You're back! Thank you for coming to check out what movies I included in this second part. #10 through the coveted #1 spot. If you happened to miss the first part, take a look here. Alright, now that's settled. Let's get right to it.
10. Trainwreck
Is this considered underrated if it made $140 million at the box office? Or sits at an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes? I don’t know. But it feels super underrated to me so I’m listing it here. Maybe it’s because it doesn’t seem to have the positive word of mouth that follows around other female-led comedies like Bridesmaids. Maybe it’s because shortly after this movie, the hate train began for its lead, Amy Schumer. (Pun not intended. Kinda.) Either way, Trainwreck is one of those comedies that I feel so strongly about that I just want to shout from the rooftops: GIVE IT A CHANCE.
Loosely autobiographical (emphasis on loosely), Schumer wrote and starred in this debut which is so sharp and consistently funny throughout, with the help of a killer ensemble. Vanessa Bayer is hilarious as Amy’s work confidant and Tilda Swinton, who looks absolutely nothing like Tilda Swinton, is so annoyingly perfect as the insane overbearing boss.
Sure, the film is maybe a bit bloated and Apatow, who directs, has his handprints on it, like the random celebrity cameos here and there that don’t always land and are unnecessary. Above all else, it’s genuinely funny, got a ton of heart, and makes me laugh out loud throughout every single time I watch it. And I’ve seen the thing over ten times. If you just hate Amy Schumer inherently, you should probably skip this. But if you’re willing to give her a chance, I promise you could walk away really enjoying this.
9. Lost River
You knew that Ryan Gosling could act. You probably even knew that he could dance and sing a little bit. ("La La Land," I’m looking at you). But did you know that he can direct? The man can do it all. Sure, he maybe ripped a page out of the David Lynch book of directing. But what’s wrong with being inspired by the people before you?
“Lost River” is Gosling’s directorial debut as both a writer and a director. It’s a neo-noir, modern day fairy tale, dressed as an arthouse film. Gosling enlists the help of cinematographer Benoít Debie and composer Johnny Jewel to craft a world that is beautiful in its ugliness. It’s certainly a weird movie and not one without flaws. However, the cinematography, score, editing, acting, and directing are more than enough to make up for what it lacks in story. And for me, I can’t help but be drawn to its indescribably weird charm.
Whether you end up loving or hating it, I still think you should give it a go. It’s clearly a love letter to the films and directors that inspire Gosling – and I commend him for putting himself out there in this way. It’s a bold debut and a rather polarizing one. But I love to revisit this movie from time to time and get lost in its strange world. And I know I’m always talking about the score. But the score in this movie incredible.
8. The Final Girls
I saw this when it premiered at SXSW four years ago and I’ve never met a single person apart from those at that trip who have seen or heard about this movie. And that needs to change. This movie was made with one thing in mind: me.
As I sort of hit on in my “The Cabin in the Woods” blurb, my favorite movies are self-referential horror comedies (see: "Scream"). There’s one small problem with that. Which is: that’s not really a genre, Kyle. Yet, every few years one will come along that’s good and worth your time. "The Final Girls" is that movie.
The strong cast featuring Taissa Farmiga, Malin Ackerman, Adam Devine, Nina Dobrev, Alia Shawkat, and Thomas Middleditch is just the cherry on top of this pretty bonkers movie. Basically, everyone gets stuck inside an 80’s slasher movie and can’t seem to get out. The kicker here: Farmiga’s character might not want to get out…since this slasher movie is the one that her recently deceased actor mother starred in years prior.
The movie incorporates a number of genres effortlessly and presents some really creative ideas for the movie-come-to-life world around them. It’s a short, easy watch but one that I love to revisit around Halloween time. Plus it packs some solid humor in there, too. It makes fun of Friday the 13th but also finds a way to honor its inspirations. The Final Girls is right up my alley. Maybe it’s up yours too.
7. The Invitation
I knew nothing about this movie when I saw it the first time which is exactly how I like to see my movies. I’m so glad that I gave this one a chance because it’s truly one of my all-time favorite “horrors” – I use that term loosely here. “The Invitation” packs a decent amount of atmospheric suspense into a very slow-burn film. This isn’t an unrelenting, scare a minute type movie. It takes a long time for things to happen but it’s the long, lingering, uneasy moments that make this movie what it is. The feeling of dread only intensifies as the night goes on, as this dinner party that you definitely don’t really want to be at continues.
“The Invitation” is a psychological thriller, examining loss and its tolls on the human mind and condition. Are their sinister motives at play? Is our main character, played brilliantly by Logan Marshall-Green, just a paranoid man reeling from the direction that his life took? Both are possible.
It’s an effective film and one that takes its time to build an atmosphere of unadulterated unease and suspense. It’s movies like this that I tend to love the most. It’s unconcerned with making you jump or getting right to the point. Instead it invites you in, perhaps for a dinner party, and makes you stay a while…even if you’re not sure that you want to.
6. Other People
I didn’t really know what I was getting myself into when I started “Other People.” I remember a lot of comics promoting it on Instagram when it came to Netflix, so I decided to give it a go, expecting a stupid comedy. To put it simply, I sobbed for probably ten minutes after the credits had finished. This movie got me. Also a disclaimer: I’m a little bitch. But anyway, I digress.
“Other People” is a hilarious, poignant, incredibly moving, and heartbreaking movie that genuinely blew me away when I first watched it. It follows the story of a struggling writer who returns home to take care of his cancer-stricken, dying mother. The film is semi-autobiographical to the writer/director’s life and deals with a ton of different themes; ranging from a father’s reluctance to accept his son’s sexuality to a family dealing with the inevitable loss of their mother. Despite dealing with quite heavy topics, the movie doesn’t forget to make you laugh – and it strikes a perfect balance between the two.
The best part of this movie are the remarkable acting performances, particularly from the leads Jesse Plemons, and Molly Shannon, the matriarch of the family. Shannon, one of the most underrated comedians, is perfect in this role and it is genuinely hard to watch her character deteriorate throughout the course of the film. (These aren’t spoilers, I promise.) All in all, “Other People” will make you laugh and it will make you cry, but ultimately, it is one of those movies that reminds you to always appreciate life.
5. The Edge of Seventeen
I could write two simple words and move on with this one, honestly. Because the two words are: Hailee Steinfeld. And those two words should be enough to get you to watch this movie. But if for some odd reason unbeknownst to me, you need some more…well, I’ll give it to you.
“Edge of Seventeen” falls under the “coming-of-age” genre and it’s by far one of the best that this type of film has to offer. Seinfeld is so impressive here, showing off comedic chops and also bringing depth and emotional presence to her complicated character. She’s complicated in the ways that anyone is as a teenager. She’s dramatic, insensitive, oversensitive, and self-absorbed — but she’s real, genuine, and a character that you want to see win.
The highlight of the movie is the relationship between Hailee’s character and her teacher, played by Woody Harrelson. It feels real without being creepy or inappropriate which so many of these movies seem to incorporate. The movie does a great job of encapsulating the teenage experience in a very refreshing way and even if you can’t relate to the specifics of the storyline, you can surely relate to the universal feelings and themes. It brings me right back to those awkward, cringe-inducing teenage years…the feelings of loneliness and isolation. And as I’m writing this, I just realized that doesn’t really go away even at 25. Maybe they’ll give us a sequel. Anyway, this is genuinely one of my favorite coming of age movies. And it just went up on Netflix recently. Give it a chance.
4. Eighth Grade
“Eighth Grade” was my favorite movie from this past year. It got some recognition with Golden Globe nominations but that was about it. Awards don’t make a movie good. But “Eighth Grade” deserved more. And it deserved some nominations at the Academy Awards too.
Bo Burnham wrote a sharp, funny, painful, and original screenplay which he turned into a delightful movie that’s genuinely uncomfortable to watch but also a joy at the same time. He handles his character and her story with such love and care, never once judging her. Elsie Fisher, who plays the lead Kayla, is perfect in this role. And I do mean perfect. She plays this character with such authenticity, you feel every single thing that she is feeling. Because at the end of the day, we have almost all been this character – riddled with social anxiety, feeling like you don’t fit in but knowing that you should try anyway. Trying to be heard even with a weak voice that may crack. Trying to give advice to others, despite being unable to follow it yourself. Burnham took every aspect of this age and of adolescent school life and threw you right back into it. It makes for an uncomfortable watch, because it feels so real.
This film looks at this time in one’s life with such a refreshing realism that is often lost in “coming of age” movies, especially those that deal with school life. Gone are the ridiculously good-looking teens who are actually played by 30-year-old models. The actors look like the age that they are. And the acting is strong across the board. Burnham includes some truly heartwarming scenes between Kayla and her dad, who does his best to understand his daughter. These moments are the highlights for me.
If you haven’t seen it yet, please go ahead and watch it. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Just be prepared to cringe. But also to laugh. Maybe shed a tear. (Not me. Just kidding. Like I said…huge bitch.) It’s streaming on Amazon Prime too. I can’t wait to see what Bo Burnham does next. He’s proven he can helm a truly special movie. Gucccccccci.
3. Good Time
I promise you that “Good Time” is a good time (sorry.) It’s also completely worth your time. It’s got everything that I love when it comes to movies. Neon drenched lighting and a pulsating score. Wonderful cinematography. They make use of an almost “Cops”-like style, utilizing handheld shots, extreme close-ups, jarring zooms, and sweeping helicopter shots. On top of that, there’s an unrelenting anxiety permeating through every scene.
Don’t write off Robert Pattinson just because he was in "Twilight." He’s honestly incredible. He carries this entire movie on his back and he mesmerizes with every single line. It’s got an odd ability to be funny even in moments of pure suspense. I tend to love movies with morally ambiguous characters. The ones that may not be the best of people but perhaps are doing things for the right reasons. Pattinson embodies that type of character effortlessly.
Overall, I really loved this movie. It was one of the best of 2017 and yet so few people I know have seen it. “Good Time” reminds me of what I love about movies. It’s an adrenaline pinching, anxiety-riddled film about brotherhood and relationships – the healthy and the unhealthy. Also, I’m pretty sure it’s on Amazon Prime now. What are you waiting for?
2. Jennifer's Body
I already know you probably rolled your eyes. Or stopped taking me seriously. Assuming you were before, which I know is highly unlikely. But guess what? I don’t care what you’re thinking. I don’t care what you have to say. And I don’t care what you’ve heard or think you know about this movie. I’ve defended this movie since I saw it opening day in theaters ten years ago and I’m going to defend it to you now sitting here in 2019.
I understand it has Megan Fox in it. And I understand it’s drenched in Diablo Cody’s signature speak that no one actually uses in real life. And yes, I get that it’s about a hot high school girl who eats boys and that sounds dumb. But if you give it a chance, you’ll find it’s actually really good. I can’t tell you how many people I know who will just refuse to watch it as if its going to give them a communicable disease. If you went in with an open mind, you might find that it’s laugh out loud funny. It’s well acted, especially from Amanda Seyfried but even from Megan Fox. It’s got a good soundtrack. It has some cool cinematography. Great directing from Karyn Kusama, who also did “The Invitation.” It’s actually kind of deep…if you want it to be. Okay, it’s not THAT deep.
However, the movie works on whatever level you want it to. If you choose to view it as an insipid, silly movie with dumb dialogue and stupid characters, then that’s what it is. But it also works as an introspective think piece on a friendship turned sour. It works as an allegory for unhealthy, interpersonal teen girl relationships – their insecurities, their shortcomings, their irrationalities. It works as a straightforward comedy. It works on a ton of levels. The movie is just all around fun. If you let it be fun. Don’t skip it because you think you’ll hate it. Or you think it’s beneath you. Give it a chance. Not every movie is The Godfather. Some are even better…
1. Spring Breakers
If you know me, you know that this #1 wasn’t a surprise. I change my Facebook header to a new still from this movie every single March when it’s spring break time. Today is March 22, 2019 which marks six years since I saw it on opening night in 2013. What good timing this is! I’ll never forget the night I saw this. The hordes of fifteen year old kids who snuck in the theater expecting to see “The Hangover” but with Disney girls and getting hit with this weird, LSD-trip of a movie with its non-linear editing and its lines of incessantly repeated dialogue. Harmony Korine drew them in with the cast and the bright colors and punched us all right in the face.
I’ll call “Spring Breakers” probably the most underrated movie of all time until the day that I die. I do think there’s a solid chance that most people who watch it, probably won’t like it. Maybe you too were expecting a spring break comedy with Selena Gomez. Or perhaps it’s just not your cup of tea. Or maybe you’re like me, who will find the beauty and thrill in every single frame of this movie. I mentioned earlier I wrote an essay on “The Cabin in the Woods” for school. Well, how about the four essays I wrote on “Spring Breakers”? That’s education dedication. I could write pages on pages but I’ll try to spare you.
Highly stylized and intensely visual, “Spring Breakers” is art on screen. Neon-infused, grimy art of pure debauchery. Harmony Korine makes really weird movies that are genuinely hard to watch. But if they aren’t memorable. “Spring Breakers” is his most easily accessible and watchable movie for the masses but it’s still a trip from beginning to end.
His cinematographer, Debie, who also worked on "Lost River," does an incredible job here. Korine wanted the film to look as though it was “lit with candy” and feel utterly bombastic. On set, Korine would plan his lighting set ups by asking for gels that “make everything look like a Starbust” or “red Skittles.” This colorful aesthetic is my favorite part of this movie and helps to create an inviting, beautiful, party atmosphere but one that still feels ultimately unsafe.
The dialogue is minimal and often repeats. You’ll have “spraaaang breaaaak foevaaaaa” running through your mind for days when this thing is over. The movie feels like a pop music video but one in which its main characters fall deeper and deeper into a dangerous world that they simply don’t belong in. Korine uses juxtaposition expertly here, pairing songs like “Everytime” by Britney Spears to a sequence that includes gun-wielding robberies and physical assaults, and rifle dancing next to an ethereal pink water-front sunset. The editing mimics a drug trip and how one might remember a fragmented, hazy weekend. There’s social commentary here if you want to try to unpack its themes and what Korine is trying to say. Is he celebrating this culture and lifestyle? Is he condemning it? He does a bit of both. And that’s what makes “Spring Breakers” work on several levels.
Ok, let me stop here. This was already way too much. I’m passionate about this movie. I get why people hate it. But if it isn’t super underrated, I don’t know what is. I hope that you’ll perhaps give it a chance. Just know what you’re getting into. And oh god, I almost forgot how good the acting is in this. This is by far James Franco’s most memorable role. You won’t forget Alien anytime soon. I promise.
“Spring Breakers” is one of those movies that comes along every once in a while and changes the way you view movies. That’s what it did for me. It introduced me to an entire style and aesthetic that I love more than anything. From a technical standpoint, this movie has everything that I love. And then some. Okay, I’m done now. I think I’m going to go watch “Spring Breakers.”
So, that's it. That's my list of the top 20 most underrated movies according to me. The numbers are all interchangeable in the end. They're all good, they're all worth giving a chance to and it is my sincere hope that perhaps you do. And if you do, please let me know that you did and then let's talk about these movies forever.
One day, I want to be able to text all ten of those people that are definitely my friends and say "yo, Good Time, am I right?" and I hope everyone will say "yeah, I saw that and I loved it. That list was incredible and you're a really special person with a huge heart who is deserving of love." I'm not projecting.
In all seriousness, I hope you enjoyed this list. And I genuinely hope that maybe one of you will decide to give one of these a chance someday and hopefully love them as much as I do.
What's your most underrated movie? I'd love to know.
Until next time...
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