I was alphabetising my DVD collection the other day (I have nearly 400, it's a necessity) and some of the titles gave me pause. I got to thinking about the films that I adore and will watch over and over, can quote almost word-for-word and yet I'm betting that they're not as widely loved as I think they should be.
Perhaps that's because they're actually not that great and they just struck a cord with me for some reason. Or it could be because they didn't get a wide cinema release or just aren't the majority's cup of tea. Whatever the reason, I think it's a shame that more people either don't know about them or just don't care for them. I have also noticed that the same names appear more than once on this list and I'll admit that I probably wouldn't have watched a couple of the films on this list if it hadn't have been for certain individuals. What? I like looking at pretty things.
Watchmen (2009) Dir. Zack Snyder
For all the problems and struggles that this film had in production and with all the inter-studio arguments, the finished product is just gorgeous. I'll always defend Zack Snyder (apart from Sucker Punch - I still don't know what to make of that one), especially after giving us this film.
I was sold at the opening sequence and it just got better from there. It's mouthwateringly delicious to look at, the colour pallet imitates the graphic novel perfectly and the style of the whole film is something quintessentially Snyder. The fact that what he gives us, to all intents and purposes, is the comic panel for panel is beside the point. The casting was a stroke of genius, using relative unknowns from the world of theatre for most of the main characters. I may be a little bias in relation to The Comedian due to being a huge Jeffrey Dean Morgan fan (he is, after all, the King of Beards) but I think that he nailed his role in the film. So the ending isn't the same - who cares? This film really is a masterpiece but then when you have source material from the minds of Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons and John Higgins to work from, you can't really go wrong. Plus, the message at the heart of Watchmen is as relevant now as it was back in 1986 and the film doesn't forget that.
V For Vendetta (2005) Dir. James McTeigue
Another Alan Moore adaptation makes the list. The lead cast alone - Natalie Portman and Hugo Weaving - should be enough to make this a more widely known and watched film. Again, the message of this film is just as applicable today as it was in 1982, as is most of Moore's work. It's wonderfully shot, the cast are perfect and the script is sublime.
Weaving really is the crowning glory of this film. Considering that he wears a mask for the entire film and you never see his face, he manages to express the rawest and deepest of feelings using just body language and his voice - which in itself makes this film a must-watch. I'm also not ashamed to admit that the first time I saw this film, I cried so hard that I was nearly sick on myself. The moment broke me completely and utterly was the end scene with all the people on the streets wearing the mask. It's a powerful and highly emotive film that will stay with you for days afterwards.
Legion (2010) Dir. Scott Stewart
Everyone I've ever talked to about this film hasn't seen it, which is a shame because it really is rather good. Admittedly, I have a penchant for films with a religious storyline (it's the reason I sat through The Seventh Sign) and this doesn't disappoint. OK, so it's a formulaic story of the good trying to save the world from the apocalypse by protecting the sacred and unborn child of a diner waitress, but it's well written, well directed and care has been taken with getting it right.
I'll watch anything with The Quaid in it and Paul Bettany is always a delight. I'm also a sucker for angels and Bettany's Archangel Michael kicks arse. This is Kevin Durand's first appearance on the list, a much under-used and overlooked actor, and he's fabulous as Gabriel. And the angels actually have wings - not completely CGI wings either. Actual wings (pay attention Supernatural) that spread and flap, despite the confines of a small diner. It's got JARVIS with wings and huge guns, a disturbing old lady demon and Dennis Quaid so what's not to like?
Sunshine (2007) Dir. Danny Boyle
I could be wrong in adding this film to the list but I'm pretty sure that it's not as widely popular as it should be. Well, it certainly wasn't but perhaps Mr Boyle's rise in popularity and awesomeness has changed that.
This film is just beautiful. The colour palette, the score, the script, the acting, all of it. I don't often use the term perfect unless we're talking about Jeremy Renner but Sunshine is just that. It's heartbreaking, enthralling, touching and inspiring. What I love the most is that Boyle and Garland got a real scientist - one Dr Brian Cox- on board to make sure they got everything as scientifically accurate as possible. I like it when filmakers actually bother to get their facts right, it makes for a more believable story which in turn makes for a better film. I'm not really a crier but it stayed with me for days.
Smokin' Aces (2006) Dir. Joe Canahan
I snuck this one onto the list because although it's not a science fiction or a comic book adaptation, it certainly feels like one. When I first saw it, I had to go home and look up whether or not it was a graphic novel and was surprised to find it isn't - I can picture all the characters walking straight of the pages of a comic. From the stressed and under pressure cops to the insanity of the The Tremor Brothers (Kevin Durand's second entry on the list), it's like the graphic novel that never was.
The cast list is insane: Andy Garcia, Jeremy Priven, Ryan Reynolds and Ben Affleck for starters. Oh, and there's even an appearance by Chris Pine. The story is a little messy, but it gets clearer after a few watches. If you just want a bit of sweary, bloody and ridiculous violence then this film is for you.
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988) Dir. Terry Gilliam
Ah, the impossible and fantastical mind of Terry Gilliam, it's a place where the wildest of dreams are made. I adored this film as a child and still do. It's ridiculous and extraordinary and funny and wholly unbelievable. Of course, it has a touch of the Python about it but then it is Terry Gilliam so that's hardly surprising. The perfect route to escapism, for a couple of hours you can forget the real world and immerse yourself in the the grand story telling of one Hieronymus Karl Frederick Baron von Munchausen. Along for the ride are Eric Idle, Robin Williams, Uma Thurman and Oliver Read to name but a few. With amazing sets and stunning costumes, this film has everything you need to lose yourself in a pure fantasy.
Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon (2006) Dir: Scott Glosserman
I decided to sneak a horror film on the list because this deserves to be talked about. I'm a huge horror fan, often devouring anything and everything I can get my hands on. Behind The Mask is a unique take on the genre and told from the view point of the mass murdering serial killer in the title, Leslie Vernon. He enlists the help of a group of college documentary film makers, keen to give them access to his plans and how he goes about implementing them, citing his heroes as 'people' such as Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers.
Glosserman is clearly a huge fan of the genre and that shows, only making the film more enjoyable to watch. My favourite part is when Vernon explains how much cardio he has to do to make it look effortless. If you know your stuff and look hard enough, there are some affectionate nods to the likes of Nightmare On Elm Street and Halloween. It's funny as well as disturbing, giving a new twist to the horror brand. Throw in some cameos by the one and only Robert Englund and Zelda Rubinstein and you've got the recipe for a damn good horror film.
The Losers (2010) Dir. Sylvain White
I shall refrain from going on and on about how much I love this film but I watch it on average about once a week and I know it upside down, inside out and back to front. Adapted for the screen from the brilliant graphic novels by Andy Diggle and Jock, it's an entertaining, action packed film that has you falling instantly in love with the cast. As comic book adaptations go, it's one of the best. It helps that Diggle and Jock were on hand throughout filming and had a hand in the script. The film is cast perfectly with each of the actors, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Chris Evans, bringing the characters to life amazingly well. The Losers is more than capable of standing alone as a cracking comic book film, but with five graphic novels in the series, I'm hoping for a sequel. GO PETUNIAS!
Pitch Black (2000) Dir. David Twohy
I happened to find myself in the cinema one day and nothing really took my fancy, so I paid for a ticket to Pitch Black and settled in for what I was pretty sure was going to be a bit of a rubbish low-budget film. I was sorely mistaken. With some clever use of CG and a cast that you can get behind, it feels smooth and even 13 years later, it still feels fresh. Riddick fast became a favourite, although that could have been because of Vin Diesel (yes, I developed more than a little obsession with the man mountain at the time - and yes, he's the reason that I own a copy of The Pacifier but lets not talk about that embarrassing little nugget shall we?). The follow up, The Chronicles of Riddick, was a little disappointing and I'm hoping that the next instalment, Riddick, is going to be better. Until I've seen it and can make that call, Pitch Black is by far the better of the two films so far in this series.
Dredd (2012) Dir. Pete Travis
I debated over what to have as the tenth and final entry on this list and settled for Dredd due to the fact that unless you've ever picked up a copy of 2000AD, the only knowledge you would have of Judge Dredd is that truly dreadful (ha!) Stallone film. For that reason, people didn't flock in their droves to see this film last year: geeks and Dredd fans are many but compared to the majority, we are few.
Thankfully, there isn't even a hint of the Stallone version in this film and it's what what I've been waiting for as a longtime Dredd fan. If more people don't see this film or buy a DVD then we won't get another one - and I for one want to see Judge Death on the big screen. One of the most visually stunning films I have ever seen, I didn't need 3D to truly appreciate the beauty of this film. It's just gorgeous. The slo-mo shots are breathtaking and Karl Urban was a genius piece of casting, but what I love most about this film is the fact that you never see Dredd's face because he never takes the helmet off. Just as it should be.
So, there you have it. My list of films that deserve a bucket load more love and attention. I asked the internet for some suggestions and there were a few that didn't quite make the list, but deserve a mention: Push, Franklyn, Chronicle, Priest, Doctor Who:The Movie and Host. I'd love to hear what your list contains so pop something in the comment box below.
By Vickey Tree
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