Hatrack River Forum: I think this movie is great. It is underrated and has brilliant actors

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Posted by Sa'eed (Member # 12368) on :

It is a romantic thriller released in 1991. Here is its trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVt2h_UMnr0

Posted by AchillesHeel (Member # 11736) on :

Looks interesting, the cast alone makes me want to see it. But alas netflix does not have it streaming, I'll try to remember it in the future.

While we are on the subject of singular movies in film history that sport an uncanny cast and received no attention, I have a recommendation of my own.

Right up front, the title is poorly chosen as it scares off the casual folk who would appreciate the movie for what it is. But don't be so cautious with this one. I'll let the preview ***somewhat NSFW*** speak for itself. But I would point out that Marianna Palka starred in wrote and directed the movie, which co-stars Jason Ritter who is the spitting image of his father in this film. If you like strange romance stories like Jack Goes Boating, Punch Drunk Love or even a little bit of (I'm stretching on this one) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind I think you will like this movie.

Edited on the advice of Strider, thanks.

[ May 01, 2012, 10:47 AM: Message edited by: AchillesHeel ]

Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :

One of my favorite "underrated" movies which has quite a good cast is the black comedy Death To Smoochy.

Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :

AH, you should give a warning about the trailer. It's probably NSFW, and it might offend people with certain sensibilities.

Looks like a good flick though.

Posted by AchillesHeel (Member # 11736) on :

Yeah, sorry about that. It's a part of the reason why I didn't actually name the movie, as I've said already it has scared away many people from ever watching it. It did have a good run at a bunch of film festivals but in the open market it sputtered out and found a home on netflix streaming. I don't think anyone would be able to see it if i

quote:
Originally posted by SteveRogers:
One of my favorite "underrated" movies which has quite a good cast is the black comedy Death To Smoochy.

It really is too bad that Smoochy has discouraged Danny Devito from directing, I really like his view on pacing and lighting. And once again, phenomenal cast all the way down to Jon Stewart who has not been in a movie since. I can't help but remember an animated short from The Henry Rollins show where Henry narrates his audition for a Danny Devito directed film, he says the part is for a "punch drunk boxer" and I'm pretty sure he means the mentally hindered Spinner from Death to Smoochy. Keep in mind, this really is Not Safe For Work or sensitive people... but the rest of us hell-bound can laugh it up. Linky link.

[ May 01, 2012, 11:02 AM: Message edited by: AchillesHeel ]

Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :

My favorite underrated film is Big Trouble.

Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :

AH: I personally refused to watch the film because I have run out of patience for films in which a guy stalks a clearly disinterested woman beyond all rational tolerance, ultimately heading into bizarre and dangerous territory, until she suddenly decides to hang out and/or actually have a relationship with him.

Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :

quote:
Originally posted by pooka:
My favorite underrated film is Big Trouble.

I prefer Nothing But Trouble.

Or even, Big Trouble in Little China.

[Razz]

Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :

AH - He talks specifically about it being Death to Smoochy, it's on youtube. [Big Grin]

Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :

Another movie which I thought was really incredible and really well cast which made almost no blip on anyone's radar.

Edit:

To please aspectre and ruin the surprise, it's the movie A Scanner Darkly.

[ May 04, 2012, 11:05 AM: Message edited by: SteveRogers ]

Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :

Me and Beverly were just talking about that movie the other day. [Smile]

Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :

I haven't watched it in quite awhile, but it's sitting very prominently in my DVD library. Diabolically calling my name for another viewing.

Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :

I haven't seen it since the theater, but I remember being disappointed with it. Though I can't remember if I was disappointed with something about the movie itself, or with the quality of the adaptation.

Posted by aspectre (Member # 2222) on :

Nearly all "underated movies" are vastly overated by some fans.
So I fail to see why anyone would waste their time clicking on a blind link to a film (preview) that even the linker won't bother to name or to make some relevant comments upon.

Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :

Your comment makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside.

Posted by AchillesHeel (Member # 11736) on :

Maybe it is because Steve has no memorable history of spamming Hatrack with computer viruses, or seeing as we are all here because of our appreciation of the same books and complex story-telling it can easily be that you may be interested in a movie that Steve likes enough to share with the rest of the class. I'm gonna try and watch it, it looks good.

Speaking of Woody Harrelson in an ensemble of some worth, Bunraku is creative martial arts movie with stylized sets and animation to help tell the story and show the world it lives in.

Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :

The "animation" (in finger quotes) used in the film is a bit jarring at first, but it fits very well thematically with the story. And some of the performances given by the principal cast are among their best. It's one of the few movies I've seen where Keanu Reeves doesn't make me want to tear out my eyeballs with the sheer boredom of his performance.

Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :

That's sort of why I'm baffled as to why I remember being disappointed. I loved all the actors in it. I love Richard Linklater movies, and Waking Life is one of my favorites. I think I'll have to rewatch it soon.

Posted by AchillesHeel (Member # 11736) on :

Air quotes... and "" quotes?

This is the internet sir, we have rules.

Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Strider:
That's sort of why I'm baffled as to why I remember being disappointed. I loved all the actors in it. I love Richard Linklater movies, and Waking Life is one of my favorites. I think I'll have to rewatch it soon.

To be fair, I haven't read the book, so I can't speak to its quality as an adaptation of the source material. If that's what gave you issue with the film.