5 MOVIES THAT DESERVE MORE LOVE, PT. 2
Article By Abbey Archer
Here is a truth: there are approximately 2,000,000 movies that have been made.* Out of all of those, only a third are actually any good.** And another third of those are ones that are amazing, but not very widely seen.*** My first list on this subject could not begin to cover how many of these hidden gems receive the love they so richly deserve, so here are 5 MORE underrated movies that you should check out ASAP.
* Truth cannot be verified.
** Again, this is just a wild guess.
*** Why are you trusting me with these “facts?” Haven’t you learned your lesson? Come on.
Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
This Coens Brothers film is their second outing into the music world, the first being O Brother, Where Art Thou? (another fantastic film, for the record.) Delving into the 1960s folk scene in New York, the story follows Llewyn Davis, a curmudgeon of a musician, trying to break it big into the music biz. Oscar Isaac plays the titular Davis, solidifying his talent as this generation’s Al Pacino. The music is to die for, simpler in production but full of big heart; and the Coens’ trademark humor is a welcome guest in this drama-filled adventure to stardom. After winning the Cannes Film Festival’s Grand Prix Award, this should have been Oscar gold — but it was ultimately forgotten. What a shame.
Jane Eyre (2011)
Charlotte Brontë‘s classic gothic romance of a novel gets a gorgeously shot remake from Cary Fukunaga (of HBO’s True Detective fame). For those unfamiliar with the plot, Jane Eyre tells the story of orphaned Jane Eyre, becoming a governess to the mysterious Mr. Rochester’s young ward, and discovering the eerie circumstances that surround Thornfield Hall — and falling “in lurrrve” in the process. Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender play the lovers with sophistication and realism, and the story is engrossing and enchanting, with luscious dialogue that will make the biggest haters of romance swoon. This should have gotten a lot more attention when it was released, but alas, it was not to be. Give this quiet film a chance; you’ll be happy you did.
Ratatouille (2007)
It’s shocking that Pixar, one of the best film studios currently working, has a film that often gets lost in the fray, but here we are. A story as much about food as it is about family and acceptance, Ratatouille is about Remy, a rat who wishes to become the greatest chef in France — and it goes about as well as you can imagine. Beautifully animated and filled with colorful characters, this took home the Best Animated Feature Oscar … but it is often forgotten when put up to the likes of Toy Story and Cars. That said, it more than holds its own against the other Pixar fare and deserves to be better represented in Disney fan clubs. Also, I suggest not watching this on an empty stomach.
Sneakers (1992)
A caper comedy about hacking, featuring stellar performances from the likes of Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, River Phoenix, and Ben Kingsley. Doesn’t that sound like a hit? That’s exactly what you get with Sneakers, a stylish, funny, thrilling ensemble piece that should be remembered as one of the greatest films of the ’90s … but you can guess what happened there. I can’t divulge too much of the plot, but suffice it to say that it’s never boring, consistently offers up whipsmart one-liners, and is genuinely exciting. And if that doesn’t hook you yet, just know that there’s an amazing James Earl Jones cameo. What are you waiting for?
What’s Up, Doc? (1972)
This is one of the granddaddies of screwball comedy, and yet not very many people know about it. What’s Up, Doc? is a nonstop whacky adventure involving mistaken luggage identity, an uptight musicologist, a wisecracking femme fatale, and utter looney-tooney chaos. This is one of those so-smart-it’s-dumb films that will leave you in stitches throughout its whole runtime, with Ryan O’Neal, Barbra Streisand, and Madeline Kahn poking fun at the ridiculousness that ensues. Surprisingly, this was 1972’s third top-grossing film … so why isn’t it featured more heavily on Greatest Films of All Time lists? If you’re looking for an escape from all the raunchy, monotonous comedies that play in the theatres nowadays, then this is for you.
There’s a good chance this won’t be the last time I write about underrated films, so keep your eyes out for more in the coming weeks. And as was the case with my first article, all of the titles mentioned are on Amazon for way cheap. So hop to it, and get educated!
