Movies That Deserved More Credit
Than They Were Given
Than They Were Given
Gremlins (1984)Probably one of the most unique, rewatchable and delightfully enjoyable movies ever created, and a cult classic! With an average rating of 6.8/10 at Rotten Tomatoes and a user rating of 7.1/10 at IMDb, "Gremlins" is insanely underrated!
Child's Play (1988)
Average you say? I strongly disagree! "Child's Play" ranks as one of the most innovative and memorable horror movie of the 80s. Period. The film's countless sequels prove its 'quiet' sucess, and how much actually people like it.
You all know the amazing Guillermo Del Toro for his award-winning "Pan's Labyrinth" and the "Hellboy" films, but do you remember his overlooked, yet hugely engrossing creature feature from the late 90s? I doubt so. Give "Mimic" a shot, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by its high entertainment value.
Equilibrium (2002)Many people didn't give this awesome movie a chance, and labeled it "A Matrix Rip-Off", but the truth is, "Equlibrium" not only has nothing to do with Wachowskis' hit, but this stylish sci-fi flick delivers everything it promises and then some.
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)The original movie is without a doubt a revolution in the sci-fi genre, but this sequel definitely outshines its predecessor in terms of action, entertainment, and spectacularness, plus, it's one of the most visually-stunning movies ever made.
Hulk (2003)I really don't understand why so many people hate this gem of a superhero movie. I thought Ang Lee did a phenomenol job in bringing Hulk to life, and its creative direction and an incredible sense of visual style added to the movie's overall awesomenss. I f**kin' loved it!
Memoirs of a Geisha (2005) OK, critics hated it for no substantial reasons. Yes, it was made for Western tastes, but so what? With its top-notch cast, mesmerizing visuals, mind-blowing production design and intriguing story, "Memoirs of a Geisha" is flawed, yet absolutely gripping!
It received mixed reviews from the critics, but in my opinion, "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" is one of the finest, most compelling and skilfully-crafted adaptations in film history. It's so beautiful, you'll need someone to pick your jaw off the floor.
Lust, Caution (2006)Another Ang Lee film? Hell, yeah! "Lust, Caution" is gripping from beginning to the end, thoroughly intriguing, visually striking, beautifully-shot and marvellously-acted! Why it was overlooked by the audience and underrated by the grumpy critics, I have no freaking idea?!?!
Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole (2010)A friend of mine calls it 'The Stupid Owl Movie'. Honestly said, I didn't find anything stupid about it. In my book, "Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole" is the most visually-dazzling animated movie I've seen in my life, and also one of the most entertaining and enjoyable ones.
32 comments:
absolutely right there with you on Hulk. There's a lot of hate aimed at Ang Lee's version of the green skinned giant, but I liked it then and love it now still. I think it was just too different as a super hero movie for audiences to get it.
Markus, thank you for that. You can't even imagine how glad I'm that you're with me on "Hulk". Yes, the audiences didn't buy it, because it was too unusual and maybe too artsy to handle.
Much agreed with most of the films listed here, I don't have much to rebut against these films. Good call to single them out for highlight, because now that you did I'm considering renting some of these titles to watch when I'm free. Haha.
Thanks for share George!
PS: I remember being very frightened by Child's Play when I was younger. Haha.
Uh sorry, but we didn't buy Ang Lee's Hulk because he had absolutely no freakin' clue who or what the Hulk was about. I grew up on the Hulk comics and cartoons and Lee's interpretation left me scratching my head. Artsy to be sure, but the Hulk is not artsy.
Child's Play rules and so does Gremlins and Mimic. I loved those movies. Chucky is one of the best horror villains ever. I laugh and laugh at his twisted humor.
Equilibrium was sheer genius and I enjoyed all of the Matrix movies. Gremlins is that low? Really?
You know even though I totally disagree with you on Hulk, I still adore you. :)
Gremlins:
brilliant and highly entertaining 80s classic. Don't think it's that underappreciated, at least not among horror fans.
Child's Play:
great and original 80s flick. Again, I don't think that it is underrated.
It's a horror favorite among horror-fans and non-horror-fans and Chucky is definitely one of the best-known horror villains.
Go ask The Girl Who Loves Horror - she adores Chuckie :-)
Mimic:
totally agree. One of the best insect-horror-movies ever made, yet still extremely underrated.
Matrix Reloaded:
Not a fan of it. Great special effects, great action scenes - but with a lame plot, silly dialogue and many completely pointless scenes.
Perfume:
adore the book, hate the film.
J-Son, glad to hear that. buddy :) You should see those you haven't and let me know what you think afterwards.
When I was a kid I was terrified by Chucky and dolls in general. LOL.
Mel, I know you didn't, hon. I'm not saying that Lee's interpretation was accurate, but I was impressed with it anyway. I'm a huge fan of him and I admire his versatility as a director. The film's style was definitely artsy... the Hulk itself - not that much. :)
Love those 3 too. I've seen each of them 10 + times :)
Alex, I absolutely adore Equilibrium and the Matrix Trilogy as well! :)
Yep, it's that low. It's unbelievable and so unfair, right?
@Mel
I know, sweetheart, I know :) Hulk won't stay on our way, will he? :)
Maynard, considering the average ratings those films got from the critics and the audiences, they're definitely underrated.
I know many horror fans that disliked both - Gremlins and Child's Play. You and I love those to, but we aren't the entire horror community, are we? :)
Mimic rocked!! :)
Ah, I completely disagree... there was NOTHING lame about the Matrix Reloaded.. nothing! It was so entertaining and stunningly spectacular, I wowed every 2 minutes... and I don't get that easily impressed :)
Perfume - OUTSTANDING - both the book and the movie.
Well, an Imdb-rating of 7,1 for a horror film is IMO pretty high.
Yet, I admit the 6.3 for Child's Play is too low.
I remember how annoyed and disappointed I was after leaving the cinema.
I also have to say that you're the only person I know that loves Matrix Reloaded :)
Disagree. IMO Perfume is unfilmable.
Hated how they turned him into a quasi-popstar at the end of the movie.
OK, buddy... whatever ;)
The Hulk would never stand in our way. :)
Wow, I would have to agree with all the ones you listed with the exceptions of "Perfume", "Lust, Caution", "Equilibrium" and "Legend of the Guardians" for the simple reason of I have not seen them yet! lol!
I don't know why all these movies were overlooked or under-appreciated. I guess people expect the same old stuff out of Hollywood and when someone does something new and innovative, they get snubbed. Jerks.
Great post!!
the problem with Geisha and Guardians is that they were made from popular books that they subsequently crapped all over.
Mel, this is never going to happen. If it does, well kick his green butt off. LOL.
Caledonia, we obviously come from the same planet when speaking of movies, which is ver uplifting :)
Give these 4 a shot when you have the time and let me know what you thought of them. If you agree about them as well... it would be fascinating indeed. :)
Well-said, hon! I absolutely agree. Most people like to see same stuff over and over again instead of opening their minds and enjoy the different and innovative stuff. Jerks! :)
Thanks! Appreciate it!
Budd, so you've read the books or you just say that because you've heard other people saying it?
Yes, yes we do. :D I have added all four to my netflix queue and will get back to you when I get to watch them. :D
I never thought of Gremlins OR Child's Play as being under appreciated, at least not amongst horror fans. We have a dog named Gizmo now - and she can be a pain in the ass without getting wet.
Yes, Maynard is right. I have a love/hate relationship with Chucky. Mostly love, but he used to be the only thing in the world I was truly frightened of.
Okay, maybe I'm still a little frightened. But only of Chucky from Child's Play 1-3 when he wasn't all stupid looking with his stitched up face.
I love Memoirs of a Geisha!! I love that whole culture so I was totally into that movie. Great book too.
GREMLINS is timeless. I saw it in the theater and even at 9 years old it seemed a bit jarring when that Santa Claus bit was uttered over the sound system, lol.
MIMIC most definitely is underrated, but I have no love for CHILD'S PLAY, sadly.
There was another killer doll movie I thought was much better. I think the name of it was PINOCCHIO'S REVENGE(?) if I'm not mistaken. No diminutive stand up comedian there at all. Haven't seen it in a long time but remember it having a psychological air about it.
The Gremlins is one of my go-to kid films. I watched it a dozen times growing up. I probably soiled my underoos watching Child's Play when I was but a small lad. And I'm completely in agreement about Ang Lee's Hulk. I loved his sincere, genuine approach and his unique visual style. Neither his work nor the film gets enough praise. It's totally unfair.
Nice post!
Caledonia, definitely. Please, do not forget to leave a comment when you check out these four. I'm curious about what you'll think of them :)
TheGirlWhoLovesHorror, no they wasn't under appreciated amongst horror fans, but they were overlooked in general.
I'm familiar with your love-hate 'relationship' with Chucky, but I bet you love him more than you hate him :) Yep, he looks pretty silly with the stitched face.
Glad to hear you love Geisha. I do too.
venom5, it IS timeless, no doubt about that. However, many people mainly not horror fans forgot about its existance too soon, therefore I decided to include it on the list. Hands down, the best Christmas movie ever!
Mimic was great and very, very entertaining, and IMO way ahead of its time in terms of special effects - both practical and CGI.
Never hear of Pinocchio's Revenge /it sounds quite silly, doesn't it?/, but I may give it a shot. Thanks for the reccomendation, buddy.
Matty, same thing here. I've been watching it every week.. I was pretty obsessed with it and with Child's Play as well.
You love Hulk? Yay! Thanks about that comment. I couldn't agree more with you about Ang Lee and his fabulous films.
Absolutely agree with you on the 1st 3 especially Gremlins. You know I love that movie. I can't remember if I liked the Hulk or not. I guess I would have to see it again. Haven't seen some of the others you mentioned. Great work on this list!
HorrO, glad to hear we share the same opinion about the first three. Gremlins is absolutely amazing!
Give Hulk a shot again then. It's well worth seeing.
Nebs! I saw Perfume based off your recommendation here and you're so right. Such a strange story but so beautifully and compellingly shot - I thought it was great! I think I'll Amazon the book now, too.
And I love Alan Rickman, so he was a definite plus.
Michele, you can't even imagine how glad I am to hear that you enjoyed Perfume so much. I thought it was weirdly exquisite and so mesmerizing. Get the book, hon, it's even better! :)
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