MOST UNDERRATED MOVIES OF ALL TIME, PART 2
Ok, ok, I've taken some hits over the first part and how under rated the flicks really were/are. Thing is, I know film buffs rate most of these pics really well, but this is more aimed at where they rate with Joe Average. Just to let you know where I'm coming from!
Cinema Paradiso, 1988
This story of this movie encompasses all I believe about film. Not talking about the director, actors, cinematography etc, - but the actual reasons why the character of Salvatore came to love movies. If only there were more Alfredo-like folk in the world. I know pic was highly thought of by critics, but still believe it deserves a wider audience. If you love film, see this movie! It’s a must.
Benny and Joon, 1993
JOHNNY Depp gets props from a lot of folk these days – and deservedly so. He is an actor of his generation. Yet, this little beauty seems to hold a place as part of his body of work and nothing else. What a travesty! Along with What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, this film proves why he is one of the best actors on the planet. Depp is eccentric poker player Sam who stays over at Benny’s place during a tournament. Benny’s psychotic sister Joon connects with Sam, which worries Benny no end. For some reason, every time I see the dancing fork scene I crack up.
Dazed and Confused, 1993
Richard Linklater’s ode to the 70s was a reasonable critical success when it came out, but always felt it was very under-rated. Being a huge fan of the 70s I related to this movie big time.. Shows how good ole boy high schools operate with incoming newbies being given the treatment by those about to graduate. Highlights include Matthew McConaughey’s first solid part as the over-aged buffoon who never quite grew up, and the soundtrack. Always thought Wiley Wiggins would go on to better things after this and small part in Love and a .45.
Naked, 1993
MIKE Leigh has made some pretty great movies over the years. Vera Drake, Secrets and Lies and Topsy Turvey come to mind, and they certainly deserve their place in the sun. However, this bleak pic starring David Thewlis and the late Katrin Cartlidge certainly isn’t out of place in that company. Thewlis plays Johnny who heads to London from Manchester after raping somebody. He hooks up with his ex-girlfriend and then spends the rest of the movie giving honest - though not likeable - insights to what is going on around them. Leigh won Best Director at Cannes and David Thewlis best actor.
Heavenly Creatures, 1994
AT the start of his career people saw Peter Jackson as the splatter king and now see him as a director of blockbusters. Few mention this pic set in 1950s Christchurch, which shows just how capable he is of making a nice, subtle pic with a great story to it. The Parker murder is about as famous as it gets in New Zealand – it happened at a time when homicide was not only rare, but killing of a parent was beyond scandalous. Melanie Lynskey (who deserves a better career than she’s had) and Kate Winslet were perfectly cast as two girls whose friendship is threatened and decide to take the ultimate step to make sure it is kept intact.
Love and a .45, 1994
THINK this one got lost in the melee surrounding similar fare such as Pulp Fiction, True Romance, Killing Zoe and Natural Born Killers. Unlike them, this one has no connection to Quentin Tarantino, although its style is very similar. Renee Zellweger plays Starlene, whose boyfriend and zonked out best mate are trailer trash who botch an armed robbery. Pic takes us on a cross-country adventure as the trio head for the Mexican border. Nice little flick that holds its own with similar fare.
Sexy Beast, 2000
THIS movie is worth Ben Kingsley’s performance alone, yet we get Ray Winstone, Ian McShane and Amanda Redman thrown in. A UK/Spain co-pro, this little number shows Kingsley as Don Logan, a gangster who makes those around him almost shit themselves every time he speaks. Here is an actor at his peak, bringing all he has to the table and more. Anybody who gives Ray Winstone the shits deserves respect!
Bully, 2001
DIRECTOR Larry Clark was seen by some as stepping over the mark with Kids, and he doesn’t hold back with this one either. Brad Renfro plays Marty, who is sick of being bullied by pal Bobby. At the encouragement of Marty’s girlfriend, Lisa, motions are set in place that lead to deadly consequences. Great thing about Clark’s style is the lack of bullshit sentimentality. It conveys a realistic approach to how things like this occur, and doesn’t over-sympathise with the perpetrators of the crime. Rumour has it Bijou Phillips was furious at Clark for serruptiously using naked shots of her in the final edit - first she knew about it was at the premiere of the movie with then boyfriend Sean Lennon in tow.
Next: Most over rated films ever
Cinema Paradiso, 1988
Benny and Joon, 1993
Dazed and Confused, 1993
Naked, 1993
Heavenly Creatures, 1994
Love and a .45, 1994
Sexy Beast, 2000
Bully, 2001
Next: Most over rated films ever
Film & TV on DVD
I'm a fan of all of them, on the Sexy Beast tip have you seen Steven Soderbergh's The Limey? It's a great salute to John Boorman's Point Blank.
Yes I have seen The Limey, but haven't seen Point Blank. Will have to put it on the list. I do like most of Boorman's stuff. Steven Soderbergh.....hmmm..a bit hit (Erin Brockervich, Traffic) and miss (Solaris/Ocean's 12 & 13) with me..
Film & TV on DVD
I'm a fan of Soderbergh, for me his only duds were Erin Brokovich and the Oceans films.
I admit that i really ranked his Solaris remake as a captivating reimagination of the original that still offered the same substance.
Schizopolis, Out of Sight, Traffic, The Limey, King of the Hill and the Underneath are also big faves for me.
Boorman rules in a huge way. if your interested I did a Point Blank review HERE. and Hell in the Pacific HERE and Deliverance HERE