"Undisputed" classics that didn't live up to their hype.

hardercore · 03-10-07, 09:20 PM

All in your experience, of course.

For me, it's got to be:

Casablanca (1943)
Ben-Hur (1959)
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Indianca Jones and the Radiers of the Lost Ark (1981)

Anyone have any others?

BigDaddy · 03-10-07, 09:26 PM

It is Raiders of the Lost Ark and in my opinion one of the best films ever made.

JPRaup · 03-10-07, 09:30 PM

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

dpz301 · 03-10-07, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigDaddy

It is Raiders of the Lost Ark and in my opinion one of the best films ever made.

just watched the first two of the trilogy tonight! great movie i though!

Tracer Bullet · 03-10-07, 10:02 PM

The Godfather

g · 03-10-07, 10:06 PM

The Billy Wilder film "Ace in the Hole" everybody wants released on dvd. I saw it at a film festival and was very disappointed.

hardercore · 03-10-07, 10:35 PM

An anime "masterpiece" I forgot to mention that didn't really work for me is Spirited Away. Maybe I'm just not a Miyazaki guy, I don't really "get" him. Same with Howl's Moving Castle (thought it's not as revered as the former). I appriciate them for their style much more than their substance.

JPRaup · 03-10-07, 10:52 PM

Maybe these are too recent, but:

Hero
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Full Metal Jacket
Million Dollar Baby
Gladiator
American Baby

Apone · 03-10-07, 11:09 PM

Crash - The hype was unjustifiable. For the issue on racism Crash only scratched the surface of it as its narrative and characters were far too simple and action-orientated. It is one of the weakest Oscar winners for "Best Writing." There are many other films that dealt with racism in deeper aspects (e.g. its ambiguity) and won't afraid to speak out, unfortunately these never ever receive the same treatment as Crash did.

hardercore · 03-10-07, 11:12 PM

I concur with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. My dislike for that film is bordering on hatred.

joefrog91 · 03-10-07, 11:21 PM

Mine is Easy Rider. I thought it was unfocused and very dated. I kept saying to myself, "I guess if I was high and was a 60's survivor I'd be enjoying this movie".

GoldenJCJ · 03-10-07, 11:24 PM

I'll throw out a few comedies:

The Blues Brothers - The only thing this has going for it is the music and the cameos
Animal House - I can't find anything good about this movie, almost unwatchable, IMO

Some other "true" classics:

2001: A Space Odyssey - I really tried with this one but it bored me to tears.

Easy Rider - This was a product of its time and nothing more.

Rebel Without a Cause - This is an alright film but unfortunately it's seriously dated. Those kids "problems" are laughable by today's standards.

PopcornTreeCt · 03-10-07, 11:32 PM

Casablanca? Blasphemy! Greatest movie ever made!

You wanna talk about overhyped: 2001 A Space Odyssey.

Here are some others:
Scarface -good, not great

The English Patient -well, the Academy liked it, I've yet to meet anyone that has

Saving Private Ryan -typical Spielberg to throw in a message or whatever about letting the German guy escape and then coming back to kill the heroes.

Schindler's List -more Spielberg bashing. Basically, this movie was praised because of its subject matter, filmed in black and white to look important. Pretty much any director with half a brain could've made this film and do a better job. While we are on the subject, I can't believe how much praise Spielberg gets. He makes decent popcorn flicks but he's never ever made a picture that had me thinking afterwards. Now that I think about it, I don't understand why he's not bashed as much as Michael Bay is.

zombeaner · 03-10-07, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan Raup

Maybe these are too recent, but:

American Baby

American Beauty?

Jon2 · 03-10-07, 11:39 PM

It's a matter of perspective.

If you have none, you just don't "get" classic movies. And it (a lack of perspective) is typically a characteristic of the young (in the sense of a lack of maturity, not age per se) and/or lacking in imagination.

IMHO, of course.

Jay G. · 03-10-07, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan Raup

Maybe these are too recent, but:

Full Metal Jacket

20 years ago is "too recent"?

Quote:

American Baby

There's no movie by that name. I'm guessing zombeaner is right and you meant American Beauty.

PatD · 03-11-07, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tracer Bullet

The Godfather

seconded.

FalconH10 · 03-11-07, 12:57 AM

Quote:

It's a matter of perspective.

If you have none, you just don't "get" classic movies. And it (a lack of perspective) is typically a characteristic of the young (in the sense of a lack of maturity, not age per se) and/or lacking in imagination.

IMHO, of course.

Actually you meant IMO, nothing about that opinion is humble. And stereotyping to suit your needs is typically a trait of adults who are anything but.

I believe that I have perspective. I don't consider myself to have a lack of maturity. I do get Citizen Kane but I don't like it. It is overrated, IMO

Now on the other hand I like Casablanca, what does that mean?

hardercore · 03-11-07, 01:05 AM

I'm "young", nineteen. I 'got' and loved Citizen Kane. The only other film that had that sort of reputation/hype/status when I saw it was Casablanca, which really didn't work for me.

Brent L · 03-11-07, 01:11 AM

I don't want to seem like I'm just coming into the thread and poking anyone with a stick in order to just agitate anyone, but for those of you who mention Casablanca, I'd really like to know just what it is that you don't like about it.

That's all.

eedoon · 03-11-07, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PopcornTreeCt

You wanna talk about overhyped: 2001 A Space Odyssey.

Look, a blasphemer talking about blasphemy.

Seriously, 2001 is slow but magnificent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardercore

The only other film that had that sort of reputation/hype/status when I saw it was Casablanca, which really didn't work for me.

The same with me - the first time I've seen the movie, I think it was a boring overrated piece and I think its just an average movie at best. But then I remembered that Ebert mentioned that you need to see Casablanca more than once to appreciate its goodness, and he's right. That movie just grew on me and after a few viewing I just loved it.

And oh, the reason I don't like Casablanca the first time around is that I don't expected it to be such a sentimental movie because based on the word I heard, although it is a love story but more about heroism and stuff.

DoubleDownAgain · 03-11-07, 01:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FalconH10

I believe that I have perspective. I don't consider myself to have a lack of maturity. I do get Citizen Kane but I don't like it. It is overrated, IMO

Now on the other hand I like Casablanca, what does that mean?

I'm right with you. Citizen Kane was the first film that popped into my head when I saw this thread. I can understand how groundbreaking it was at the time, but it didn't grab me. Casablanca on the otherhand, I'm not a classic movie buff but I'd still puit it up there with my all time favorite movies.

Schindler's List is another that I can admire but I don't like nearly as much as everyone else.

And to GoldenJCJ, Animal House was unwatchable? Didn't like The Blues Brothers?? I'd love to see what comedies you do like. Not an attack, just curious!

Mondo Kane · 03-11-07, 04:26 AM

There was a few in my oscar-marathon-challenge that I called out. Probably the one that tops my list:

Stalag 17-The prisoners seem to be having such a blast there. Why would they want to escape? Plus the "humor" in this has not held up one bit.

UAIOE · 03-11-07, 04:45 AM

"Akira"

I'm sure a lot was cut out from what was contained in the manga/book series/whatever...but there are some things in that movie that just didn't make sense.

Although the guy freaking out and seeing those toys turn into monsters was really creepy.

hardercore · 03-11-07, 04:50 AM

RE: Casablanca. I saw it about 2 months ago and the story never really engaged me (hence my not being able to remember specifics). But I do remember knowing from about 20 minutes into the film what Bogart's character would ultimately do at the end for Bergman. There was no real surprise for me. I never got really drawn in by the characters. It didn't affect me at all on any emotional level, probably BECAUSE I never really got drawn into the characters. I suppose it might be one of those films that grows on you, but I honestly can't see myself rewatching it for some time.

03-10-07, 09:20 PM	#1
hardercore DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Berkeley, CA Posts: 1,981	"Undisputed" classics that didn't live up to their hype. All in your experience, of course. For me, it's got to be: Casablanca (1943) Ben-Hur (1959) The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) Indianca Jones and the Radiers of the Lost Ark (1981) Anyone have any others? __________________ Top 10 Films of 2011 \| 1. Drive \| 2. The Tree of Life \| 3. Nader and Simin, A Separation \| 4. Melancholia \| 5. Le Havre 6. Eternity \| 7. Beginners \| 8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 \| 9. The Trip \| 10. Martha Marcy May Marlene

03-10-07, 09:26 PM	#2
BigDaddy DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 10,776	It is Raiders of the Lost Ark and in my opinion one of the best films ever made. __________________ Michael

03-10-07, 10:02 PM	#5
Tracer Bullet DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: IND Crosstown Posts: 23,363	The Godfather __________________ Third World countries are worthy of our derision. -Sean O'Hara Personally, I would say that Tracer Bullet is leading you in the wrong direction. -Supermallet Sometimes you have to decide between the guy who won't give you a cupcake and the one who will stab you in the face. -DeputyDave

03-10-07, 10:35 PM	#7
hardercore DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Berkeley, CA Posts: 1,981	An anime "masterpiece" I forgot to mention that didn't really work for me is Spirited Away. Maybe I'm just not a Miyazaki guy, I don't really "get" him. Same with Howl's Moving Castle (thought it's not as revered as the former). I appriciate them for their style much more than their substance. __________________ Top 10 Films of 2011 \| 1. Drive \| 2. The Tree of Life \| 3. Nader and Simin, A Separation \| 4. Melancholia \| 5. Le Havre 6. Eternity \| 7. Beginners \| 8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 \| 9. The Trip \| 10. Martha Marcy May Marlene

03-10-07, 11:09 PM	#9
Apone Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 820	Crash - The hype was unjustifiable. For the issue on racism Crash only scratched the surface of it as its narrative and characters were far too simple and action-orientated. It is one of the weakest Oscar winners for "Best Writing." There are many other films that dealt with racism in deeper aspects (e.g. its ambiguity) and won't afraid to speak out, unfortunately these never ever receive the same treatment as Crash did. __________________ Saturday Afternoon Collection

03-10-07, 09:30 PM	#3
JPRaup Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: NY Posts: 1,722	Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

03-10-07, 10:06 PM	#6
g DVD Talk Platinum Edition Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 3,446	The Billy Wilder film "Ace in the Hole" everybody wants released on dvd. I saw it at a film festival and was very disappointed.

03-10-07, 10:52 PM	#8
JPRaup Banned Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: NY Posts: 1,722	Maybe these are too recent, but: Hero Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Full Metal Jacket Million Dollar Baby Gladiator American Baby

03-10-07, 11:12 PM	#10
hardercore DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Berkeley, CA Posts: 1,981	I concur with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. My dislike for that film is bordering on hatred. __________________ Top 10 Films of 2011 \| 1. Drive \| 2. The Tree of Life \| 3. Nader and Simin, A Separation \| 4. Melancholia \| 5. Le Havre 6. Eternity \| 7. Beginners \| 8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 \| 9. The Trip \| 10. Martha Marcy May Marlene

03-10-07, 11:21 PM	#11
joefrog91 DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: May 2002 Location: Waco, TX Posts: 1,535	Mine is Easy Rider. I thought it was unfocused and very dated. I kept saying to myself, "I guess if I was high and was a 60's survivor I'd be enjoying this movie". __________________ "...a man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man." Vito Corleone My Modest DVD Collection

03-10-07, 11:24 PM	#12
GoldenJCJ DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 6,846	I'll throw out a few comedies: The Blues Brothers - The only thing this has going for it is the music and the cameos Animal House - I can't find anything good about this movie, almost unwatchable, IMO Some other "true" classics: 2001: A Space Odyssey - I really tried with this one but it bored me to tears. Easy Rider - This was a product of its time and nothing more. Rebel Without a Cause - This is an alright film but unfortunately it's seriously dated. Those kids "problems" are laughable by today's standards. __________________ ...

03-10-07, 11:32 PM	#13
PopcornTreeCt DVD Talk Hero Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Central Florida Posts: 25,826	Casablanca? Blasphemy! Greatest movie ever made! You wanna talk about overhyped: 2001 A Space Odyssey. Here are some others: Scarface -good, not great The English Patient -well, the Academy liked it, I've yet to meet anyone that has Saving Private Ryan -typical Spielberg to throw in a message or whatever about letting the German guy escape and then coming back to kill the heroes. Schindler's List -more Spielberg bashing. Basically, this movie was praised because of its subject matter, filmed in black and white to look important. Pretty much any director with half a brain could've made this film and do a better job. While we are on the subject, I can't believe how much praise Spielberg gets. He makes decent popcorn flicks but he's never ever made a picture that had me thinking afterwards. Now that I think about it, I don't understand why he's not bashed as much as Michael Bay is.

03-10-07, 11:39 PM	#15
Jon2 DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 1,389	It's a matter of perspective. If you have none, you just don't "get" classic movies. And it (a lack of perspective) is typically a characteristic of the young (in the sense of a lack of maturity, not age per se) and/or lacking in imagination. IMHO, of course.

03-11-07, 01:05 AM	#19
hardercore DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Berkeley, CA Posts: 1,981	I'm "young", nineteen. I 'got' and loved Citizen Kane. The only other film that had that sort of reputation/hype/status when I saw it was Casablanca, which really didn't work for me. __________________ Top 10 Films of 2011 \| 1. Drive \| 2. The Tree of Life \| 3. Nader and Simin, A Separation \| 4. Melancholia \| 5. Le Havre 6. Eternity \| 7. Beginners \| 8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 \| 9. The Trip \| 10. Martha Marcy May Marlene

03-11-07, 01:11 AM	#20
Brent L DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Upstate, SC Posts: 13,163	I don't want to seem like I'm just coming into the thread and poking anyone with a stick in order to just agitate anyone, but for those of you who mention Casablanca, I'd really like to know just what it is that you don't like about it. That's all. __________________ "Would I rather be feared or loved? Ummm, easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me."

03-11-07, 04:26 AM	#23
Mondo Kane DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 8,007	There was a few in my oscar-marathon-challenge that I called out. Probably the one that tops my list: Stalag 17-The prisoners seem to be having such a blast there. Why would they want to escape? Plus the "humor" in this has not held up one bit. __________________ F-nado

03-11-07, 04:45 AM	#24
UAIOE DVD Talk Limited Edition Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: LV-426 Posts: 6,169	"Akira" I'm sure a lot was cut out from what was contained in the manga/book series/whatever...but there are some things in that movie that just didn't make sense. Although the guy freaking out and seeing those toys turn into monsters was really creepy. __________________ Coilette: Congo Jack! Fry: Yes. And I have a message for you from Colonel Mitumbay! He says....this is from Congo Jack!

03-11-07, 04:50 AM	#25
hardercore DVD Talk Special Edition Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Berkeley, CA Posts: 1,981	RE: Casablanca. I saw it about 2 months ago and the story never really engaged me (hence my not being able to remember specifics). But I do remember knowing from about 20 minutes into the film what Bogart's character would ultimately do at the end for Bergman. There was no real surprise for me. I never got really drawn in by the characters. It didn't affect me at all on any emotional level, probably BECAUSE I never really got drawn into the characters. I suppose it might be one of those films that grows on you, but I honestly can't see myself rewatching it for some time. __________________ Top 10 Films of 2011 \| 1. Drive \| 2. The Tree of Life \| 3. Nader and Simin, A Separation \| 4. Melancholia \| 5. Le Havre 6. Eternity \| 7. Beginners \| 8. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 \| 9. The Trip \| 10. Martha Marcy May Marlene Last edited by hardercore; 03-11-07 at 04:54 AM.