So after 1) a post defending the Star Wars prequel trilogy, 2) a glowing review the much-maligned Dune movie, and 3) a tribute to Vanilla Sky, a film that got pretty slammed by reviewers, this blog is slowly devolving into Mike's Best of the Worst. But hey, this blog is about embracing the person you are, no matter what the critics say. So, in the spirit of going all out, I thought I'd devote a post to what I consider to be some of the most unfairly maligned movies in recent history. Here's 5 of my favorite panned films, with their corresponding Rotten Tomatoes review scores in parentheses...
I really, really like The Fountain. And I couldn't even begin to explain why. That's why I've included an interview with the star Hugh Jackman, in which he talks about his initial reaction to the script. I like how he describes his attachment to the film as a sort of visceral, almost spiritual experience. I think a lot of our responses to art can't be explained or intellectualized. And that's been my experience with The Fountain. The visuals, the music, and the dialogue all work together to form a tapestry that, for me at least, is both moving and unexplainable.
This sequel to the minimalist sci-fi flic, Pitch Black, got trashed for its over-the-top special effects and overly serious tone. Well, as I'm fond of saying every now and then...Whatever. I love this movie. I think the visuals are imaginative. Vin Diesel is cool. And I'm just a sucker for sci-fi involving futuristic religious fanatics. Very fun stuff.
I actually love The Happening. It's a feat possible only through my decision to view it as an intentionally bad film. And as M. Night Shyamalan, himself stated about his completely absurd creation, "I wanted it to be a fantastic, fun B movie." So yeah, all of the bad acting, awkward pacing, and plot loopholes, he totally meant to do that. Boo ya! I guess movies that play games with the audience are not for everyone. I, for one, think this movie is loads of fun.
Sure it's a bit silly and has its fair share of flaws, but I'm still a big fan of The Family Stone. For me, it hits the mark way more than it misses. The cast is stellar. And the film's characters are interesting and different. And Luke Wilson's line about 'flying your freak flag' is one of my favorite movie lines ever.
Woody Allen's late career is not as bad as critics have made it out to be, and his early career is not as perfect as said critics would have you believe either. Aside from some truly weak films (Read: Anything Else, Whatever Works, and You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger), there are many gems to be found in post-2000 Woody land. I can't help but wonder if Hollywood Ending got poor reviews just because it was poking fun at movie reviewers. In any case, I think it's one of Woody's funnier movies.
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