Top 10 Movies You Should Give Another Chance
#10: “MacGruber” (2010)
We get it: some sketches flat-out don’t work as movies, and “Saturday Night Live” adaptations are no exception. However, if there was one that was primed for a big-screen upgrade, it was undoubtedly “MacGruber.” A not-so subtle spoof on the ‘80s series “MacGuyver,” this Will Forte-created character has arguably transcended its already silly source of inspiration. However, reception to the feature was largely muted, nor was it the smash hit Universal was hoping for. While many deriders called it smug and vulgar, others would say that’s part of its charm. And for those who have been turned onto Forte by his part in “The Last Man on Earth,” this one might be worth revisiting as one of his first leading roles.
#9: “Johnny Mnemonic” (1995)
Top 20 Johnny Depp Performances
Hailing from cyberpunk pioneer science-fiction writer William Gibson, “Johnny Mnemonic” is a mid-90s futuristic action romp that ironically not too many people remember. It was critically panned for its unfocused narrative and wooden acting, particularly from one Keanu Reeves, who’s best known today for being the lead of another sci-fi series, “The Matrix.” Sometime after his career took a bit of a lull, but the actual second decade of the 21st Century saw the cultural resurrection of Reeves, popularly dubbed the “Keanussance.” So anyone fond of this breathtaking human being ought to check out this forgotten gem.
#8: “Nacho Libre” (2006)
In 2004, writer-director Jared Hess hit the big time with the timeless comedy “Napoleon Dynamite.” Since then, Hess has had difficulty replicating that success, as witnessed by the thoroughly underseen “Gentlemen Broncos”. Though if there’s one diamond in the rough of his, it has got to be “Nacho Libre.” Starring Jack Black as a Mexican monastery cook whose dreams of becoming a luchador conflict with his religious upbringing, this sports comedy received mixed reviews from critics and moviegoers, even if it became instantly quotable. Over time, however, it’s fashioned itself to be something of an offbeat Wes Anderson movie, filled with quirky characters and creative dialogue. Say it with me one time: Nachooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
#7: “Popeye” (1980)
Taking what is best known as a cartoon and turning it into live-action is no easy feat, so the film version of Popeye faced an uphill climb. However the feature film of the same name has tons of energy and physicality and even qualifies as an unconventional musical of sorts. While it endured a mixed reception with many deeming it to be comedically jarring, it can’t be denied the level of effort put into the project, from the production design to the ensemble. What’s almost universally agreed upon is that Shelley Duvall was born to play Olive Oyl, and Robin Williams is so good in one of his first big-screen outings that it’s worth a rewatch on that measure alone. Plus, fans of director Robert Altman can watch to discover some of his signature trademarks.
#6: “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” (1997)
Top 10 Times Movies Affected the Real World
At this point, “Jurassic Park” might just be one of those franchises whose sequels never live up to the original. That said, many might feel this underappreciated sequel could actually be the best. Sure, there are some things wrong with it, like the extended finale on the streets of San Diego, or raptor combat by way of gymnastics, but it’s not without its more thrilling moments either. For those of you who remember the practical dino effects fondly over the reliance on CGI they’ve used for the later installments, this one comes as close to the splendor of the original as you could get. It was already impossible to match a movie like “Jurassic Park,” so, maybe cut it a break.
#5: “Jennifer’s Body” (2009)
Top 10 Best Jennifer Lopez Movie Performances
_180.jpg)
Now here’s a movie that was simply a victim of being ahead of its time. Back in 2009, Megan Fox was largely thought of as the ditzy bit of eye-candy headlining Michael Bay’s “Transformers” series, synonymous with a single shot. Similarly, Diablo Cody had her fair share of haters too, who found her undeserving of a screenwriting Oscar for the supposedly overly quirky “Juno.” So the two were easy targets when they teamed for the horror-comedy “Jennifer’s Body.” Mismarketed to and subsequently rejected by the teenaged boy audience looking for nothing but sexy thrills, the film has found second life in recent years as a secret feminist parable, particularly in the wake of the Me Too Movement.
#4: “Hulk” (2003)
Top 10 She-Hulk Trailer Questions And Answers
Despite the massive success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we’ve never really gotten a totally solid Hulk movie. That said, we’ve never really gotten an outright awful one either. Case in point: 2003’s “Hulk.” Coming out around the time that superhero movies were starting to take hold on moviegoers, “Hulk” landed with a relative thud for doing too much talking and not enough smashing. But now that we’ve been inundated with more than a few superhero outings that played it too close to the vest, one can appreciate maestro Ang Lee’s distinctive vision, bucking from the traditional trappings in favor of a more comic-inspired approach. And while it was previously criticized for its lengthy runtime, contemporary superhero movie buffs know better.
#3: “The Village” (2004)
Top 10 Underrated Raunchy Comedy Movies
Depending on who you ask, M. Night Shyamalan’s downturn in quality filmmaking is often cited as beginning with 2004’s “The Village.” His movies being best known for their twist endings, the effectiveness of said twists tend to overshadow what led up to them. Without getting too in-depth in this otherwise non-spoilery list, we’re not going to purport that the clincher in “The Visit” is all too clever. But take away that facet, and you might just have a quietly compelling period drama with a supernatural thriller element to spice things up. While it couldn’t live up to the likes of “Unbreakable” or “The Sixth Sense,” it is better than some of Shyamalan’s later efforts.
#2: “Dune” (1984)
Top10 Reasons Why Dune WILL Be the Best Sci Fi Movie of the Decade
David Lynch movies are famously ambiguous and flat-out weird, many requiring multiple viewings just to comprehend the meaning. Take for instance “Lost Highway,” which nearly made the list as well (x-ref). But if there’s one project of his that’s considered too incomprehensible, it’s “Dune.” We get it: its long and slow nature calls for your utmost attention, but if you’re up to the task it just might be worthwhile. As readers of the source material will tell you, Frank Herbert’s novel is a hefty tome, and difficult to adapt, so the aspirations alone are worth admiring. And since its remake is helmed by “Blade Runner 2049” director Denis Villeneuve - a match made in movie heaven - it might just be time to reevaluate Lynch’s black sheep. Before we get to our top pick, here are some honorable mentions: “Crash” (1996) “The Black Cauldron” (1985) “The Exorcist III” (1990) “The Hunger” (1983) “I Love You Beth Cooper” (2009)
#1: “Speed Racer” (2008)
Top 10 Characters With Super Speed
Back in 2003, The Wachowskis left moviegoers with a bad taste in their mouths with some of the most disappointing sequels of all time in “The Matrix Reloaded” and “The Matrix Revolutions.” And the memory spans of moviegoers proved long-lasting, as their next project, a live-action adaptation of the “Speed Racer” franchise, bombed hugely. Detractors cited an oversaturated use of CGI as being one of its greatest flaws, but honestly, what did you expect a faithful adaptation of the Japanese anime and manga character to be? At least it took a risk, and in an age where near-cartoonish car-driven action movies are beloved in the likes of the later “Fast and Furious” sequels, it might be time to give this would-be hit its due.
