Underrated films and hidden gems: Spoiler-free recommendations for those cozy film nights!
These days, finding a not-so-well-known movie on IMDB with an intriguing plot summary and a low score seems almost like a good sign.
What do I mean by this? At risk of sounding like a pompous ass, I must say that the big majority of consumers of media are painfully average. Even with the inexhaustible variety of options that are easily accessible on the internet, most people are naturally satisfied with the average and commonplace – to reflect this, the word “basic” has become one commonly used insult nowadays. Moreover, they don’t like having to do a lot of thinking by themselves and prefer to assimilate pre-filtered, lightened down material and imitate what others do. Most people are followers, and they just feel more comfortable being told what to think or do.
But hey, the quirky and strange wouldn’t be special, quirky and strange if it was universally liked, right?
Many of the most original, creative and imaginative films that now achieved cult status flopped at box office. Donnie Darko was a flop. So were the Big Lebowski, the beautifully tragic Requiem for a Dream and Blade Runner. Yes, Blade fucking Runner, one of the best movies of all time and also my personal favorite. What do all of these movies have in common?
- They are out of the ordinary.
- They pushed the boundaries.
- They don’t have a happy ending (or at least, a 100% positive, soap opera/Julia Roberts romantic comedy kind of ending).
- They are thought-provoking (something some people have a strong aversion for) and require some attention to detail, patience and curiosity in order to be fully understood and enjoyed.
Watching films is one the activities I enjoy the most and invest most time in. I am always looking for quirky and cool films to watch. And judging by my numerous hours spent perusing "top [insert number here] best movies" lists, sometime it would seem like all of us have seen the same 200 movies or so. Sure the world has much more to offer, right?
In this series, that I will update periodically, I will present you some not-so popular options, but unexpectedly good finds in my search for cool and offbeat movies. May they enrich your cinematic experience and become a new addition for your repertoire!
I will start with one for those looking for some light fun for a relaxed evening:
Gentlemen Broncos (2009)
By reading the title, I expected this to be one of those American football movies where Keanu Reeves saves the day in the end and everyone in the team are “bros”. I’d rather wash my clean laundry, thanks.
However, as soon as the introductory credits started, I could notice it was something special.
What is it about?
The film introduces us to an imaginative but shy/awkward teenage boy with a passion for writing science fiction stories. His name is Benjamin and he lives in what seems to be a tiny world full of singular and freaky characters (starting with his mother) that sprout everywhere like mushrooms. He enrolls in a writing camp where he gets to meet his hero –a famous science fiction writer called Chevalier– and gets him to read one of his stories; as a result of this Benjamin’s life as a writer will be forever changed (and not for the reasons you think).
What makes it special and worth watching?
It is directed by Jared Hess (of Napoleon Dynamite fame), and I would dare to say it is funnier and better written than ND. As soon as it starts, you realize that you are in for something special: the opening credits are composed of old-school looking sci-fi covers, like you would find in the coolest, most eccentric and hidden second-hand library of your dreams. Then you are introduced to this teenage writer boy whose world looks almost normal, except it is constantly permeated with freaky happenings and overall bizarre –and hilarious- situations. The story is very simple and predictable, yes, but the merit lies in the way they tell it and the myriad of quirky details and hilarious over-the-top imaginative scenes that is made of.
One of the user critics in IMDB describes the movie as being “heavy on personality and light on depth”. While such statement holds some truth, it reminded me of that lady I overheard going out of a screening of Kick Ass complaining that the movie “wasn’t realistic”. You should know what you’re in for; this is not a drama, nor a psychological piece: it is just a movie intended to be funny, entertaining, slightly cheesy and ironic. Take it for what it is, otherwise is like going shopping to H&M and then complain they don’t offer any haute couture in there.
Give it a try! If you were a geeky kid (you still are, be honest with yourself!), you’ll surely find plenty of recognizable elements and reminiscences of your past happy days.
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Image sources: Photos are mine except #2 (modified by me, source unknown!), and 3-5
Thanks for the movie ideas!!
My pleasure :)
A film that doesn't have great audience acceptance is Under the Skin, I would urge you to watch it. Personally I think it's a very interesting well put together movie, although a little uncomfortable at times.
Under the skin was one of those films that upon first viewing I didn't really like, but the second time I found it great. I think the first time I was just in the wrong mindset and not managing to fully submerge into the film's atmosphere.
I watched it once more after reading the novel it is based on (I really got into Michel Faber's writing after reading Crimson Petal and The Book of Strange New Things) and I was really fascinated by its eerie and otherworldly feel; also learning how it was filmed (using hidden cameras to record real people's reactions) helped me appreciate it more.
I might include it here in the future, @drummond Thanks for the idea!
Citizen Kane, It's a wonderful life... The list of movies who flopped at the beginning before to acquire this veneer of cultural icon is endless :) it's part of the master pieces cycles sometimes!
Well @herverisson, you know what they say: what will repel most people, will also attract the right people ;-)
Well, nowadays most of the films are centred on special effect and sci-fi. People actually like this stuff. When it comes to a Romedy or Classic thriller plot, people don't give that movie the attention they need. That's why even after having a marvelous plot, movie considered to be a flop.
There are some people who still likes good plot movies but still majority of movie watchers go for Sci-fi and vfx movies.
Anyways good sharing @irime. You can also add 'V for Vendetta' in your list. Its a great movie.
Right, actually Science Fiction is my favorite genre, however most of these popular "sci-fi" films that become blockbusters are the kind that are more centered on visuals and action rather than using science fiction as a tool to explore different philosophical aspects of life and human nature (like Blade Runner, Gattaca, Arrival and Ex Machina).
Some films somehow manage to combine it all: a great, intelligent plot, amazing visuals and thrilling action scenes and become popular favorites (like Inception), but unfortunately for most films it takes a certain "acceptance period" before they get the deserved recognition.
V for Vendetta is indeed a great film but I am not sure it fits the "underrated and hidden" criteria that I intended for this section... ;-)
Thanks for your comment, @cryptonet!
Check out Cloud Atlas. It was deemed unfilmable yet they made an amazing work of Art with it. It was also the biggest independent movie production ever.
@vimukthi I have seen it. It is indeed a fantastic visual extravaganza, but strangely I didn't manage to fully connect with the film; I feel that the project was a bit too ambitious and ended up falling short. However, I much prefer this kind of adventurous approach to film making than the usual Hollywood crowd-pleasers.
I have seen this movie, it is absolutely wonderful. You hit the nail on the head as well with the other movies listed, people want an easy movie, something they can digest before exiting the theater.
I am glad at least someone has seen it and liked it, @thestamos :-)
Yes, I think a lot of moviegoers are really interested in pure entertainment, as if using your brain to solve a thrilling puzzle wasn't also highly rewarding!
Exactly, I love movies that I am still thinking about the next day, the ones that beg you to watch them again. They reward you with new revelations every time you watch.
@thestamos What a beautiful way to describe the experience, I completely agree, seems like we look for the same things in a film.
This is a great idea for posts. I entirely agree that much of what the film studios are churning out these days are complete rubbish, appealing to the lowest common denominator of consumer interests. I look forward to more posts!
I think what frustrates me the most is that I am sure that there are TONS of amazing novel stories out there waiting for a chance to be showcased, yet Hollywood seems to be hellbent on pushing this never ending stream of cheesy remakes that nobody asked for: like 3x Ninja Turtle films, Ghostbusters "but with women this time", Power Rangers, Baywatch... seriously?
@rarebooksleuth, a great way to make this series of post more diverse and interactive would be to hear recommendations from other users, so I am all ears!
My recommendation today would be The Invitation, directed by Karyn Kusama, released in 2015. It's a fairly low budge, albeit extremely effective, psychological thriller.
I like these movie gems
Oh Anton YELCHIN!...god bless you!..Gone too soon!..Un acteur qui te fait aimé le cinéma!
Yes, taken from us so soon. Here is a movie of his that is not well known but I liked
@rjona1 I can see you have a thing for the Zoeys ;-)
I liked Ruby Sparks, even if the writing and dialogue feels a bit too whimsical and girly at times, I thought the premise of the film was quite original and was explored in an interesting way. Also I have a weakness for Paul Dano so I might be a bit biased, hehe. I really enjoy his performances.
Driftless Area sounds interesting!
yes , those two rarely become lead actresses in a big budget movie. But when they do become leads , the story story is quirky and beautiful
It's a fucking musical-"ish" about a 200 year old virgin vampire who lives with his mother and meets the reincarnation of his soul mate every 24 years and falls in love with her, only for her to be murdered by a peg-legged pirate with a giant ham bone. He also has a womanizing reflection who berates him every chance he gets. Features music greats such as Toni Basil, Thomas Dolby, and Bo fucking Diddly.
Stop what you are doing and watch this movie.
Man, I hate musicals with a passion (reason why I controversially cannot stand The Rocky Horror Picture Show), but I might have to make an exception for this one, thanks for the recommendation! He he... @themadgoat
It's not technically a musical. The vampire is in a band so they play songs but they don't just randomly break into song.
If you want to watch some great movies then stop watching AAA productions. There are plenty of national movies from France, Czech or Poland.
As example i can recommend you https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Drown_Dr._Mracek,_the_Lawyer It will be hard to download it with english subtitles but it's worth to watch!
Certainly, but besides the issue of the availability, sometimes it is really like looking for the needle in the haystack and I am afraid I am not the most patient person... however one can find really off-kilter stuff and unique films, I had a great time watching South Korean/Indonesian films, and other quirky stuff from Asian cinema.
Please feel free to recommend, I am always looking for new interesting stuff, and thanks for this suggestion! @gerr.
I haven't watched to many movies nor do i care to that much I was getting a kick out of your introduction . The way you describe people is the they have always been I love it!
Yeah, funnily enough it seems that people quite enjoyed my rant... maybe it was more accurate than I thought?