Student special: Top 10 most underrated films, for under a fiver
Living on a shoestring budget? Have no fear, your cinematic consumption need not suffer! Reduction bins at your local supermarket may house hordes of crassness, but the following are diamonds in the rough.
The Island
Michael Bay and sci-fi are truly a recipe for destruction, and The Island is no exception. Set in the dystopia of tomorrow, Ewan McGregor and Scarlet Johansson are two clones being grown for one thing: the harvesting of their organs. On the run from the ultimate bad guy, Sean Bean, a blisteringly violent chase on a staggering scale ensues. Excellent visuals and a dedicated cast. More bang per buck than a cap gun.
Sunshine
A film that exemplifies Danny Boyle’s penchant for finding the niche-iest niche and pushing its boundaries. Sunshine has provoked both critical acclaim, and unbridled hatred. Not the typical space opera, the film follows a band of humans on their way to re-ignite the dying Sun. The result is a terrible struggle on a terrific scale. The realism makes for an excellent viewing experience.
The Boat that Rocked
Richard Curtis, the legend behind Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Love Actually returns to regale the tale of the infamous sixties pirate radio, “Radio Rock”. It stars the usual Bill Nighy and Rhys Ifans, as well as a surprisingly lovable Phillip Seymour Hoffman. The film feels fresh throughout, a quality that few can replicate. Tom Sturridge is the young talent, innocent yet not annoying. A feel good film.
Serenity
Joss Whedon’s epic space western may have been a flop for some, but to fans of the short-lived Firefly, it was a near-satisfactory resolve to the unfinished story of a troupe of space cowboys. Other than making you want to smash every window at Fox studios for cancelling the series, the film will make you cry as cast members are ruthlessly culled. For those who didn’t see the series, you can’t go wrong for an average price of £3 a disc.
The Count of Monte Cristo
A remake of a film adaptation of a book. With strong themes such as betrayal and vengeance, The Count of Monte Cristo houses a story that will plaster over any qualms with the plethora of mediocre actors. Despite some seemingly uninspired performances, the late Richard Harris deserved an award for the strengths he brought to the production.
Yes Man
A simply genius plot. A man’s (Jim Carrey) life is changed when he vows to say “yes” to every question. A fresh, feel good film, that will not fail to make you laugh. It will make you want to leap up and do exactly the same thing.
1408
The problem with 1408 is that it’s not horrific enough to be a horror film, but the plot doesn’t lend itself to any other genre. Therefore the film is a failure by default. However, with excellent acting by John Cusack and Samuel L Jackson the intricate story is brought to life. It is a truly excellent film that was perhaps let down by misleading branding.
The Guardian
Perhaps Kevin Costner’s only credible role in the past decade. After years of dismal failure, he returns to the big screen as the rugged mentor of a surprisingly good Ashton Kutcher. Kutcher’s role is demanding, and you can almost see past his schoolboy-ish adolescence and imagine him as a real actor. A dramatic, powerful and engaging movie.
Apaloosa
Viggo Mortinsen and Ed Harris blend together to create a western sheriff and his deputy, both on top form. Although a not entirely memorable film, it is both entertaining and good value for money. A film of quality and substance.
Memento
Guy Pearce stars as a man losing his mind, whilst using his body as a notice board. The film follows his character attempting to hunt down the person who killed those closest to him, using nothing but the tattooed clues on his body. A stark and original plot, Memento is sure to blow your mind.
Trivia
What do the following films have in common?
The Island
Armageddon
Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
Con Air
Monsters Inc
If you REALLY want to know the answer, email me.
