Ten Underrated Movies that deserve to be seen

Bradley Burgess
November 8, 2011
Filed under Reviews

CLOCKSTOPPERS:

Called “A ‘Back to the Future’ for a new generation” by Paul Saucido (LATV Live), “Clockstoppers” taps into everyone’s fantasy: The ability to stop time. Using a device hidden in a market grade watch, young dreamer Zak Gibbs (Jesse Bradford) uses its powers to his advantage, helping friends, exacting revenge on bullies, and, of course, getting the girl. But things soon turn dangerous when an evil corporation wants the watch for their own gain. A fantastic family film as well as great science fiction, “Clockstoppers” is a fun adventure you won’t soon forget.

THE ISLAND:

From the master of mayhem, Michael Bay, director of the Transformers trilogy, comes a startling social commentary wrapped in a sci-fi thriller package. In the near future, a global disaster has left the world uninhabitable, forcing humanity to live underground. But all that changes when a curious resident (Ewan McGregor) discovers that all is not what it seems. Part chilling mystery, part non-stop thrill ride, “The Island” is one of the most underrated sci-fi films of all time.

CHILDREN OF MEN:

By far one of the best films of the last decade, this Oscar nominated film is set in a disturbing future where women can no longer reproduce. While the world is thrown into chaos, the last pregnant woman on Earth fights a breathtaking battle for survival. Featuring some of the most creative scenes ever filmed – case in point: An entire scene is shot without leaving a car – “Children of Men” is a masterful picture that oozes brilliance and creativity.

LOVE ACTUALLY:

Cheerio, pip pip! This British film tells multiple stories of love- unrequited, secret, amorous, and homosexual – over the weeks leading up to Christmas. From a womanizer looking for attractive American girls, to a young boy’s first love, “Love Actually” has a story for everyone and is sure to become a Christmas classic.

PHONE BOOTH:

From the director of “Batman and Robin”, (Sit back down!) “Phone Booth” will have you talking long after the credits end. Self-centered, foul-mouthed publicist Stu Shepard (Colin Farrell) answers a ringing phone in a phone booth, only to fall victim to a deadly mind game by a psychopath who frames Stu for murder. More than just a thriller, “Phone Booth” puts you in the mind frame of Stu as he goes through a living hell. It also poses serious questions about one’s morality and how far you would go to keep your most precious secrets.

MINORITY REPORT:

This Steven Spielberg directed sci-fi thriller stars Tom Cruise as a police chief of a sophisticated crime unit in the year 2054 that predicts all the murders in the future and arrests the potential killers before they commit their crimes. But when the chief himself is accused himself of a future murder, he must discover if he was set up, or if he really will kill a man he’s never met. Thought provoking, thrilling, and nail biting, “Minority Report” is one of the most underrated Spielberg films.

SHE’S OUT OF MY LEAGUE:

Another pitch perfect romantic comedy, “She’s Out Of My League” reveals what happens when the geek finally does get the girl. When Kirk (Jay Burachel) scores gorgeous Molly (Alice Eve), he sets out to discover the true reason why she’s into him. Called “The funniest comedy since The Hangover” (Tony Tascano- Talking Pictures), this movie breaks all the rules of your average rom-com.

HOLES:

Based on the Newbery medal winning book, “Holes” is a thrilling story of crime and punishment. After being falsely convicted of petty theft, Stanley (Shia LaBeouf in his first film role) is sent to a cruel detention center where the inmates are forced to dig holes all day long. Stanley soon discovers that there’s something going on that may not be entirely legal in a film that both adults and kids can enjoy.

THUNDERBIRDS:

From the director of “Clockstoppers”, comes a slick thrill ride that grabs you and never lets you go. In the future, a family forms a secret organization dedicated to rescuing those in need using the most advanced technology on the planet. But when an old enemy attacks them, it’s up to the families youngest to save the day. Featuring some of the coolest gadgets ever created, “Thunderbirds” taps into your ultimate fantasies.

BIG FAT LIAR:

Finally, another fine family film from the director of “Real Steel.” Jason (Frankie Muniz) has recently written a paper he previously lied to get out of. But on the way to deliver it to his teacher, he literally bumps into a famous Hollywood producer who steals his story and makes it into a feature film. Armed with his greatest pranks, Jason ventures to Hollywood to claim the credit and get revenge. Filled with laugh out loud moments and a great message for kids, “Big Fat Liar” is a great romp.