Overlooked Films

Dec 10, 2012
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In a world where a movie is a flop if it makes less than $500 million, it's very easy for quality films to fall through the cracks. This is where you can bring some attention to a movie that didn't bust blocks, or didn't make headlines, or maybe you didn't even know about when it came out, but turned out to be really good.

I rewatched Dredd (2012) yesterday, and it is indeed awesome. I haven't actually seen the mostly-maligned original version with Stallone, and I never read the comics it all came from, but it seems to me this was the best of all possible movies about Judge Dredd. The action is gory without being comically over the top, the plot is perfectly simple and the pacing keeps it moving throughout, they made a real effort to give us great visuals, and Karl Urban is a terribly underrated actor. It didn't make a splash when it came out, perhaps due to bad associations with the first one, and it obviously didn't make enough money to warrant a sequel, but it's such a well-made and entertaining action movie that it's a shame more people didn't give it a chance.

Now you go.
 

tippy2k2

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100% agree. I loved Dredd and really hope they do something else with it. Great action movie.

My choice is the movie that I will scream from the rooftops that action movie fans HAVE to see, if for any other reason it's so damn unqiue. Sharlto Copley is very quickly becoming one of my "Wait, he's in it? Sold. You can stop talking about the movie, I'm going to go see it" actors and this movie was kind of the final nail in that love coffin.

I speak of Hardcore Henry [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.945357-tippy2k2-tells-you-what-to-think-Hardcore-Henry]. It's not the best movie and it has a lot of rough patches to it but it is action packed and unique as hell with the camera work. I would strongly recommend people to give that movie a chance but be warned, people prone to motion sickness are excused from class because that movie is going to mess with you.
 

Hawki

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This is difficult, because there's plenty of films that are overlooked, but whether it's a surprise that they're overlooked is another matter. I mean, I saw 'A Quiet Passion' this year and haven't seen anyone talking about it, but I wouldn't expect them to here. But, I guess I can nominate:

Margin Call

Nominating this because while it has some big star talent attached to it (Kevin Spacey, Zachary Quinto, Paul Bettany, etc.), I never se e it be discussed in the same circles as, say, Wolf of Wall Street or even The Big Short, which, in the latter case, I think this film surpasses. Very good financial drama (is that a genre?) that didn't make the same waves as its contemporaries.

Total Recall

No, not the Arnie one, the 2012 one. And maybe it's not fair to say it was overlooked, as in, people turned their noses up at it. Looking at its earnings, it did make a profit, but not so much that I'm surprised by the lack of a sequel. Which is a shame, because while I think the 1990 film is slightly better, honestly, I think this film is pretty good. A good action flick that easily stands on its own (mostly).

Oblivion

Now this, I'd call overlooked without question. Both this and Edge of Tomorrow are sci-fi films that star Tom Cruise. Oblivion released in 2013, EoT in 2014. Yet while I saw people talking about EoT everywhere, Oblivion seemingly came and went without a word. And...I don't get it. I think this film is pretty good. Great visuals, good action, nice bits of intelligence within its story. All in all, I really liked this movie, yet to many, it might as well have not existed. I've never seen EoT, but it just struck me as a weird roll of the dice that one Tom Cruise sci-fi action film became so beloved, while another...wasn't.

The Reluctant Fundamentalist

Why don't people talk about this?

No, seriously, why? I mean, okay, like Oblivion this got average reviews, but it's one of the few 2013 films that gets a stamp of "excellent" from me (yes, I'm pouring through my movie list folder, thanks for asking), but I've never seen this film be discussed in the context of counter-terrorism and the post-9/11 world sphere. Because, IMO, it's easily one of the best takes on the subject I've seen, commenting on the nature of terrorism, response to terrorism, cultural conflict, and the nature of fundamentalism (not just religious) as a whole. But, it seems that this is just me.

Ender's Game

I'm not going to spend too much time on this one, because I can actually understand why this was overlooked. It's a story adaptation of a YA novel in a time where YA fatigue was starting to creep up, said novel being written by an author with...certain views on the LGBT community, with fans of said novel being put off by the film due to its deviations from the novel. So, on one hand, I understand why this made a plop in the ocean. But, I quite like this film. I wish it had more of an impact, but that's the way the cookie crumbles.

Woman in Gold

There's certain films I'm not including on this list, because while they never entered pop culture, they were still well received in their own circles. For instance, Calvary, which alongside Prince of Egypt, is what I'll show to anyone who says you can't make a good faith-based film. Woman in Gold gets here only because of its lead, Ryan Reynolds.

I say this because it's no secret that I dislike Deadpool, but people were hailing it as the rejuvination of Reynolds's career. Looking at his filmography page, I can sort of see why, and indeed, this film got mixed reviews. But, I really liked it. I also think it's a demonstration that Reynolds can indeed take on roles outside cocky test pilots or psychopaths weilding katanas. But, Deadpool came out the following year, so even if this film did better critically, it would have been overlooked regardless. But, I feel this film and its lead both deserve credit.

Mr. Holmes

I'm iffy about including this film, because it gets a stamp of average from me. On the other, I think it's kind of a shame that no-one talks about it, because it's easily one of the most unique takes I've seen on the Sherlock Holmes mythos, and Ian McKellan is spectacular in the role.

2010: The Year We Make Contact

I like 2010 more than 2001.

There. I said it. I like 2010 more than 2001, whereas book-wise, 2001>2010. But, that's just me. 2010 has always been overshadowed by 2001, while the few people who do discuss it at least admit that it's a decent film on its own, even if they prefer 2001. This could easily fill an entire thread by itself, so moving on...

Concussion & Focus

I'm bringing these two up, because in the leadup to Suicide Squad, there was talk about Will Smith's career failing, or whatnot. To which I went, "huh?" Didn't anyone see these films? Well, guess not. Like I said, I'm not going to talk about every film that has gone undiscussed, but I do want to bring these up. That said, while they both get stamps of "good," they aren't without fault. Focus is primarily interesting because of its use of a two-act structure rather than a traditional three-act one, whereas Concussion has the same fault that Loving has, that the achievements in it happen regardless of the protagonist. But, especially with Concussion, I want to give Will credit. Yes, he's known for more outgoing, wacky roles, but these films can show he can take on quieter, more intimate ones.

Also helps that the films are good, if flawed.

Hunt for the Wilderpeople

This film is hilarious. Absolutely hilarious. More hilarious if you're a Kiwi, but hilarious even to those of us across the pond. Or, to me at least. But I've never seen anyone discuss it, and even Stuckmann, IIRC, brought it up specifically to give it more limelight. Heck, it's the film that gives me some hope for Thor: Ragnarok not being bland tripe as they share the same director.

Money Monster

This film wasn't really overlooked - it was discussed, and the critical consensus was "meh." As such, under normal circumstances, I wouldn't include it. However, what struck me was what was being discussed specifically, namely the idea that the film was trying to comment on Wall Street, and failing. However, I never saw it as trying to do that. It deals with these things, but it's more a commentary on social media and public perception of events rather than any inditement on the shady dealings of the financial world. So, I do bring it up here, because at least in my mind, people were looking at it wrong. But, that's just me - I'm not necessarily the "one sane man."

Anyway, I'm sure there's others, but it's a long list, and I'm iffy as to what counts as "overlooked," so, um, yeah.
 

Neverhoodian

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Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. It's a love letter to pulpy adventure serials from the 1930's and 40's, complete with giant robots and ray guns.

While I love it, few others seem to share my sentiments, as the film bombed hard in theaters. The most common complaints I've heard are that the special effects are bad and the story is weak. Ummm, that's the goddamned point. The movie was intentionally made that way, because that's what those old films were like.

If you have a soft spot for movies like The Rocketeer and Captain America: The First Avenger I heartily recommend giving Sky Captain a whirl. It's good old-fashioned whizz-bang fun.
 

Trunkage

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Hawki said:
Margin Call

Nominating this because while it has some big star talent attached to it (Kevin Spacey, Zachary Quinto, Paul Bettany, etc.), I never se e it be discussed in the same circles as, say, Wolf of Wall Street or even The Big Short, which, in the latter case, I think this film surpasses. Very good financial drama (is that a genre?) that didn't make the same waves as its contemporaries.
I think Big Short was better regarded because it was based on actual events. But I've always liked Jeremy Irons so... what! Jeremy Irons isn't on your list! *shakes head*

Anyway

I second Dredd. Way better than expectations

Drive

You can tell this was a short story because there isn't much plot. Everything is taken slow and it feels like a Eastwood directed film. But its great.

Maybe Red Cliff. I doubt it didn't earn a tonne but I also doubt it's well known in the west
 

Hawki

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trunkage said:
I think Big Short was better regarded because it was based on actual events. But I've always liked Jeremy Irons so... what! Jeremy Irons isn't on your list! *shakes head*
Crap, how'd I forget Jeremy? :(

Poor Jeremy. I keep seeing him pop up in...films of questionable quality like Assassin's Creed, Eragon, Batman v Superman, and Dungeons and Dragons, but I know he's got it in him. The Man Who Knew Infinity is an example of great acting, and his cameo in Their Finest was good.

(And apparently he was in Kingdom of Heaven, but I can't remember where or when - been ages since I've seen that film.)
 

BrawlMan

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Ninja Assassin

Cat's Don't Dance - back when it first came out. But when it hit VHS mostly wasn't the case anymore.
 

chocolate pickles

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Darkman. Easily Neeson's best film, yet nobody I know has seen it. It's fun, stylish, and batshit crazy. Even the shiity 90's CGI adds to its charm. Go watch it.
 

Bob_McMillan

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Neverhoodian said:
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. It's a love letter to pulpy adventure serials from the 1930's and 40's, complete with giant robots and ray guns.

While I love it, few others seem to share my sentiments, as the film bombed hard in theaters. The most common complaints I've heard are that the special effects are bad and the story is weak. Ummm, that's the goddamned point. The movie was intentionally made that way, because that's what those old films were like.

If you have a soft spot for movies like The Rocketeer and Captain America: The First Avenger I heartily recommend giving Sky Captain a whirl. It's good old-fashioned whizz-bang fun.
Damn I watched this movie as a kid so many times, I loved the theme and the universe and of course that scene where they woke up in a bed naked.

OT: Yeah, Dredd was great.

I liked Equilibrium. Its probably a shit movie, but I still enjoyed it. I was expecting a happy ass ending but got a more realistic one instead.
 

Johnny Novgorod

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Neverhoodian said:
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow. It's a love letter to pulpy adventure serials from the 1930's and 40's, complete with giant robots and ray guns.

While I love it, few others seem to share my sentiments, as the film bombed hard in theaters. The most common complaints I've heard are that the special effects are bad and the story is weak. Ummm, that's the goddamned point. The movie was intentionally made that way, because that's what those old films were like.

If you have a soft spot for movies like The Rocketeer and Captain America: The First Avenger I heartily recommend giving Sky Captain a whirl. It's good old-fashioned whizz-bang fun.
Ebert gave that film a 4/4 review.

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sky-captain-and-the-world-of-tomorrow-2004

He always had a soft spot for dime store sci-fi. He gave similarly favorable reviews to movies like The Phantom and John Carter purely for being great at evoking that.
 

Squilookle

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I've said it before and I'll say it again: Sahara (2005).

I first heard about it over a year after it's movie run, and all I knew was it was about treasure hunters looking for a battleship in the middle of the desert.

I decided I had to see it just to find out how that battleship got there.

What I wasn't expecting was an absolute roaring good time adventure film that was half James Bond, half Indiana Jones, with such great chemistry between the two leads and a bumping 70's rock/orchestral soundtrack to boot. It grips you right from the start and just never lets up. So bloody good.

Neverhoodian said:
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow... The most common complaints I've heard are that the special effects are bad and the story is weak. Ummm, that's the goddamned point. The movie was intentionally made that way, because that's what those old films were like.
No, the old films were not like that. They had predictable elements, sure- much like superhero films today. But the best of the old films balanced tight pacing, heroes you cared for, villains with clear goals, and action that always moved the plot forward. The Rocketeer understood this. Star Wars understood this. The Mummy trilogy understood this. Sky Captain had no idea whatsoever. The aesthetic was fine, and the CGI everything wasn't bad either. It was the flat story and characters that made it so dull.
 

PsychedelicDiamond

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Aww man, contrarian time:

Southland Tales

It's a surprisingly overlooked dystopian science fiction movie that was initially meant as a satire of Bush's America but somehow only became more relevant as time went on. It's an extremely intelligent, extremely witty movie in the vain of Thomas Pynchon, Philipp K. Dick and David Foster Wallace, a postmodernist take on the end times as filtered through the cultural sensibilities of mid 00s America and its political and social landscape. It's darkly funny, thought provoking and has a lot to say about just what the hell went wrong after 9/11.

Speed Racer

An entertaining, fast paced, visually stunning live action cartoon courtesy of the Wachkowski sisters. It has an incredibly unique aesthetic somewhere between 50s futurism, 60s psychedelia and 70s anime and behind that there is a surprisingly heartfelt story about true integrity and genuine passion for your sport trumping the commercialisation and franchising thereof. It's great if you're a kid and arguably even greater when you're an adult. and either way it's a damn good time.

Batman v Superman

I know I keep bringing this up but it's a misunderstood masterpiece and I stand by that. It's an astoundingly subversive critical examination of its titular characters and the current socio-political climatethey exist in. It does for the 10s what Watchmen back in the day did for the 80s. Telling a story about how american capitalism is inevitably leading into fascism, how justice becomes corrupted when men try to take it into their own hands, how the absence of god leads to the creation of idols and how twisted our worldview has become in the last 10 years. It salvages the the authoritarian fever dream that Nolan made of the Batman mythos by turning its grim, post Noland Batman into a standin for the increasingly radicalized american society, easily manipulated by the cabal of national-capitalist hatepreachers turning them against their fellow men and yet redeems him at the end. It's an amazing movie that went way over the heads of most critics.

The Straight Story

I'm an unapologetic David Lynch fanboy as... you can clearly see. And like most of his fans I appreciate him for widening the possibilities of narrative cinema by his introduction of experimental surrealist elements into deeply personal and psychological stories and for developing his own personal dreamlike visual style that's somehow more and somehow less prominent in his films. Straight Story is a lot more straightforward and a lot less abstract than his usual fare, nonetheless it might be his most emotionally resonant work. It chronicles its elderly protagonists journey to meet his brother one last time but moreso, it chronicles the odyssey of the last cowboy, the stellar performance of Richard Farnsworth as Alvin Straight serving as the centerpiece of a heartbreakingly sincere and optimistic roadmovie. Alvin Straight is the logical endpoint for a lynchian protagonist, a man who walked through darkness only to find pure light at the end of it and who spreads that light to everyone he meets. All the interactions he has with other characters have a pure and untainted humanity to them that's touching rather than corny and makes for a movie that I can only call a thing of absolute beauty. It's one of my favourite movies by far and if you don't take any of my other recommendations, at least take this one.
 

Thaluikhain

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Definitely Dredd, yeah. All the movies I like seem to get their sequels cancelled.

2010...yeah, ok. Sahara and Darkman, maybe.
 
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A film called The Fall by Tarsem Singh. Lee Pace and his amazing eyebrows are in the hospital with a broken spine, and he encounters the best goddamn child actor you are ever going to watch. He starts telling her stories to befriend her, since he has ulterior motives (non-paedophilic ones, thankfully), and we see the story from the point of view from her imagination and oh my god it is beautiful. Tarsem has a track record for making films with bizarre but enthralling visuals, and here he has an excuse since its all in the mind of a highly creative child. But its more than just looks (unlike some of his other films), as its fascinating to see how events in the girl's life influence the way she's imagining the story. For example, all the characters in the story are people from the girl's life but exactly which person sometimes changes depending on her interactions.
Seriously, the film is gorgeous but stays engaging when you go further than skin deep, the characters and reactions are interesting and, once again, the little girl is endlessly fun to watch. Go see it
 

Imre Csete

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Mine would be Death to Smoochy (2002). It bombed and has a low rating, but I have a soft spot for dark comedy, not to mention it has great actors in it. Robin Williams is hamming it up to eleven, and Edward Norton shows great range as a dumb hippie compared to his previous roles in American History X and Fight Club.
 

Hawki

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PsychedelicDiamond said:
Batman v Superman
You could argue that it's an underrated film, but it's certainly not an overlooked film.
 

busterkeatonrules

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Imre Csete said:
Mine would be Death to Smoochy (2002). It bombed and has a low rating, but I have a soft spot for dark comedy, not to mention it has great actors in it. Robin Williams is hamming it up to eleven, and Edward Norton shows great range as a dumb hippie compared to his previous roles in American History X and Fight Club.
I saw that movie once, fifteen years ago, and the image of Williams as a half-crazed hobo gleefully baking penis-shaped cookies over a barrel of burning trash sticks with me to this day.

On topic: Brain Donors (1992).

Brain Donors was an attempt by the Zucker brothers (Airplane!) to revive the comedy style of the Marx brothers. Magnificent gags, both visual and verbal, are constantly launched left and right with the intensity and vigor of machine gun fire. John Turturro (!) is a total blast as the Groucho of the ensemble, and the story is a frantically paced retread of A Night at the Opera with touches of A Day at the Races thrown in for good measure.

Paramount bigwigs are outright ashamed of this movie, and it is very difficult to hunt down. I was a kid when it came out on VHS, to minimal fanfare, and I must have passed it by a hundred times in the video store before I finally decided to take a chance on it.

It instantly became my new favorite movie, and I rented it every other week for almost a decade. The first ten or so times I watched it, I was alternating between howling with laughter and gasping for breath. I swear, this movie almost killed me.

 

KissingSunlight

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busterkeatonrules said:
Imre Csete said:
Mine would be Death to Smoochy (2002). It bombed and has a low rating, but I have a soft spot for dark comedy, not to mention it has great actors in it. Robin Williams is hamming it up to eleven, and Edward Norton shows great range as a dumb hippie compared to his previous roles in American History X and Fight Club.
I saw that movie once, fifteen years ago, and the image of Williams as a half-crazed hobo gleefully baking penis-shaped cookies over a barrel of burning trash sticks with me to this day.

On topic: Brain Donors (1992).

Brain Donors was an attempt by the Zucker brothers (Airplane!) to revive the comedy style of the Marx brothers. Magnificent gags, both visual and verbal, are constantly launched left and right with the intensity and vigor of machine gun fire. John Turturro (!) is a total blast as the Groucho of the ensemble, and the story is a frantically paced retread of A Night at the Opera with touches of A Day at the Races thrown in for good measure.

Paramount bigwigs are outright ashamed of this movie, and it is very difficult to hunt down. I was a kid when it came out on VHS, to minimal fanfare, and I must have passed it by a hundred times in the video store before I finally decided to take a chance on it.

It instantly became my new favorite movie, and I rented it every other week for almost a decade. The first ten or so times I watched it, I was alternating between howling with laughter and gasping for breath. I swear, this movie almost killed me.

I don't remember Brain Donors. Then again, I was living in a small town that didn't get a lot of movies.

On topic: My facebook page is a weekly tribute of overlooked movies. So, I'll keep it to the movies this year. I would recommend The Belko Experiment and Baby Driver. Even though, not a perfect movie, I would also recommend The Circle. That one is a provocative movie about the intrusive nature of social media and the internet.
 

Saelune

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Does A Knight's Tale count? I dont even know why, but I love that movie. The Joker, Vision, Robert Baratheon, and the droid from Rogue One team up to be a jousting team.
 

Autumnflame

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Unthinkable,
movies about Terrorism and ethics of torture with Samuel L Jackson and Carrie anne moss
A must watch and saying more would be spoilers

Predestination.

Time travel done right, i will say no more because this great movie must be watched unspoiled.