Movies that you thought would suck but didn't

[wdm0744]

Don’t you love it when a movie surprises you by not sucking?

What movies have you seen that were much better than you expected?

Here are some of mine:

1. “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”

I was expecting a standard raunch-fest, but instead, I found this movie to be well-written, genuinely funny, and a bit touching. I really liked the characters and I thought the movie’s message was actually rather redeeming.

I’m not going to watch it with my mom, or recommend it to anyone at my church, (and I could have done with less crotch), but, hey, I really enjoyed the film as a whole.

2. “Proof of Life”

I guess the whole affair between Crowe and Ryan kind of killed any positive buzz this movie would have otherwise received, but I actually enjoyed it a lot more than I expected. The story was good, the action was good, and the drama was mostly believable. I thought Meg Ryan was a bit annoying (I often think she is), but I liked Russell Crowe and David Morse in the film.

3. “Muppet’s From Space”

Truthfully, I didn’t know what to expect, but this film really made me laugh (much more than the earlier Muppet films, which I never really thought were that funny). Plus, this is the film that introduced me to Pepe the Prawn, for which I am eternally grateful.

4. “Gaslight”

My wife picked this one up. It’s from the 40s and stars Ingrid Berman (hot!). I like old movies, but a lot of times they don’t hold my attention. However, this film was really great. It was creepy and suspenseful and held my interest until the very end. In a similar vein, “Rebecca” and “Notorious” are also quite good.

5. “Disturbia”

I know there are a lot of Shia-haters out there, but I kind of like him. I’m a big fan of the original “Rear Window”, so I was hesitant when I heard that this film was some sort of a remake.

In truth, however, rather than a remake, it is more of a re-imagining of the central concept in a more modern setting, and despite the teen love stuff, it works pretty well.

6. “The Edge”

This is film, written by David Mamet and starring Alec Baldwin and Anthony Hopkins, gets a bad wrap with most critics. I think it is a pretty worthy film that is deep with meaning, rich with quality dialogue and great performances, and decorated with a savage, natural beauty.

Okay, it is not a classic, but it is definitely worth a viewing.

7. “Live Free or Die Hard”

No, it isn’t really in the same league as the original trilogy, but, it’s a pretty decent action flick (and a nice disaster film to boot), and it’s done in the same spirit as the originals. I could have done with less driving around the eastern seaboard and more f-bombs, but hey, it isn’t a disaster like some other ill-advised fourth outings (cough *Indy 4* cough).

8. “Penelope”

I expected a silly kid’s film. I got a silly, but sweet and convincing romance. It’s pretty smart and funny too. Plus – Nick Frost is in it and so is that guy who played the grumpy dwarf in “Prince Caspian”.


So, what about you guys?

I’ll probably think of more movies later on, but these will get us started.

[dex]

That's one of my favorite subjects to prattle on about: It depends on your expectations if you enjoy a movie.

Just a couple of examples come to mind:
-Billy Elliot. When the film started, my friends hit me because they thought I was the one bringing us bad luck in sneak previews. But afterwards we agreed that although there are more interesting movies around, this one is actually pretty good.

-Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within. I did not expect anything from this one. I just went for the CGI. So when it turned out there actually was a story, I was pleasantly surprised.

[Hucklebubba]

Dec 18, 2008 14:53:46 GMT -5 wdm0744 said:

I could have done with less driving around the eastern seaboard and more f-bombs,

I got the Unrated version. It has f-bombs out the wazoo, and until the cows come home.

[BlackCatWhiteCat]

Knocked Up. I thought it was going to be a gross-out comedy filled with very base humor and an extremely boring been-there-done-that story. I was shocked to find it's one of the better movies I've seen this year.

[wdm0744]

Thanks for saying that, Heather. I've been thinking about checking out "Knocked Up" since I enjoyed "Sarah Marshall", but I just wasn't sure.

Here's another: "Laws of Attraction". I figured it would be an utterly forgettable rom-com, and I guess it kind of was, but it was sweet and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would.

[TheLuckyOne]

Dec 22, 2008 9:19:29 GMT -5 wdm0744 said:

Thanks for saying that, Heather. I've been thinking about checking out "Knocked Up" since I enjoyed "Sarah Marshall", but I just wasn't sure.

You mean Justin, Lissa and I weren't enough to convince you?

Well, I never!

-D

[BlackCatWhiteCat]

Dec 22, 2008 16:51:15 GMT -5 TheLuckyOne said:

Dec 22, 2008 9:19:29 GMT -5 wdm0744 said:

Thanks for saying that, Heather. I've been thinking about checking out "Knocked Up" since I enjoyed "Sarah Marshall", but I just wasn't sure.

You mean Justin, Lissa and I weren't enough to convince you?

Well, I never!

-D

My voice of persuasion rules you all. You are my minions. The power! The pooooowwwwweerrrr!!!!!

[wdm0744]

HA!

Sorry Drew. I meant no offense. It's just that Heather addressed my main concern. I haven't gotten around to seeing "Knocked Up" yet, but hopefully I can get to it after New Years.

Here's another couple films:

- "Emma":

I'm a fan and collector of movie scores, and I actually owned the soundtrack for this movie before I saw it. I loved the music so much that had my mom rent it for me (I'm not quite confident enough to walk into a video store and rent something like this unless it is balanced out with "Predator" or something equally as masculine).

Admittedly, the film is lifted by its excellent (if repetitive) score, but it stands on its own merits with good performances, witty dialogue, and geniune chemistry between its leads.

Oh, and the guy who wrote the screenplay and directed the film also did 2002's "Nicholas Nickleby", which is also really, really good (if not particularly "cult"). I highly recommend it.

- "The Rocketeer":

I saw this in the theaters when I was 8 or 9 and loved it. When I was a senior in high school, I caught it on tv and I was surprised by how much I still enjoyed it.

The story is pulpy in the best possible way (you've got classic style gangsters, nazis, a "gee whiz" hero, and a jet pack that miracously doesn't set fire to his lower extremities - what more could you possibly ask for?).

The casting is great, and the music is truly exceptional. A young and unbelievably attractive Jennifer Connelly doesn't hurt either, but, ultimately, this movie's spirit of geniune and unironic optimism is what makes it still one of my favorite films.

[Hucklebubba]

Dec 24, 2008 11:59:13 GMT -5 wdm0744 said:

- "The Rocketeer":

I saw this in the theaters when I was 8 or 9 and loved it. When I was a senior in high school, I caught it on tv and I was surprised by how much I still enjoyed it.

The story is pulpy in the best possible way (you've got classic style gangsters, nazis, a "gee whiz" hero, and a jet pack that miracously doesn't set fire to his lower extremities - what more could you possibly ask for?).

The casting is great, and the music is truly exceptional. A young and unbelievably attractive Jennifer Connelly doesn't hurt either, but, ultimately, this movie's spirit of geniune and unironic optimism is what makes it still one of my favorite films.

You are a wise and learned man.

The best way I can describe The Rocketeer to someone who hasn't seen it is to say that it's what Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow would be if it had a better hero, a better love interest, better supporting characters, a better story, a more believable setting, and about 90% less idiocy overall.

If you haven't seen Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow either, I don't know what to tell you.

In regards to Jennifer Connelly: Yes, oh yes. This is one of her earlier roles, back before she decided to forego actual hotness in favor of just being as thin as possible. On that note, something that's always struck me about her in this role is that, perhaps in an effort to faithfully replicate the look of the period (late 30s), Jennifer has just a tiny tad more meat on her bones than the Hollywood ideal at this point. But great googly-moogly, is she ever gorgeous.

[BlackCatWhiteCat]

Dec 25, 2008 0:33:39 GMT -5 Hucklebubba said:

If you haven't seen Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow either, I don't know what to tell you.

How about "You are a luckier and happier person than you could ever fully grasp?"

In regards to Jennifer Connelly: Yes, oh yes. This is one of her earlier roles, back before she decided to forego actual hotness in favor of just being as thin as possible. On that note, something that's always struck me about her in this role is that, perhaps in an effort to faithfully replicate the look of the period (late 30s), Jennifer has just a tiny tad more meat on her bones than the Hollywood ideal at this point. But great googly-moogly, is she ever gorgeous.

Bah! It frustrates me that she was only 16 when she did Labyrinth. What right does anyone have to look like that at 16? AAARRRRGGHHH! I was still trying to get rid of my baby fat and hideous bangs at the age. Still haven't made it yet, either. Anyway...the only movies I have seen her in are Labyrinth and That Other Hulk Movie, so I guess I really don't know what my point is here except that she's hot and I haven't seen her not be hot.

What else has she been in that I should check out?

Oh and to sorta stay on topic...erm...I thought Emperor's New Groove would suck. I didn't catch it until my nephew watched it on pay per view one day. I thought it looked like the most mindless piece of drivel with a title that was trying to play on a classic children's story. Because of the title play I thought it was a spin on that beloved story of nymphomania and said "no, thanks".

Wow....probably my worst mistake ever. That is one of my all-time favorite movies and I wish that I had seen it in theaters. In my opinion it's the last really good thing Disney has done.

[TheLuckyOne]

Dec 24, 2008 11:59:13 GMT -5 wdm0744 said:

Sorry Drew. I meant no offense. It's just that Heather addressed my main concern. I haven't gotten around to seeing "Knocked Up" yet, but hopefully I can get to it after New Years.

Oh, no problem, I was just teasing.

Dec 24, 2008 11:59:13 GMT -5 wdm0744 said:

- "The Rocketeer":

I saw this in the theaters when I was 8 or 9 and loved it. When I was a senior in high school, I caught it on tv and I was surprised by how much I still enjoyed it.

The story is pulpy in the best possible way (you've got classic style gangsters, nazis, a "gee whiz" hero, and a jet pack that miracously doesn't set fire to his lower extremities - what more could you possibly ask for?).

The casting is great, and the music is truly exceptional. A young and unbelievably attractive Jennifer Connelly doesn't hurt either, but, ultimately, this movie's spirit of geniune and unironic optimism is what makes it still one of my favorite films.

You know, I've been wanting to rewatch this movie ever since I heard Dave Stevens, the creator of the Rocketeer, died back in March. The guy apparently loved the 30s and pulp sensibilities and put them in every Rocketeer story he did; which, thanks to poor finances, were sadly only a handful. I think there's only something like 5-8 issues worth of Rocketeer stories that were ever made, and now there'll never be more, which is such a shame.

Agreed 100% on Jennifer Connelly, BTW. Supposedly Dave Stevens based the character of Betty on Bettie Page, one of his idols, and drew her to be the spitting image of the real woman. Back then you could be sexy as hell without looking like a twig.

Just in case anyone's curious to learn more about the Rocketeer, here's where I learned what little I know:

The Rocketeer!

-D

[dex]

Dec 25, 2008 0:33:39 GMT -5 Hucklebubba said:

The best way I can describe The Rocketeer to someone who hasn't seen it is to say that it's what Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow would be if it had a better hero, a better love interest, better supporting characters, a better story, a more believable setting, and about 90% less idiocy overall.

You mean if you took all the fun out of it? Gee, what a compelling argument. Despite of this and due to your general credibility (That's a first for you, eh? ) I believe that The Rocketeer is great.

[dex]

Dec 25, 2008 4:29:12 GMT -5 BlackCatWhiteCat said:

Dec 25, 2008 0:33:39 GMT -5 Hucklebubba said:

If you haven't seen Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow either, I don't know what to tell you.

How about "You are a luckier and happier person than you could ever fully grasp?"

Oh Heather, I have little hope you meant to add "...because anticipation is the best part." One Reader Review, coming up. Alas, it's Christmas, the time of harmony -YES MOTHER I AM STILL ONLINE!!! JUST SHUT UP, WILL YOU?!!- so I will wait till later.

[Hucklebubba]

Dec 26, 2008 6:51:40 GMT -5 dex said:

You mean if you took all the fun out of it? Gee, what a compelling argument. Despite of this and due to your general credibility (That's a first for you, eh? ) I believe that The Rocketeer is great.

Yeah, I don't recall ever having been accused of credibility before.

My main beef with SKATWOT vs. The Rocketeer is that, while the latter is like, "Hey, I'm pulpy. Nice to meet ya." the former is more along the lines of, "I AM THE MOST PULPY MOVIE YOU WILL EVER SEE IN YOUR ENTIRE GODFORSAKEN MISERABLE LIFE!! MINUTE MAID COULD MAKE A VARIETY OF ORANGE JUICE THAT IS PULP-ONLY, AND IT WOULD NOT BE HALF AS PULPY AS ME! I WILL EAT YOUR CHILDREN!"

But, other than that and the other shortcomings I mentioned, I think it's a fine film. And I'd actually like to retract my jab about the supporting characters, as I seem to remember Justin numbering among them.

[dex]

Dec 26, 2008 22:42:07 GMT -5 Hucklebubba said:

And I'd actually like to retract my jab about the supporting characters, as I seem to remember Justin numbering among them.

Indeed, and making lewd quips at that!