Spring Break
The most underrated films of '08
Just in time for summer! Start catching up
Paresh Jha
Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Focus
For every "Slumdog Millionaire," there will be a film like "Rescue Dawn" or "Fracture" that simply slips through the cracks of awareness. There are a variety of ways this could happen. "Slumdog" actually began as an indie hit that catapulted to astronomical levels of success through word of mouth.
Other films are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Take 2007's "Breach" for instance. The film had all the makings of success. It had a heartthrob leading man - Ryan Phillippe - and a seasoned Oscar nominated actor like Chris Cooper in a brilliantly paced film about the FBI. But, a lack of strong publicity and an awkward release date had this movie stumbling out of the gate, box office-wise. In 2008, there were a handful of movies that fell into these traps. But do not let the promotional miscalculations alter your perceptions of the film. The following selections are all quality movies that are begging for your attention.
"The Bank Job"
In a world obsessed with the "Ocean's Eleven" new age heist genre, it is ironically refreshing to see a film that works as a throwback to the old school crime films. The movie is based on a true story about a controversial heist that happened in London about 30 years ago. Much of the movie's greatness needs to be attributed to director Roger Donaldson, who veers away from the tempting slick nature of these types of films and goes for a grittier style instead. Jason Statham and company bring developed and sincere performances to a film that is as fun as it is simple.
"The Visitor"
"The Visitor" was one of the most emotional and moving films of the past year. The movie focuses on a Connecticut English professor, Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins), who has lost his drive to teach. He has a chance encounter with a Syrian man whom he befriends. Drama takes place when this man is deported and Vale gets pulled in trying to help his newfound friend. The movie's strongest aspect is the examination of a post 9/11 world that happens to affect more people than just foreigners. Jenkins throws in an excellent performance with a wide range of skills as his character transforms from lost, middle-aged teacher to a man with a passion. There is a reason he was nominated for Best Actor.
Other films are just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Take 2007's "Breach" for instance. The film had all the makings of success. It had a heartthrob leading man - Ryan Phillippe - and a seasoned Oscar nominated actor like Chris Cooper in a brilliantly paced film about the FBI. But, a lack of strong publicity and an awkward release date had this movie stumbling out of the gate, box office-wise. In 2008, there were a handful of movies that fell into these traps. But do not let the promotional miscalculations alter your perceptions of the film. The following selections are all quality movies that are begging for your attention.
"The Bank Job"
In a world obsessed with the "Ocean's Eleven" new age heist genre, it is ironically refreshing to see a film that works as a throwback to the old school crime films. The movie is based on a true story about a controversial heist that happened in London about 30 years ago. Much of the movie's greatness needs to be attributed to director Roger Donaldson, who veers away from the tempting slick nature of these types of films and goes for a grittier style instead. Jason Statham and company bring developed and sincere performances to a film that is as fun as it is simple.
"The Visitor"
"The Visitor" was one of the most emotional and moving films of the past year. The movie focuses on a Connecticut English professor, Walter Vale (Richard Jenkins), who has lost his drive to teach. He has a chance encounter with a Syrian man whom he befriends. Drama takes place when this man is deported and Vale gets pulled in trying to help his newfound friend. The movie's strongest aspect is the examination of a post 9/11 world that happens to affect more people than just foreigners. Jenkins throws in an excellent performance with a wide range of skills as his character transforms from lost, middle-aged teacher to a man with a passion. There is a reason he was nominated for Best Actor.
Be the first to comment on this story