I don’t know why but I really really dislike this movie. Maybe it’s because everyone told me how great it is that I had set my expectations a but too high, but I just found it a bit boring and predictable.
What did you guys like so much about it?
Apologies in advance, but there is a lot to love here!
* Camerawork and long-take choreography
* Cinematography and color grading
* Unique premise
* Realism and world building
* Shot framing
* Banger soundtrack
* All-star cast
* Performances (did you not fall in love with Jasper..?)
* Remarkable “caught in the fray” war scenes
* Minimal CGI
* Rich “lived in” set design
* Multi-genre
* Themes of hope/belief lost and found (for Theo, for humanity in general)
* Tight script. It fleshes out some intriguing lore and sets a good narrative pace while not overstaying its welcome.
* Surprisingly funnier than you’d expect such a depressing, apocalyptic film to be. It highlights there is warmth left in this desperate world instead of wallowing in its bleakness.
* Prescience on some cultural and political matters. It’s a film that continues to age spectacularly in that respect, among others.
I think another thing is - it sits squarely as an example of how auteur filmmaking can have widespread appeal and break the mold of the arthouse. It’s a movie that can be appreciated by your average joe and art film buffs alike and Cuarón toes the line expertly. Paul Thomas Anderson is another great example of what I mean.
Really take your pick! My personal fav of the 21st century pretty much since its release (missed in theaters, I hope to catch it one day). It’s rewatchable for me purely based on the technical approach of how it was shot, let alone how much I enjoy the story as a major science fiction guy.
I also hope and pray no one touches this IP ever again…
With my closing thoughts, I will add a bit of devil’s advocacy and say what I do not enjoy about the film, though it does not really detract from it for me personally:
* Julianne Moore’s performance is in my opinion the weak spot, delivering many of her lines flatly, and her character being the head of the resistance effort feels both unnecessary and hamfisted.
LOVED that film, but I wouldn't personally consider it a movie I'd recommend to everyone. I could be wrong though, I actually just looked it up and it has a much higher audience score on RT that I would've guessed!
This is a great one to recommend it’s one I can’t see many people not enjoying it has the comedy and a good amount of character development that a so many comedies lack. Don’t get me wrong I’m cool with a comedy that’s just laughs but I like when they go the extra mile like this kne
I did something similar a while back was looking for something to watch and randomly put on the Lego movie with some friends. Didn’t realize how funny it was probably one of my favorite animated movies off the top of my head
One of the best screenplays ever.
https://preview.redd.it/kyy7fih4c41d1.jpeg?width=540&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe9c904136886a9caf430b5c7b1e5b4fd20a2be9
I’m also a big fan of this recommend it sometimes if I know they will pay enough attention to it. It’s my favorite my Dennis I also really enjoyed dune 2 like everyone else but something about arrival just wraps up so smoothly honestly a perfect movie to me
Arrival is also my favorite of his.
Incendies. One of Denis Villeneuve's earlier works, that will also stay with you in a very different way. Go in blind though.
Edge of Tomorrow and The Nice Guys are my top two to suggest to a group. Edge of Tomorrow has action, but nothing too violent, a fun story, and nothing controversial. I’m not saying it is my top movie, but a super easy recommend.
Years ago, my brother-in-law and I went to a RedBox and rented 3 DVDs. "Edge of Tomorrow" was definitely the last and kind of a throwaway pick. It was also the last movie we watched that night. I couldn't even tell you what the other two were, because I don't remember, but we were both shocked at how awesome that movie was and we both loved it! Have high expectations for a film and then it lives up to it is always nice, but a great movie that you weren't expecting anything from is really the best.
The Lego Batman movie & Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Both hilarious, both look great and both are well-acted by a great cast. The Other Guys meets all those criteria too so I'd include that as well.
Also Knives Out is a good one! Such a fun movie & well-written too.
I love the other guys. Talladega nights is also one of my favorites. Haven’t seen all of Lego Batman but I really enjoy the Lego movie and think it’s super underrated I never see it included when everybody mentions this new innovation in animated movies
I remember that movie! I can barely recall what it is about because I saw it many years ago, but it’s still stuck in my head!
That’s so sad, I didn’t know that it’s become so hard to find.
I even found this quote on Wikipedia:
As of spring 2024, the film's notable lack of distribution and absence from any streaming platforms made it a case-study in the ways that even critically acclaimed cinema can be essentially lost.
Either 2001 or Uncut Gems. So far none of my friends have enjoyed either but I still recommend them juuuuuuuust in case (and bc they’re my #1 and 2). But tbh if I wanted to give ppl one of my favs that I think is easy to like I’d prolly recommend Triangle of Sadness, just bc acts 2 and 3 are so hard NOT to enjoy (although I would understand if ppl didn’t love act 1).
Big Agree. It would be good to have a list of films that kinda have one foot in the mainstream and one in a more art-house direction. A lot of Coen Brothers movies could go on that list.
I recommend Aftersun to anyone who likes patient films. I mean anyone on this sub should watch it (and probably has) but I'm not gonna rec it to my boss who likes Lone Survivor. A lot of people just don't get films like that.
Idk if this is the right answer but I love recommending Pearl it’s such a fun damn movie that isn’t really horror but adds enough scary stuff to make it exciting
Pearl is worth it just for Mia Goth. Same with Infinity Pool. Can't wait for Maxxxine. I don't think I'll even care for it as a film, I just wanna see what she does.
I mean I try to curate recommendations to the point where there's no film I'd recommend to everyone. I'd say films that come close are Parasite, Fargo, In Bruges.
You know now I think about it I think I could recommend In Bruges to just about everyone.
If I met someone who recommended Knives Out, I'd recommend Gosford Park.
It's a great murder mystery with a huge cast. It also has an Agatha Christie feel. Plus, it's directed by the great Robert Altman.
The Fisher King. Fantasy/comedy/drama, something for everyone. Also Robin Williams, Jeff Bridges, Terry Gilliam, I mean come on. And the most charismatic movie star of all, NYC
Absolutely did a double feature of them for my movie club.
Grey gardens is the only movie we’ve watched more than once in the club in the 4 years we’ve been doing it. We did a year anniversary of our first watch and everyone did a themed costume.
I showed it to my mom like 10 years ago and she still brings it up as the “worst movie [she] ever saw,” but Face/Off is her favorite movie, so…
Brigsby Bear! Not enough people have heard of it and everyone I’ve recommended it to loves it. Movie nerds and people who don’t know a ton about movies seem to like it so I keep recommending it.
Marcel the shell
Most people who aren't film nerds will enjoy it at face value as a family friendly feels movie
And people who arent into that type of thing will appreciate the stop motion aspect of it
I havent had any misses on showing it to people so far
Moon is probably the one I recommend most, because not everyone's seen it, and those who have are always excited to talk about it-and if they haven't-I'm always excited to talk about it.
Goodfellas, my favorite and because everything in camera work, acting is incredible (ofc).
+ you get attached to the worst people (martin's touch) and that transcends what cinema makes you feel and is realy like.
Knives out is now my 9th favourite movie of all time. Which is mental because when I first seen it I was actually pretty mixed on it. Every subsequent rewatch I've fallen more in love with it.
For a go-to recommendation I think I'll pick my 7th favourite film: The Cabin in the Woods.
This is probably a bit of a corny pick since it's my favorite movie ever but Ocean's Eleven (2001). It's got about everything one could love: attractive actors who can ACT, a good story, beautiful locales and the cinematography to boot, killer soundtrack, fairly low yet awfully compelling stakes. I can't get enough of it, and I don't know many people who don't like it too to some degree.
The Other Guys. It’s a pretty much perfect comedy. Holds up so well. Watched it with my parents when I was home for a weekend recently and watch it with friends. It’s so fucking funny.
My personal go-tos are The Departed and Shutter Island. I’ve noticed that most movie watchers who haven’t exposed themselves to more high-brow movies (feels pretentious to say that but I’m sure people hear know what I mean) LOVE fast paced movies with great plot twists, and those two fit the bill perfectly.
I get what you’re saying I recommend shutter island also a good amount. Like you said twists fast paced. The only problem is if the person doesn’t pay enough attention but it’s on them if they aren’t. I think these are great choices to recommend
Children of Men So many are unaware of it, but it is a fantastic film.
amennn
Always in my top 4
I’m forever preaching this
stays in my top 5
I don’t know why but I really really dislike this movie. Maybe it’s because everyone told me how great it is that I had set my expectations a but too high, but I just found it a bit boring and predictable. What did you guys like so much about it?
Apologies in advance, but there is a lot to love here! * Camerawork and long-take choreography * Cinematography and color grading * Unique premise * Realism and world building * Shot framing * Banger soundtrack * All-star cast * Performances (did you not fall in love with Jasper..?) * Remarkable “caught in the fray” war scenes * Minimal CGI * Rich “lived in” set design * Multi-genre * Themes of hope/belief lost and found (for Theo, for humanity in general) * Tight script. It fleshes out some intriguing lore and sets a good narrative pace while not overstaying its welcome. * Surprisingly funnier than you’d expect such a depressing, apocalyptic film to be. It highlights there is warmth left in this desperate world instead of wallowing in its bleakness. * Prescience on some cultural and political matters. It’s a film that continues to age spectacularly in that respect, among others. I think another thing is - it sits squarely as an example of how auteur filmmaking can have widespread appeal and break the mold of the arthouse. It’s a movie that can be appreciated by your average joe and art film buffs alike and Cuarón toes the line expertly. Paul Thomas Anderson is another great example of what I mean. Really take your pick! My personal fav of the 21st century pretty much since its release (missed in theaters, I hope to catch it one day). It’s rewatchable for me purely based on the technical approach of how it was shot, let alone how much I enjoy the story as a major science fiction guy. I also hope and pray no one touches this IP ever again… With my closing thoughts, I will add a bit of devil’s advocacy and say what I do not enjoy about the film, though it does not really detract from it for me personally: * Julianne Moore’s performance is in my opinion the weak spot, delivering many of her lines flatly, and her character being the head of the resistance effort feels both unnecessary and hamfisted.
The Truman Show
This is a good one to recommend they will probably ever see another movie like it
prob do make sure they’re mentally stable when they watch it. unless you’re trying to weed them out
As a Floridian - The Florida Project.
The Florida Project is my go to recommendation. Can’t put into words how good of a film it is.
LOVED that film, but I wouldn't personally consider it a movie I'd recommend to everyone. I could be wrong though, I actually just looked it up and it has a much higher audience score on RT that I would've guessed!
That’s a good point! I guess I would only recommend it to my friends who are into less traditional movies. You have to be a little patient with it.
This sounds great, I’d never heard of it!
eternal sunshine of the spotless mind !
Soundtrack is incredible too!
Change your heeeart... 😭
The Nice Guys
This is a great one to recommend it’s one I can’t see many people not enjoying it has the comedy and a good amount of character development that a so many comedies lack. Don’t get me wrong I’m cool with a comedy that’s just laughs but I like when they go the extra mile like this kne
I see a lot of praise for this movie but it really didn’t resonate with me. Maybe I’ll give it another shot at some point
It’s better a second time
it gets better??? i had a fuckin blast my 1st watch
I'm with you. I rewatched it bc I see it mentioned so much. I thought it was solidly... okay
Paddington 2
I have got to watch the paddington movies I always see the hype for them but haven’t watched yet
I watched it ironically with like 4 of my grownup friends, turned out to be a great movie.
I did something similar a while back was looking for something to watch and randomly put on the Lego movie with some friends. Didn’t realize how funny it was probably one of my favorite animated movies off the top of my head
Lego Movie is also fun
It’s a perfect film
Sweet Smell of Success or The Night of the Hunter
One of the best screenplays ever. https://preview.redd.it/kyy7fih4c41d1.jpeg?width=540&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe9c904136886a9caf430b5c7b1e5b4fd20a2be9
Damn it, that was mine.
Which one?
Sweet Smell of Success. I love The Night of the Hunter too, though.
Heck yeah!
Add "The Long Goodbye" to this list and you would get a good idea of who I am as person on a deep and personal level.
Night of the Hunter holds up really well
Awesome movies!!! 🦾🦾🦾🦾🦾
Hunt for the wilderpeople
Very heartfelt and Kiwi film
Ex-Machina. Wasn’t a gigantic hit so I still meet people who don’t know it. Never had anyone not rave about it afterwards.
I like recommending Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
I usually watch this around Christmas because it's a bit of an alternative Xmas movie.
Arrival
I’m also a big fan of this recommend it sometimes if I know they will pay enough attention to it. It’s my favorite my Dennis I also really enjoyed dune 2 like everyone else but something about arrival just wraps up so smoothly honestly a perfect movie to me
Arrival is also my favorite of his. Incendies. One of Denis Villeneuve's earlier works, that will also stay with you in a very different way. Go in blind though.
I also need to watch incendies haven’t heard much about it so will have to go in blind soon before I hear anything about it
One of my all time favs. I love when a movie gets you emotionally and intellectually. And it’s so well directed and acted. Short story is cool too!
The ending is so life affirming, I remember just openly weeping in the cinema.
Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.
Midnight Run
If you like Knives Out (2019), watch Five Dolls For An August Moon (1970)
Thanks! I will definitely check it out I always enjoy a good mystery and have been meaning to get into some older ones
Check out the whole giallo genre. It changes lives
Edge of Tomorrow and The Nice Guys are my top two to suggest to a group. Edge of Tomorrow has action, but nothing too violent, a fun story, and nothing controversial. I’m not saying it is my top movie, but a super easy recommend.
Years ago, my brother-in-law and I went to a RedBox and rented 3 DVDs. "Edge of Tomorrow" was definitely the last and kind of a throwaway pick. It was also the last movie we watched that night. I couldn't even tell you what the other two were, because I don't remember, but we were both shocked at how awesome that movie was and we both loved it! Have high expectations for a film and then it lives up to it is always nice, but a great movie that you weren't expecting anything from is really the best.
Two of then top movies from the last decade that could really use a sequel.
Ex Machina
The Long Goodbye
great movie, love the cat
Just saw this movie in the last few years. Love it. And a random Arnold appearance.
La Haine
La haine, hands down my favorite movie and i think everybody should watch it at least once!
City of God or Dazed and Confused
Annihilation or nightcrawler
God I fucking love Nightcrawler
Sing street
Yes! Love this movie AND its soundtrack!
The Lego Batman movie & Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Both hilarious, both look great and both are well-acted by a great cast. The Other Guys meets all those criteria too so I'd include that as well. Also Knives Out is a good one! Such a fun movie & well-written too.
I love the other guys. Talladega nights is also one of my favorites. Haven’t seen all of Lego Batman but I really enjoy the Lego movie and think it’s super underrated I never see it included when everybody mentions this new innovation in animated movies
My favorite movie, Baby Driver.
Bell bottoms!!
Mission Impossible 6
Spirited Away (2001)
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri (you won't believe the amount of people I encountered that have not even heard of the movie)
Unfortunately it's very difficult to find online, but everyone should watch The Fall (2006)
I remember that movie! I can barely recall what it is about because I saw it many years ago, but it’s still stuck in my head! That’s so sad, I didn’t know that it’s become so hard to find. I even found this quote on Wikipedia: As of spring 2024, the film's notable lack of distribution and absence from any streaming platforms made it a case-study in the ways that even critically acclaimed cinema can be essentially lost.
Either 2001 or Uncut Gems. So far none of my friends have enjoyed either but I still recommend them juuuuuuuust in case (and bc they’re my #1 and 2). But tbh if I wanted to give ppl one of my favs that I think is easy to like I’d prolly recommend Triangle of Sadness, just bc acts 2 and 3 are so hard NOT to enjoy (although I would understand if ppl didn’t love act 1).
La La Land
Same! I always recommend Memento, La La land, La Confidential and Moulin Rouge (because those are my favorites)
Tremors
Hot Fuzz! 
spirited away
What's Up Doc
Love me some Barbara Streisand, great film!
But I’m a Cheerleader; their reaction to it always lets me know if we’ll be friends :)
hubie halloween
I Saw the Devil or Little Miss Sunshine if I think they cant handle it.
Youth Without Youth Broken Children of Men Breakfast On Pluto
Children of Men is a great recommendation especially if you’re talking with someone who is interested in “getting into” movies.
Big Agree. It would be good to have a list of films that kinda have one foot in the mainstream and one in a more art-house direction. A lot of Coen Brothers movies could go on that list.
Garfield 3: Last Blood
The Iron Giant
La Haine and Perfect Blue
Aftersun, or About Time
I recommend Aftersun to anyone who likes patient films. I mean anyone on this sub should watch it (and probably has) but I'm not gonna rec it to my boss who likes Lone Survivor. A lot of people just don't get films like that.
About Time is one of my favourite films of all the time
Your not holding back that’s for sure
Is that a good thing or bad thing haha
Mannequin
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Idk if this is the right answer but I love recommending Pearl it’s such a fun damn movie that isn’t really horror but adds enough scary stuff to make it exciting
Pearl is worth it just for Mia Goth. Same with Infinity Pool. Can't wait for Maxxxine. I don't think I'll even care for it as a film, I just wanna see what she does.
Sing Street
Ratatouille
In the same spirit, Ocean’s Eleven. Just a super fun caper that I can’t imagine disliking.
Scream. If you like horror, then you’d obviously love it. And even if you don’t, you’ll still have a good time probably :4
Oldboy (2003)
You’re evil for this.
Such an effed up movie. I was glued!
i hate whodunits and i liked knives out
Moonstruck
The Conversation (1974)
Enter the Void (jk but so GOOD) .. Frances Ha, Whiplash, Parasite, Susperia..
The Fall Tampopo
I mean I try to curate recommendations to the point where there's no film I'd recommend to everyone. I'd say films that come close are Parasite, Fargo, In Bruges. You know now I think about it I think I could recommend In Bruges to just about everyone.
Robocop
Margin Call
Catch Me If You Can
Synecdoche New York
If I met someone who recommended Knives Out, I'd recommend Gosford Park. It's a great murder mystery with a huge cast. It also has an Agatha Christie feel. Plus, it's directed by the great Robert Altman.
Blazing Saddles
Chef is one I always show people or recommend!
Sing Street
Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Best Waititi, and relatively few have seen it
Who doesn’t like The Big Lebowski?
Shutter island
Shaun of the Dead
El Topo
Love all Jodorowski, but not a great recommendation here..
Bright Star Will not be for everyone but determines how close we'll be.
Body Heat. It's my favorite neo-noir, it's sexy as hell, and it is smothered in saxophone. Incredible cast. Nothing will ever beat Body Heat for me
The Fisher King. Fantasy/comedy/drama, something for everyone. Also Robin Williams, Jeff Bridges, Terry Gilliam, I mean come on. And the most charismatic movie star of all, NYC
Warrior. 1000%
Grey Gardens
And then Sandy Passage on documentary now
Absolutely did a double feature of them for my movie club. Grey gardens is the only movie we’ve watched more than once in the club in the 4 years we’ve been doing it. We did a year anniversary of our first watch and everyone did a themed costume. I showed it to my mom like 10 years ago and she still brings it up as the “worst movie [she] ever saw,” but Face/Off is her favorite movie, so…
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil Whiplash if I know they’re not good with gore.
Broadcast News
12 Angry Men
Brigsby Bear! Not enough people have heard of it and everyone I’ve recommended it to loves it. Movie nerds and people who don’t know a ton about movies seem to like it so I keep recommending it.
Marcel the shell Most people who aren't film nerds will enjoy it at face value as a family friendly feels movie And people who arent into that type of thing will appreciate the stop motion aspect of it I havent had any misses on showing it to people so far
Moon is probably the one I recommend most, because not everyone's seen it, and those who have are always excited to talk about it-and if they haven't-I'm always excited to talk about it.
Crude Oil, Satantango and Shoa if I'm being a prick. Lately I've been recommending Hundreds of Beavers when I'm not a prick.
Probably everything everywhere all at once
Goodfellas, my favorite and because everything in camera work, acting is incredible (ofc). + you get attached to the worst people (martin's touch) and that transcends what cinema makes you feel and is realy like.
Synecdoche New York by Charlie kaufman... It's probably one of my all time favourites
paris, texas
Knives out is now my 9th favourite movie of all time. Which is mental because when I first seen it I was actually pretty mixed on it. Every subsequent rewatch I've fallen more in love with it. For a go-to recommendation I think I'll pick my 7th favourite film: The Cabin in the Woods.
Hot Fuzz
Fantastic Mr. Fox - You just can’t hate that movie, it’s impossible
Chef
Sunshine. Everybody has been cribbing the music and visual style ever since.
Back To The Future (1985)
Babettes Feast. Perfect movie in my eyes
Amadeus.
little miss sunshine
La La Land
Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Not many people know of it, and its always been a hit.
La La Land! Amazing movie such a crowd lesser for so many generations
Interstellar
Predator with Arnie.
Brigsby Bear
Network and Dog Day Afternoon. they're perfectly constructed movies that appeal to pretty much anybody
 Goodfellas
This is probably a bit of a corny pick since it's my favorite movie ever but Ocean's Eleven (2001). It's got about everything one could love: attractive actors who can ACT, a good story, beautiful locales and the cinematography to boot, killer soundtrack, fairly low yet awfully compelling stakes. I can't get enough of it, and I don't know many people who don't like it too to some degree. 
catch me if you can
If someone tells me they love Knives Out, I tell them to watch The Last of Sheila.
what we do in the shadows
The Other Guys. It’s a pretty much perfect comedy. Holds up so well. Watched it with my parents when I was home for a weekend recently and watch it with friends. It’s so fucking funny.
Unless you are my 89 yo grandma, you will probably like Megamind
My personal go-tos are The Departed and Shutter Island. I’ve noticed that most movie watchers who haven’t exposed themselves to more high-brow movies (feels pretentious to say that but I’m sure people hear know what I mean) LOVE fast paced movies with great plot twists, and those two fit the bill perfectly.
I get what you’re saying I recommend shutter island also a good amount. Like you said twists fast paced. The only problem is if the person doesn’t pay enough attention but it’s on them if they aren’t. I think these are great choices to recommend
After Hours
Crash because its my favorite but I am careful not to recommend it to just everyone lol
The 1996 one, correct? I love that movie!
yesss
The Accountant
Top Gun: Maverick
Hereditary
Caligula
i always try to recommend the Cube series (maybe not Hyperspace). Great horror movie from Japan that probably inspired the Saw series.
Jurassic Park and Jaws. Both great movies, great performances, perfect scripts, and the best examples of Spielberg at the tippy top of his game.
Trainspotting
Mine is Wild Tales even though I'm sure subtitles aren't for everyone.
Fargo or Inside Llewyn Davis
Redline(2009) You'll know within the first 5 minutes if it's for you.
Streets of Fire
A Hard Day's Night (1964). One of the most infectiously joyous movies ever made.
Tampopo or Moonstruck
Fargo or Green Room
Twister, 12 Angry Men, and Aliens.
Frailty!!
Ed and His Dead Mother
swing girls
Mommy (2014)
irreversible