AM

Yeah Serperent and the Rainbow is very underrated. I'd put it right behind the Original Nightmare, New Nightmare and Scream in terms of his best film works.

Don't forget Red Eye. That one is one of Wes' better films.

Yeah Predator 2 isn't as bad as people make it out to be. I think most the venom directed towards it has to do with Danny Glover. He was incredibly miscast and couldn't fill the shoes left behind by Arnold. I still think Patrick Swayze was the better choice till he dropped out and they cast Glover.

That's why? They call it bad because of Danny Glover? You know, I don't think the writers were trying to create another Arnold-like character. And really? Patrick Swayze was going to be in Predator 2? I never heard of that before.

Michael24

04-07-2008, 12:46 AM

I've always felt that Spielberg's The Lost World gets a bum rap. It's no masterpiece by a long shot, and it's strung together by only the vague notion of a plot, but his crafting of the action sequences is masterfully manipulative, IMO. The set pieces are an adrenaline rush, superbly edited and shot. My favorite is the literal cliffhanger with some superb Spielbergian touches (the cracking glass being my favorite), the Raptor attack (love the breaking of the pieces of roof and the sliding dinosaur), though the "T-Rex is loose" sequences was pretty underwhelming. Harryhausen did that kind of stuff far better. Still, I don't think that it's bad as its reputation suggests. The action scenes are really creatively shot, though, and the overall vision is a blast to watch. Likewise, his War of the Worlds was a great thrill ride for its first two acts, with great allegorical implications, and the way that he keeps the camera locked on the family the whole time is a fantastic touch. The SPFX are gorgeous, and the dark atmosphere is superb, and some of the typically Speilbergian touches (the Red Weed) are great.

Holy crap! Never in a million years did I think you'd speak positively about The Lost World. :D I liked it as well, though I do wish it had stuck a little closer to the book.

You know, I feel that Predator 2 is underrated? Why? Because it expanded onto something else. Predator 2 showed the Predator in an different and interesting enviorment, showed the inside of a Predator spaceship and a first look at other Predators.

Yeah, I like Predator 2 as well. I like the new setting and thought it was better than just doing another film in the jungle.

Don't forget Red Eye. That one is one of Wes' better films.

I didn't care for Red Eye. I remember being really bored while I was watching it and thinking to myself, "Come on, Wes, you can do better than this." :(

That's why? They call it bad because of Danny Glover? You know, I don't think the writers were trying to create another Arnold-like character. And really? Patrick Swayze was going to be in Predator 2? I never heard of that before.

Many people just seemed to think Glover was a bad choice to follow in the footsteps of Arnold. Of course, the filmmakers wanted Arnold to return, but he supposedly didn't like the idea of setting the film in a city. (Originally, it was supposed to be set in New York City during a blizzard with a Predator seeking revenge on Dutch, which would have went against the idea of Predators being an honorable species.) At another point, Dutch would have been Gary Busey's Peter Keyes character, but I guess they still couldn't lure Arnold back.

Didn't know about Patrick Swayze being attached to Predator 2, but I think Glover worked better than he would have.

Movie06

04-07-2008, 01:04 AM

Didn't know about Patrick Swayze being attached to Predator 2, but I think Glover worked better than he would have.

I always liked Glover in Predator 2 to be honest.

Anwar

04-07-2008, 08:23 PM

Ever since I watched the Special edition of Alien 3 (the one where the 45 minutes or so of scenes were chopped out by the studio against Fincher's wishes was re-inserted) I can't help but wonder how the movie would have been received if they had kept Fincher as Director but did Vincent Ward's story about the Space Monks instead of the Prison Planet. I mean I doubt anyone would've complained about the bald guys or the lack of weaponry if it was a Monastery. They also wouldn't complain so much about the religious elements (though I don't understand why they were annoyed by that).

Hanshotfirst113

04-07-2008, 08:47 PM

Holy crap! Never in a million years did I think you'd speak positively about The Lost World. :D I liked it as well, though I do wish it had stuck a little closer to the book.

I'm full of surprises :D!

I'd say that Kinji Fusukawa's Virus, in its original uncut version, is an excellent, much underrated, and unfortunately very difficult to find piece of work. It's a very slow burner with a very dark story, and it's clear that some of the actors' first (or even second) language is not English when they speak it, but it's a fascintating movie to watch, not in the least because it was once the most expensive Japanese film ever made and a massive failure at the time. The final 20 minutes are unreal, there's no words. It's a very, very slow moving film, but it's also very rewarding.

Toon Capone

04-07-2008, 09:50 PM

Movies I think are underrated are:

Mischief (1985)
A pretty good 1980s movie set in the 1950s starring Kelly Preston. It's on DVD but sadly has no extras.

SpaceCamp (1986)
I don't care what anyone says I like this movie. It's a pretty good kids movie and sometimes you need something positive to watch.

The Karate Kid III (1989)

It's a lot better than I thought it would be. I admit the ending could have been a bit better though I would have liked to have seen Mr. Miyagi kick the crap out of Kreese but that's a minor complaint.

Nightwing

04-07-2008, 11:04 PM

Batman
Batman Returns
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (It's aways A New Hope and Empire Strikes

I wouldn't mention Batman and Batman Returns, but that might be my Batman fandom bias, knowing both films as I do and having heavily established opinions of them. Visually they were great, and Burton used his dark tone abilities to do some things right, but not everything.

Return of The Jedi is news to me. I thought only Dante from Clerks preferred Empire Strikes Back, although that may have only been until the end of the movie where Randall makes him realize he overdramatizes things. Anyway! All I hear is "Luke is a whiney punk, stuff is better in Episode 6!" I've always said A New Hope was underrated because it shows the just and powerful young man stuck in a world to small for him, looking up at the suns wanting more. And there's the strong fun save the day at the last minute ending.

You know, I feel that Predator 2 is underrated? Why? Because it expanded onto something else. Predator 2 showed the Predator in an different and interesting enviorment, showed the inside of a Predator spaceship and a first look at other Predators.

I'm also a fan of Carpenters Vampires. I didn't like it better than Blade, though, because I'm a huge fan of symbolism and there's more of that in Blade while there's more cutting people in half in Carpenters Vampires.

Definite props to Predator 2. I just can't believe people didn't want to believe Danny Glover! He's one of the Leathal Weapons!

Karate Kid III rules too! It can get bashed because it goes BACK to the tournament from Daniel having to fight for death in real life just like in Miagi's time (and centuries earlier), but the main opponent in that movie was even bigger than simple death. Miagi's future, and Daniel in the thick of it was compelling enough for what it was.

Movie06

04-07-2008, 11:09 PM

Anyone else feel that House of 1000 Corpses is underrated? I mean for a first effort, Rob didn't do that bad.

Robin2099

04-08-2008, 12:52 AM

Anyone else feel that House of 1000 Corpses is underrated? I mean for a first effort, Rob didn't do that bad.

No. HOATC suffered from first time director syndrome. It basically seemed like Rob did most of what he did because he thought to himself "This would be so cool if I did that." I give credit to Rob for trying to make a movie which was basically an hour and a half music video but it wasn't really that great. The Devils Rejects was much better.

Movie06

04-08-2008, 02:09 AM

No. HOATC suffered from first time director syndrome. It basically seemed like Rob did most of what he did because he thought to himself "This would be so cool if I did that." I give credit to Rob for trying to make a movie which was basically an hour and a half music video but it wasn't really that great. The Devils Rejects was much better.

Well, I did felt that Rob was experimenting with his first film anyway. And yeah, The Devil's Rejects rocks.

Hanshotfirst113

04-08-2008, 06:18 PM

Anyone else feel that House of 1000 Corpses is underrated? I mean for a first effort, Rob didn't do that bad.

No. I felt that it was a complete mess. The movie has absolutely no idea where it wants to go, what it wants to do, what kind of movie it wants to be, or much of anything else, and apart from being disgustingly violent, sadistic, and repugnant, Zombie's film is full very little that's memorable. Impossible-to-care-about characters, nonsensical plotting, and wierd, candy-coated colorings that made no sense whatsoever. It was like trying to stretch a music video for one of his songs out to an hour-and-a-half, and even at that length, the film feels endless. But then, I'm not an exploitation grindhouse-head, so maybe I just didn't get what's he's playing at. There are a few good ideas (some the atmosphere is decent, the idea of setting it on Halloween is interesting, the whole concept of the exploration of the family that Zombie is borrowing from far better films like the original The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes films that he seems to have seen but have absorbed absolutely none of the social tension, context, and commentary or craftsmanship or heart), but Zombie seems to be enamored of the fact that he's directing that he's just trying every technique that he can. It's an utter mess. The soundtrack has its pleasures, however ;).

No. HOATC suffered from first time director syndrome. It basically seemed like Rob did most of what he did because he thought to himself "This would be so cool if I did that." I give credit to Rob for trying to make a movie which was basically an hour and a half music video but it wasn't really that great. The Devils Rejects was much better.

Exactly what I though. Never bothered with the sequel for that reason, though I've been told that it's superior in most respects.

Well, I did felt that Rob was experimenting with his first film anyway. And yeah, The Devil's Rejects rocks.

Never saw it....

Movie06

04-08-2008, 06:24 PM

Trust me, The Devil's Rejects is worth seeing.

And anyone else feel that John Landis' vampire movie Innocent Blood underrated? I thought it was very good.

Hanshotfirst113

04-08-2008, 06:32 PM

Trust me, The Devil's Rejects is worth seeing.

I am not strong of stomach...

Movie06

04-08-2008, 06:34 PM

I am not strong of stomach...

You're not? You saw The Descent, Devil's Rejects is no different from the level of violence.

Ragebot

04-08-2008, 09:15 PM

I am not strong of stomach...

Put it this way: Roger Ebert gave Devil's Rejects three stars, but gave Blue Velvet one star. :D

Desensitized

04-08-2008, 10:08 PM

Does this mean someone's gonna bring up Blue Velvet? Cause I will if you guys won't.

Movie06

04-08-2008, 10:21 PM

Say guys, what about The Fly II? Would you guys consider that film to be underrated as well?

Toon Capone

04-08-2008, 10:32 PM

Trust me, The Devil's Rejects is worth seeing.

And anyone else feel that John Landis' vampire movie Innocent Blood underrated? I thought it was very good.

I liked Innocent Blood.

It's a pretty good comedy / horror film and I feel it deserves a better DVD then what it got.

Movie06

04-08-2008, 10:39 PM

I liked Innocent Blood.

It's a pretty good comedy / horror film and I feel it deserves a better DVD then what it got.

You watched it too cool? And yeah, the film dserves a better DVD treatment but oh well, it's on DVD anyway.

Toon Capone

04-08-2008, 10:43 PM

Movie06

04-08-2008, 10:59 PM

^
I saw it when it first came out and they used to show it on HBO all the time.

Yes its on DVD but a crappy snap case and only presented in Fullscreen with no extras.

It's a shame a company like Anchor Bay can't or won't license it and give it a decent DVD release.

Speaking of Anchor Bay am the only one that does not like the direction they have taken over the last year?

I better stop I'm getting off topic.

Actually, I think HBO still shows that film. And perhaps Anchor Bay can't get the rights since they don't want any competition with the DVD they have.

And what is it you that don't like the direction Anchor Bay is taking?

Toon Capone

04-08-2008, 11:24 PM

Actually, I think HBO still shows that film. And perhaps Anchor Bay can't get the rights since they don't want any competition with the DVD they have.

And what is it you that don't like the direction Anchor Bay is taking?

I feel that they release way too much Anime, Fitness, Sci-Fi Channel releated things, and some bad direct to DVD horror lately instead of trying to get the rights to other old horror and cult films that aren't on DVD yet.

Even though from a business stand point I can understand them releasing going into other genres and releasing them on DVD. I just wish they would focus more on what they use to do.

Just my opinion though.

Movie06

04-08-2008, 11:25 PM

I feel that they release way too much Anime, Fitness, Sci-Fi Channel releated things, and some bad direct to DVD horror lately instead of trying to get the rights to other old horror and cult films that aren't on DVD yet.

Even though from a business stand point I can understand them releasing going into other genres and releasing them on DVD. I just wish they would focus more on what they use to do.

Just my opinion though.

Well, I guess they ran out of old and cult Horror films to find.

Robin2099

04-09-2008, 12:27 AM

Speaking of Anchor Bay am the only one that does not like the direction they have taken over the last year?

Your not the only one. At last year's Flashback Weekend panel someone asked if they were going to start releasing old cult movies again and not just recent Sci Fi channel stuff. The response was something like "We're looking into new things" and so far nothing has been mentioned or done outside of re-releasing Evil Dead for the 80th time.

Movie06

04-09-2008, 12:31 AM

Your not the only one. At last year's Flashback Weekend panel someone asked if they were going to start releasing old cult movies again and not just recent Sci Fi channel stuff. The response was something like "We're looking into new things" and so far nothing has been mentioned or done outside of re-releasing Evil Dead for the 80th time.

Are there are any cult Horror films that have not been released on DVD yet?

Michael24

04-09-2008, 12:34 AM

Are there are any cult Horror films that have not been released on DVD yet?

Night of the Creeps. At least, I don't think it's out yet, though I heard rumors awhile back.

And I don't know about "cult," but I'm still waiting for Slaughter High to show up on DVD. :D

Ragebot

04-09-2008, 12:49 AM

Does this mean someone's gonna bring up Blue Velvet? Cause I will if you guys won't.

I liked The Straight Story more, actually.

Movie06

04-09-2008, 01:06 AM

Night of the Creeps. At least, I don't think it's out yet, though I heard rumors awhile back.

And I don't know about "cult," but I'm still waiting for Slaughter High to show up on DVD. :D

So, why hasn't Anchor Bay made a move on those movies yet? Are they up for an MGM release or something?

Hanshotfirst113

04-09-2008, 11:06 AM

Put it this way: Roger Ebert gave Devil's Rejects three stars, but gave Blue Velvet one star. :D

I like Blue Velvet, actually. It's such an incredibly electric piece of work, with surrealism that's weird but so controlled.

Does this mean someone's gonna bring up Blue Velvet? Cause I will if you guys won't.

A superb noir look at the dark side of suburbia, and David Lynch's calling card.

I feel that they release way too much Anime, Fitness, Sci-Fi Channel releated things, and some bad direct to DVD horror lately instead of trying to get the rights to other old horror and cult films that aren't on DVD yet.

Starz bought them out, Starz is a very mainstream company. Basic math, sadly.

Even though from a business stand point I can understand them releasing going into other genres and releasing them on DVD. I just wish they would focus more on what they use to do.

Just my opinion though.

Oh, no, you're quite correct.

Well, I guess they ran out of old and cult Horror films to find.

Please, there are countless ones out there. Their direction has shifted with the new ownership of their company.

Your not the only one. At last year's Flashback Weekend panel someone asked if they were going to start releasing old cult movies again and not just recent Sci Fi channel stuff. The response was something like "We're looking into new things" and so far nothing has been mentioned or done outside of re-releasing Evil Dead for the 80th time.

Ah yes, the Evil Dead "You've Got to Be Freaking Kidding Me Edition" :p. There's so much great stuff that they could snap up.

Are there are any cult Horror films that have not been released on DVD yet?

There's a list that goes on for miles!

Night of the Creeps. At least, I don't think it's out yet, though I heard rumors awhile back.

It's been rumored for years. My old VHS tape that I got off of the sci-fi channel is getting worn. A new version would be good.

And I don't know about "cult," but I'm still waiting for Slaughter High to show up on DVD. :D

*Goes to IMDb...*

So, why hasn't Anchor Bay made a move on those movies yet? Are they up for an MGM release or something?

No. It all comes back, as usual, to money. Now that they're owned by a big company, their priorities have changed. Plus, so many great cult movies are wrangling in legal hell, which is why the Mario Bava boxed set bailed on the promised (and impossible to find) American cuts of his films.

Thus, Anchor Bay ain't what they used to be, perhaps:
http://www.fangoria.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=78843&hl=starz

Movie06

04-09-2008, 01:27 PM

No. It all comes back, as usual, to money. Now that they're owned by a big company, their priorities have changed. Plus, so many great cult movies are wrangling in legal hell, which is why the Mario Bava boxed set bailed on the promised (and impossible to find) American cuts of his films.

Thus, Anchor Bay ain't what they used to be, perhaps:
http://www.fangoria.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=78843&hl=starz

Just out of curosity, who really owns Night of the Creeps? Is it MGM or Fox, I mean they seem to be taking Anchor Bay's rep.

Michael24

04-09-2008, 01:57 PM

According to Wikipedia (I know, I know), Night of the Creeps was originally done by TriStar Pictures, which is a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures, which is owned by Sony Pictures, so... I guess Sony owns Night of the Creeps, which probably explains it's lack of availability.

As for Slaughter High, it was distributed by Vestron Pictures, whose library is now owned by Lionsgate. Seeing as how it took them forever to put out cult favorite The Monster Squad (which was originally by TriStar, so I'm not sure why LG released it), I don't hold much hope for ever seeing Slaughter High on DVD.

Movie06

04-09-2008, 02:22 PM

Michael24

04-09-2008, 02:47 PM

I seem to recall an interview where director Fred Dekker hinted that Night of the Creeps may come out based on how well The Monster Squad did. I don't know any exact numbers, but it seems like it did pretty well. But who knows? I'm sure there's all kinds of behind-the-scenes troubles for why an older movie like this takes so long to be released on DVD.

Robin2099

04-10-2008, 12:50 AM

As for Slaughter High, it was distributed by Vestron Pictures, whose library is now owned by Lionsgate. Seeing as how it took them forever to put out cult favorite The Monster Squad (which was originally by TriStar, so I'm not sure why LG released it), I don't hold much hope for ever seeing Slaughter High on DVD. /QUOTE]

Ah yes Slaughter High. That was such a cheesy slasher and is a good example of why the slasher film died in the 80's. Though on that note, if it ever did come out on DVD I'd still pick it up.

Plus Lion's Gate released Chopping Mall(a way underrated movie that's incredibly fun) and Alligator(same thing) so their's still hope. I'm still waiting for Maniac Cop 2, Psycho Cop 1 and 2, Mean Streets, Hide and go Shriek, Blood Beach and others though.

[QUOTE]Ah yes, the Evil Dead "You've Got to Be Freaking Kidding Me Edition" :p. There's so much great stuff that they could snap up.

Well factoring in the fact that in one of the special features, the ladies of the Evil Dead talk about recording a commentary track that wasn't on the three disk set, a "Ladies of the Evil Dead" edition will probably be showing up soon. And the really crappy part is they can't do the cabin box set anymore.

Movie06

04-10-2008, 01:20 AM

Anyone else feel that Wishmaster is underrated?

Michael24

04-10-2008, 01:43 AM

Ah yes Slaughter High. That was such a cheesy slasher and is a good example of why the slasher film died in the 80's. Though on that note, if it ever did come out on DVD I'd still pick it up.

Well, Slaughter High came out in 1986, so the '80s slasher still had a few more years until it faded out. I think the late-80s/early-90s are generally considered about that time. Freddy and Jason both had their send-offs in the early-90s.

I hear there's a slightly longer version of Slaughter High, too, that runs about 5-6 minutes more and I suppose has some additional gore and violence, but I'm only familiar with the theatrical version.

Plus Lion's Gate released Chopping Mall(a way underrated movie that's incredibly fun) and Alligator(same thing) so their's still hope. I'm still waiting for Maniac Cop 2, Psycho Cop 1 and 2, Mean Streets, Hide and go Shriek, Blood Beach and others though.

I've never seen Blood Beach, but have always wanted to. There's a review in one of my dad's old "Cinefantastique" issues with a picture showing a guy getting sucked into the sand, and for years I used to think it was the actor who played Uncle Owen in Star Wars because it looked just like him. Haha!!

Chopping Mall is cool. Cheesy, but cool. Had never heard of it until a friend showed it to me a couple years ago, and we made a point of watching it whenever I'd visit. I particularly get a kick out of Russell Todd's "Rambogram" line, though I unfortunately can't recite the whole thing here. :D

Hanshotfirst113

04-10-2008, 08:25 AM

Maniac Cop 2, Psycho Cop 1 and 2, Mean Streets, Hide and go Shriek, Blood Beach and others though.Not chance for the Maniac Cop sequels.

From IMDB: No chance, Don May Jr. (President of Synapse) just recently discussed this issue on the DVD maniacs board and he mentioned that the current rights owners (of part 2, part 3 is owned by yet another company) are asking way too much money for the rights for the sequel and the high costs wouldn't make a DVD release profitable at the moment, since the movie has a relatively small fanbase. So I guess we'll have to wait till the current rights owners wise up and drop their price for the rights or we'll just have to stick to our bare bones fullscreen DVD releases. At least I still have my widescreen LD by Image Entertainment, guess that will have to do for the time being.Well factoring in the fact that in one of the special features, the ladies of the Evil Dead talk about recording a commentary track that wasn't on the three disk set, a "Ladies of the Evil Dead" edition will probably be showing up soon. And the really crappy part is they can't do the cabin box set anymore.Yeah, and Universal doesn't care much about doing and Army of Darkness SE. There's always the R3 version though :).

Im Gay

What?

Well, Slaughter High came out in 1986, so the '80s slasher still had a few more years until it faded out. I think the late-80s/early-90s are generally considered about that time. Freddy and Jason both had their send-offs in the early-90s.

Read Adam Rockwood's book Going To Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film.

I've never seen Blood Beach, but have always wanted to. There's a review in one of my dad's old "Cinefantastique" issues with a picture showing a guy getting sucked into the sand, and for years I used to think it was the actor who played Uncle Owen in Star Wars because it looked just like him. Haha!!

Chopping Mall is cool. Cheesy, but cool.I believe that that actually is on DVD.

Movie06

04-10-2008, 01:42 PM

Read Adam Rockwood's book Going To Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Film.

I never read the book actually, I only watched the documentary. But it's a good one.

Leaping Larry Jojo

04-10-2008, 03:18 PM

I just remembered another one. Better off Dead

An overlooked 80s teen movie but with an ahead-of-its time irony, and less sentimentality than John Hughes' stuff.

Lonestarr

04-10-2008, 06:11 PM

Anyone else feel that Wishmaster is underrated?

If only for Andrew Divoff's creepily charismatic performance, yes. It's a pretty nice guilty pleasure, and totally outstrips the sequels.

Movie06

04-10-2008, 06:21 PM

If only for Andrew Divoff's creepily charismatic performance, yes. It's a pretty nice guilty pleasure, and totally outstrips the sequels.

Andrew Divoff is awesome Djinn without a doubt. And to be honest, I like the first two films the best. Haven't seen the other ones though.

Daphne Blake

04-10-2008, 06:26 PM

Basil the Great Mouse Detective is a highly underrated Disney movie, everyone always goes on about the others but they seem to forget this beauty. The artwork, story and characters are just brilliant

Desensitized

04-10-2008, 06:42 PM

I just remembered another one. Better off Dead

An overlooked 80s teen movie but with an ahead-of-its time irony, and less sentimentality than John Hughes' stuff.
That's underrated? That's odd. I just saw it recently and was blown away by it's sense of humor. Especially the fact it dates surprisingly well for a wacky comedy from the 80s.

Hanshotfirst113

04-10-2008, 11:27 PM

Movie06

04-11-2008, 12:11 AM

Ginger Snaps is a superb Canadian allegorical horror film, as is its first sequel (never seen part 3). It's about a teenage girl bitten by a werewolf on her first period, and she affected by the cycles of the moon in more ways that one. It subverts lots of genre conventions, and its one of the most inspired adolescent horror films since DePalma's Carrie.

Ginger Snaps? Dude, I love that movie. The sequels are just as good as the first.

Speaking of which, do you guys think The Howling is underrated?

Hanshotfirst113

04-11-2008, 12:24 AM

I've always loved the werewolf designs for The Howling (FINALLY! Bipeds!), Sayles script is sharp, and Dante direction delightfully trashy, full of black humor. It languishes in the shadow of An American Werewolf in London (Itself a great film, tough can we PLEASE get a DVD with the original mono sountrack?), but The Howling is pretty interesting in its own right.

Michael24

04-11-2008, 12:35 AM

Given that I wasn't a big fan of The Mummy and thought that Van Helsing was one of the most painfully self-indulgent festivals of excess that I've ever seen (though they've grown a bit on me lately....), I must admit to having a soft spot for Steven Sommer's Deep Rising. It's got enough cheese to make a sandwich, hilariously hammy acting, and explosions, gunfire, gooey gore, a great monster, and Treat Williams doing what seems to be his best Bruce Campbell impression :p. A $100 million Roger Corman movie, basically. Ah, even the most faux-highbrow cinephiles are allowed our guilty pleasures right...I've been wrong before....;)

I'm still upset we never got a reissue of Deep Rising in the wake of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, the way we did with The Jungle Book and The Adventures of Huck Finn. I'd love to hear a Stephen Sommers/Bob Ducsay commentary for Deep Rising. I have an early draft of the script from early-1996, under the title Tentacles, so it seems like it was a pet project of Sommers' for awhile.

I've always loved the werewolf designs for The Howling (FINALLY! Bipeds!), Sayles script is sharp, and Dante direction delightfully trashy, full of black humor. It languishes in the shadow of An American Werewolf in London (Itself a great film, tough can we PLEASE get a DVD with the original mono sountrack?), but The Howling is pretty interesting in its own right.

I loved The Howling and I agree, the werewolf designs were very good. I actually prefer it greatly to American Werewolf.

I also really liked Wolfen, too, which starts off as a typical werewolf movie before offering a nice twist.

Movie06

04-11-2008, 01:07 AM

Joe

04-11-2008, 03:08 AM

Yeah, The Howling was a good one looking back. I think I don't pay attention to it much, since there have been so many poor sequels.

Hanshotfirst113

04-11-2008, 09:50 AM

I'm still upset we never got a reissue of Deep Rising in the wake of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, the way we did with The Jungle Book and The Adventures of Huck Finn. I'd love to hear a Stephen Sommers/Bob Ducsay commentary for Deep Rising. I have an early draft of the script from early-1996, under the title Tentacle, so it seems like it was a pet project of Sommers' for awhile.

Yeah, apparently the script underwent some extensive revisions from Robert Mark Kamen. It'd be great to at least get an anamorphic version, but even the wake of The Mummy films it doesn't seem to have developed much of a following (perhaps because of the strong R-rating). Where'd you get the script? Online? Because if so, we may be thinking of the same one.

I loved The Howling and I agree, the werewolf designs were very good. I actually prefer it greatly to American Werewolf.I like both. American Werewolf is probably the better film overall, but The Howling is sure a lot of pulpy fun, and its probably truer to its trashy B-movie roots. The transformations sequences in both have yet to be topped, IMESHO.

I also really liked Wolfen, too, which starts off as a typical werewolf movie before offering a nice twist.Yeah, an interesting twist on the conventions.

Another trashier than trashy movie that's loads of fun is the Rodriguez/Tarantino vehicle From Dusk Till Dawn. Punctuated by Tarantino's usual rapid-fire dialogue and some surprising artistic merit (as usual, QT seems to have absorbed the heart from all of the watching that he did in his grindhouse days rather than just the gore), and boasting a pair of hilarious and surprisingly touching performances from George Clooney and Harvey Kietel and kinetic visual and splattering gore from Rodriguez, its a major guilty pleasure of mine.

Leaping Larry Jojo

04-11-2008, 12:57 PM

That's underrated? That's odd. I just saw it recently and was blown away by it's sense of humor. Especially the fact it dates surprisingly well for a wacky comedy from the 80s.

Yep. People never talk about it when listing the top 80s teen movies.They mention The Breakfast Club, or Pretty in Pink, or Say Anything, but rarely does Better Off Dead figure into the conversation, except when the resident oddball yells it out.

Speedy Boris

04-11-2008, 01:22 PM

Gideon's Trumpet, a made-for-TV movie starring Henry Fonda as a man convicted of a crime he didn't commit, but while in prison discovers he was tried unfairly because he wasn't given a court-appointed lawyer and thus couldn't defend himself.

The movie starts out kinda slow, but it really picks up once the Supreme Court gets ahold of his appeal and sends their slickest, most knowledgeable lawyer down to re-do the trial and discover key evidence in Fonda's favor that he didn't even think of. So it ends up being one of the better made-for-TV movies out there.

Funny story on this particular title: My dad had wanted me to see the movie for years but finding a VHS copy of the tape is pretty difficult, and until 2007 it wasn't even on DVD. So one evening in 2005, I discovered they were showing the film at my college, so I attended it and got to see the first 40 minutes or so...

...and then a woman came on the intercom and told us to seek shelter as there was a bad thunderstorm in the area. So I never got to see the last half of it, until 2007 when dad finally was able to find a copy. :sweat:

Movie06

04-11-2008, 01:40 PM

Anyone else feel that Child's Play is underrated? Or that movie doesn't count.

Michael24

04-11-2008, 01:44 PM

Yeah, apparently the script underwent some extensive revisions from Robert Mark Kamen. It'd be great to at least get an anamorphic version, but even the wake of The Mummy films it doesn't seem to have developed much of a following (perhaps because of the strong R-rating). Where'd you get the script? Online? Because if so, we may be thinking of the same one.

Yeah, I stumbled across it online somewhere a couple years ago. Can't remember where. I remember when it came out, there was a local program (I forget the name; sponsored by a popular local home video store) on one of the public access stations that went behind-the-scenes of movies, and they had an episode devoted to Deep Rising that aired a few times and showed some nice on-set footage and interviews. Would have been nice to have that, but the studio probably didn't even know it existed.

Another trashier than trashy movie that's loads of fun is the Rodriguez/Tarantino vehicle From Dusk Till Dawn. Punctuated by Tarantino's usual rapid-fire dialogue and some surprising artistic merit (as usual, QT seems to have absorbed the heart from all of the watching that he did in his grindhouse days rather than just the gore), and boasting a pair of hilarious and surprisingly touching performances from George Clooney and Harvey Kietel and kinetic visual and splattering gore from Rodriguez, its a major guilty pleasure of mine.

The only Rodriguez movie other than Desperado that I kind of liked. I remember thinking it seemed a little too long, but was otherwise mostly entertaining.

Gideon's Trumpet, a made-for-TV movie starring Henry Fonda as a man convicted of a crime he didn't commit, but while in prison discovers he was tried unfairly because he wasn't given a court-appointed lawyer and thus couldn't defend himself.

We watched this in my high school U.S. Government/Economics class in 1996. Excellent movie!

Anyone else feel that Child's Play is underrated?

Not really, IMO. I've usually heard good things about the first movie. I'd say Bride of Chucky may be a little on the underrated side. Don't really know how that one sits with the fans, but I liked it even more than the first.

Movie06

04-11-2008, 01:47 PM

Another trashier than trashy movie that's loads of fun is the Rodriguez/Tarantino vehicle From Dusk Till Dawn. Punctuated by Tarantino's usual rapid-fire dialogue and some surprising artistic merit (as usual, QT seems to have absorbed the heart from all of the watching that he did in his grindhouse days rather than just the gore), and boasting a pair of hilarious and surprisingly touching performances from George Clooney and Harvey Kietel and kinetic visual and splattering gore from Rodriguez, its a major guilty pleasure of mine.

Good one. That's one of my favorite vampire movies.

Speaking of vampires, do you guys think Fright Night is underrated?

Leaping Larry Jojo

04-11-2008, 01:50 PM

I liked The Straight Story more, actually.

Well, aside from its leisurely pace it's easy to like The Straight Story. It's the oddball in Lynch's resume.

You know, I actually like Mulholland Drive. A lot of people think it's a load of hooey (but then, most people think that of most Lynch movies), but I don't care. It's sexy and it looks great.

Some of Lynch's other movies are a little too grotesque for my tastes. I don't mind his WTF style though.

Elf

04-11-2008, 10:35 PM

The Rundown is a fav of mine, a fun good ol' time.

I guess bad timing didn't turn it into a hit.

Movie06

04-11-2008, 10:42 PM

Do you guys think Jason Goes to Hell is underrated? I mean I think everyone tried to best to make it different from the other films.

Robin2099

04-12-2008, 12:45 AM

Do you guys think Jason Goes to Hell is underrated? I mean I think everyone tried to best to make it different from the other films.

Not really. Yeah they tried but ultimately their idea just wasn't any good. The best parts are when Kane Hodder is playing Jason and the gore. That's about it. Most Friday fans consider it among the top three worst of the series.

You have to remember that not every horror movie is underrated. Some just aren't popular and ignored because their just not good or memorable.

Anyone else feel that Child's Play is underrated? Or that movie doesn't count.

The movie ended up spawning four sequels, the first was a box office hit, and Chucky is one of the most well known characters in horror. That doesn't really apply to underrated. I agree with Michael 24 that if anything, Bride of Chucky could be classified as underrated.

Speaking of vampires, do you guys think Fright Night is underrated?

Again Fright Night was a big hit and basically revitalized the Vampire genre in the 80's along with Near Dark and The Lost Boys. Plus the movie still has a huge cult following and always does great ratings during Monster Fest. So you can't really consider it as being underrated. The sequel isn't as bad as people make it out to be IMO.

Movie06

04-12-2008, 12:52 AM

Ok good points. I was just asking which film would count as being underrated? Speaking of which, what about Bloodsport and The Exorcist III?

Michael24

04-12-2008, 01:02 AM

Not really. Yeah they tried but ultimately their idea just wasn't any good. The best parts are when Kane Hodder is playing Jason and the gore. That's about it. Most Friday fans consider it among the top three worst of the series.

Yeah, I thought Jason Goes To Hell was pretty awful. Interesting concept, and I love Steven Williams as Creighton Duke, but ultimately boring. I mean, Jason's barely in the movie aside from the opening and closing sequences.

Again Fright Night was a big hit and basically revitalized the Vampire genre in the 80's along with Near Dark and The Lost Boys. Plus the movie still has a huge cult following and always does great ratings during Monster Fest. So you can't really consider it as being underrated. The sequel isn't as bad as people make it out to be IMO.

I still need to see the sequel. I love the first one, but didn't even know there was a sequel until just several years ago. *runs off to NetFlix*

Ok good points. I was just asking which film would count as being underrated? Speaking of which, what about Bloodsport and The Exorcist III?

I'm not sure where The Exorcist III sits among horror fans, but I loved it, even moreso than the first one. Some truely creepy moments.

Movie06

04-12-2008, 01:14 AM

Yeah, I thought Jason Goes To Hell was pretty awful. Interesting concept, and I love Steven Williams as Creighton Duke, but ultimately boring. I mean, Jason's barely in the movie aside from the opening and closing sequences.

You know, the director's intention for that movie was for people to miss Jason. I mean, Jason being dead in the beginning of the film was his intention of misleading the audience.

Frozen

04-12-2008, 07:30 PM

Hanshotfirst113

04-12-2008, 09:11 PM

Not really. Yeah they tried but ultimately their idea just wasn't any good. The best parts are when Kane Hodder is playing Jason and the gore. That's about it. Most Friday fans consider it among the top three worst of the series.

Which, given that we're talking about the Friday the 13th films, is saying a lot :p.

Again Fright Night was a big hit and basically revitalized the Vampire genre in the 80's along with Near Dark and The Lost Boys. Plus the movie still has a huge cult following and always does great ratings during Monster Fest. So you can't really consider it as being underrated. The sequel isn't as bad as people make it out to be IMO.

Fright Night was in the shadow of the far more popular (and, IMO, much inferior) The Lost Boys, and Near Dark seldom gets mentioned, and went virtually unnoticed upon its release.

Ok good points. I was just asking which film would count as being underrated? Speaking of which, what about Bloodsport and The Exorcist III?

The Exorcist III is actually pretty good. Blatty's direction isn't bad at all, and it's an interesting genre film.

I'm not sure where The Exorcist III sits among horror fans, but I loved it, even moreso than the first one. Some truely creepy moments.

That long take corridor scene is particularly spooky.

Movie06

04-12-2008, 09:45 PM

Fright Night was in the shadow of the far more popular (and, IMO, much inferior) The Lost Boys, and Near Dark seldom gets mentioned, and went virtually unnoticed upon its release.

Just out of curosity and as much as I respect your opinion but why would you consider The Lost Boys inferior? I thought it was a great modern take on the Vampire genre.

James

04-13-2008, 08:15 AM

The Black Hole. Great cast, great score, great production design, great robots, great costumes. The only tthing that let it down, for me, was that daft ending. Yet everybody I talk to says it's rubbish. What's up with that? :confused:

Not me. I own the DVD proud, and I look forward to - one day - the soundtrack being released in full. remastered. glory.

As for the end, after years of disliking it, it's grown on me. That had to resolve with the Black Hole, and some of the imagery has raised some debate to the nature of Maximillian, the angel (or was it McCrae?). It manages to give a slightly upbeat end while retaining a dark edge.

Pity about the strings though - my DVD copy really shows up EVERY string. I miss my old taped video version where such wasn't quite as clear. :(
My

Wolfie~Giri

04-13-2008, 09:49 AM

Okay, I skimmed through the thread and...The Devils Rejects? To me, there's a line in horror movies between entertainment and gore just for the sake of gore. But if you say so... /:

Anyway, here's a few I thought of.

Cinderella Man: Sure there were moments in the ring where the outcome was obvious but the emotional struggle during the depression was the main focus of the movie, not really the boxing...See past beyond that and you'll really like it.

Big Fish: Not sure about the critical reception the film... it seems split 50/50. I just loved the bizarre fantasy Burtun put into the storyline.

Being John Malkovich: Kind of an underground movie I think since I rarely hear anyone mention it. It's very bizarre and doesn't stop getting weirder the moment it starts getting weird. The humor was also very witty and subtle, perfectly fitting the atmosphere. In short, I don't know how to describe it other than a very very peculiar drama/comedy.

Mynd Hed

04-13-2008, 10:10 AM

Big Fish: Not sure about the critical reception the film... it seems split 50/50. I just loved the bizarre fantasy Burtun put into the storyline.

The bizarre fantasy bits were good, I think what holds people back is the frame into which the fantasy is set. I mean, none of the "real" characters are in the slightest bit sympathetic. I just wanted to give the son a smack-- big deal, your father likes to exaggerate, get over it. But as Ebert so nicely put it, "There is no denying that Will has a point: The old man is a blowhard. There is a point at which his stories stop working as entertainment and segue into sadism." And both their wives had as much personality as a wet dishrag. A BEIGE wet dishrag. I think the whole movie would have been a lot better if they'd either stuck strictly to the fantasy bits, or at least downplayed the lame contrived father/son conflict.

I have that problem with a lot of films that use this kind of "storytelling" device to frame their fantasy. In Princess Bride, for example, the lamest parts of the movie are the bits with Fred Savage and his grandfather. But thankfully, that movie had the sense to keep those bits to a minimum so we could get back to the Rats of Unusual Size.