This is topic Your Favorite Unsuccessful Movies in forum Film-Yak at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.


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Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 08-24-2005, 12:33 PM:
 
What is your favorite unsuccessful movie?

Pretty broad topic... By unsuccessful, I mean any of the following:

--not successful financially at the theatrical box office
--not critically successful; mixed-to-bad reviews
--movies that you like but in discussion you find most others have never heard of or seen the movie in question
--or, movies you are convinced that you're the only person on the planet who actually liked it

I'll kick off this thread with a couple of flicks that come to mind.

Into The Night (Universal/1985/dir: John Landis)
"Into The Night" is possibly the movie directed by John Landis that the least number of folks are familiar with. This thing came and went quickly in early 1985. I missed it in the theater but caught the second half of it on HBO by mistake when a time-shifting error caused me to record this instead of the program intended. I'm sure I muttered to myself something like, "What the hell is this crap?" both to describe my reaction to not getting the recording intended but also in trying to figure out just what it was I was watching. But as I found myself laughing frequently and getting excited recognizing the many filmmaker cameos, I realized "crap" wasn't an appropriate word to describe the movie. After scanning through the HBO guide, I finally figured out the title of the movie and watched (and recorded) it in its entirety during another broadcast. I went on to watch it numerous times. Seems like in the ensuing years, every time I'd mention or describe the movie, people either hadn't heard of it or seen it, or they thought I was describing Martin Scorsese's similar "After Hours."

In the movie, Jeff Goldblum plays an insomniac whose life is in the crapper due to a cheatin' wife and a lousy job. His carpool buddy and co-worker (frequent Landis collaborator Dan Aykroyd) suggests a vacation. While sitting in his car at the airport debating whether to go through with his friend's suggestion, Goldblum gets mixed up with Michelle Pfeiffer, who's on the run from a gang of jewel thieves. Together, they flee, with an assortment of funny and weird stuff happening along the way.

Part of the appeal of "Into The Night" is in catching the many Landis-isms such as a "See you next Wednesday" reference and cameos from a LOT of filmmaker friends. Some of the filmmakers and entertainers that make an appearance include David Bowie, David Cronenberg, Paul Mazursky, Amy Heckerling, Paul Bartel, Jim Henson, Rick Baker, Colin Higgins, Daniel Petrie, Lawrence Kasdan, Roger Vadim, Cal Worthington, and Carl Perkins. And Landis appears as one of the thieves. Jake "Body by Jake" Steinfeld appears in some humorous scenes. Lots of recognizable L.A. locations. Music score by B.B. King. And, of course, this was released by Universal, so in versions that include the "When in Hollywood, visit Universal Studios" clip at the end, watch for the "Ask for Babs" bit (those who've seen Landis' "Animal House" will get it). The movie also stars Irene Papas, Vera Miles, and Kathryn Harrold.

If one considers "Into The Night" similar to Scorsese's "After Hours," most folks seem to prefer "After Hours." I happen to prefer "Into The Night." I probably haven't described the movie in a way that would make one want to rush out and watch it, but part of that is because the best way for me to describe "Into The Night" is that it simply has a certain indescribable charm. Beware of censored TV versions which feature alternately-shot scenes to avoid nudity that appeared in the R-rated theatrical edition.
______________________________

Innerspace (Warner Bros./1987/dir: Joe Dante)
Well, I must admit I used to play the "guess how much money such-and-such will make" game, and from the time I first saw this movie's trailer with "Little Shop Of Horrors" around Christmas time of '86, I thought "Innerspace" had $100 million blockbuster written all over it. Steven Spielberg producing... Fun-looking trailer... good cast... Man, was I wrong! But...I loved this movie, and saw it three times in the theater, including once at the GCC Avco Center (Screen #1) in Westwood Village, CA when that place was a top-notch, first-class place to see a movie.

Lt. Tuck Pendleton (Dennis Quaid), down on his luck following a breakup with his girlfriend Lydia (Meg Ryan), volunteers for a top secret medical experiment in which he will be miniaturized in a capsule and injected into a rabbit. OK, there's the sci-fi and fantasy elements and the obvious "Fantastic Voyage" (1966) inspiration. But, Tuck doesn't end up in a rabbit... During an attempt by hi-tech thieves to steal the miniaturization technology, he ends up being shot up hypochondriac Jack Putter's (Martin Short) ass! The film turns into an odd genre-hybrid thing with elements of adventure, action, science-fiction, thriller, fantasy, and comedy, with Tuck enlisting the aid of Jack and ex-girlfriend and reporter Lydia to help restore him to normal proportions before his oxygen supply runs out. I enjoyed the movie tremendously and, in my estimation, the odd genre combination worked, and worked well. Cast also includes Kevin McCarthy, Henry Gibson, William Schallert, and Wendy Schaal. Academy Award winner for ILM's visual effects.

Movie features the usual dose of Joe Dante humor, sight gags, homages, and cameos. Dante regulars Robert Picardo and Dick Miller appear, and Jerry Goldsmith provides a serviceable score (somewhat obscured by the numerous songs included in the mix). Among the movie's many featured songs are two Sam Cooke classics ("Cupid" and "Twistin' The Night Away," the latter of which a cover version by Rod Stewart also appears). Watch for cameo by famous animator Chuck Jones. And also watch for cinematographer and frequent Dante collaborator John Hora, ASC (though he didn't shoot "Innerspace") as the lab dude who injects Martin Short with the miniature Dennis Quaid.

Side note: I met director Joe Dante at a sci-fi/horror convention in '88 and asked him to sign my "Innerspace" one-sheet poster. He was pleased to do so, although he couldn't help but remark on how disappointed he was with Warner Bros.' marketing of the film. He hated the domestic poster (and signed the poster: "To Mike, Too bad this isn't a better poster! -- Joe Dante") and attributed the film's box office failure on it. The ad slogan for the U.S. release was "An adventure of incredible proportions," with the art depicting the miniature pod being held between two fingers. Perhaps they should have stuck to their earlier slogan of "Adventure in a different vein" (which appeared on some promotional material given out at sci-fi conventions in early '87). Dante's preferred character collage-oriented international poster art, by the way, ended up being used for the movie's video release. One of the first titles issued on VHS and laserdisc in letterbox format. About the only thing I didn't like about "Innerspace" is that it should have been made in 'scope!
 
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 08-24-2005, 01:51 PM:
 
Judge Dredd- entertaining and funny to see Stallone try to bang his way out of this one.. So bad, that I wouldn't mind seeing this one again.

Battlefield Earth Definitely had potiental and started strong that opening week in the Boxoffice. Once again,entertaining (trim it down some and you could easily have a kid show), but can agree with the critics how bad (an embarrassing) Travolta had to lower himself down for this clunker.
 
Posted by Jesse Skeen (Member # 586) on 08-24-2005, 02:41 PM:
 
Don't have time to comment on them, but here's my list:

187
Get Over It
This Boy's Life
Newsies
Center Stage
Brain Candy (Kids In The Hall)
The War
Why Do Fools Fall In Love
Volcano
Daylight
Ed Wood
Hideaway
 
Posted by Mike Heenan (Member # 392) on 08-24-2005, 03:53 PM:
 
Baseketball - Don't like South Park, Team America was ok, but for some reason this film had me in stitches.
 
Posted by Clint Koch (Member # 1179) on 08-24-2005, 05:21 PM:
 
The Burbs with Tom Hanks and many others.
Big Trouble in Little China with Kurt Russell.
Stargate with James Spader and Kurt Russell.
 
Posted by Scott Norwood (Member # 30) on 08-24-2005, 05:33 PM:
 
Sadly, there are way too many of these to mention. Of recent releases, I can think of the following:

Sky Captain
Goodbye Dragon Inn
Lost Skeleton of Cadavra
Sweet Sixteen
Gerry
Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys
Kid Stays in the Picture
SLC Punk
Forgotten Silver (short)
The Dish
Million Dollar Hotel

...and a bunch of others. And that's just from the last five years or so. To my knowledge, all of these would be considered to have had "unsuccessful" theatrical releases in the US.
 
Posted by Bobby Henderson (Member # 840) on 08-24-2005, 05:51 PM:
 
Interesting topic. Hmm. I don't have very many movies that would qualify as odd or bad by the public within my DVD collection. Here's a couple that could fall into that unsuccessful category.

Mystery Men (Universal/1999/dir. Kinka Usher)
This movie had a very short life in movie theaters. It just didn't click with most people. Just about anyone I know who has seen this movie hated it. But I liked it quite a bit. The movie made fun of all sorts of comic book superhero conventions and had some pretty cool visuals. The cast was pretty impressive. Ben Stiller was the lead, but having supporting players like Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush, Greg Kinnear, Wes Studi, Hank Azaria, William H. Macy and the very gorgeous Claire Forlani helped things quite a bit.

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the Eigth Dimension (Fox-Orion/1984/dir. W.D. Richter)
I'm not even sure why I like this movie. But I do. It has a lot of odd stuff in it and watching it in 2005 -this show screams out 1980s very badly. Peter Weller is better known for "Robocop," but I think he did a good job with this show, walking a fine line between appearing cool while doing some fairly wacky things. Speaking of wacky, I don't think I've ever seen John Lithgo in a more wacky role (as the villian, Dr. Lizardo).

I also have a copy of "Billy Jack" in my DVD collection. I've never watched it (although I have seen the movie before when I was a kid). One of my best friends sent copies of this DVD to several on his Christmas gift list just to be an asshole for the holidays.

quote: Clint Koch
Big Trouble in Little China with Kurt Russell.
Stargate with James Spader and Kurt Russell.
I have both of those on DVD! Wanna see something painfully bad? Check out the music video of director John Carpenter and his band performing the end title track to "Big Trouble in Little China" (on the 2nd disc of the 2-disc SE DVD).
[uhoh]
 
Posted by Brian Hogan (Member # 940) on 08-24-2005, 06:03 PM:
 
rock 'n' roll high school forever (1990) and gigli (2003) are two that come to mind. the first was on tv all the time back in the day and was sweet cause it was so bad. the second was sweet cause it took the piss hardcore, but no one got it. namrok!
 
Posted by Brian Michael Weidemann (Member # 2243) on 08-24-2005, 07:33 PM:
 
quote: Bobby Henderson
and the very gorgeous Claire Forlani
[thumbsup] [beer]

I'm pretty sure the reviews were horrid and most people would pass, but I'm a big fan of UHF. It probably made about $1.50 and that includes soundtrack album sales. [Smile] Okay, so it's widely available on DVD ... I guess cult classics can't really count.
 
Posted by Mike Heenan (Member # 392) on 08-24-2005, 08:56 PM:
 
UHF rules!
 
Posted by Matt Fields (Member # 3211) on 08-24-2005, 09:51 PM:
 
Brain Donors
 
Posted by Steve Guttag (Member # 268) on 08-24-2005, 10:08 PM:
 
Used Cars (an absolutely GREAT movie)

Night Shift (never did much in the theatres)

Popeye (if you don't get the humor in Popeye, you won't get my humor)

Buckaroo Banzai (it is a cult classic with lines known by many that might not know the film...boot-tay, boot-tay...."no matter where you go, there you are.")

Space Camp (it was okay for me, for what it was)

DC Cab (perhaps because it was from where I grew up or that it was a whos-who of stars).

That Thing You Do (I forgot that wasn't a popular hit...it was a very good movie, non the less)

Mars Attacks (it is everything it needs to be)



I'll think about some others.

[ 08-25-2005, 05:10 PM: Message edited by: Steve Guttag ]
 
Posted by Wayne Keyser (Member # 2420) on 08-24-2005, 11:01 PM:
 
Smoke Signals - Coming to terms with a failed father on the "rez" (reservation) as it really is.

Circle of Iron (now on DVD under its original title "The Silent Flute") - Zen "lite", okay, but then it IS just a movie - sold as chop-socky, and more than a little goofy, it has some thoughts and magical moment sprinkled throughout.

Hollywood Boulevard - Made by Joe Dante ("Rock 'n' Roll High School", "Gremlins," "Small Soldiers," "Amazon Women on the Moon") and Alan Arkush ("Crossing Jordan") for Roger Corman on a bet that they couldn't bring it in for under $60,000. Favorite line: Paul Bartel as a Grade-Z director to guy in Godzilla suit: "Now, your motivation is to stomp on as many people as possible."
 
Posted by Brad Miller (Member # 2) on 08-24-2005, 11:21 PM:
 
Orgazmo and Brain Candy (Kids in the Hall) both did pathetic business, but rate a solid 5 out of 5 stars.
 
Posted by Brian Michael Weidemann (Member # 2243) on 08-24-2005, 11:23 PM:
 
I've been keeping an eye out for Brain Candy on DVD, but nowhere seems to want to keep it in stock. I guess I'll just have to Amazon.com that one, one of these days.
 
Posted by Allison Parsons (Member # 2728) on 08-24-2005, 11:36 PM:
 
Iron Giant (ok, so it got great reviews, just no one but myself saw it in the theaters)

Mystery Men

Babe Pig in the City (same as Iron Giant. I saw this litterly 5 times in the theater I liked it so much!!)

Trekkies

Event Horizon
 
Posted by Greg Anderson (Member # 235) on 08-25-2005, 12:11 AM:
 
Fun topic, Mike. I vote for uneven but enjoyable films like Fandango (fun opening credits montage and some wacky bits throughout the film), That Thing You Do (I'd call it Tom Hank's personal American Graffiti kind of story), The Straight Story and another vote for Buckaroo Banzai.
 
Posted by Mike Olpin (Member # 1115) on 08-25-2005, 12:32 AM:
 
I second The Iron Giant & Mystery Men.
Also,
Big Trouble
Who Is Cletus tout?
Titan A.E.
Better of Dead (One of my top 5 favorite films of all time)
Frequency (Did that one do good buisisness? I cant recall.)
 
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 08-25-2005, 01:41 AM:
 
Final Fantasy (2001) liked it and like Allison-only one in the auditorium
 
Posted by William Hooper (Member # 71) on 08-25-2005, 02:19 AM:
 
quote: Michael Coate
"Into The Night" is possibly the movie directed by John Landis that the least number of folks are familiar with
"I can't sleep." I saw that one theatrically. I recall that B. B. King just did the title song, & there were other good songs on the soundtrack. The quick bit with Landis as a gunman having a little trouble with a door then blasting away at it was fun.

quote:
Buckaroo Banzai (it is a cult classic with lines known by many that might not know the film
In the theatre it was VERY cool when whatever that fast vehicle was early on went by & directionally fwooshed the surrounds. Some of those lines like "Wherever you go", etc. were already old & well-known before the movie was made, but mostly the movie was very fresh. Liked the bit with the watermelon.
"Laugh while-a you can, monkey-boy!"

Another movie I seemed to be the only one in the auditorium enjoying was Joe Dante's "Explorers", which ambled in a sort of casual, charming way, then went nuts. Little Richard is invoked. Later I saw part of it on TV, & realized that it had been re-edited to make it tedious or something.
 
Posted by David Buckley (Member # 2600) on 08-25-2005, 02:48 AM:
 
Time prohibits commenting, but, some that have yet to receive an honourable mention:

Howard - a new breed of hero
Earth girls are easy
Millenium (though perhaps deservedly so)

Just about anything trashy.

Checking the records for our community theatre the other day, when we showed Howard (I say we - it was well before my time) a grand total of 32 people turned up to see it. Sad. But it was not the worst turnout of all time :-)
 
Posted by Leo Enticknap (Member # 534) on 08-25-2005, 04:36 AM:
 
Underground is usually written off as a disappointment after its director's stunning debut film, Shooting Stars. Although the script and acting aren't as strong it's still a terrific thriller: the chase scene at the end was actually shot on location in the London tube, which must have been a challenge with slow 1920s film stock. Both films were preserved from their camera negs and so survive in great shape. They're shown quite frequently at the National Film Theatre, though maddeningly neither has been released on VHS or DVD.

Seance on a Wet Afternoon was condemned for trivialising what many regarded as a serious social problem which also offended the religious establishment. It also crashed at the box office, despite Richard Attenborough's name being on the posters. I grew up with a next door neighbour who claimed to be a psychic medium - the scripting and acting of the Kim Stanley character are amazingly accurate in portraying just how outwardly ordinary someone can appear, and how skilled they are at masking the fact they're really totally mad. The b/w 'scope photography is stunning too, if you can get to see a reasonable print.

The Tailor of Panama wasn't seriously marketed, got lukewarm reviews and didn't do very well at the BO. It also wasn't helped by the fact that Brosnan is so well known as Bond that audiences probably weren't willing to take the risk of seeing him in another role (albeit an almost identical one). But I thought Andrew Davies (better known for writing TV drama) did a brilliant job in adapting what seemed to me to be a virtually unfilmable novel (too much detail and political background in it) in a way which kept the suspense element intact. Although Brosnan did slip into thinking that he was still 007 at times (frankly I wouldn't have cast him as Osnard in a bazillion years), Jamie Lee Curtis and Geoffrey Rush were superb.
 
Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 08-25-2005, 06:45 AM:
 
David from New Zealand wrote:

quote: David Buckley
Howard - a new breed of hero
For those who may not be aware of the re-titling for other markets, in America this was the infamous "Howard The Duck."
 
Posted by Mitchell Dvoskin (Member # 751) on 08-25-2005, 08:25 AM:
 
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the Eigth Dimension

I'm one of the few people who saw this in a theatre when it was first released.

Lifeforce

The film that bankrupted Cannon Films. The spent a fortune on the special effects on this SciFi/Vampire/Zombie movie, and it tanked. This is a great bad movie, a lot of fun.

Candy (1969 Version)

This film plays like it started it's life as a soft core porno, the story of a young girl named Candy, who every male she meets tries to get her into bed, and almost all of them old enough to be her father. However, somewhere along the way, they eliminated the nudity and managed to sign Richard Burton, Marlin Brando, James Cobern, John Huston, Walter Matthau, John Astin, Ringo Starr, and Sugar Ray Robinson to play the dirty old men.
 
Posted by Joe Redifer (Member # 3) on 08-25-2005, 08:52 AM:
 
The Truman Show - Everyone was expecting this movie to be god-damned hilarious just because Jim Carrey was in it and were let down when it wasn't. Those people are morons and they all deserve to die. This was his first non-comedy role, though there are bits of comedy here. Instead what people got is a very strange, esoteric, quirky movie that was more or less a light drama. I love it, but the DVD automatically uses the ZOOM function on widescreen TVs instead of ANALmorphic widescreen. Hopefully the new version fixes that hideous flaw (just like Michael Keaton BATMAN, which they've never released another DVD, those bastards).

U-571 - I think people wanted a super drama ala Hunt for Red October or some other John Grisham/Agatha Christie/Tom Clancy/Michael Cricton book (they're all the same). Books make lousy movies with a few exceptions. Books make great books, and I hate books. This movie was pretty cool and it had a rockin' musical soundtrack by Bon Jovi who also did the sound effects mixing and probably even directed it. My favorite part is where they play Area Football on the sub.
 
Posted by Thomas Hauerslev (Member # 566) on 08-25-2005, 09:16 AM:
 
"Eating Raul"
 
Posted by John Carpenter (Member # 1488) on 08-25-2005, 09:31 AM:
 
The movie in this category for me that really stands out has to be GRIND. It was in theatres for 2 weeks tops but I laughed my ass off and saw it at least twice. Still watch it from time to time at home. Of course I dont agree with critics much and even box office draw either.
Oh well I just show them, not make them...
 
Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 08-25-2005, 10:23 AM:
 
Here's another:

Defending Your Life (Warner Bros./1991/dir: Albert Brooks)

I'm not gonna write a book about this one as I did with "Into The Night" and "Innerspace." [Smile]
 
Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 08-25-2005, 11:17 AM:
 
L.A. Story- Sarah Jessica Parker was hot as lava in that one.

My Favorite Year- Peter O Toole Great comedy.

Creator-another Peter O toole film with a very hot and young Virginia Madson.
 
Posted by Christian Volpi (Member # 2370) on 08-25-2005, 11:30 AM:
 
High Fidelity
The Sweet Hereafter
Pieces of April

...brain fart, I'll have to add more later.
 
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 08-25-2005, 01:08 PM:
 
Not in any particular order:

Better off Dead (1985)
Drive-In Massacre (1976)
Used Cars (1980)
Boat Trip (2002)
Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine (1965)
Eating Raoul (1982)
Killer Klowns From Outer Space (1988)
Orgazmo (1997)
Polyester (1981)
The Ritz (1976)

...and a bunch more.
 
Posted by Jeffry L. Johnson (Member # 453) on 08-25-2005, 04:40 PM:
 
Another vote for Buckaroo Banzai.

Other guilty pleasures not mentioned yet:
Just Imagine (1930)
The Twonky (1953)
The Loved One (1965)
Phase IV (1973)
Dark Star (1974)
Coonskin (1975)
Get Crazy (1983)
Night of the Comet (1984)
Tapeheads (1988)
They Live (1988)
Meet the Feebles (1989)
The Handmaid's Tale (1990)
Cool World (1992)
Last Action Hero (1993)
Matinee (1993)
Tank Girl (1995)
 
Posted by Tim Reed (Member # 137) on 08-25-2005, 06:23 PM:
 
Not exclusive by any means, just the first to pop in my mind.

Ishtar - The sight of those two guys working so hard to write insipid songs was hilarious to me. I thought it was a charmer.

I'll second Steve's choice of Used Cars. I loved Jack Warden's performance(s) in that show!

Agreed. Great topic, Michael! [Smile]
 
Posted by Paul Linfesty (Member # 214) on 08-25-2005, 08:10 PM:
 
WINTER KILLS (1979). Wild, loony, over the top version of powerful U.S. family (the Kennedy's, anyone?). Jeff Bridges and John Huston star.

EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC Hysterically funny sequel is so bad, but also has some of the most stunningly beautiful cinematography and lyrical editing I have seen.

XANADU(1980) Why? Who knows? The awfulness of the concept, the revolting disco beat music, the hideous clothes. But I have watched it everytime I have channel surfed and hit upon it, and eventually bought the DVD. It's strangely watchable.

ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING(1987)Undeniably revels in racial stereotyping, but it is, afterall, from the POV of the suburban white "innocents." Elizabeth Shue is a real winner here, and the Babysitter's Blues is a true highlight.
 
Posted by John H. Crawford (Member # 3086) on 08-25-2005, 08:58 PM:
 
Caddyshack II (1988)- yes, I like this movie!
 
Posted by Ferdinando Innocenti (Member # 2477) on 08-26-2005, 06:58 AM:
 
No nominations for "Heaven's gate"? really great movie, it was the end for the glorious United Artists.

And a movie with no success in Europe (I don't know in US): "Gattaca", by Andrew Niccol, with Thurman, Law and Hawke
 
Posted by Mike Blakesley (Member # 26) on 08-27-2005, 01:40 AM:
 
Another vote here for the great "Used Cars." Funny, clever, and two great performances by Jack Warden. It's also the source of my all-time favorite TV overdub. ("Cheese and rice! Cheese and rice almighty!")

It's also got a hilarious commentary track by Jeff Bridges and Robert Zemeckis.

Some others of mine. Some of these might have been hits, I dunno, but most of them got pretty bad reviews back in the day.

ROLLERCOASTER -- one of Universal's "Sensurround" movies. Cool POV shots of coasters, and I have actually ridden on the one featured at the end of the movie (Revolution, at LA's Magic Moutain -- the first coast to feature a loop)

STARMAN -- Oscar-worthy acting by Kurt Russell.

THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT -- Good cast, sharp writing, interesting premise. Michael J. Fox is excellent as is Annette Bening. Usually I'm not too into romantic comedies but this one just clicks.

ROOSTER COGBURN -- John Wayne and Katherine Hepburn together. Great chemistry between them. Sequel to True Grit. This is the better of the two movies because it doesn't feature Glen Campbell.

THE MONEY PIT -- An early Tom Hanks/Steven Spielberg collaboration. The house (which falls apart) is the real star of the show. It's like a live-action Road Runner cartoon, the way things keep going wrong.

THE GROOVE TUBE -- It's a parody of TV shows, commercials and such. Chevy Chase is in it. Some hilarious bits, and some flat-out crap, but the hilarious bits are worth sitting through the crap. (The Kramp Easy-Lube Brand Vegetable Shortening bit is my favorite of all.)

The first couple of Police Academy movies are faves. The first one contains my other favorite TV overdub: "Drop that stereo before I blow your goddam nuts off, asshole!" becomes "Drop that stereo before I blow your gosh-darn knees off, eggroll!"
 
Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 08-27-2005, 02:29 AM:
 
quote: Mike Blakesley
STARMAN -- Oscar-worthy acting by Kurt Russell.
Jeff Bridges
 
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 08-27-2005, 02:54 AM:
 
Xanadu-1980 I also have to agree on this one as was previously mentioned.

Saw this one down in SLC at the Villa Theatre www.villatheatre.com back when this movie came out that summer of 1980. It stunk in the boxoffice everywhere else in the country, but at the Villa, it was bringing the bucks like mad. Why, for that 4trk Dolby "A" system was extremely fine tuned in that place and it sounded terrific! With this sound being tuned correctly, the people came just to hear the soundtrack.

Universal was extremely puzzled why the Villa in SLC was making the bucks on this movie, yet everywhere else in the country was bombing on this movie, until they found out that the SOUND
was the main attribute to this movie's success. This is what the chief projectionist that I knew real well, told me For when we were there that afternoon, the house was almost 3/4 full-mainly girls and dates.

(Back then, they were still using Ashcraft SuperCorelites beind those pair of Century JJ's).

I had the laserdisk of this film, but was stolen from my apartment, and finally got the DVD as well. It's just one of those fantasy movies that isn't much, but fun to watch.

I still have the original LP soundtrack of this film as well.

-Monte
 
Posted by Stephen Brown (Member # 292) on 08-27-2005, 06:46 AM:
 
I'm for Xanadu also.....Maybe it was a Olivia cutie thing. One of the first movies I remember showing over and over and over again when I had just started bring a sprocket jockey. 20 Minute reels, Carbon Arcs and Ms Newton-John, is there anything better. (yes I am quite insane).

also

PCU Pit Party-Very Good Piven.
 
Posted by Jeffry L. Johnson (Member # 453) on 08-27-2005, 10:35 AM:
 
For obscure Olivia check out Toomorrow (1970). Theatrically unreleased in the USA.
 
Posted by Michael Coate (Member # 757) on 08-27-2005, 11:24 AM:
 
quote: Darryl Spicer was the last to post
Jeff Bridges
Speaking of Jeff Bridges, I'd like to add "Tucker: The Man And His Dream" to this list.
 
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 08-27-2005, 02:32 PM:
 
quote: Mike Blakesley
ROLLERCOASTER -- one of Universal's "Sensurround" movies. Cool POV shots of coasters, and I have actually ridden on the one featured at the end of the movie (Revolution, at LA's Magic Moutain -- the first coast to feature a loop)
I agree Mike, that's a great film...cheesy 1970's stuff, but cool. [thumbsup]

As Mike mentioned, "The Revolution" was the 1st modern open-steel-frame, full 360 degree, vertical looping coaster. When it opened in May 1976 it was known as the Great American Revolution. Since at that time I worked for Panavision and worked on that film, my 10 y/o son and I were "lucky" enough to be among the 1st 100 riders when it opened. We each got a "Revolution 100" T-Shirt and a certificate. (Whoopee ding dong!) [beer]

A bit of anecdotal history: When the Arri IIC camera was mounted to the front car for POV shots and sent on it's test run, it came back WITHOUT it's film magazine. Seems like it got smashed and lost. That was solved by mounting the camera lower... [Big Grin] [thumbsup]

Of course The Revolution is tame by today's coasters like Colossus, Goliath, Viper, etc.
 
Posted by Steve Scott (Member # 630) on 08-27-2005, 02:51 PM:
 
Local favorite: Mallrats. A surviving memento to the grunge generation of the 90's, and the only surviving footage of pre-Mall of America style shopping centers in Minneapolis.

Recent favorites:
Envy: Discard the entire film, but leave me Christopher Walken's scenes as "The J-man" and Stiller & Black's infomercial improv.

Cabin Fever: As goofy and mindlessly terrifying as Wes Craven's early work.

Bubble Boy: One last comic romp before Jake Gylenhall got put into the dramatic machine.

Anything from the Airport saga gets my vote too. I was obsessively into learning about airliners many years ago, which gave way to disaster flicks like Rollercoaster as I became a theme park nut, which slightly predated my widescreen film fixation.
 
Posted by Brian Michael Weidemann (Member # 2243) on 08-27-2005, 04:27 PM:
 
quote: Mike Blakesley
THE GROOVE TUBE -- It's a parody of TV shows, commercials and such. Chevy Chase is in it. Some hilarious bits, and some flat-out crap, but the hilarious bits are worth sitting through the crap. (The Kramp Easy-Lube Brand Vegetable Shortening bit is my favorite of all.)
Oh, yes, the Heritage Loaf! That movie kicks ass. Add that one to my list. That and Kentucky Fried Movie, while you're at it!
 
Posted by Phil Hill (Member # 371) on 08-27-2005, 05:17 PM:
 
This movie is brought to you in "Feel-Around"...

I thought "Kentucky Fried Movie" was much better than "Groove Tube". The whole KFM film was a laugh riot! My favorite bit is Samuel L. Bronkowitz's trailer for his new film "Catholic High School Girls in Trouble". While the audio is funny, it's just plain Too Funny with the visuals! [beer]
 
Posted by Andy Summers (Member # 3207) on 08-27-2005, 06:35 PM:
 
"Into the Night"

WOW, I haven’t heard that movie title in over 10 years liked it when it came out and still, like it to, with the gangs on all sides hating weren’t they at war, long time I think David Bowie was very funny as this guy that thought Jeff was very impressive, very impressive, yeah it’s all starting to come back, and the cap driver, “Get the fuck out of my cap” line cracked me up totally.

As well as some other funny lines, I’m sure it's on DVD and it’s out there, I’ll keep look out for that one, as I do like some of the comedies and “The Blues Brothers” is an American icon classic with lines like

“It’s a hundred and sixty miles to Chicago, we’ve got a full tank of gas, half a packet of cigarettes, its dark and where wearing sun glasses”,

“Hit it”

Ashley
[beer]
 
Posted by Rachel Gilardi (Member # 1016) on 08-27-2005, 07:25 PM:
 
Hmmm, good topic!

Well, most of the ones I can think of have already been mentioned.

Stigmata
Newsies (I've watched this over 100 times, no kidding!)
Cool World
Xanadu (Never even heard of it until Don MADE me watch it)
Spice World (Yeah, I liked it...)
Gigli (Yep, actually liked this one too)

Huh, I know there are more...
 
Posted by Michael Brown (Member # 890) on 08-27-2005, 07:29 PM:
 
My favourite film: Dark City
(Showroom Cinema Sheffield (screen 4?? (largest Screen) Scope, SRD)
Didn't do much at the multiplex box office, I first watched at my local art house cinema. Fantastic, love the plot and pacing.

The Avengers
(Warner Bros, Meadowhall Sheffield, Screen 3 or 6, Widescreen Dolby SR)
This has to be Uma Thurman's best movie. I've got a copy of this on video somewhere. Did shit at box office and always seems to come up at the top of peoples worst movies, but anyway,I thought it was great. Was hooked into the whole premise after seeing the trailer.

Shaft
(UGC Cinemas Sheffield, Screen 6, Scope, SRD or DTS) and
(National Museum of Film and TV, Cubby Broccoli Cinema, Bradford, Scope, SRD)
Not sure how well this sequal (not a remake) did at the box office, but I really liked it. Was blown away by Jeffrey Wright's performance.
 
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 08-28-2005, 02:04 AM:
 
"Tunnel-Vision (1976) ... the People's Network!" .. a good pre-KFM movie. Dumb as they get, but still had the snickers, epecially with Chevy Chase (which I think this was his screen debut of sorts..)doing his famous interview.

then the stinkers of all stinkers that seems to always hit the kid shows many moons ago that I can get a kick of watching being so cheaply made is:
"Santa Claus Conquers the Martins" , and it's amazing that you can still find this movie on the cheapie DVD's
-Monte
 
Posted by Carl Martin (Member # 1146) on 08-28-2005, 02:16 AM:
 
ha! us martins would kick santa claus's ass!

ok, let's see. i thought dreamcatcher was underrated.
 
Posted by Jennifer Pan (Member # 2035) on 08-28-2005, 02:34 AM:
 
As a Dreyfuss fan... this one is probably one of my favs... just because it was like the first one of his I've seen on a theater screen. Him playing a wise guy mobster is just hilarious.

The Crew (2000)

Can't go very wrong with a bunch of old actors. Its just funny right off the bat. [Smile]
 
Posted by Anslem Rayburn (Member # 1267) on 08-28-2005, 02:48 AM:
 
Hudson Hawk
Captain Ron
SLC Punk!
Slums of Beverly Hills
Waterworld (everyone hates it, but it did do $88 million)
Waking Up In Reno
Howard the Duck
Labyrinth (people actually laughed at me when I bought the DVD)
A Bronx Tale (nobody I talk to has ever seen it, I thought it was excellent)
 
Posted by Michael Schaffer (Member # 1204) on 08-28-2005, 04:18 AM:
 
I liked "King Arthur".
It had some weaknesses, but I liked the idea of trying the material in a possible historic setting. Visually attractive too.
Same about "The 13th Warrior".
 
Posted by Pravin Ratnam (Member # 1417) on 08-28-2005, 04:26 AM:
 
Booty Call(jamie foxx's genius was in evidence early on in this funny flick. yes i found it funny, stop laughing!)
GO
True Romance
12 Monkeys
25th Hour
Punch Drunk Love
City of God (at least in the US box office)
 
Posted by Kurt Zupin (Member # 2751) on 08-28-2005, 10:03 AM:
 
Hudson Hawk (By far one of the best Bruce Willis films of all time [thumbsup] )
13th Warrior
Rounders (I wore out my first copy of the dvd, no joke. Don't know how, and didn't even know it was possible)
Waterworld (I don't find it to be that bad, watch it at least once a year)
Sahara(Everyone seemed to hate it, I can't wait for the DVD on the 6th of Sept.)
 
Posted by David Stambaugh (Member # 1102) on 08-28-2005, 11:06 AM:
 
Almost anything with Kurt Russell. His films are rarely blockbusters, but they're usually memorable anyway. He can do comedy, drama, action, etc. equally well. A few mentions:

Breakdown
Captain Ron
Dark Blue
3000 Miles to Graceland
The Thing
 
Posted by Kurt Zupin (Member # 2751) on 08-28-2005, 12:12 PM:
 
Ah yes

Dark Blue

3,000 miles to Graceland

Soldier was one that didn't do much and I think was universally hated as well. I loved it.

Indian in the Cupboard was one that wasn't successful but I loved it, loved the books as a kid.
 
Posted by Jeffry L. Johnson (Member # 453) on 08-28-2005, 01:24 PM:
 
I was using MovieLens and realized that I'd forgotten about Roadie (1980).

A good one for cinetechnophiles is Im Lauf der Zeit (1976) [Kings of the Road].
 
Posted by Darryl Spicer (Member # 711) on 08-28-2005, 02:37 PM:
 
anybody out there remember a little movie about a possesed car that chased people and ran over them.

I know the first thing that probably popped into your head was Stephen King's Christine.......

But no this little film was called The Car (1977) starring James Brolin.

Here is a Little Tivia about The Car taken from IMDB.

There were six Cars built for filming by Barris Kustoms in Lynnwood, California: one main car of steel and five fiberglass replicas. Three replicas were destroyed in the climactic explosion scene and the other two replicas were wrecked in rollovers. The gloss-black main Car is a custom Lincoln Mark III with a locked 4.11 differential (to allow easier spinning), heavy-duty suspension, roll bar, safety harness, and amber-tinted glass. The top is lowered and the beltline raised. Twelve craftsmen built the main Car in six weeks.
 
Posted by John H. Crawford (Member # 3086) on 08-29-2005, 05:43 PM:
 
Another one- Six Pack with Kenny Rogers.
 
Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 08-29-2005, 06:27 PM:
 
Pirates
Dark Star
Xanadu
Raise the Titanic
Last Action Hero
Drive In
 
Posted by Monte L Fullmer (Member # 2797) on 08-30-2005, 02:42 AM:
 
Do we remember Terry Gilliam's epic clinker, "Adventures of Baron Munchausen"-1988 that went way over budget,over schedule (LA Times had a pretty big writeup during the making of this movie on how it was quite the film to produce), rarely was booked here in the states, about busted Columbia, and yet, loaded with that all-star cast?

Granted, "Brazil" - 1985 from Gilliam three years earlier was a classic from Universal.

-Monte
 
Posted by Brian Michael Weidemann (Member # 2243) on 08-30-2005, 06:04 AM:
 
Has there EVER been a Gilliam film that DIDN'T go over schedule, budget, and have loads of drama surrounding production? His greatest film-that-never-was was that Don Quixote thing, with Johnny Depp, I think. I never saw it, but the documentary film covering the behind-the-scenes of that fiasco is quite a tour-de-force on its own, so I hear.

Ah, yes, Baron Munchausen. I remember that one. Vaguely. I loved Brazil. I think 12 Monkeys is my favorite Gilliam, however. Not sure if that one counts as unsuccessful, though. I mean, Bruce Willis & Brad Pitt's presence kept it in theatres for an adequate run, right? I don't remember.
 




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