After watching a film, having not read the reviews, I sometimes feel satisfied. Sometimes I even love the movie. When that occurs, I like to go see the "outstanding reviews" that critics gave it. I get online happily and check it out but wait...they didn't like it. In fact, they hated it. It even looks like they are ganging up on it! Does this happen to anyone else?
Three movies, directed by brilliant visionary directors, unseen by me, that have gotten slammed by critics everywhere, have left me wondering that same question...
I'd say the only time that has happened in recent memory is with regard to "The Village." I only saw it because a friend I trust loved it. I didn't think "The Village" was as good as my friend, but I definitely considered it above average. And for some reason, most of the critics didn't feel that way...even Roger Ebert, who likes just about everything!
Posts: 184 | Location: Mercer County, NJ | Registered: 22 May 2004
Ebert definately has an easy going personality. Plus hes big. I think all movie makers hope to appeal to him, just to be able to put it on their movie boxes :P
You're right, "Waterworld" isn't really a turkey. It's just that Costner and his director buddy, "The Other Kevin", from "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" were both ripe for a big fall, especially considering the rumors about it having just about the highest budget ever. It provides plenty of unique entertainment, and if you think it stinks, then I bet you'd find it campy enough to still provide "plenty of unique entertainment."
"Naked Woman, Naked Man Where did you get that nice sun tan?"
Posts: 12945 | Location: Behind the Orange Curtain | Registered: 14 May 2004
"The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", with Sean Connery, is worth watching if you see it "for free" on cable. I think Mike recommends "The Chronicles of Riddick", at least up to a point. "The League of Gentlemen" is an early '60s British caper flick which is worth checking out, but I didn't think you meant that one.
"Naked Woman, Naked Man Where did you get that nice sun tan?"
Posts: 12945 | Location: Behind the Orange Curtain | Registered: 14 May 2004
quote: I haven't seen "League of Gentlemen" or "Chronicles of Riddick" yet because they both got trashed by the critics.
Does anyone think they are worth seeing, purely as popcorn entertainment?
"Chronicles" is very good "Popcorn entertainment," although I dislike Vin Diesel greatly, the movie was still fun. And "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" is on HBO, I and I caught it then. It is average, nothing to hate about it (Unless the original is much better, which I cannot say).
Posts: 4160 | Location: Bat Country | Registered: 18 October 2004
"The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" was based on a well-thought-of graphic novel, so that may account for one reason that it got trashed by critics. The earlier "League of Gentlemen" has nothing whatsoever to do with the Sean Connery film.
"Naked Woman, Naked Man Where did you get that nice sun tan?"
Posts: 12945 | Location: Behind the Orange Curtain | Registered: 14 May 2004
Thanks Mark - yes I meant "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen", and no I wasn't referring to the very dark and hilarious British comedy series by the same name.
On the subject of Was it that bad? another movie I think falls into this category is "The Talented Mr Ripley". I don't know why so many people hated this movie - probably because of the morbid ending I guess. I always enjoy watching this movie, although after you have seen John Malkovich play Tom Ripley, you can't imagine anyone else in the role, and Matt Damon doesn't seem quite right.
Posts: 49 | Location: Australia | Registered: 10 January 2005
Personally, I am finding the ratings on this very site to be unfitting for the movies they represent. Sky Captain in the 60s? Vanilla Sky in the 40s? Give me a break.
On the subject of Was it that bad? another movie I think falls into this category is "The Talented Mr Ripley". I don't know why so many people hated this movie - probably because of the morbid ending I guess. I always enjoy watching this movie, although after you have seen John Malkovich play Tom Ripley, you can't imagine anyone else in the role, and Matt Damon doesn't seem quite right.
I didn't realize it got that poor a critical reaction. You do know that the novel was made into a French movie in the early '60s called "Purple Noon" with Alain Delon as Ripley? In the last few years, it was rereleased to the theatres and put out on DVD, so it shouldn't be too hard to track down.
"Naked Woman, Naked Man Where did you get that nice sun tan?"
Posts: 12945 | Location: Behind the Orange Curtain | Registered: 14 May 2004
I wouldn't say that the talented Mr. Ripley got bad reviews. The ending wasn't even that bad! When you have a story like that that cannot get tied up neatly, any effort that leaves you satisfied is applaudable.
Don't necessarily look at those crap reviews though, go down to "the cream of the crop" and look at the popular critic's reviews, its got a 76% with them!
Ozwozzle, your opinions are fine, but this thread is about movies which YOU thought WEREN'T as BAD as everybody else. I believe you say that Jingle All the Way IS HORRID. Do you have one that fits the thread?
"Naked Woman, Naked Man Where did you get that nice sun tan?"
Posts: 12945 | Location: Behind the Orange Curtain | Registered: 14 May 2004
Cable Guy - it definitely had it's problems, and I think at the time a lot of people focused on Jim Carrey's $20 million paycheck, but it had some great moments. I still crack up every time I see the "Midnight Express" scene, the Karaoke scene or the Basketball scene. Flawed, but still hilarious.
Posts: 49 | Location: Australia | Registered: 10 January 2005
