Top 10 Movies That Don't Deserve the Hate

Sequels are always difficult to get right. But if there is one we believe was unfairly maligned, it’s 2007’s “Spider-Man 3.” Although it did very well at the box office, the film got mixed reviews from many. It received backlash for a lot of things, like its inclusion and portrayal of Venom, which director Sam Raimi admitted was a bad choice. But it does have Sandman, and a great cast overall. Plus, no one was disappointed by the action scenes and terrific special effects, for which the film received multiple award nominations. So all in all, the 2007 flick starts to feel like a worthy entry in the franchise.

Any film that quotes Shakespeare can’t be all bad, right? This ‘90s fantasy drama starring Robin Williams follows Chris Nielsen, who tries to communicate with his wife after his untimely passing. When she dies and is sent to hell, he’s determined to save her. Many were unimpressed with its plot and hazy story, and most panned it accordingly. Still, this film about spiritual love is notable for its unique portrayal of heaven and hell as states of mind. Robin Williams and Annabella Sciorra’s acting is nothing to scoff at, either. If you’re interested in dreams and shaking off mortal coils, this film is worth checking out.

Criticized as overly sentimental and mushy, this film about a 1950s screenwriter may be worth a second look. “The Majestic” follows Peter Appleton as claims of communism are levied against him. That leads to an accident, which leads to him winding up in a small town with amnesia. Yes, the film is something of a cheesy paean to small town Americana, and its poor box office performance reflected that. Even so, Jim Carrey’s performance is notable, proving his versatility beyond comic parts. Moreover, the critique of McCarthyism and its dangers to civil liberties makes “The Majestic” important viewing.

Irish twin brothers must escape the wrath of the Russian mafia in this tense action thriller. Today, it has a cult following. But things were fraught at the time of release, when the decision was made to go with a limited release, as the Columbine tragedy had just occurred. Critics were also quick to decry the over-the-top violence. And it is violent. But many now believe “Boondock Saints” is worthy of praise. No doubt that the darkly comic tone, stylish action sequences, and great performances by Willem Dafoe, Billy Connolly, and many others helped a great deal. If you ask us, entertaining action flicks have their place, too!

Remake fatigue is real, but did this English-language take on a Spanish sci-fi film deserve so much hate? The Tom Cruise-led flick is about David Aames, whose face is seriously injured in a car crash. After a successful operation, however, he notices things are not at all as they appear. “Vanilla Sky” may not be as riveting as its counterpart, but it is faithful to its themes of faith, technology, and ethics. Is it hard to make heads or tails of it at times? Yes, but sometimes things being open to interpretation is part of the point, as is the protagonist being hard to root for. All in all, this is a remake worth checking out.

M. Night Shyamalan can’t catch a break, can he? With such a mixed filmmaking career, some gems are bound to be overlooked. “The Village” centers on its title location and the people living there, seemingly terrorized by creatures in the woods. The plot twist the story largely hinges on was widely seen as easy to guess, which contributed to critics at the time rating it rather harshly. But like Shyamalan’s similarly creepy film “Signs,” “The Village”’s moody atmosphere and themes of alienation and trauma are not to be dismissed (xref). That’s even more true considering the insular communities and authoritarian tendencies in today’s world.

Derided by some for its typically Spielberg-ian sentimentality, this Peter Pan film nevertheless has a lot going for it. The premise re-imagines Peter Pan as a busy lawyer, who has a distant relationship with his family. When his kids are taken by Captain Hook, he must remember his past and reconnect with his inner child. It’s a creative take on the tale we know, complete with colorful cinematography and gorgeous costumes. Critics may have been largely underwhelmed, but general audiences have seemingly found themselves “hooked” on the story. Perhaps it’s time to pay this Neverland another visit?

Any movie that has a treasure map on the back of the Declaration of Independence is definitely worth considering. Here, historian and treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates acts on a hint from his grandfather about a hidden treasure, incurring the attention of bad actors. “National Treasure” is an old-fashioned adventure film at its core, which surely made it a target for hatred. Dubious premise aside, it’s a real treat for fans of the genre. Much of the fun stems from Nicolas Cage, who delivers the trademark lively, unhinged acting we cannot tear our eyes away from. Also, Sean Bean survives. It’s a miracle!

The costliest film made at the time of release, “Waterworld” is perhaps more relevant than ever. Set in a world where climate change has melted the polar ice caps, it follows the Mariner on his journey to the fabled Dryland. It’s a big blockbuster with a brain, yet many were disappointed, feeling its message was compromised by spectacle. Still, we can’t overlook the way the amazing effects and cinematography come together to create a convincing universe. While the plot and characters may be lacking in spots, it is a well-made and perfectly good sci-fi flick.

Admittedly, “The Godfather” really is a tough act to follow. With such pressure and sky-high expectations, it was inevitable that its sequels would get the short end of the critical stick, at least at first. The fact that “Part III” was reportedly called more of an “epilogue” than part of the central story didn’t help matters. But this is still a “Godfather” film, and Michael’s repentance and futile attempts to extricate him and his family from his life of crime makes for a compelling tragedy. Dividing performances and execution aside, “Part III” is a bittersweet coda that chronicles the end of Michael’s journey with poignant, clear-eyed logic.