Movies the critics and your friends hated or disliked, but that you love.

[BlueIris]

Sorry if this is a dupe--I checked and didn't see its equal, but mods can lock if they want.

Okay, a few off the top of my head:

"Lost in Translation." Not every critic in the world hated this movie and not all of my friends hated it, but there was a real polarity of opinion among the reviews I solicited from critics and peers. Some loved it and some think it's the stupidest, most ridiculous film they've ever wasted their time on. I like one of Ebert and Roper's explanations for the "either you love it or you hate it" reaction so many viewers have had to it--either you "get" what Coppola was trying to communicate there or you don't; you either understand that kind of painful social and personal isolation or you don't. Since I immediately "got" what she was doing and understand the lonely place those two characters are in, I think this film is incredible. I also love Japanese minimalism and think urban Japan is mesmerizing, so the cinematography and direction are wonderful in my eyes.

"Moonlight and Valentino." This charming movie contains an understated and moving story about grief, recovery and reconnection among four adult women that I always see written off as a "chick flick" by reviewers. Even my female friends say that. 'Kay, if you don't care about well-drawn characters, pitch-perfect pacing and a meaningful plot, yeah, sure. I guess.

"Magnolia." I realize that this may not count as a "they hated it and I revere it" film anymore than "Lost in Translation" does, but I think it is possibly the MOST underrated film of the '90s. I do not understand why it didn't wind up being an Oscar sweep and critically-acclaimed-forever-and-ever kind of movie. At all. It's one of the better film expositions on the idea that humanity can find personal and philosophical redemption and peace despite the oppressive influence of the so-called "sins of our fathers" both figurative and literal. Even in the Babylon of Los Angeles. Brilliant. I have this tendency to get violently angry whenever I encounter someone who says it was "boring," "stupid," "cryptic" or "not that special." Jesus.

"The Seduction of Joe Tynan." This movie actually has, in my humble opinion, Alan Alda's best performance in any film. It's completely great, as is the story--youngish American senator pursuing his unnamed party's nomination for president, and I guess I shouldn't give away the end, but let's just say he gets the nomination at the expense of his integrity. Fabulous, well-paced plot featuring equally terrific work by Meryl Streep that for some infuriating reason was only given three stars by Ebert back in the day and which no one remembers except me. And perhaps my mother, who thought it was "dull." ACK.

[Lethe]

1. UHF

totally panned by critics and normal people alike.

yet, i still think it's hilarious.

[Patiod]

2. "How to Make an American Quilt"

A movie that only a woman could understand or relate to. Not a romance as such, just a movie about how women's lives go, their compromises and how they come to terms with those compromises. Zero action or suspense. Went with 3 hard-core business-women girlfriends, and we were all crying at the end of it.

It got TRASHED by the critics, but I noticed at the time that they were all men.

[LostinVA]

9. I love that movie

[Ron Mexico]

11. After my brother saw that movie he said

"I'll never trust a woman again." I still haven't figured out if he was referring to the "don't ever tell him" part or the fact that his girlfriend told him it'd be good.

At any rate, he's still single at 45 :)

[BlueIris]

3. I also have a deep and abiding affection for "Minority Report."

Looking back at the reviews, it seems like the only person who really appreciated it was Ebert. And all of my friends thought it was simply too commercial and mainstream to be all that great. WHY? It's so good. And it's one of the sole performances by Cruise I could still enjoy, as well as arguably being his best work as a lead actor.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

4. The Bank

An Australian film that I saw at the Portland Film Festival, but which received a lukewarm review from the U.S. critics and limited distribution in this country.

I suspect that the reason was political: the bank executives in this story are casually cruel and obsessed with money, and they demand that the young main character support their cruelty as a condition of keeping his job. The bank's profiteering in depressed foreign economies is also mentioned.

However, the film was well-acted, especially Anthony LaPaglia as the slimey but ultimately cowardly bank president, and the plot twists kept me guessing all the way to the emotionally satisfying conclusion.

[progmom]

5. I Heart Huckabees

I actually really liked that film. :)

[SaveElmer]

6. The Alamo...

The latest one with Billy Bob Thornton I though was an excellent movie. Closest to reality of any of the Alamo movies made previously...plus great battle scenes!!!

[Ron Mexico]

7. The Toxic Avenger

Absolutely hilarious, even when not intended to be. You can also add almost every Seagal movie to this list, as long as the one with Kelly LeBrock isn't on it.

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

10. I was just going to respond "Lloyd Kaufman movies"

but I'll stick my wicket to the original!

Also, IMO, "Terror Firmer" is one of the greatest comedies ever made and "Tromeo & Juliet" is a fantastic contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare.

[BlueIris]

8. Okay, here's one people shat on that I adore: "The Phantom Menace."

Especially Natalie's adorable work in it. So sue me.