Under The Radar. The Films That Got Away.

[jackhammer]

I have made a few film related threads in my time here but I have never really made a thread about those films that have received decent reviews either through critics or fans but have remained relatively unknown or unforgotten.

I am not going to post a whole bunch of obscure movies or cult hard to find B movies here. That is not my aim. Most of these films received decent studio backing and have cast members that many know but due to whatever reason never found a sizeable audience.

In essence these are films that you should easily find and even if they have found their way into bargain bins that is no reason to dismiss them and you may well find a gem or two to tell your friends about.

First up:

Paul Walker first billing? What? You mean that pretty boy best known for appearing in the Fast and Furious series of films? Yes. Him. Maybe this was one of the reasons why the film didn't do better. The lads wanted him to drive fast cars and the ladies just wanted him to look pretty and he really does neither in this film and has never been better.

Remember when Hollywood actually made movies for grown ups? You know when action was realistic with consequences whether good or bad. When leading men were characteristically shades of grey and not black or white? When morals were ambiguous and relateable?

Although I think its a cheap comparison and a little cliched, this is the sort of film that Tarantino could and should make instead of rehashing retro cliches. The opening set piece shows more inventiveness than the last 5 Tarantino movies put together yet it deals with the same criminal underbelly but it never attempts to glamourise or idolise them.

This is one of the hardest hitting films that Hollywood has put out in a long time and that includes the recent slew of David Ayer movies ( Training Day, Harsh Times etc). It is visceral, fast paced yet realistic as it can be but still entertaining. Walker is a revelation and forgotten man Chazz Palimenteri makes a welcome comeback too.

Visually the film is stunning. The action is brutal. The acting is of a very high level and the film has a well realised moral centre.

Try and view this opening scene fullscreen to appreciate the tracking and composition of the shots as well as the action. This scene is also crucial to the whole film and not just there for eye candy:

[Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra]

Anything by Ken Russel ESPECIALLY The Devils which due to it's controversy is billed as a cheap nunsploitation film when, in actuality, it's probably one of the best, smartest, most technically gorgeous, masterfully scored, wonderfully plotted masterpieces to ever come out of cinema, imo.

[jackhammer]

Originally Posted by Ska Lagos Jew Sun Ra

Anything by Ken Russel ESPECIALLY The Devils which due to it's controversy is billed as a cheap nunsploitation film when, in actuality, it's probably one of the best, smartest, most technically gorgeous, masterfully scored, wonderfully plotted masterpieces to ever come out of cinema, imo.

The Devils is a stunning film but despite various attempts, it has hasn't seen the light of day on DVD and probably never will.

However because it is not attainable easily I won't be posting about films like this in this thread. I aim to post movies that can be found and deserve a wider audience IMO.

[djchameleon]

I went to the theater to see Running Scared and I have watched it a few times since.

There is a great sex scene on top of a washing machine and also another dark scene that shows up later in the movie. I don't want to give that part away but overall it's a really great film.