What movies have you seen that weren't heavily advertised, yet turned out to be excellent.

We watched "Frailty" last night. Husband took our boy and one of his friends to the video store to let them get some games, and rented it because he thought it looked good. It turned out to be great. Kept us on the edge of our seats, and even though it was about a serial killer, there was none of the usual gore and slashing you would associate with such a film. The ending took me totally by surprise. Not what I expected at all.


http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/frailty/about.php

Would definitely recommend it.

:) Sierra

its an excellent film that only got a limited release over here. Other overlooked films such as Series 7 (the contenders), Requiem for the Dream, Tape, Session 9 and Cube are also worth checking out.

I was surprised myself, as I'd never heard of this movie, yet it was made in 2002.

:) Sierra

I think Happy Gilmore is very underrated. Adam Sadlers best work in my opinion!

Originally posted by robbie
its an excellent film that only got a limited release over here. Other overlooked films such as Series 7 (the contenders), Requiem for the Dream, Tape, Session 9 and Cube are also worth checking out.
requiem for a dream is good - but difficult viewing - what about Elephant and magnolia both works of genius and masterpieces of american cinema

I thought Star Wars Episode 2 was decent, but the SW nerds all tore it to shreds and hated on it... They need to get a life IMO.

At least Jar Jar bloody Binks wasn't a focal point in the storyline like he was in Episode 1.

I watched 'the Butterfly Effect' with an old pal one afternoon when we didn't have much else to do... It was really good! A bit like 'Memento', but easier to understand. I recommend it!

Watched Requiem For A Dream last night

Quite good really. The sex scenes should be edited out and the film showed to school kids. That'll stop a few of them trying drugs :wink:

The Station Agent is brilliant, as is Punch Drunk Love. Roger Dodger is also worth watching, if you can get past the stupid flashy camerawork.

Originally posted by Deavon
I watched 'the Butterfly Effect' with an old pal one afternoon when we didn't have much else to do... It was really good! A bit like 'Memento', but easier to understand. I recommend it!

I felt exactly the same way about The Butterfly Effect. I was reluctant to watch it because I hate Ashton Kutcher and think he's a terrible actor but I found it compelling and moving viewing.

Requiem For A Dream was also very good, but if you think the film was hard work, try the book. The lack of punctuation is infuriating.

Originally posted by Sierra
What movies have you seen that weren't heavily advertised, yet turned out to be excellent...

:) Sierra
Savior starring Dennis Quaid, Nastassja Kinski, Stellan Skarsgard, Produced by Oliver Stone, Directed by Peter Antonijevic.

Blah, blah, blah, set in war-torn Bosnia, blah, blah.

Very, very, good, moving and well acted, but not one for the kiddies.

My addition is Boiler Room a brilliant film with a young Ben Affleck and Vin Diesel (not playign an action hero!).

The real star of the film is the lead role taken by Giovanni Ribisi, he makes the role his own and I can't see anyone else doing it as well as him.

Good, if cleverly done, soundtrack to it too.

Wilf

Equilibrium was really good I thought. Really good story and very original fight scenes.

The Iron Giant is THE MOST UNDERRATED ANIMATED MOVIE EVER (TM)

The Rules of Attraction, Almost Famous and The hudsucker Proxy. Maybe not underrated but are defenitely under appreciated.

Fraility, Cube, Requiem, Magnolia :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

Boiler Room, Butterfly Effect, Ep II, Elephant :huh: :huh: :huh: :huh:


Especially Elephant but they are all just not to my taste, glad you all liked them though.

Originally posted by foo_fighter
Savior starring Dennis Quaid, Nastassja Kinski, Stellan Skarsgard, Produced by Oliver Stone, Directed by Peter Antonijevic.

Blah, blah, blah, set in war-torn Bosnia, blah, blah.

Very, very, good, moving and well acted, but not one for the kiddies.

I agree! Although it has to be one of the most depressing films of all time as well! Up there with se7en.

Equilibrium was really good I thought. Really good story and very original fight scenes.

Agreed :thumbsup:
The gun kata's (spelling) were amazing. Blowing a door off it's hinges, sliding into a pitch black room on it and then letting rip while staying cool as a cucumber. None of the special effects of Matrix but just as good! Kristian Bale did really well in the lead role!

Originally posted by vidster
Agreed :thumbsup:
The gun kata's (spelling) were amazing. Blowing a door off it's hinges, sliding into a pitch black room on it and then letting rip while staying cool as a cucumber. None of the special effects of Matrix but just as good! Kristian Bale did really well in the lead role!
I second that my friend :thumbsup:

Episode II is one of my fave films, but i am a star wars nut!! :D

Originally posted by robbie
its an excellent film that only got a limited release over here. Other overlooked films such as Series 7 (the contenders), Requiem for the Dream, Tape, Session 9 and Cube are also worth checking out.

Series 7 The Contenders is fantastic.. worth a view just for the sheer quality of it!

Originally posted by Deavon
I watched 'the Butterfly Effect' with an old pal one afternoon when we didn't have much else to do... It was really good! A bit like 'Memento', but easier to understand. I recommend it!

Yep, I second this, recommended to a friend too who loves it.
A fab film and entirely whips Memento into submission!

I think Donnie Darko was a bit of a sleeper when it was first released.

Quality IMO.

I thought that Cube was a disappointment.

Wonder Boys was underexposed.

Not sure about underrated ?

The Butterfly Effect was ok-ish. Not exactly inspiring.

Cube - interesting premise and a cool opening, but it sinks back into ordinariness pretty fast.

Boiler Room - pretty good, but a poor man's Glengarry Glen Ross to be honest.

Donnie Darko - very good film. Belive the hype!

Just to throw another one into the mix:

Swingers is just so money and it doesn't even know it.

Kes, The Big Man, Sweet Sixteen. 3 gritty films from different eras set in working class backgrounds and each with a sad message. I often wonder what ever happened to those young school lads from Barnsley in the Kes film who were real amateur actors. Billy Connolley is superb in the Big Man. Would you let him look after your dog ? I saw Sweet Sixteen recently on TV. The channel listings didn't really sell the film so i only watched it as there wasn't much else to watch. Wow, what a powerful story. I went and bought it on DVD the following day.

Originally posted by Zebra
Yep, I second this, recommended to a friend too who loves it.
A fab film and entirely whips Memento into submission!
have to agree also, it was a good movie!

Originally posted by BrainThrust
My addition is Boiler Room a brilliant film with a young Ben Affleck and Vin Diesel (not playign an action hero!).

The real star of the film is the lead role taken by Giovanni Ribisi, he makes the role his own and I can't see anyone else doing it as well as him.

Good, if cleverly done, soundtrack to it too.

Wilf

I've been a teeny tiny bit in love with Giovanni Ribisi ever since he was in a episode of the X-Files with Jack Black.

But my vote would go to Grosse Pointe Black - I adore that film.

Originally posted by Greenback
The Station Agent is brilliant, as is Punch Drunk Love. Roger Dodger is also worth watching, if you can get past the stupid flashy camerawork.

It sounds like you're into the same films as me Greenback - I've got all those on DVD. I also particularly like: The Good Thief, Summer Things, Swimming Pool and Matchstick Men.

Wasn't entirely convinced by Donnie Darko however.

Originally posted by Yorky
Kes, The Big Man, Sweet Sixteen. 3 gritty films from different eras set in working class backgrounds and each with a sad message. I often wonder what ever happened to those young school lads from Barnsley in the Kes film who were real amateur actors. Billy Connolley is superb in the Big Man. Would you let him look after your dog ? I saw Sweet Sixteen recently on TV. The channel listings didn't really sell the film so i only watched it as there wasn't much else to watch. Wow, what a powerful story. I went and bought it on DVD the following day.

Totally agree with you Yorky :) David Bradley (now Dai?!) who was Billy in Kes is starring as a priest in a new film, Asylum, he looks exactly the same! -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bradford/films/2005/film_festival_dai_bradley.shtml

The young boy in Sweet 16, Martin Compston, was also plucked from obscurity. A teacher had set up the auditions and no-one had bothered to turn up. Not wanting to look like a numpty he asked Martin and a couple of mates go along! The movie was recently show on BBC2 - I couldn't believe it but it had subtitles!!!! :confused:

some more for you:

Lilya-4-Ever
Pi
Existenz
Waking Life
Garden State
Before Sunrise/Sunset

I keep hearing good things about the Japanese film Casshern.

Anyone seen it and is it better than the matrix as some people have said?

Originally posted by LittlestLass
....But my vote would go to Grosse Pointe Black - I adore that film.

Grosse Pointe Blank - great film. Forgot that one.

Also like:
Pitch Black
Love, Honour & Obey
Young Americans (Harvey Keitel)

does any one remember 'brazil' a terry gilliam film...ace.
one to look out for is Angel Heart which starred mickey rourke in deep south detective voodoo romp! also with Lisa Bonet off of the cosby show (for t'lads).memorable line "the future ain't what it used to be"

Ken Park - best film I've seen in yonks..

Originally posted by HottyMcBuff
The Iron Giant is THE MOST UNDERRATED ANIMATED MOVIE EVER

I agree, it's a great film, so is "The Dark Couldron".

Originally posted by ANGELUS
I keep hearing good things about the Japanese film Casshern.

Anyone seen it and is it better than the matrix as some people have said?

looks amazing. The plot is a bit messy and you have to check your brain in at the kiosk.

worth seeing though

If you ever get to see a film called 'The Devils Backbone' then do it. It's a spanish film, very simple story but amazing acting, scenery and very, very spooky.

Top film.:thumbsup:

agree with lily04 and co- sweet sixteen was excellent- brilliant writing and acting.
another more recent one is dead man's shoes- went to see it cos the film we meant to see had already started, expected it to be a bit pants, but blimey, was it good!

I heard that 'The Village' was rubbish and when i watched it i really enjoyed it! It wasn't scary at all, but that was part of why it was so good!

I dont remember seeing alot about 'Mona Lisa Smile' and thought that was a good film for the ladies!

Bubba Ho-tep is a brilliant film that i had never heard of! It stars Bruce Campbell and has a bit of an 'Evil Dead' feel to it! Brilliant!

Originally posted by Lestat
If you ever get to see a film called 'The Devils Backbone' then do it. It's a spanish film, very simple story but amazing acting, scenery and very, very spooky.

Top film.:thumbsup:

again, seconded. 9have the poster on my wall:D )

its difficult as do you class foreign films as underated?

if so:

My Sassy Girl
Il Mare
Take Care of my Cat
20:30:40
Spring, Autumn, Summer, Winter, Spring
City of lost Children
Avalon
Brotherhood of the Wolf

Couple more I've thought of...

Rush (Jason Patric & Jennifer Jason Leigh)
Menace II Society
Juice

I Can Remember Watching A Film Called "Clerks." One Night On Sky.
I Was Going To Turn If Off When I Saw It Was In Black & White,But Stuck With It & Really Enjoyed It.
The Next Time It Was On I Recorded It And Lent It Out To A Few Friends,All Of Which Enjoyed It Too.One Even Went Out And Bought It On Video.
I'll Have To See If I've Still Got It Somewhere And Have Another Watch-See If It's Still As good As I Remember It.

I agree on Boiler Room, and Series 7 the Contender- I actually went to see this at the cinema on my own at uni because none of my friends had heard of it (therefore didn't think it could possibly be any good if they'd never heard of it!) and thoroughly enjoyed myself!

Also I would recommend "The Shape of Things" with Rachel Weisz and Paul Rudd- it's a film version of a play by Neil LaBute, "Igby Goes Down" and "Possession"- total chick flick but the cast is good and if you're in the mood for an 'intelligent' chick flick it's not bad!

On the subject of Neil Labute, "In The Company Of Men" and "Your Friends & Neighbours" are top notch. Bleak, dark and disturbingly funny.

Good to see Robbie giving the heads up to "Lilya 4 Ever"- an utter masterpiece. "Together", by the same director, is equally brilliant.

Korea seem to be coming out with some of the most original cinema at the moment. Chan Woon Park's films are fantastic- "Oldboy" & "Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance" are unlike anything that's ever come out of Hollywood. Unique storytelling, strong acting and beautiful cinematography.

For me, the best British film of recent time- "Dead Man's Shoes".

Can't agree with the comment that claims "The Butterfly Effect" beats "Memento" into submission.

I thought Collateral with Tom Cruise was excellent when I saw it at the cinema. I've since bought it on DVD.

Clerks is amazing!! They have just re-released it for the 10 year anniversary as well!

One i was suprised with was Green Mile. I HATE Tom Hanks so assumed it would be poo but got suckered into watching it and actually really liked it.

the United States of Leland
Napoleon Dynamite

2 really great moives with no hype about them whatsoever.

united states of leland was only on for about a week or two at ugc and was wanting to watch it again but theyd taken it off! was quite disapointed about that. anyone else seen this movie?

Originally posted by Tubthump
Korea seem to be coming out with some of the most original cinema at the moment. Chan Woon Park's films are fantastic- "Oldboy" & "Sympathy For Mr. Vengeance" are unlike anything that's ever come out of Hollywood. Unique storytelling, strong acting and beautiful cinematography.

Oldboy is great, though after watching it again the other day I can't help but think it's overcooked a little bit towards the end. Sympathy for Lady Vengeance should be coming out over here soon, which I'm looking forward to.

Originally posted by Tubthump
For me, the best British film of recent time- "Dead Man's Shoes".

Can't agree with the comment that claims "The Butterfly Effect" beats "Memento" into submission.

Agreed, and agreed. The Butterfly Effect is abysmal.

Maybe Glengarry Glen Ross comes into the 'underrated' category? The scene with Alec Baldwin as the ass-kicking sales rep sent from downtown, from Mitch and Murray, is dynamite - and it's not even in the original David Mamet play. I could quite happily quote from GGR all day...

"Who are you? What's your name?"
"You see this watch? You see this watch?
"Yeah."
"That watch costs more than you car. I made $970,000 last year. How much you make? You see pal, that's who I am, and you're nothing."

fantastic four - publicly slated & very enjoyable comic film.
the unsaid - if anyone can guess the end i'll buy 'em a drumstick lolly.(bought on dvd prior to showing on sky)

I saw Fantastic 4 this morning, and actually fell asleep for a good 10 minutes or so of the film.. :gag:

thats not unusual my wife fell sleep for nearly all of "seven".

Originally posted by Greenback

Maybe Glengarry Glen Ross comes into the 'underrated' category? The scene with Alec Baldwin as the ass-kicking sales rep sent from downtown, from Mitch and Murray, is dynamite - and it's not even in the original David Mamet play. I could quite happily quote from GGR all day...

"Who are you? What's your name?"
"You see this watch? You see this watch?
"Yeah."
"That watch costs more than you car. I made $970,000 last year. How much you make? You see pal, that's who I am, and you're nothing."

That scene is brilliant. I would have liked to have seen the stage play version.

Dancer in the Dark by Lars Von Trier. Amazing film, incredibly powerful. I'm not sure if you can call it underrated since it won lots of awards at Cannes, but try asking people if they want to watch a musical starring Bjork (and a pretty depressing musical to boot) and you can hardly blame them for staring at you like you're crazy.

Recently watched Maria Full of Grace. Made by HBO films, it won all sorts of awards, but I'd not heard of it. Very good movie.

http://www.mariafullofgrace.com/index.html

:) Sierra

add to the list:

And Jeunet film (excluding Alien Resurection)
Whale Rider
Igby Goes Down
Danish for Beginners
Sommersault

Originally posted by csymeonides
Dancer in the Dark by Lars Von Trier. Amazing film, incredibly powerful. I'm not sure if you can call it underrated since it won lots of awards at Cannes, but try asking people if they want to watch a musical starring Bjork (and a pretty depressing musical to boot) and you can hardly blame them for staring at you like you're crazy.

On the Lars Von Trier theme:

Breaking The Waves
Dogville.

Both excellent. His films tend to follow the trend of dragging his leading female characters though a narrative mincer almost to the point of voyeuristic misogyny.

Originally posted by robbie
add to the list:

Igby Goes Down


Igby Goes Down is an absolutely fantastic movie. One I bought on DVD as soon as it came out. I found my DVD of Roger Doger again this weekend - another great film!

I recently saw The Wedding Date...a very nice film with a twist. Has Debra Messing from 'everyone loves Raymond'
:thumbsup:

Lots of good ones here already, especially Requiem for a Dream, Elephant, The Iron Giant, Glengarry Glen Ross.

"American Splendour" was a really wonderful film which I didn't hear a lot about at the time.

Also "The Agronomist", a documentary by Jonathan Demme (who made Silence of the Lambs) which showed briefly at the Showroom last year - absolutely marvellous, and very moving, but I've never heard it mentioned anywhere by anyone other than me!

And "Kitchen Stories", a Swedish film which was absolutely hilarious and again very moving.

Anything by the Coen Brothers with the exception of Intolerable Cruelty. My fave is Barton Fink.

On a Euro tip- "Festen (Celebration)" is as hard hitting and potent as dramas come. Plus it's the first Dogme 95 film. Definitely worth checking out.

Anybody ever see a film called "The Gods Must Be Crazy"? I thought it was hilarious!

I too loved Equlibrium - massively underrated. I also like Gattaca an awful lot - Equlibrium, I thought was a bit of a mix of that and the Matrix.

I don't think Madonna got enough credit for Evita. I thought she was fantastic and very un madonna-ish.

My favourite ever film - Moulin Rouge never gets enough attention - it inspired my entire on line persona!

Originally posted by absynthfairy
I don't think Madonna got enough credit for Evita. I thought she was fantastic and very un madonna-ish.
Heh, my Uncle made Madonna's coffin (http://www.keirlusby.com/film/f05.htm).

Originally posted by DanSumption
Heh, my Uncle made Madonna's coffin (http://www.keirlusby.com/film/f05.htm).

Thats great that!

Wish my claim to fame was as good - I sold a mobile phone to Bobby Ball.

Originally posted by Tubthump
Anything by the Coen Brothers with the exception of Intolerable Cruelty. My fave is Barton Fink.

The Coen brothers are geniuses! If you haven't seen them yet, watch Raising Arizona http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raising_Arizona

The Big Lebowski http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Big_Lebowski

And Fargo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fargo_%28movie%29

I've not seen Barton Fink, I'll have to watch it. I also didn't care for Intolerable Cruelty.

Originally posted by JonJParr
Anybody ever see a film called "The Gods Must Be Crazy"? I thought it was hilarious!

I saw it. It was hilarious!

:) Sierra

Originally posted by absynthfairy
Thats great that!

Wish my claim to fame was as good - I sold a mobile phone to Bobby Ball.

i built a fireplace for Sid Little (In Torquay) :D

Originally posted by Bedhead
i built a fireplace for Sid Little (In Torquay) :D
When I was working for my uncle, I built a workman's tent (the red-and-white-striped variety) which Roland Rat used to drive out of at the beginning of his show every week! :)

Hmm... meanwhile, back on topic...

Made is a great film, probably Vince Vaughn's best yet.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0227005/

Originally posted by liencam
Made is a great film, probably Vince Vaughn's best yet.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0227005/

I haven't seen it, but however good it is, there's no way it can beat Swingers...

As for the Coens, Fargo is a work of genius, and I didn't think Intolerable Cruelty was all that bad for a piece of throwaway fluff. The courtroom scene is excellent!

Originally posted by HottyMcBuff


The Rules of Attraction, Almost Famous and The hudsucker Proxy. Maybe not underrated but are defenitely under appreciated.

The Hudsucker Proxy is one of my fav films of all time. Tim Robbins' finest moment. Fantastic stuff.