Many bloggers and critics (my husband included) have been posting their lists of the best films of the 00s. This is not one of those lists. The following is one in a series of posts dedicated to the overlooked/underrated/hidden gem films of the Aughts. I have handily included Netflix links with each film in case you want to add it to your queue. And you should. All of them. Check out my list of Romances for further filmic inspiration.
The following is a list of comedies that slipped through the cracks critically and/or commercially, but are most definitely worth a rental (especially since January is such a cold, dreary wasteland of horrendous theatrical releases).
Team America: World Police – Marionettes! Catchy tunes! Satire! This movie may not have caught on as much as its predecessor (South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut), but it is just as entertaining. F*ck yeah!
Roger Dodger – The great Campbell Scott plays a womanizing cad who takes his teenage nephew out on the town to get laid, and he plays the role brilliantly.
The Girl Next Door – This movie is worthwhile just for the inclusion three of the best young actors out there today – Emile Hirsch, Paul Dano, and Chris Marquette (Where have you been, man?). However, the film itself is smart, funny, and one of the best send-ups of an ‘80s-style teen comedy to be seen since, well, the ‘80s.
Sex Drive – Ah, James Marsden. Is there nothing you can’t do? He takes on the Bill Paxton-esque jerk of an older brother role in this funny road trip sex comedy.
I Love You, Man – In a perfect world, Paul Rudd would be nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for his brilliant performance in the movie, Joban.
Idiocracy – FOX had absolutely no faith in this film and released it with very little fanfare. However, despite faltering a bit at the end, this film is prescient and hilarious and features a great acting turn by Maya Rudolph.
Just Friends – One would think that Ryan Reynolds in a fat suit and braces lip-synching to “I Swear” to himself in a mirror would be a recipe for disaster, but it’s so not. Reynolds proves his comedic chops in this movie along side Anna Faris and the aforementioned Chris Marquette.
Burn After Reading – Burn After Reading was the Coen brothers’ follow-up to the Oscar winning No Country for Old Men, and was mostly overlooked during the awards season. Brad Pitt, who always manages to shine in small roles in quirky movies (see: Snatch, 12 Monkeys), steals the show here.
Best in Show – Dogs! My personal introduction to both Jane Lynch and John Michael Higgins! Talking! Not talking! Snow peas!
High Fidelity - This film about falling in and out of love while Jack Black serenades you and questions your musical choices makes the list with a bullet.
Punch-Drunk Love – This was Adam Sandler’s first foray into real, serious acting and he fares well under the tutelage of Paul Thomas Anderson. Of course, he had help from Philip Seymour Hoffman (NSFW – language).
Mags
Also-Ran Movies of the Aughts – Dramas « Semper Ubi Sub Ubi Said:
on December 30, 2009 at 3:12 pm
[...] { December 30, 2009 @ 3:12 pm } · { Uncategorized } { Tags: Bliss, Listicles, Movies } Many bloggers and critics (my husband included) have been posting their lists of the best films of the 00s. This is not one of those lists. The following is one in a series of posts dedicated to the overlooked/underrated/hidden gem films of the Aughts. I have handily included Netflix links with each film in case you want to add it to your queue. And you should. All of them. For further inspiration, see the lists of romances and comedies. [...]
Also-Ran Movies of the Aughts – Difficult Dramas « Semper Ubi Sub Ubi Said:
on January 2, 2010 at 3:57 pm
[...] your queue. And you should. All of them. For further inspiration, see the lists of romances, comedies, and [...]
Also-Ran Movies of the Aughts: Horror « Semper Ubi Sub Ubi Said:
on January 4, 2010 at 8:30 am
[...] your queue. And you should. All of them. For further inspiration, see the lists of romances, comedies, dramas, and difficult [...]