What highly acclaimed movies/directors do you think are extremely overrated?

[Objectivity]

Ok... Since a lot of people are talking about it in the best movie thread, here's a new one just for this discussion.

What highly acclaimed movies/directors do you think are extremely overrated?

I'll have to go with Francis Ford Coppola. I lost a huge amount of respect for him when he talked about how he structured the third Godfather based on the first two. I believe his quote was roughly. "There was a murder in reel three of the second Godfather so we put one in reel three of the new movie." Good pacing is organic, not contrived.

Also, the number of movies he's directed that are bad seem to be far greater than the movies that are good. Every director has trash but normally it's an exception, not a potential occurrence every time they step behind the camera (yes, that sounds overly harsh).

[J.D.]

Ok... Since a lot of people are talking about it in the best movie thread, here's a new one just for this discussion.

What highly acclaimed movies/directors do you think are extremely overrated?

I'll have to go with Francis Ford Coppola. I lost a huge amount of respect for him when he talked about how he structured the third Godfather based on the first two. I believe his quote was roughly. "There was a murder in reel three of the second Godfather so we put one in reel three of the new movie." Good pacing is organic, not contrived.

Also, the number of movies he's directed that are bad seem to be far greater than the movies that are good. Every director has trash but normally it's an exception, not a potential occurrence every time they step behind the camera (yes, that sounds overly harsh).

Oh lord... I could go on for days on this. ;)

Off the top of my head for movies I find entirely overrated: The Departed, The Aviator, Million Dollar Baby, Heat, Casino, Forrest Gump... I'll have more later. Class beckons. ;)

[ChrisAF79]

Oh lord... I could go on for days on this. ;)

Off the top of my head for movies I find entirely overrated: The Departed, The Aviator, Million Dollar Baby, Heat, Casino, Forrest Gump... I'll have more later. Class beckons. ;)
Forrest Gump?!? Blasphemy!

[DuffMan]

Forrest Gump?!? Blasphemy!

I hate Forrest Gump! That damn movie has been making running annoying for people like me for years now:cussing:

[J.D.]

Forrest Gump?!? Blasphemy!

It's a boring movie that drags on and on and on and on and on and on. I'm sorry. I like character studies more than most people. And I found the entire movie lacking any real kind of depth.

[square634]

Off the top of my head, I find the Godfather and Animal House to be extremely overrated.

[glenn__davis]

I hated Lost in Translation. Must've went over my head or something.

[NewMarketSean]

Ok... Since a lot of people are talking about it in the best movie thread, here's a new one just for this discussion.

What highly acclaimed movies/directors do you think are extremely overrated?

I'll have to go with Francis Ford Coppola. I lost a huge amount of respect for him when he talked about how he structured the third Godfather based on the first two. I believe his quote was roughly. "There was a murder in reel three of the second Godfather so we put one in reel three of the new movie." Good pacing is organic, not contrived.

Also, the number of movies he's directed that are bad seem to be far greater than the movies that are good. Every director has trash but normally it's an exception, not a potential occurrence every time they step behind the camera (yes, that sounds overly harsh).

You can say whatever you want about FFC but he has 2, maybe 3 of the top 5 best movies OF ALL TIME.

The Godfather I & II and Apocalypse Now.

Bram Stoker's Dracula is also one of my favorites but I don't expect everyone to love it as much as I do because it is a flawed film.

He did direct a bunch of average and below-average films in the middle stage of his career, I hear Youth Without Youth is unwatchable. But he is what he is.

I am also tired of all the Godfather Part III bashing that goes on. Outside of a bad casting decision and a few botched lines of dialogue, Part III is a worthy 3-star (out of 4) film. The only reason it's so "bad" is because it always gets compared to the first 2.

Plus, I think the last 20 mins of Part III might be the best 20 min stretch of any movie, ever.

[sakata_catching]

American Beauty. Moulin Rouge. And Gump, natch.

And I know I'll take some heat for these two: while the battle sequences were fairly breathtaking, I found the remaining 80% of Saving Private Ryan pretty mawkish and formulaic, like a wussified Dirty Dozen. And there's a really cloying, self-conscious preciousness about The Royal Tenenbaums — an all-time favorite of more than one friend of mine — that has always left me cold.

As for directors, gotta go with Clint Eastwood. Overrated as a director, underrated as an actor.

[J.D.]

American Beauty. Moulin Rouge. And Gump, natch.

And I know I'll take some heat for these two: while the battle sequences were fairly breathtaking, I found the remaining 80% of Saving Private Ryan pretty mawkish and formulaic, like a wussified Dirty Dozen. And there's a really cloying, self-conscious preciousness about The Royal Tenenbaums — an all-time favorite of more than one friend of mine — that has always left me cold.

As for directors, gotta go with Clint Eastwood. Overrated as a director, underrated as an actor.

American Beauty's one of my favorites, so I have to disagree with ya there. ;)

Totall agree with Rouge and Gump.

And I like weird, off-beat black comedies... and The Royal Tenenbaums just didn't do it for me. I still, for the life of me, couldn't tell you what happened in that movie.

As far as directors go, I'm going to agree with you on Eastwood. Scorcese's really ruining his rep with me due to his last few outings.

[NewMarketSean]

Of the recent movies that won Best Picture, I think Crash, Million Dollar Baby, Chicago, A Beautiful Mind, and Shakespeare in Love were all overrated and didn't deserve to win.

I always thought people made too much out of Batman Begins.

I think Ron Howard is overrated as a director.

[DREKTUNES]

Ok... Since a lot of people are talking about it in the best movie thread, here's a new one just for this discussion.

What highly acclaimed movies/directors do you think are extremely overrated?



Most of them. I am amazed at the free ride so many directors get (Copolla, Scorcese, etc) get for one or two good/ great movies.

And Gump is a great movie like Scary Movie is a great movie. In that, 1) 95% of it is referencing other movies (Ooooh, he was crossing the street and said the same thing Dustin Hoffman said in a good movie!), and 2) it's not a great movie (or even an especially good one).

And does anyone still think Lucas is a good director? I sure hope not.

[The Wedge]

I always get crucified for this, but I've always considered Casablanca to be rather overrated.

[J.D.]

Of the recent movies that won Best Picture, I think Crash, Million Dollar Baby, Chicago, A Beautiful Mind, and Shakespeare in Love were all overrated and didn't deserve to win.

I always thought people made too much out of Batman Begins.

I think Ron Howard is overrated as a director.

Chicago's not bad. Considering what it was up against that year, I didn't have a problem with it winning. Completely, utterly, 100% agree with you on the other ones on your list.

Tim Burton is overrated as a director. There. I said it.

[J.D.]

Most of them. I am amazed at the free ride so many directors get (Copolla, Scorcese, etc) get for one or two good/ great movies.

I give Scorcese a lot of credit. He's done 3 or 4 movies that I really love. And then I watched The Aviator. And then The Departed. And now I question him.


And Gump is a great movie like Scary Movie is a great movie. In that, 1) 95% of it is referencing other movies (Ooooh, he was crossing the street and said the same thing Dustin Hoffman said in a good movie!), and 2) it's not a great movie (or even an especially good one).

Thank you for elaborating what I was trying to say. If it's going to reference a bunch of other films, can't it at least be funny... or even not boring?


And does anyone still think Lucas is a good director? I sure hope not.

Um. No.

[DREKTUNES]

I always get crucified for this, but I've always considered Casablanca to be rather overrated.

Directors, dude. Directors. Gonna correct me on the spelling of 'Alan Richman,' huh? Payback, ThePaulBartonWedge! Sweeeeeeet payback.


Chicago's not bad. Considering what it was up against that year, I didn't have a problem with it winning. Completely, utterly, 100% agree with you on the other ones on your list.

Tim Burton is overrated as a director. There. I said it.


I liked Chicago.

And at least Tim Burton stays interesting.

And the Departed was awful.

You know who does not go on this list for me? Terry Gilliam. Even his bad movies are interesting (though I can't speak for the Brother's Grimm).

[J.D.]

Directors, dude. Directors. Gonna correct me on the spelling of 'Alan Richman,' huh? Payback, ThePaulBartonWedge! Sweeeeeeet payback.

Umm... the thread was movies/directors. Just saying.





I liked Chicago.

And at least Tim Burton stays interesting.

And the Departed was awful.

You know who does not go on this list for me? Terry Gilliam. Even his bad movies are interesting (though I can't speak for the Brother's Grimm).

How is Tim Burton doing the same thing every single movie interesting?

The Departed wasn't a bad movie until the last 30 seconds of the film, where Martin Scorcese decided to insult my intelligence.

Agree with you on Terry Gilliam. 12 Monkeys is a fantastic movie.

[DREKTUNES]

Umm... the thread was movies/directors. Just saying.


Shoosh! I was Wedgesmackin!

[The Wedge]

Directors, dude. Directors. Gonna correct me on the spelling of 'Alan Richman,' huh? Payback, ThePaulBartonWedge! Sweeeeeeet payback.




Umm... the thread was movies/directors. Just saying.



What he said. Oh, that payback just turned to ash in your mouth. How's that taste?

[Mackus]

Shut is all you elitists

[DREKTUNES]

What he said. Oh, that payback just turned to ash in your mouth. How's that taste?

Ashy.

Jerk.


Your day will come, ThePaulBartonWedge. Just you wait. Yeah.

[DREKTUNES]

Shut is all you elitists

Shut = All You Elitists? Que?

[The Wedge]

Ashy.

Jerk.


Your day will come, ThePaulBartonWedge. Just you wait. Yeah.

In all fairness, my day came and went a loooooooong time ago.

[The Wedge]

Shut = All You Elitists? Que?

It's the Mac version of All Your Base Are Belong To Us.

[square634]

Off the top of my head, I find the Godfather and Animal House to be extremely overrated.

Oh wait, I forgot my number one choice: Napoleon Dynamite. Not only the most overrated movie ever, but one of the five worst movies I have ever seen.

I also always thought E.T. was a really crappy and overrated movie, but maybe that's just a product of changing times.

[DuffMan]

Oh wait, I forgot my number one choice: Napoleon Dynamite. Not only the most overrated movie ever, but one of the five worst movies I have ever seen.

I also always thought E.T. was a really crappy and overrated movie, but maybe that's just a product of changing times.

While I think it's overrated, I disagree that it is one of the worst movies ever. But if you feel that way talk about in the thread I just created titled "Worst Movies You've Ever Scene."

[Mackus]

It's the Mac version of All Your Base Are Belong To Us.Dammit. Bad time for a typo.

[DREKTUNES]

Dammit. Bad time for a typo.

But a good time for a Stick Up!!

[BaltimoreTerp]

You did not care for The Godfather?

How can you even say that! (http://youtube.com/watch?v=avddxEad7u8)

I find that most movies that are either hyped up by the media before, or by people after coming out tend to be overrated. Doesn't mean they aren't good, just not to the level that people tend to suggest.

[DREKTUNES]

You did not care for The Godfather?

How can you even say that! (http://youtube.com/watch?v=avddxEad7u8)

I find that most movies that are either hyped up by the media before, or by people after coming out tend to be overrated. Doesn't mean they aren't good, just not to the level that people tend to suggest.

Is it so hard to believe someone's opinion might not match your own on the Internet?

[Mackus]

I like The Money Pit.

[NewMarketSean]

I'd like to hear why people think movies are overhyped, not as good as people think. Especially The Godfather. I don't think I've ever heard one good reason as to why it's overhyped or not a good movie.

[DREKTUNES]

I'd like to hear why people think movies are overhyped, not as good as people think. Especially The Godfather. I don't think I've ever heard one good reason as to why it's overhyped or not a good movie.

I personally don't think it isn't a good movie. I think the hyperbole surrounding it (OMGZEBESTMOVIEEVAHR!!!) is what makes it overrated.

[NewMarketSean]

I personally don't think it isn't a good movie. I think the hyperbole surrounding it (OMGZEBESTMOVIEEVAHR!!!) is what makes it overrated.


Is it not a good movie or not as good as people say? There is a difference.

Either way, I demand an explanation. :D

I can see why people can say Part III is a bad movie. But why didn't you like it? Are mafia movies not your thing? If so, fine but that would make you opinion about as valid as my opinion of musicals, since I don't like them either.

[J.D.]

I find that most movies that are either hyped up by the media before, or by people after coming out tend to be overrated. Doesn't mean they aren't good, just not to the level that people tend to suggest.

So... the textbook definition of Overrated? Like, what we're pointing out in this thread? :D

[DREKTUNES]

Is it not a good movie or not as good as people say? There is a difference.

Either way, I demand an explanation. :D

I can see why people can say Part III is a bad movie. But why didn't you like it? Are mafia movies not your thing? If so, fine but that would make you opinion about as valid as my opinion of musicals, since I don't like them either.

Hmmph. Fine. You brought down the fury.

If you reread my poorly written post, you'll see that I do think it's a good movie. See?


I personally don't think it isn't a good movie. I think the hyperbole surrounding it (OMGZEBESTMOVIEEVAHR!!!) is what makes it overrated.

Not as good as people say. But, to be fair, I don't think any movie could be as good as people say the Godfather is. And I like mob movies fine. I think I may have liked Bronx Tale better. Personal preference.

And you are truly missing out with musicals. your loss. :D

[square634]

I'd like to hear why people think movies are overhyped, not as good as people think. Especially The Godfather. I don't think I've ever heard one good reason as to why it's overhyped or not a good movie.

I have to admit, I have never successfully watched the Godfather to its completion. The first time I tried to watch it was when I was young(er, I'd estimate about 11 or 12), and I fell asleep within the first 10 minutes without remembering anything. But my dad loves it and told me I had to try it again, so we started watching it together a few years ago. I thought the beginning was slow and boring, but my dad told me to keep watching because it got exciting. I just never got interested, didn't connect at all to the characters, and was bored throughout. I particularly remember hating the lawn chair scene, and by the time the hospital scene finished, I asked my dad "is it supposed to have been exciting yet?" I couldn't stand it anymore and stopped watching after that, so I never got to the end.

If Godfather is the best mafia movie, maybe I just hate mafia movies, I don't know. I still don't see how it can be the best movie of all time, but to each his own.

[NewMarketSean]

By your opinion of it being overrated, everyone who doesn't think The Godfather is the best movie all time would think it overrated since it is widely regarded as the best movie of all time.

[NewMarketSean]

I have to admit, I have never successfully watched the Godfather to its completion.


Thats all I needed to read. If you haven't watched it all the way through you can't really comment on it.

[DREKTUNES]

I have to admit, I have never successfully watched the Godfather to its completion. The first time I tried to watch it was when I was very young (I'd estimate about 11 or 12), and I fell asleep within the first 10 minutes without remembering anything. But my dad loves it and told me I had to try it again, so we started watching it together a few years ago. I thought the beginning was slow and boring, but my dad told me to keep watching because it got exciting. I just never got interested, didn't connect at all to the characters, and was bored throughout. I particularly remember hating the lawn chair scene, and by the time the hospital scene finished, I asked my dad "is it supposed to have been exciting yet?" I couldn't stand it anymore and stopped watching after that, so I never got to the end.

That's fantastic. :D


By your opinion of it being overrated, everyone who doesn't think The Godfather is the best movie all time would think it overrated since it is widely regarded as the best movie of all time.

Sure. Why not. And widely? Dunno about that. I seem to remember a movie dealing with a sled being pretty well thought of.

[DREKTUNES]

Thats all I needed to read. If you haven't watched it all the way through you can't really comment on it.

Sure he can. His experience of not being drawn into the film is just as valid as yours of watching it repeatedly. He may not know the film as well, but it still counts.

Shame.

[NewMarketSean]

Sure. Why not. And widely? Dunno about that. I seem to remember a movie dealing with a sled being pretty well thought of.

Talk about overrated! :D

IMDb has The Godfather as #1. The people have spoken!

[square634]

Thats all I needed to read. If you haven't watched it all the way through you can't really comment on it.

I guess that's true, although I did watch a majority of it and disliked it enough that I couldn't even get to the end (which has only happened to me about 2 or 3 times).

[DREKTUNES]

Talk about overrated! :D

IMDb has The Godfather as #1. The people have spoken!

Nah. Nothing on the internet is true.

[DREKTUNES]

I guess that's true, although I did watch a majority of it and disliked it enough that I couldn't even get to the end (which has only happened to me about 2 or 3 times).

See previous comment.

[NewMarketSean]

Sure he can. His experience of not being drawn into the film is just as valid as yours of watching it repeatedly. He may not know the film as well, but it still counts.

Shame.

I'm going to do my best Sakata_Catching impression. Sorry, but no.

Maybe something happens at the end that makes him see the movie in a different light. It's happened. To be honest I thought Part III was a waste of time until the end and then it made me realize what it was all about.

What if someone quit watching The Sixth Sense half way through?

He can say he never got through it, but IMO, he can't offer up some valuable critical review of the film without seeing all of it.

[square634]

BTW, I thought Godfather Part II is often considered the best movie of all time? I read something that had Godfather Part II, Casablanca, and Godfather as 1,2,3.

[NewMarketSean]

BTW, I thought Godfather Part II is often considered the best movie of all time? I read something that had Godfather Part II, Casablanca, and Godfather as 1,2,3.

It is in some circles. I consider Part I & II to be one movie though. Kinda like the LOTR movies.

[DREKTUNES]

I'm going to do my best Sakata_Catching impression. Sorry, but no.

Maybe something happens at the end that makes him see the movie in a different light. It's happened. To be honest I thought Part III was a waste of time until the end and then it made me realize what it was all about.

What if someone quit watching The Sixth Sense half way through?

He can say he never got through it, but IMO, he can't offer up some valuable critical review of the film without seeing all of it.

If your experience of a film is that the film did not draw you in, that is your experience of the film. You can comment on that. That is valid.

And I'm gonna tell Sakata you were impersonating him. There could be a fee.

[NewMarketSean]

If your experience of a film is that the film did not draw you in, that is your experience of the film. You can comment on that. That is valid.

And I'm gonna tell Sakata you were impersonating him. There could be a fee.

They can comment on it, and I can dismiss it. Especially when it is about one of the most widely accepted best movies ever and my personal fave. :D

[PaulFolk]

I hated Lost in Translation. Must've went over my head or something.
Good answer. Totally agree on this one. I kept waiting for something to actually happen in that movie, and it never did.

[square634]

I'm going to do my best Sakata_Catching impression. Sorry, but no.

Maybe something happens at the end that makes him see the movie in a different light. It's happened. To be honest I thought Part III was a waste of time until the end and then it made me realize what it was all about.

What if someone quit watching The Sixth Sense half way through?

He can say he never got through it, but IMO, he can't offer up some valuable critical review of the film without seeing all of it.

Fair enough. I still think it is vastly overrated, even if the end of the movie did make it OK.

BTW, that reminds me, I think Sixth Sense is overrated. I liked the movie quite a bit, but the ending "twist" wasn't exactly a shock was it? It was sort of painfully obvious after they kept beating you over the head with it. My younger brother, at the time seven years old, said directly after the gunshot "Wait, why isn't he dead?"

I did like the fact that it was fun to watch it again and pick up on all the hints and symbols (like the color red) you may have missed the first time.

[Mark Carver]

Talk about overrated! :D

IMDb has The Godfather as #1. The people have spoken!

And I guess The Shawshank Redemption is the 2nd best movie of all time? Since the3 people have spoken? :scratchchinhmm:

It's good, Shawshank, but I don't know about the #2.

[J.D.]

They can comment on it, and I can dismiss it. Especially when it is about one of the most widely accepted best movies ever and my personal fave. :D

The most widely accepted best movie ever is Citizen Kane, but I'm not throwing it at the top of my list.

You don't think it's overrated. Cool. I don't necessarily think it's overrated, but I don't think it's the greatest piece of film in the history of the universe either.

You can dismiss it. Doesn't mean they don't think it's overrated, though. ;)

Oh, and I completely agree with Lost in Translation. Never saw what was so great about it.

Napoleon Dynamite, though?! Meh... it certainly wasn't for everyone, that's for sure. I don't know many people that fall in the middle on that movie. They either love it, or they hate it.

[The Wedge]

Oh oh oh, I got another one: Scarface. Some people practically worship that movie. It's good...it's not that good.

[Mackus]

3:10 to Yuma.

Wanted to love it. I did like it. But thought it was too slow and that Russel Crowe's character's decision help out Christian Bale's character or whatever that race to the train at the end was about was inexplicable. I didn't like the Outlaw with a Heart of Gold thing they tried to pull there.

I'll try and think of others that either I wanted to like but didn't, or that everybody else likes that I don't.

[MikeAD]

I've said around here before how I think David Lynch is the epitome of "overatedness."

As for films, most recently I would have to say Crash. The acclaim that that movie gets makes me sick, it just is plain awful.

M. Night Shyamalan, Sixth Sense was good and Unbreakable was great. The rest of his stuff is just awful.

Another movie I can't stand is Donnie Darko.

I guess I'm really overly critical of movies.

[DREKTUNES]

I've said around here before how I think David Lynch is the epitome of "overatedness."

As for films, most recently I would have to say Crash. The acclaim that that movie gets makes me sick, it just is plain awful.

M. Night Shyamalan, Sixth Sense was good and Unbreakable was great. The rest of his stuff is just awful.

Another movie I can't stand is Donnie Darko.

I guess I'm really overly critical of movies.

That's fine, as long as it's not the Godfather. Sean's been walking around with a knife, just begging someone to start sumpthin ;)

[Tank]

Good reading in here...

I would have to say Scarface, Titanic, and the Indiana Jones movies are overrated.

[DREKTUNES]

...Star Wars.


:leaving:

[frankpembleton]

American Beauty. Moulin Rouge. And Gump, natch.

And I know I'll take some heat for these two: while the battle sequences were fairly breathtaking, I found the remaining 80% of Saving Private Ryan pretty mawkish and formulaic, like a wussified Dirty Dozen. And there's a really cloying, self-conscious preciousness about The Royal Tenenbaums — an all-time favorite of more than one friend of mine — that has always left me cold.

As for directors, gotta go with Clint Eastwood. Overrated as a director, underrated as an actor.

Interesting you say that about Clint. Unforgiven is one of my favorite movies.

American Beauty has some great scenes, but some of the dialogue is absolutely terrible (particularly involving the neighbor kid always shooting movies)- I have to agree with you there.

I don't think Saving Private Ryan is as bland as you do, but agree that Dirty Dozen > Saving Private Ryan, especially for it's time in movie history.

Tenenbaums is great. Not as great as Rushmore, but still great. So disagree there.

[Tank]

I agree Clint Eastwood is overrated as a director. Good, but overrated.

[sakata_catching]

Interesting you say that about Clint. Unforgiven is one of my favorite movies.

When I say I find him overrated, I don't necessarily mean I think he's a poor director. Eastwood's films are generally above average, workmanlike pieces of Hollywood product, but not particularly memorable or substantial — certainly not worthy of 2 Academy Awards, though I'll grant that Unforgiven deserved all the accolades it received.

I do wish he had taken more roles in other directors' films, especially as he's aged.

Now, Ridley Scott on the other hand ... two landmark sci-fi films at the beginning of his career and an unrelenting stream of hack-ery ever since. Next up, he's attached to the film adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian, which I'm less than thrilled about.

[The Wedge]

You consider Gladiator hack-ery? I won't argue much of his other works, but that's a pretty solid, if overrated, flick.

[McNulty]

Sorry to be late to the party here, but I've got some thoughts:

The Godfather IS overrated simply because it is considered the best movie ever by most people. I thought it was good, but I wasn't blown away by it. Plenty of other flicks have blown me away or affected me more than that one has. I agree with whomever said they like A Bronx Tale more.

Saving Private Ryan is overrated because a large group of passive movie watchers think its the best war movie ever. Its not.

But the most overrated crap of all-time (to me) is the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I defer to Kevin Smith to explain this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0sc-gS9AqM

[BaltimoreTerp]

So... the textbook definition of Overrated? Like, what we're pointing out in this thread? :D

Well, my point is more towards the general then specific movies, so...yes and no, I guess :p


And you are truly missing out with musicals. your loss. :D

Normally I don't like musicals, but the other night I watched 1776 on TCM, and I couldn't turn away.

Definitely a candidate for "most ridiculous movie ever made" if someone made THAT thread :laughlol:

[BaltimoreTerp]

...Star Wars.


:leaving:

Hey man, I've got your back. As someone who loves all six of the movies, even.

I just don't see them as some life-changing phenomenon as so many do. I have watched different "making of..." and "story behind" shows on Star Wars on at least three different networks over the years, and there are probably others I have missed. That is a sign that you are a little overexposed.

[J.D.]

I've said around here before how I think David Lynch is the epitome of "overatedness."

As for films, most recently I would have to say Crash. The acclaim that that movie gets makes me sick, it just is plain awful.

M. Night Shyamalan, Sixth Sense was good and Unbreakable was great. The rest of his stuff is just awful.

Another movie I can't stand is Donnie Darko.

I guess I'm really overly critical of movies.

Crash was terrible. I thought most of the country had agreed that it was terrible. That's why I didn't list it. ;)

Shyamalan can't even be overrated anymore. It's gotten to the point that critics expect his work to be garbage before they even see it.

Donnie Darko is absolutely not for everyone. I happen to love it. I can easily see why not everyone loves it.

And nah, you're fitting in just fine in this thread. ;)

[Fist Bump]

Overrated (or at least over hyped) movie: "The Blair Witch Project"
I was expecting something scary instead it was just group of young kids cursing in the woods for a couple hours. The website that was made for that movie was more interesting than the movie itself.

[SteveA]

I do not get any enjoyment out of the works of Wes Anderson, at least compared to how much their fans rave about them. I kind of liked Rushmore, but Royal Tenenbaums and Life Aquatic were utterly boring IMO.

I think Tarantino is overrated. Pulp Fiction is a darn good movie, though not as great as some feel it is. I couldn't even force myself to sit through Kill Bill Volume 1, let alone even start with volume 2.

[ledzepp8]

Most of them. I am amazed at the free ride so many directors get (Copolla, Scorcese, etc) get for one or two good/ great movies.

And Gump is a great movie like Scary Movie is a great movie. In that, 1) 95% of it is referencing other movies (Ooooh, he was crossing the street and said the same thing Dustin Hoffman said in a good movie!), and 2) it's not a great movie (or even an especially good one).

And does anyone still think Lucas is a good director? I sure hope not.

Isn't the point of that to be funny/ironic in the fact that he wasn't actually walking (and that Lt. Dan for lack of a better word is a cripple now just like Ratso Rizzo) and because at that point in the film, Midnight Cowboy had come out only a few years earlier.

I don't get how anyone can not like Forrest Gump...the acting alone does it for me.:)

And yes, the only George Lucas film I ever liked was American Graffiti.

[ledzepp8]

Thank you for elaborating what I was trying to say. If it's going to reference a bunch of other films, can't it at least be funny... or even not boring?





That's really the only movie I can remember it directly referencing...:scratchchinhmm:

[ledzepp8]

Talk about overrated! :D

IMDb has The Godfather as #1. The people have spoken!

I love IMDB...but to be fair it also has WALL-E as like the 19th best movie of all time. Not to mention it has all of The Lord of the Rings in the top 250.

[ledzepp8]

I've said around here before how I think David Lynch is the epitome of "overatedness."

As for films, most recently I would have to say Crash. The acclaim that that movie gets makes me sick, it just is plain awful.

M. Night Shyamalan, Sixth Sense was good and Unbreakable was great. The rest of his stuff is just awful.

Another movie I can't stand is Donnie Darko.

I guess I'm really overly critical of movies.

Shame on you!!!!!

[ledzepp8]

...Star Wars.


:leaving:

I agree...I never could watch those. Don't tell Eric Forman that...:wedge:

[ledzepp8]

Crash was terrible. I thought most of the country had agreed that it was terrible. That's why I didn't list it. ;)

Shyamalan can't even be overrated anymore. It's gotten to the point that critics expect his work to be garbage before they even see it.

Donnie Darko is absolutely not for everyone. I happen to love it. I can easily see why not everyone loves it.

And nah, you're fitting in just fine in this thread. ;)

I love Crash.

[J.D.]

I love Crash.

Crash was just incredibly heavy-handed in its message. It was almost like the movie assumed you wouldn't understand what it was getting at, so it had to sit there and explain it to you.

And I just don't like movies that underestimate my intelligence. ;)

[ledzepp8]

Crash was just incredibly heavy-handed in its message. It was almost like the movie assumed you wouldn't understand what it was getting at, so it had to sit there and explain it to you.

And I just don't like movies that underestimate my intelligence. ;)

I agree it was rather heavy handed, but the story and acting were both top notch.

[J.D.]

I agree it was rather heavy handed, but the story and acting were both top notch.

The acting was good, definitely. The story, again, because of the heavy-handedness of it all... I just couldn't get into it. Either way, it wasn't "Best Picture" worthy to me.

[ledzepp8]

The acting was good, definitely. The story, again, because of the heavy-handedness of it all... I just couldn't get into it. Either way, it wasn't "Best Picture" worthy to me.

Perhaps...but I don't think any of the other nominees were much more deserving. Munich was well made but was quite long and slow and a tad boring. Capote was alright, Hoffman was brilliant but it's not a movie I'd ever really want to see again. I've never seen Brokeback or Good Night and Good Luck. But from what I heard, Brokeback was basically more hype over actual substance and there was no way Good Night and Good Luck was ever going to win Best Picture.

[beaner]

Very late to this party, but I left the theater after seeing "The Matrix" praying I could get those 2 hours back. People treat it like a life changing experience and I still to this day have no clue what it was about.


I agree with whoever mentioned "Scarface" Good, but not as great as people make it out to be.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Very late to this party, but I left the theater after seeing "The Matrix" praying I could get those 2 hours back. People treat it like a life changing experience and I still to this day have no clue what it was about.


I agree with whoever mentioned "Scarface" Good, but not as great as people make it out to be.

The Matrix is a good one. I like the movie, but it didn't exactly blow my mind. Maybe I wasn't doing enough (read: any :laughlol:) marijuana.

Double for the sequels.

[J.D.]

Perhaps...but I don't think any of the other nominees were much more deserving. Munich was well made but was quite long and slow and a tad boring. Capote was alright, Hoffman was brilliant but it's not a movie I'd ever really want to see again. I've never seen Brokeback or Good Night and Good Luck. But from what I heard, Brokeback was basically more hype over actual substance and there was no way Good Night and Good Luck was ever going to win Best Picture.

Good Night and Good Luck was the best out of the lot. Followed by Munich, Capote, Brokeback, and Crash. One of the few years I saw all of the movies nominated. :D

[McNulty]

Good Night and Good Luck was the best out of the lot. Followed by Munich, Capote, Brokeback, and Crash. One of the few years I saw all of the movies nominated. :D

Anyone else think that Munich was a total waste of time? It was 3 hours of blaaaaaah.

[DREKTUNES]

Very late to this party, but I left the theater after seeing "The Matrix" praying I could get those 2 hours back. People treat it like a life changing experience and I still to this day have no clue what it was about.


I agree with whoever mentioned "Scarface" Good, but not as great as people make it out to be.

Please allow me to agree with you so very much about the Matrix. When I saw it, I thought "eh, not bad." the fact that people go on and on about how it changed their lives and their perception of reality. Ever read a book?? Maybe on Philosophy?? Oooo, the world around us as we see it might not be all there is?? Heavens.

[beaner]

Please allow me to agree with you so very much about the Matrix. When I saw it, I thought "eh, not bad." the fact that people go on and on about how it changed their lives and their perception of reality. Ever read a book?? Maybe on Philosophy?? Oooo, the world around us as we see it might not be all there is?? Heavens.

Exactly! People REALLY too it seriously. To each his own, but it did nothing for me.

[The Wedge]

Please allow me to agree with you so very much about the Matrix. When I saw it, I thought "eh, not bad." the fact that people go on and on about how it changed their lives and their perception of reality. Ever read a book?? Maybe on Philosophy?? Oooo, the world around us as we see it might not be all there is?? Heavens.

Wow, I've never had anybody talk about it like that to me...I might have to punch them in the back of the head. Seriously? People talk about it like that? It was a neat little action movie with a nice little technobabble twist.

Then the second movie came along and set up a really awesome third movie with its ending*...then the third movie came along and crapped all over that set up with a standard Messiah sacrifice formulaic conclusion where, at the end, nothing really changes if you think about it.


*I thought for sure the 3rd movie you'd find out that what all the rebels thought of as "the real world" was really another section of the Matrix, written and designed for the minds that couldn't be held by the standard version...another level of control, set up by that long ass dialogue with The Architect. I thought Neo would discover this, actually break free of the Matrix outright, and start freeing everyone for real, and then the machines were REALLY going to fight back because they'd finally truly have a threat to their existence.

[DREKTUNES]

Sorry to be late to the party here, but I've got some thoughts:

The Godfather IS overrated simply because it is considered the best movie ever by most people. I thought it was good, but I wasn't blown away by it. Plenty of other flicks have blown me away or affected me more than that one has. I agree with whomever said they like A Bronx Tale more.
Saving Private Ryan is overrated because a large group of passive movie watchers think its the best war movie ever. Its not.

But the most overrated crap of all-time (to me) is the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I defer to Kevin Smith to explain this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0sc-gS9AqM

That would be your President. Nice to see the Fellowship can unite on these things.

Does anyone like the Harry Potter movies? I find them interminable. So bad, in fact, that I stopped agreeing to go to them, even though the Missus loves them. If she wants to watch one, she has to do it when I'm not around so I don't accidentally see part of it and break our tv.

[The Wedge]

I like the HP movies, though with each one I get more and more irked at what they leave out...especially the last one where the director arbitrarily decided that he wanted to make it the shortest of the series running times. Keep in mind that the 5th book was the longest. It's a bad sign when the books author has to step in and go "Um, you need to keep that particular bit in...it's gonna be fairly important later."

[DREKTUNES]

I like the HP movies, though with each one I get more and more irked at what they leave out...especially the last one where the director arbitrarily decided that he wanted to make it the shortest of the series running times. Keep in mind that the 5th book was the longest. It's a bad sign when the books author has to step in and go "Um, you need to keep that particular bit in...it's gonna be fairly important later."

I will never know what you're talking about, as I will never ever see that movie. Guaranteed.

[The Wedge]

I will never know what you're talking about, as I will never ever see that movie. Guaranteed.

I'll Clockwork Orange your ass in to seeing it... :D

[DREKTUNES]

I'll Clockwork Orange your ass in to seeing it... :D

You can try, big boy, but I bet, even with five years on ya, I can run faster than you. ;)

[The Wedge]

You can try, big boy, but I bet, even with five years on ya, I can run faster than you. ;)

You probably could with my knee problems. But without those problems, I used to be supa quick.

Of course, if I were to execute this cunning plan, you don't think I'd act alone, do you? Oh no no no, there'd be accomplices. You'd be in the chair, screaming "Please, ThePaulBartonWedge, I have seen the error of my ways, I'll be a good lad and watch the Harry Potter movies now." To which I'll tsk and disagree that you are rehabilitated.

[DREKTUNES]

You probably could with my knee problems. But without those problems, I used to be supa quick.

Of course, if I were to execute this cunning plan, you don't think I'd act alone, do you? Oh no no no, there'd be accomplices. You'd be in the chair, screaming "Please, ThePaulBartonWedge, I have seen the error of my ways, I'll be a good lad and watch the Harry Potter movies now." To which I'll tsk and disagree that you are rehabilitated.

It is uncanny how you can mimic my speech patterns so effectively.

[The Wedge]

It's a gift and a curse.

[DREKTUNES]

It's a gift and a curse.

I do owe you rep. I do.

[TyCobb]

I hated 3:10 to Yuma. Being a western fan, that was one of the worst I have ever seen.

Christian Bale is the most overrated actor in the business today.

There were a lot of votes for Departed being bad, but I loved it. I thought it was a great movie.

Todd Haynes is my vote for most overrated director. The man is thought of a genius and I don't know why.

[NewMarketSean]

I hated 3:10 to Yuma. Being a western fan, that was one of the worst I have ever seen.

Christian Bale is the most overrated actor in the business today.

There were a lot of votes for Departed being bad, but I loved it. I thought it was a great movie.

Todd Haynes is my vote for most overrated director. The man is thought of a genius and I don't know why.

I thought 3:10 to Yuma was overrated. Until the ending. Totally redeemed it for me. That and Ben Foster's performance. And I do believe that Crowe's decision at the end of that movie is believable. It's the whole point of the movie.

I also agree about The Departed. For one, no one's ever said it was "one of the best movies ever". It's not even Scorcesse's best movie. He finally won an Oscar for it, which probably isn't right since Raging Bull and GoodFellas were better, but The Departed is probably the best crime drama of the new decade. If there is any knock against it, it's the ending, which I felt was completely overboard the second time I saw it, but the first time I saw it it completely shocked me.

[TyCobb]

I thought 3:10 to Yuma was overrated. Until the ending. Totally redeemed it for me. That and Ben Foster's performance. And I do believe that Crowe's decision at the end of that movie is believable. It's the whole point of the movie.

I also agree about The Departed. For one, no one's ever said it was "one of the best movies ever". It's not even Scorcesse's best movie. He finally won an Oscar for it, which probably isn't right since Raging Bull and GoodFellas were better, but The Departed is probably the best crime drama of the new decade. If there is any knock against it, it's the ending, which I felt was completely overboard the second time I saw it, but the first time I saw it it completely shocked me.

Was Ben Foster the villain? Cause he was really good. Only good part of the movie.

[NewMarketSean]

Was Ben Foster the villain? Cause he was really good. Only good part of the movie.

He was Crowe's right hand man, who may have been in love with him. Fascinating part of that movie. Foster is da man!

[square634]

That would be your President. Nice to see the Fellowship can unite on these things.

Does anyone like the Harry Potter movies? I find them interminable. So bad, in fact, that I stopped agreeing to go to them, even though the Missus loves them. If she wants to watch one, she has to do it when I'm not around so I don't accidentally see part of it and break our tv.

The Harry Potter movies are fairly bad. Of course, I am a huge fan of the books, so that might be why I feel that way. I basically disagree with the critics completely: I think movies 3 and 5 were complete and utter crap, but I liked 4, 2, and 1 in that order. I understand that the movies can't keep everything in the books... but at least make it a self-contained plot! I try to go into the movies thinking of them as a separate entity, but then I find myself seeing inconsistencies or realizing that the plot wouldn't make sense unless I already had prior knowledge of the series. Particularly egregious plot changes/deletions include: the fact that the Marauders Map was created by Harry's father and his friends (both because it is important in Harry's character development and, more importantly, explains how Lupin used the Marauder's Map!), Snape's Worst Memory being cut to three incomprehensible seconds, the Arthur Weasley snake attack (doesn't even make sense the way it is done in the movie), deletion of Kreacher as a traitor/informant, deletion of the locket and Mundungus Fletcher, lack of reasoning as to how Umbridge catches the DA (if she can just barge down the door, why the heck didn't she do it earlier?), and a lot more I can't think of.

The fourth movie had a lot of changes, but I actually liked them considering the constraints of a movie. What's strange is that many of the things they could have fixed in the other movies would have taken almost no time (such as explaining who the Marauders were in movie 3), and they could have replaced some worthless scenes like flying over the Thames in the fifth movie.

[The Wedge]

The Harry Potter movies are fairly bad. Of course, I am a huge fan of the books, so that might be why I feel that way. I basically disagree with the critics completely: I think movies 3 and 5 were complete and utter crap, but I liked 4, 2, and 1 in that order. I understand that the movies can't keep everything in the books... but at least make it a self-contained plot! I try to go into the movies thinking of them as a separate entity, but then I find myself seeing inconsistencies or realizing that the plot wouldn't make sense unless I already had prior knowledge of the series. Particularly egregious plot changes/deletions include: the fact that the Marauders Map was created by Harry's father and his parents (both because it is important in Harry's character development and, more importantly, explains how Lupin used the Marauder's Map!), Snape's Worst Memory being cut to three incomprehensible seconds, the Arthur Weasley snake attack (doesn't even make sense the way it is done in the movie), deletion of Kreacher as a traitor/informant, deletion of the locket and Mundungus Fletcher, lack of reasoning as to how Umbridge catches the DA (if she can just barge down the door, why the heck didn't she do it earlier?), and a lot more I can't think of.

The fourth movie had a lot of changes, but I actually liked them considering the constraints of a movie. What's strange is that many of the things they could have fixed would have taken almost no time (such as explaining who the Marauders were), and they could have replaced some worthless scenes like flying over the Thames in the fifth movie.

I think you mean the Mauraders Map was created by Harry's father, Sirius, Lupin, and Wormtail. Lily had nothing (and probably would have scolded them) to do with it.

And I agree on all the cuts, but look at it this way...if Rowling hadn't have stepped in, Yates was going to completely cut Kreacher out. That's the reference I made before.

Also, you mention the fourth movie and then the origins of the map...that's the third.

[The Wedge]

And yes, I do realize that I'm a big dork.

[DREKTUNES]

And yes, I do realize that I'm a big dork.

Glad you're finally catching up with the rest of us. ;)

[J.D.]

I think you mean the Mauraders Map was created by Harry's father, Sirius, Lupin, and Wormtail. Lily had nothing (and probably would have scolded them) to do with it.

And I agree on all the cuts, but look at it this way...if Rowling hadn't have stepped in, Yates was going to completely cut Kreacher out. That's the reference I made before.

Also, you mention the fourth movie and then the origins of the map...that's the third.

I saw, literally, about an hour of the first movie before I stood up and said, "No. I hate this garbage. I'm completely and totally uninterested." I haven't seen a single minute of any of the other movies, and I don't plan on seeing them, either.

I have a similar reaction to the books though. I tried reading them. I'm sure the story is great in all, but Rowling's writing style makes me want to beat her senselessly with her own book.

The whole series pretty much does nothing for me.

[The Wedge]

I saw, literally, about an hour of the first movie before I stood up and said, "No. I hate this garbage. I'm completely and totally uninterested." I haven't seen a single minute of any of the other movies, and I don't plan on seeing them, either.

I have a similar reaction to the books though. I tried reading them. I'm sure the story is great in all, but Rowling's writing style makes me want to beat her senselessly with her own book.

The whole series pretty much does nothing for me.

Try to jump in mid way...like, Cliff's Notes the first three and maybe jump in reading the 4th, possibly the 5th. Basically, the books grow as the children do, and the writing does get better. Don't get me wrong, it's still ultimately aimed for children to grasp but it's quite as pedantic.

[J.D.]

I thought 3:10 to Yuma was overrated. Until the ending. Totally redeemed it for me. That and Ben Foster's performance. And I do believe that Crowe's decision at the end of that movie is believable. It's the whole point of the movie.

I also agree about The Departed. For one, no one's ever said it was "one of the best movies ever". It's not even Scorcesse's best movie. He finally won an Oscar for it, which probably isn't right since Raging Bull and GoodFellas were better, but The Departed is probably the best crime drama of the new decade. If there is any knock against it, it's the ending, which I felt was completely overboard the second time I saw it, but the first time I saw it it completely shocked me.

I was actually okay with the ending of The Departed, if you're talking about the last 5 minutes as a whole. I was alright with that ending. In fact, if it hadn't ended like that, I think I might have been a little upset at Scorcese for coping out and making a happy "Hollywood" ending.

I hate the movie because of the last 30 seconds of that movie. I don't need Mr. Scorcese to show a rat running across the railing of Matt Damon's apartment in the last 30 seconds to try to make sure that I get the movie, and if you're going to bother to use some symbolism, at least make it not insulting to my intelligence.

The entire rest of the movie, except for Leo DiCaprio's over-acting, I actually enjoyed quite a bit. That last 30 seconds makes me angry.

[The Wedge]

The entire rest of the movie, except for Leo DiCaprio's over-acting, I actually enjoyed quite a bit. That last 30 seconds makes me angry.

Simple solution...turn it off right after Marky Mark dispatches Good Will Hunting. Just like Marty shoulda.

[J.D.]

Try to jump in mid way...like, Cliff's Notes the first three and maybe jump in reading the 4th, possibly the 5th. Basically, the books grow as the children do, and the writing does get better. Don't get me wrong, it's still ultimately aimed for children to grasp but it's quite as pedantic.

Yah, maybe. I mean, I understand that they're aimed at children. I can't even really put my finger on WHY the writing style in that book bugs me. I just know that stopped me from going forward. I have no doubt that she can tell an interesting story and all... but I just haven't found it interesting to me yet. Maybe I'll give it a try when I don't have a bunch of other movies I'm dying to catch up on.

[J.D.]

Simple solution...turn it off right after Marky Mark dispatches Good Will Hunting. Just like Marty shoulda.

It's too late, though. I've seen it. In my mind, I know that rat's going to run across the railing, and my mind's going to scream, "THEY'RE BOTH RATS!!!! I GET IT!!!! THANK YOU!!!!"

[DREKTUNES]

I saw, literally, about an hour of the first movie before I stood up and said, "No. I hate this garbage. I'm completely and totally uninterested." I haven't seen a single minute of any of the other movies, and I don't plan on seeing them, either.

I have a similar reaction to the books though. I tried reading them. I'm sure the story is great in all, but Rowling's writing style makes me want to beat her senselessly with her own book.

The whole series pretty much does nothing for me.

Subtract the anger-toward-women violence, and I'm pretty much there ;)

[J.D.]

Subtract the anger-toward-women violence, and I'm pretty much there ;)

Just because she's a woman doesn't mean she can't be beaten senselessly with her own book. I'd feel the same way if Ms. Rowling was Mr. Rowling. :D

[square634]

I think you mean the Mauraders Map was created by Harry's father, Sirius, Lupin, and Wormtail. Lily had nothing (and probably would have scolded them) to do with it.

And I agree on all the cuts, but look at it this way...if Rowling hadn't have stepped in, Yates was going to completely cut Kreacher out. That's the reference I made before.

Also, you mention the fourth movie and then the origins of the map...that's the third.

Yeah, my bad I wrote James and his parents when I meant James and his friends. And my last paragraph was unclear so I edited it. That's what I get for writing quickly during work.

[square634]

I saw, literally, about an hour of the first movie before I stood up and said, "No. I hate this garbage. I'm completely and totally uninterested." I haven't seen a single minute of any of the other movies, and I don't plan on seeing them, either.

I have a similar reaction to the books though. I tried reading them. I'm sure the story is great in all, but Rowling's writing style makes me want to beat her senselessly with her own book.

The whole series pretty much does nothing for me.

That's understandable. Seeing as how I was in 4th grade when books 1 and 2 came out, I have grown with the series and the characters, which is why it's a book of my generation. I enjoy her writing style for its humor and characterization, although I must admit that some of her fantasy world-building is suspect in consistency.

[The Wedge]

It's too late, though. I've seen it. In my mind, I know that rat's going to run across the railing, and my mind's going to scream, "THEY'RE BOTH RATS!!!! I GET IT!!!! THANK YOU!!!!"

Actually, it meant "everyones a rat," but yeah. :)

[The Wedge]

That's understandable. Seeing as how I was in 4th grade when books 1 and 2 came out, I have grown with the series and the characters, which is why it's a book of my generation. I enjoy her writing style for its humor and characterization, although I must admit that some of her fantasy world-building is suspect in consistency.

She's highly guilty of the "magical deus ex machina" that is the plague of fantasy writers.

[J.D.]

Actually, it meant "everyones a rat," but yeah. :)

Yeah, I got that. Everyone's dirty, everyone's a rat, etc. That's just what my mind screams.

I don't need the rat to drive home the point, in case I missed it. I watched the last 3 hours of the movie. :D

[square634]

She's highly guilty of the "magical deus ex machina" that is the plague of fantasy writers.

Well, there's that, but even beyond that there are some things that she decides to add into a later book in the series for a specific purpose in that book, when it could/would have been used in other books. A great example is side along apparition, which only appears in book 6 so that Harry can take Dumbledore back, even though it would have clearly been extremely useful in earlier books (such as when they used floo powder). Also, book 3 - my favorite in the series regardless - has an obvious time paradox with the time turner, and then, once their use in the plot is finished, Hermione says all of the time turners were destroyed during the fight in the ministry. But if time paradoxes are allowed in that universe, why doesn't Dumbledore just use a time turner and kill Tom Riddle as a child? Felix Felicis in book 6 is another example, and I feel that most of the wandlore stuff in book 7 should have been explained in earlier books. Book 1 and book 7 have the deus ex machina element, although that at least added to the themes of the books, and I guess Fawkes's appearance could be considered deus ex machina in book 2, although it isn't hard to imagine that Dumbledore could control that to some extent.

With all of that said, HP is still my favorite all-time series because I think Rowling was superb at everything else, and I did like most of the other aspects of the world that weren't contrived or minor plot holes.

[J.D.]

That's understandable. Seeing as how I was in 4th grade when books 1 and 2 came out, I have grown with the series and the characters, which is why it's a book of my generation. I enjoy her writing style for its humor and characterization, although I must admit that some of her fantasy world-building is suspect in consistency.

I don't remember when the first book came out, but I'm 25 now. I know I was older than the 4th grade when they came out. :D

I understand why it would appeal to you more than it would appeal to me, though. Especially because when the books came out, you were the demographic it was aiming it. :)

[ledzepp8]

Anyone else think that Munich was a total waste of time? It was 3 hours of blaaaaaah.

Yeah I wanted to like it...but it was just soooooooooooo long and boooorriiiiiingggggggg.

[ledzepp8]

He was Crowe's right hand man, who may have been in love with him. Fascinating part of that movie. Foster is da man!

He really is the man. Have you ever seen him "Bang, Bang, Your Dead"? It's loosely based on the Columbine Shootings and other types of school massacres.

And I thought 3:10 To Yuma was really good. I'm not sure how anyone can think Christian Bale is overrated...he's amazing.:scratchchinhmm:

[The Wedge]

Seriously, Bale is probably underrated more than anything. He might start to drift towards over exposure with the Bat-films, but until recently, he hardly got any play.

[NewMarketSean]

My only knock against Bale is that he seems to play the same guy in every movie. However, he's one of those actors that if he's in it, there's a good chance it's good and I'll want to see it.

[DREKTUNES]

My only knock against Bale is that he seems to play the same guy in every movie. However, he's one of those actors that if he's in it, there's a good chance it's good and I'll want to see it.

He was in Newsies. Can't front on that.

[TyCobb]

My only knock against Bale is that he seems to play the same guy in every movie. However, he's one of those actors that if he's in it, there's a good chance it's good and I'll want to see it.

That is why I don't think he is anything special.

[McNulty]

How about Mystic River? That was an overrater too.

[Mackus]

My only knock against Bale is that he seems to play the same guy in every movie. However, he's one of those actors that if he's in it, there's a good chance it's good and I'll want to see it.Really?

Cuz I think his character in 3:10, Batman, American Psycho, Prestige, and Machinist were all quite different.

Bale is awesome.

[J.D.]

That is why I don't think he is anything special.

Bale plays a different character each movie. Johnny Depp, though, plays the same friggin character in every darn movie.

[ledzepp8]

Bale plays a different character each movie. Johnny Depp, though, plays the same friggin character in every darn movie.

Wait...are Gilbert Grape, George Jung, and Joe Pistone/Donnie Brasco the same characters?:scratchchinhmm:

[The Wedge]

Wait...are Gilbert Grape, George Jung, and Joe Pistone/Donnie Brasco the same characters?:scratchchinhmm:

Are Jack Sparrow and Edward Scissorhands the same character? Ichabod Crane and Wade "Crybaby" Walker? Raoul Duke and Ed Wood?

That was an incredibly ridiculous statement, JD. I mean, I know he used the same voice for Jack Sparrow and Sweeney Todd, but that's probably because they're both crazy and British.

[J.D.]

Are Jack Sparrow and Edward Scissorhands the same character? Ichabod Crane and Wade "Crybaby" Walker? Raoul Duke and Ed Wood?

That was an incredibly ridiculous statement, JD. I mean, I know he used the same voice for Jack Sparrow and Sweeney Todd, but that's probably because they're both crazy and British.

He's been doing the slightly/completely insane, off-kilter character for the last what, 15 years?

[The Wedge]

He's been doing the slightly/completely insane, off-kilter character for the last what, 15 years?

But he's also had plenty of roles where he's completely normal and is awesome. Ever seen Finding Neverland?

Also, if you want someone who has played the same role forever, Hi Tom Cruise! Egotistical butthole who finds that there's a deeper reason for life and starts down the road to redemption got that man billions.

[J.D.]

But he's also had plenty of roles where he's completely normal and is awesome. Ever seen Finding Neverland?

Also, if you want someone who has played the same role forever, Hi Tom Cruise! Egotistical butthole who finds that there's a deeper reason for life and starts down the road to redemption got that man billions.

Yeah, Cruise does it too.

I wouldn't say "Plenty" of roles. He has a couple now and then, but for the most part, he's playing that crazy, off-beat character. Especially if Tim Burton calls (because there just can't be a Tim Burton movie if Johnny Depp isn't involved. ;))

[ledzepp8]

He's been doing the slightly/completely insane, off-kilter character for the last what, 15 years?

Don't most actors fall into sort of the same types of roles as they get popular? That's not necessarily all their faults. Robert De Niro plays a lot of similar roles (villains, criminals, mafiosos) but I don't think that Travis Bickle, Vito Corleone, Jimmy Conway, Jake La Motta, Max Cady, Neil McCauley, etc are the same characters.

[The Wedge]

Yeah, that's kinda what I was going for in my comparisons. All are slightly (or completely) off, but none of them are remotely the same character. He's just good at abnormal. What makes him an excellent actor is that he's good at very distinctly different kinds of abnormal.

[TyCobb]

Really?

Cuz I think his character in 3:10, Batman, American Psycho, Prestige, and Machinist were all quite different.

Bale is awesome.


Bale plays a different character each movie. Johnny Depp, though, plays the same friggin character in every darn movie.

I don't know if it is because I have seen a lot of Bale's movies, but every time I watch a new one I have a hard time believing his "new" character.

[Malike]

Movies I think are totally overrated : Memento, and The Boondock Saints. The hype surrounding these movies as if they are brilliant is just off to me. I enjoyed them, but to me they are hardly deserving of the hype.

[CrimsonTribe]

I'm going to do my best Sakata_Catching impression. Sorry, but no.

Maybe something happens at the end that makes him see the movie in a different light. It's happened. To be honest I thought Part III was a waste of time until the end and then it made me realize what it was all about.

What if someone quit watching The Sixth Sense half way through?

He can say he never got through it, but IMO, he can't offer up some valuable critical review of the film without seeing all of it.

I walked out of the theater when I went to see Bean. Does that mean I can't comment on it?

[The Wedge]

I walked out of the theater when I went to see Bean. Does that mean I can't comment on it?

Joel Siegel walked out of Clerks II before it was over, and he can't comment on it. Though, that's because he's dead. But that's a completely different story.

[ledzepp8]

Joel Siegel walked out of Clerks II before it was over, and he can't comment on it. Though, that's because he's dead. But that's a completely different story.

And he was totally wrong for doing it and making a scene while doing it and making a totally ass of himself.

[Big Mac]

The Harry Potter movies are fairly bad. Of course, I am a huge fan of the books, so that might be why I feel that way. I basically disagree with the critics completely: I think movies 3 and 5 were complete and utter crap, but I liked 4, 2, and 1 in that order. I understand that the movies can't keep everything in the books... but at least make it a self-contained plot! I try to go into the movies thinking of them as a separate entity, but then I find myself seeing inconsistencies or realizing that the plot wouldn't make sense unless I already had prior knowledge of the series. Particularly egregious plot changes/deletions include: the fact that the Marauders Map was created by Harry's father and his friends (both because it is important in Harry's character development and, more importantly, explains how Lupin used the Marauder's Map!), Snape's Worst Memory being cut to three incomprehensible seconds, the Arthur Weasley snake attack (doesn't even make sense the way it is done in the movie), deletion of Kreacher as a traitor/informant, deletion of the locket and Mundungus Fletcher, lack of reasoning as to how Umbridge catches the DA (if she can just barge down the door, why the heck didn't she do it earlier?), and a lot more I can't think of.

The fourth movie had a lot of changes, but I actually liked them considering the constraints of a movie. What's strange is that many of the things they could have fixed in the other movies would have taken almost no time (such as explaining who the Marauders were in movie 3), and they could have replaced some worthless scenes like flying over the Thames in the fifth movie.


Man, I hate reading, I'll just stick to the movies.

[Mashed Potatoes]

I hated Crash, thought all the characters were caricatures of real people and the story ridiculously contrived to prove a lame point, don't judge a book by its cover and we're all human and interconnected.

I can't believe it was nominated for best picture, I'm getting angry right now even typing it.

[beaner]

I hated Crash, thought all the characters were caricatures of real people and the story ridiculously contrived to prove a lame point, don't judge a book by its cover and we're all human and interconnected.

I can't believe it was nominated for best picture, I'm getting angry right now even typing it.

It won best picture, and I couldn't agree more.

[mweb]

I actually really liked The Departed and 3:10 to Yuma, and think Godfather III is actually very underrated just because it doesn't touch the first two, even though 99% of movies fall in that same group.

Concerning overrated, I'll go with The Thin Red Line and Babel. Both pretty bad imo.

[The Wedge]

And he was totally wrong for doing it and making a scene while doing it and making a totally ass of himself.

Oh, completely agreed. What was even better was when Smith publicly called him out out on it, and then Opie and Anthony had Smith on to talk about. Did you ever hear that? They managed to get Siegel on to talk about it, and for a very long segment, he proceeds to backpedal and make excuses. But the very best part was that for about 15 minutes of what was about a 20 minute segment, Siegel had NO CLUE he was actually talking to Smith directly, until finally he said something like "well, if I could speak with him, I'd apologize to him" and everyone was like "you're speaking to me/him now!"

[Mark Carver]

I actually really liked The Departed and 3:10 to Yuma, and think Godfather III is actually very underrated just because it doesn't touch the first two, even though 99% of movies fall in that same group.

Concerning overrated, I'll go with The Thin Red Line and Babel. Both pretty bad imo.

I'm a very big WWII flick movie fan, and to me The Thin Red Line is very bad. I'm sorry, but I just didn't get the whole dream sequences and stuff like that.

[Tank]

I agree Babel just wasn't good.

[Lucky Jim]

I thought Saving Private Ryan was good for the first 15 minutes.

I found little-to-nothing redeeming in:

Forest Gump
Dances With Wolves
Crash
Gladiator
A Beautiful Mind (a particular heap of crap)
Braveheart

[J.D.]

I thought Saving Private Ryan was good for the first 15 minutes.

I found little-to-nothing redeeming in:

Forest Gump
Dances With Wolves
Crash
Gladiator
A Beautiful Mind (a particular heap of crap)
Braveheart

FWIW, I've never seen a Russell Crowe movie that I've particularly enjoyed. This includes Gladiator.

Out of that list, Braveheart's solid, so's Dances With Wolves. The rest I can do without. :)

[Lucky Jim]

FWIW, I've never seen a Russell Crowe movie that I've particularly enjoyed. This includes Gladiator.

Out of that list, Braveheart's solid, so's Dances With Wolves. The rest I can do without. :)

I can't stand Braveheart. From the silly "scream" while being disembowled to its thinly-veiled arch-conservative politics.

And Dances with Wolves? Eek. I remember the New Yorker review joking that it should've been called "Fiddles with Camera".

[Lucky Jim]

And don't let me forget Shawshank Redemption.

[ledzepp8]

Oh, completely agreed. What was even better was when Smith publicly called him out out on it, and then Opie and Anthony had Smith on to talk about. Did you ever hear that? They managed to get Siegel on to talk about it, and for a very long segment, he proceeds to backpedal and make excuses. But the very best part was that for about 15 minutes of what was about a 20 minute segment, Siegel had NO CLUE he was actually talking to Smith directly, until finally he said something like "well, if I could speak with him, I'd apologize to him" and everyone was like "you're speaking to me/him now!"

Yeah I totally heard that one...that was pretty funny.

[DuffMan]

And don't let me forget Shawshank Redemption.

:eek::eek: To quote one Jim McEnroe "You can not be serious?!"

[Lucky Jim]

:eek::eek: To quote one Jim McEnroe "You can not be serious?!"

I am, indeed. And I stand by it. Wildly overrated.

[DuffMan]

I am, indeed. And I stand by it. Wildly overrated.

Care to elaborate?

[Objectivity]

Care to elaborate?


Well, if everyone calls something the best movie of all time and really it's only the second or third best, then of course it's wildly overrated.

I can't think of what else he could be saying. :D

[J.D.]

I can't stand Braveheart. From the silly "scream" while being disembowled to its thinly-veiled arch-conservative politics.

And Dances with Wolves? Eek. I remember the New Yorker review joking that it should've been called "Fiddles with Camera".

To my credit, I did say solid. Not spectacular. I'll agree that they're overrated.

But you saying that The Shawshank Redemption is overrated? Ouch. That hurts man. Curious to know what your opinion of the best movie that you've seen is.

[TonySoprano]

How does Adam Sandler get paid $20 million per to be in the movies?

[Lucky Jim]

To my credit, I did say solid. Not spectacular. I'll agree that they're overrated.

But you saying that The Shawshank Redemption is overrated? Ouch. That hurts man. Curious to know what your opinion of the best movie that you've seen is.

My critique of Shawshank Redemption? I think solid performances mask an abject - almost dangerous - sentimentality. I think the movie offers no realism in its portrayal of prison. I think the movie offers no moral ambiguity whatsoever - a serious shortcoming for a film that's supposed to span 20 years in the life of a guy in prison for murder. I think the film's sentimentalization of the prisoners (who, apparently only need the quiet dignity embodied in a cold beer, or literacy to be rehabilitated) and its demonization of the warden/guards points to a juvenile anti-establishment bent.

Don't get me wrong - I think the movie has grace notes...not the least of which is that serious belief - even if maudlin - in human dignity (mentioned above) in the face of despair. I think the more people who believe in this human dignity the better.

But it offered me nothing in the way of insight into the human condition. It gave us an idealized world where prison is some kind of cloud chamber folks pass through and come out sparkling on the other side. Meh.

Plus, honestly, the warden and his guards were caricatures. And I can't stand that kind of characterization in a film that takes itself as seriously as Shawshank.

Like I said - not a bad film. But not a great one (and maybe not even a very good one.) Far better than other Darabont schlock, however (see: The Green Mile).

As for what movies are my favorites? Tough to say. I love the films of Michael Winterbottom (as flawed as many of them are). Off the top of my head, three films I love:

The Last Picture Show
The Ice Storm
Modern Times

Greatest films I've ever seen? That's much tougher, and would probably include films like L'Avventura, Raging Bull, Touch of Evil.

[J.D.]

My critique of Shawshank Redemption? I think solid performances mask an abject - almost dangerous - sentimentality. I think the movie offers no realism in its portrayal of prison. I think the movie offers no moral ambiguity whatsoever - a serious shortcoming for a film that's supposed to span 20 years in the life of a guy in prison for murder. I think the film's sentimentalization of the prisoners (who, apparently only need the quiet dignity embodied in a cold beer, or literacy to be rehabilitated) and its demonization of the warden/guards points to a juvenile anti-establishment bent.

Don't get me wrong - I think the movie has grace notes...not the least of which is that serious belief - even if maudlin - in human dignity (mentioned above) in the face of despair. I think the more people who believe in this human dignity the better.

But it offered me nothing in the way of insight into the human condition. It gave us an idealized world where prison is some kind of cloud chamber folks pass through and come out sparkling on the other side. Meh.

Plus, honestly, the warden and his guards were caricatures. And I can't stand that kind of characterization in a film that takes itself as seriously as Shawshank.

Like I said - not a bad film. But not a great one (and maybe not even a very good one.) Far better than other Darabont schlock, however (see: The Green Mile).

As for what movies are my favorites? Tough to say. I love the films of Michael Winterbottom (as flawed as many of them are). Off the top of my head, three films I love:

The Last Picture Show
The Ice Storm
Modern Times

Greatest films I've ever seen? That's much tougher, and would probably include films like L'Avventura, Raging Bull, Touch of Evil.

Well sir, you backed your opinion well, to the point that I'm clearly going to have to go back and rewatch it now and see how I feel about the criticisms that you raised. I asked for it, you delivered spectacularly. Thanks. :)

[DREKTUNES]

FWIW, I've never seen a Russell Crowe movie that I've particularly enjoyed. This includes Gladiator.

Out of that list, Braveheart's solid, so's Dances With Wolves. The rest I can do without. :)

I like when he acts. He's not bad at it. See: The Insider.


And don't let me forget Shawshank Redemption.

Not a huge fan, for many of the reasons you stated.

Also nice to see someone else mention an Orson Welles film. And Chaplin. Please see my previous "ain't nunya ever see a movie made before 1975?!" rant.

As for other overrated directors? Soderbergh. Excepting The Limey (which I absolutely love, to the point that he might just get a pass), I just don't see it with him. Those terrible self congratulatory Oceans movies, Out of Sight, Erin Brokovich...he did also do the Yes concert film 9012Live, but to be fair, I think he was 22.

Oh and, Raging Bull? I think it's great; just not that great. The stunt weight gain might just cloud the vision on that one a bit.

I will attempt not to flinch.

[J.D.]

I like when he acts. He's not bad at it. See: The Insider.

I like when he does nothing. Doesn't talk, doesn't move, doesn't act. I've seen absolutely nothing he's done that's redeemed himself to me.


Not a huge fan, for many of the reasons you stated.

Also nice to see someone else mention an Orson Welles film. And Chaplin. Please see my previous "ain't nunya ever see a movie made before 1975?!" rant.

As for other overrated directors? Soderbergh. Excepting The Limey (which I absolutely love, to the point that he might just get a pass), I just don't see it with him. Those terrible self congratulatory Oceans movies, Out of Sight, Erin Brokovich...he did also do the Yes concert film 9012Live, but to be fair, I think he was 22.

Oh and, Raging Bull? I think it's great; just not that great. The stunt weight gain might just cloud the vision on that one a bit.

I will attempt not to flinch.

Don't bother flinching. The Oceans movies were amusing, but completely throw-away. Erin Brockovich wasn't terrible, but it was absolutely overrated. I'm pretty much right there with you on Soderbergh.

I haven't seen any of the movies that LuckyJim threw out there. I'm not a big-time classic movie buff. Again, not from that generation... so those movies don't, in general, have a resounding impact on me.

Raging Bull's great. But you're right. It's not best movie evar!!! great.

[McNulty]

How does Adam Sandler get paid $20 million per to be in the movies?

One of my proudest moments was when I was walking out of a movie (don't remember which one) I saw about 40-50 people standing in line to see "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" and I pointed at them and laughed and laughed and laughed and proclaimed, "Are you people really standing in line for this??"

The best part was the movie had been out for a week already. I always think about this moment when I see something in our society that makes absolutely no sense. I just remember that people will stand in line for a guaranteed crapfest 9 days after its premiere.

[DREKTUNES]

I haven't seen any of the movies that LuckyJim threw out there. I'm not a big-time classic movie buff. Again, not from that generation... so those movies don't, in general, have a resounding impact on me.

Raging Bull's great. But you're right. It's not best movie evar!!! great.

Not to speak for LJ (as my knowledge of Black's Law Dictionary is sketchy at best), but I believe he's all of two or three years older than you.

And I say again, don't you own any records made before 1975?

[beaner]

What? Crowe was brilliant in Virtuosity!;)

I'm with you guys, nothing he has done stands out as brilliant to me although I did enjoy "A Beautiful Mind".

I mentioned this in the worst movie thread, but I think John Singleton was one of those directors that was overrated. "Boyz n the Hood" was good, although not a world I could relate to.

Now "Higher Learning", i could relate to having gone to a college that featured different races/religions/social groups...etc. Anyway, I thought the film was atrocious on many levels, stereotypical, racist, offensively bad. If you haven't seen it, let me sum it up for you.

Every white character=Bad
Every Black character=Victim

Any shot he could take, he took it. The jocks were all drunks, the cops were all racist, there was a group of skinheads, the girls for the most part were lesbians or at least curious.

I saw this in the theater with a friend who happened to be black, and he looked at me as we walked out and said "Well, that set race relations back about 50 years". Wondering if anyone else saw it back in 1995 and has any thoughts..

[ledzepp8]

I liked Higher Learning. Nothing real thought provoking and I agree with what you say about it Beaner...whites=bad, blacks=good. But I thought the performances were good...and I've always liked Michael Rapaport, Adam Goldberg and Cole Hauser. But yeah not nearly as eye opening as Singleton probably thinks it was and nowhere near on par with the masterpiece that is Boyz N The Hood.

Four Brothers is good though...and he did produce Hustle and Flow and Black Snake Moan which are both amazing.

[J.D.]

Not to speak for LJ (as my knowledge of Black's Law Dictionary is sketchy at best), but I believe he's all of two or three years older than you.

And I say again, don't you own any records made before 1975?

No, I don't own any records made before 1975. That's not to say I don't enjoy any music made before 1975. I do. I don't own any albums from before 1975, though.

LJ may be 3 years older than me. That's cool. I think it's clear that older movies appeal to him more, for whatever reason, than they do to me. I'm definitely not bashing movies pre-1975 for any reason. They just don't do the same for me on an emotional level than things made in my lifetime do, as a general rule. :D

[beaner]

I liked Higher Learning. Nothing real thought provoking and I agree with what you say about it Beaner...whites=bad, blacks=good. But I thought the performances were good...and I've always liked Michael Rapaport, Adam Goldberg and Cole Hauser. But yeah not nearly as eye opening as Singleton probably thinks it was and nowhere near on par with the masterpiece that is Boyz N The Hood.

Four Brothers is good though...and he did produce Hustle and Flow and Black Snake Moan which are both amazing.

I just remember Singleton promoting it at the time, saying it was going to be an updated "Do The Right Thing" type but for the college set. I was 24 or so at the time, and LOVED "Do The Right Thing", always felt that it was thought provoking and showed both sides and their flaws. Higher Learning did not show both sides, it was like one group had no flaws, and the other had nothing redeeming about them. I found it offensive.

Granted what made it worse was that I had expectations, especially after "Boyz". Oh well.

[ledzepp8]

No, I don't own any records made before 1975. That's not to say I don't enjoy any music made before 1975. I do. I don't own any albums from before 1975, though.

LJ may be 3 years older than me. That's cool. I think it's clear that older movies appeal to him more, for whatever reason, than they do to me. I'm definitely not bashing movies pre-1975 for any reason. They just don't do the same for me on an emotional level than things made in my lifetime do, as a general rule. :D

You seriously don't own any albums from before 1975? No Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin, Bowie, Hendrix, nothing?

[J.D.]

You seriously don't own any albums from before 1975? No Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin, Bowie, Hendrix, nothing?

I seriously don't own any albums pre-1990. Again, this doesn't mean that I don't LIKE music from before 1990. I just haven't bought it/downloaded it.

[McNulty]

You seriously don't own any albums from before 1975? No Beatles, Stones, Zeppelin, Bowie, Hendrix, nothing?

I'm sure he downloaded something illegally from pre-75, right? Just lie and say you did man. :D

[J.D.]

I'm sure he downloaded something illegally from pre-75, right? Just lie and say you did man. :D

I haven't, though. Or from pre-1990.

[DREKTUNES]

I haven't, though. Or from pre-1990.

I think it's fair to say the group doesn't believe you. Unless you're just not that into music, or all your stuff got ripped off, I say LIAR!!!!

[McNulty]

I haven't, though. Or from pre-1990.

I will never believe that you don't own any Great White, Ratt, or Warrant. I just won't.

[Lucky Jim]

Well sir, you backed your opinion well, to the point that I'm clearly going to have to go back and rewatch it now and see how I feel about the criticisms that you raised. I asked for it, you delivered spectacularly. Thanks. :)

Thanks. Shawshank is one of those films you have to talk about in this context because it's such a beloved film to so many. Not have to talk about it because folks who like it need to be educated - in fact, I understand why people like it as much as they do - but simply because it makes for good conversation.

I'm all about people talking with people.

[J.D.]

I think it's fair to say the group doesn't believe you. Unless you're just not that into music, or all your stuff got ripped off, I say LIAR!!!!

I'm rather into music. The music that I'm into is mostly post-1990.

Again, I do like music made pre-1990. Or even pre-1975. I just haven't felt the urge to buy it, or even download it.

So neener.

[DREKTUNES]

I'm rather into music. The music that I'm into is mostly post-1990.

Again, I do like music made pre-1990. Or even pre-1975. I just haven't felt the urge to buy it, or even download it.

So neener.

Somebody go toss his place while I distract him.

Hey, JD! Over here! Lookee!! *shakes keys* Ooooh, noisy and shiny!!

[J.D.]

Thanks. Shawshank is one of those films you have to talk about in this context because it's such a beloved film to so many. Not have to talk about it because folks who like it need to be educated - in fact, I understand why people like it as much as they do - but simply because it makes for good conversation.

I'm all about people talking with people.

As am I, which is probably why I love this thread and threads like these MORE than I like the same old thread beating a dead horse about (insert name of Orioles player here).

I'm also all for having my eyes opened and my opinions changed. Close-mindedness is boring. ;)

[J.D.]

Somebody go toss his place while I distract him.

Hey, JD! Over here! Lookee!! *shakes keys* Ooooh, noisy and shiny!!

WHEEEEEEEEHEHEHEHE!!!! *stares and swipes at the shiny keys*

[DREKTUNES]

WHEEEEEEEEHEHEHEHE!!!! *stares and swipes at the shiny keys*

Nobody kills a thread like we doos. NOBODY. *fistbump*

[J.D.]

Nobody kills a thread like we doos. NOBODY. *fistbump*

Some people call it a job. I consider it a calling. *fistbump*

[Frobby]

I saw the 9-page thread on Worst Movie, but there are so many really awful movies it's hard to agree on one. So this thread is for movies that lots of people seemed to like, but which you think is really bad.

My vote is for Close Encounters of the Third Kind. This movie is at least an hour too long, maybe 90 minutes too long. The last hour is excruciatingly slow.

[Objectivity]

Good thread. I was thinking about creating the same one (mine would have been called, the worst movie you've seen that other people love, but the idea is the same).

I'd have to go with Silence of the Lambs. You could take Hannibal Lecter out of that movie and she'd still catch Buffalo Bill.

I'd also have to say Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula. I understand he wanted to keep the same feel of the older movies, but unintentional cheese is incredible. Intentional cheese is incompetent. As soon as you see the model train going through the model tunnel near the beginning of the movie you know you're going to see crap the rest of the way.

[J.D.]

Good thread. I was thinking about creating the same one (mine would have been called, the worst movie you've seen that other people love, but the idea is the same).

I'd have to go with Silence of the Lambs. You could take Hannibal Lecter out of that movie and she'd still catch Buffalo Bill.

I'd also have to say Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula. I understand he wanted to keep the same feel of the older movies, but unintentional cheese is incredible. Intentional cheese is incompetent. As soon as you see the model train going through the model tunnel near the beginning of the movie you know you're going to see crap the rest of the way.

Ooo... lots of choices. :D

I'd like to throw my nomination out there for (insert name of Russell Crowe movie here). Seriously, I couldn't stand Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man... any of those shenanigans.

Hated Crash, for reasons outlined in the Worst Movies thread.

I'm sure more will come to me.

[TonySoprano]

American Beauty, worst of the recent "Best Picture" Oscars. Lester Burnham "can't get no satisfaction" from his wife, Carolyn. Instead, she decides to go off the reservation for her thrills. Lester has a middle-age crisis, reverts to a teenager who can't control his hormones, and chases after his daughter's friend, of an aqe that's not legal in probably most states in the union. His next door neighbor, Col. Fitts, is an ex-marine, closet-homosexual, decidedly angry with himself, and the world, because of his sexual identity. The neighbor's son, Ricky, is a voyeur and, oh by the way, Lester's drug dealer of choice. Spare me the cinemographic dream sequences involving Lester's jail-bait object of lust, Angela, with the rose petals floating around her. There was nary a redeemable, let alone likable, character in the entire film. Lester gets whacked in the end, and it's the whodunnit that's the surprise, and not that he bought the farm at all.

[J.D.]

American Beauty, worst of the recent "Best Picture" Oscars. Lester Burnham "can't get no satisfaction" from his wife, Carolyn. Instead, she decides to go off the reservation for her thrills. Lester has a middle-age crisis, reverts to a teenager who can't control his hormones, and chases after his daughter's friend, of an aqe that's not legal in probably most states in the union. His next door neighbor, Col. Fitts, is an ex-marine, closet-homosexual, decidedly angry with himself, and the world, because of his sexual identity. The neighbor's son, Ricky, is a voyeur and, oh by the way, Lester's drug dealer of choice. Spare me the cinemographic dream sequences involving Lester's jail-bait object of lust, Angela, with the rose petals floating around her. There was nary a redeemable, let alone likable, character in the entire film. Lester gets whacked in the end, and it's the whodunnit that's the surprise, and not that he bought the farm at all.

I don't think they were trying for likable or redeemable. ;)

How can American Beauty be the worst of the recent best picture Oscar winners when Crash still exists?!?!

[sakata_catching]

American Beauty, worst of the recent "Best Picture" Oscars. Lester Burnham "can't get no satisfaction" from his wife, Carolyn. Instead, she decides to go off the reservation for her thrills. Lester has a middle-age crisis, reverts to a teenager who can't control his hormones, and chases after his daughter's friend, of an aqe that's not legal in probably most states in the union. His next door neighbor, Col. Fitts, is an ex-marine, closet-homosexual, decidedly angry with himself, and the world, because of his sexual identity. The neighbor's son, Ricky, is a voyeur and, oh by the way, Lester's drug dealer of choice. Spare me the cinemographic dream sequences involving Lester's jail-bait object of lust, Angela, with the rose petals floating around her. There was nary a redeemable, let alone likable, character in the entire film. Lester gets whacked in the end, and it's the whodunnit that's the surprise, and not that he bought the farm at all.
Props to you, Mr. Soprano. You're sayin what I'm thinkin.

AB has always struck me as a contrived little piece of wish fulfillment written by someone who never quite got over having a 'kick-me' sign taped to his back on the first day of high school.

[The Wedge]

American Beauty, worst of the recent "Best Picture" Oscars. Lester Burnham "can't get no satisfaction" from his wife, Carolyn. Instead, she decides to go off the reservation for her thrills. Lester has a middle-age crisis, reverts to a teenager who can't control his hormones, and chases after his daughter's friend, of an aqe that's not legal in probably most states in the union. His next door neighbor, Col. Fitts, is an ex-marine, closet-homosexual, decidedly angry with himself, and the world, because of his sexual identity. The neighbor's son, Ricky, is a voyeur and, oh by the way, Lester's drug dealer of choice. Spare me the cinemographic dream sequences involving Lester's jail-bait object of lust, Angela, with the rose petals floating around her. There was nary a redeemable, let alone likable, character in the entire film. Lester gets whacked in the end, and it's the whodunnit that's the surprise, and not that he bought the farm at all.

Well duh, he says he's dead and this is in flashback in the first lines of the film.

But I do agree with you. I totally left the theatre thinking "wow...that was incredibly over rated."

[TonySoprano]

Well duh, he says he's dead and this is in flashback in the first lines of the film.No kidding. The point was even if he hadn't told us in the beginning, you saw it coming anyway.

[Mark Carver]

I don't think they were trying for likable or redeemable. ;)

How can American Beauty be the worst of the recent best picture Oscar winners when Crash still exists?!?!

Since I've never seen Crash, than American Beauty is easily the worst Best Picture Oscar winner I've ever seen!

[J.D.]

Since I've never seen Crash, than American Beauty is easily the worst Best Picture Oscar winner I've ever seen!

Go watch Crash. It's a life-changing experience.

[Frobby]

Loved American Beauty, but then, that's the point of this thread.

[Pedro Cerrano]

American Beauty is a phenominal film but is often the subject of ridicule because it does lend itself as an easy target.

Lots of the dialogue is pretentious.

[NewMarketSean]

I know it wasn't highly acclaimed or anything... but it was hugely popular... I just got finished watching the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie last night for the first time and I don't know what all the fuss was about. If ever there was an overhyped movie that everyone loved, and wasn't really any good, these were it.

[DREKTUNES]

I know it wasn't highly acclaimed or anything... but it was hugely popular... I just got finished watching the last Pirates of the Caribbean movie last night for the first time and I don't know what all the fuss was about. If ever there was an overhyped movie that everyone loved, and wasn't really any good, these were it.

I really hated that movie. Took all the goodwill of the first (and, to a lesser degree, the second) and flushed it. Just awful.

[The Wedge]

The first one was one of those movies that so surpassed anybodies expectations, that it became sort of pseudo overrated. Then the sequels got more bloated and forgot about the fun of the first one...kinda like the Matrix Trilogy. I don't want to judge PotC from the sequels it spawned, just like I dont like judging The Matrix from its two sequels.

[DREKTUNES]

The first one was one of those movies that so surpassed anybodies expectations, that it became sort of pseudo overrated. Then the sequels got more bloated and forgot about the fun of the first one...kinda like the Matrix Trilogy. I don't want to judge PotC from the sequels it spawned, just like I dont like judging The Matrix from its two sequels.

Nah - at least the first Pirates movie was good. Matrix = meh.

[NewMarketSean]

I actually thought the second one was the best one. Go figure.

[The Wedge]

I actually thought the second one was the best one. Go figure.

It certainly brought up some awesome ideas that the third one proceeded to flush. That is, of course, if you're talking about the Matrix.

[NewMarketSean]

It certainly brought up some awesome ideas that the third one proceeded to flush. That is, of course, if you're talking about the Matrix.

I'm talking PotC still. The Matrix? First one is the best... by far.

I think all these sequels getting filmed back to back is a bad thing. Like PotC and The Matrix. It's essentially the first movie, then the second movie broken up into two parts.

That's not a trilogy. A trilogy is 3 stories that all form into a greater big picture.

[DuffMan]

I'd like to throw my nomination out there for (insert name of Russell Crowe movie here). Seriously, I couldn't stand Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Cinderella Man... any of those shenanigans.


I can understand people not liking Gladiator, but Cinderella Man??? That movie is great, and Paul Giamatti is awesome in it.

[DuffMan]

That's not a trilogy. A trilogy is 3 stories that all form into a greater big picture.

Sounds like we should have a thread on the greatest Trilogy:scratchchinhmm:

[beaner]

Matrix, I still don't get it.

What Sean said about POTC, I feel about "Rudy". Certainly not highly acclaimed, but very popular for whatever reason. I thought it was OK.

[glenn__davis]

Matrix, I still don't get it.

What Sean said about POTC, I feel about "Rudy". Certainly not highly acclaimed, but very popular for whatever reason. I thought it was OK, but love it though.

You thought is was OK, but you love it? Color me confused.

As for Pirates, I thought 2 was so mind-numbingly boring that I haven't gotten around to watching 3 yet. I fell asleep in the theater during 2.

Also agree with Duffman about Cinderella Man, but I'm a sucker for boxing movies.

[beaner]

You thought is was OK, but you love it? Color me confused.

As for Pirates, I thought 2 was so mind-numbingly boring that I haven't gotten around to watching 3 yet. I fell asleep in the theater during 2.

Also agree with Duffman about Cinderella Man, but I'm a sucker for boxing movies.

I meant to say I don't love it, which some people seem to. I'm new at this whole "writing" thing. It confuses me. Oh, and also I'm a moron.

[square634]

You thought is was OK, but you love it? Color me confused.

As for Pirates, I thought 2 was so mind-numbingly boring that I haven't gotten around to watching 3 yet. I fell asleep in the theater during 2.

Also agree with Duffman about Cinderella Man, but I'm a sucker for boxing movies.

Like you, I really did not like Pirates 2. I thought Pirates 3 was about 20 minutes too long, but I enjoyed it. In fact, I think the third one was better than the first, but the first one had no expectations which made it seem better at the time.

[The Wedge]

Like you, I really did not like Pirates 2. I thought Pirates 3 was about 20 minutes too long, but I enjoyed it. In fact, I think the third one was better than the first, but the first one had no expectations which made it seem better at the time.

I remember looking at my watch an inordinate amount of times during Dead Man's Chest...never a good sign.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Yea dude, I remember thinking "How in the bloody hell can a movie about Pirates be 150+ mins or whatever."

The first one was great, second one stunk I felt and I have yet to see the 3rd one.

Best trilogy is the original 3 Star Wars..........DUH!

[ledzepp8]

I've never seen any of the Pirates of the Caribbean.

[beaner]

I've never seen any of the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Neither have I, and I fell asleep 20 minutes into the First Lord of the Rings, and have no interest in picking up where I left off.

[J.D.]

I actually really enjoyed the Pirates series, but the first one was the best, hands down.

It doesn't feel like a real "trilogy" and that's probably because the second two movies were never supposed to be made. They had no expectations for the first. When it did well, Disney said "OH GOD! Make two more of these!!!"

If you ask me, the second two feel like their own stand-alone movie/sequel pair, aside from the first one.

[ledzepp8]

Neither have I, and I fell asleep 20 minutes into the First Lord of the Rings, and have no interest in picking up where I left off.

Yeah I struggled thru the first LOTR and have no desire to ever watch it again or the others. Fabulously made films that bore me to tears.

[NJOriolesFan]

Crucify me but Tarantino is overrated in my opinion.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Crucify me but Tarantino is overrated in my opinion.

Don't make me send The Wolf over to your house...

[Tank]

Ugh Pirates of the Carribbean.

I loved the first one, hated the second and third. I fell asleep multiple times trying to watch the sequels. It took me 3 tries to finish the second, 2 tries to finish the third.

Indiana Jones is way overrated, by the way...

[The Wedge]

Indiana Jones is way overrated, by the way...

You take that back...now, if you want to talk about the sequels (or in one case, prequel), I can understand, but the first movie and the character as the whole is rated just about perfectly thank you very much...I'd hate to have to hurt you Tank...:D

[Tank]

Ok, the first one is good. I could do without the rest. Way overrated.

Please don't hurt me... :D

[The Wedge]

Ok, the first one is good. I could do without the rest. Way overrated.

Please don't hurt me... :D

Okay. You made it...barely...:D

[DREKTUNES]

Okay. You made it...barely...:D

Well, to be fair, Temple of Doom suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuucks.

[NewMarketSean]

I think Indy can officially be called overrated now. The first and third ones great, the second and fourth ones, not so great.

Basically, the ones that take place in jungles suck. Thats probably because jungles suck.

[DREKTUNES]

I think Indy can officially be called overrated now. The first and third ones great, the second and fourth ones, not so great.

Basically, the ones that take place in jungles suck. Thats probably because jungles suck.

Hmmm. Don't know how I feel about agreeing with you on this. ;)

[BaltimoreTerp]

I think the point about making back-to-back sequals is a good one. In too many cases, all that happens is a split story, which just doesn't work.

The only time it really did work was Star Wars.