Most Polarizing (In Opinion) Films

[necorbin]

I was in another thread, and saw someone praising Sucker Punch, and though it wasn't the topic of the thread, the immediate reaction of the next person was how much they hated it. This in itself isn't odd, but when I think back to other threads, WHENEVER I heard Sucker Punch mentioned, you immediately had a chorus of those who REALLY liked it vs. those that REALLY hate it (or considered it overrated), with seemingly no one in between...

So, that begs the question, what do you consider a polarizing movie(s)/blu-ray(s)? One that everyone really likes or really hates and why?

[Hawkguy]

Originally Posted by necorbin

So, that begs the question, what do you consider a polarizing movie(s)/blu-ray(s)? One that everyone really likes or really hates and why?

The Tree of Life comes to mind.

[TheHighRoller]

Well, Sucker Punch is a perfect example. I was obsessed when I saw it opening day at midnight (in IMAX, no less). And looking back at it, I think there's a lot more there than what people see in the first two viewings. It's not all about girls in revealing outfits killing everything they see. There's more to it that many people fail to grasp because they're too busy focusing on things they feel the need to complain about. I feel like this is one of those rare films that people hated when it was released, yet will be re-evaluated in the future and come up to be really great. I know a few people have been doing that. Especially when looking at it's overall visual and sound aesthetic (almost like in the case of 2001: A Space Odyssey).

The Tree of Life is also another great one. When it comes to Malick, you can't really expect a fast and easily engaging picture. Those of us who have actually seen more than one of his films know that there's a deep message behind them that takes time to figure out. People come in expecting to see some sort of Life of Pi or some other overrated p.o.c. like it, and leave disappointed because it's not necessarily the blockbuster+Academy material they hoped it would be.

[Danchez]

Originally Posted by TheHighRoller

Well, Sucker Punch is a perfect example. I was obsessed when I saw it opening day at midnight (in IMAX, no less). And looking back at it, I think there's a lot more there than what people see in the first two viewings. It's not all about girls in revealing outfits killing everything they see. There's more to it that many people fail to grasp because they're too busy focusing on things they feel the need to complain about. I feel like this is one of those rare films that people hated when it was released, yet will be re-evaluated in the future and come up to be really great. I know a few people have been doing that. Especially when looking at it's overall visual and sound aesthetic (almost like in the case of 2001: A Space Odyssey).

The Tree of Life is also another great one. When it comes to Malick, you can't really expect a fast and easily engaging picture. Those of us who have actually seen more than one of his films know that there's a deep message behind them that takes time to figure out. People come in expecting to see some sort of Life of Pi or some other overrated p.o.c. like it, and leave disappointed because it's not necessarily the blockbuster+Academy material they hoped it would be.

Strongly agree with almost everything you said. (Life of Pi was my favorite movie of the year.)

Still,

[TheHighRoller]

Originally Posted by Danchez

Strongly agree with almost everything you said. (Life of Pi was my favorite movie of the year.)

Still,

What made it "almost"?


I think the best picture of 2012 was Beasts of the Southern Wild, with Silver Linings Playbook and Django Unchained close behind. And I think Django is one of the most original screenplays I have seen and it had the most substance than any other film I could think of that has been released in the last two years. The whole universe in it was very real.

I don't know if that makes sense. But it definitely deserved the Best Original Screenplay award, along with Waltz's win (who I think stole the whole film).

[ElliesDad]

Originally Posted by TheHighRoller

What made it "almost"?


I think the best picture of 2012 was Beasts of the Southern Wild, with Silver Linings Playbook and Django Unchained close behind. And I think Django is one of the most original screenplays I have seen and it had the most substance than any other film I could think of that has been released in the last two years. The whole universe in it was very real.

I don't know if that makes sense. But it definitely deserved the Best Original Screenplay award, along with Waltz's win (who I think stole the whole film).

Waltz steals every picture he is in (Inglorious Basterds?). Watching him, particularly in the earlier sequences in "Django", is an absolutely mesmorising experience. It's possible, with Waltz to be both utterly immersed in the character and the viewing experience while at the same time being fully aware of the wonderful depth and intelligence he brings to the performance.

Anyone else pumped at the prospect of seeing him play Mikhail Gorbechev in "Reykjavik"

[Show spoiler](despite the fact that Michael Douglas will be playing Ronald Reagan~ really? what's next, Meryl Streep playing Margaret Thatcher??)

?

"Forrest Gump" absolutely~ a heart-warming triumph, or a paeon to 'stupid'. Not sure if "500 Days of Summer" would make the list though. Pleasant and innocuous enough but shouldn't a film have a bit more gravitas before being considered polarizing?

[prkprkprk]

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
Cloud Atlas
Prometheus
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

All of these are recent movies that obtained a polarizing reception from critics and audiences alike, with the same amount of people who liked and disliked them. I happened to love all of them.

[blonde_devil]

maybe Close Encounters of the Third Kind? I kept hearing as a kid about what a fantastic movie it was but I found it to be rather dumb. too many shots that were there for no reason other than to have a cool effects shot and some pretty big gaps in logic that makes you scratch your head. For that matter, ET as well. never liked it as a kid, saw it again in my 20's and still didn't like it. neither of the really worked in my opinion yet I know people think they are great movies.

[Danchez]

I'd say that The Tree of Life definitely falls into this category.

Seems as though most people are in one of two camps:

1. It's a boring, meandering piece of self-indulgence by a hack director.

2. It's a unique, beautifully-shot meditation on life and death.

I reside in the latter group, but I can totally see why some people might find it frustrating.

Edit: CoopFilm beat me!

[The Great Owl]

The Blair Witch Project

...and I personally love it.

[Shanester]

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

The Blair Witch Project

...and I personally love it.

I had the opposite reaction. I hated it and still am dumbfounded as to how it became some "must see" internet sensation

[Extremis]

Nolan's films. Sometimes people are just stupid.

[neveser]

Recently, Prometheus

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Extremis

Nolan's films. Sometimes people are just stupid.

Hmmm? He's definitely made a poor film or two, but there's no denying his ambition.

[seabterry]

Originally Posted by Shanester

I had the opposite reaction. I hated it and still am dumbfounded as to how it became some "must see" internet sensation

I am in this same boat. All that talk and NOTHING. Seemed like a colossal waste of my time.

[blonde_devil]

Originally Posted by Shanester

I had the opposite reaction. I hated it and still am dumbfounded as to how it became some "must see" internet sensation

good promotion. people bought into the "lost footage" concept. plus they sold it the right way - talk about the people leaving the theatre sick but don't mention they are motion sick from the camera bouncing around so much. it was a new concept and they pushed it to the max but it still didn't help the predictable ending. this was the only movie I went to where me and my friend actively talked out loud during it because we were bored out of our skulls and were waiting for the good part to start.

[andy0510]

Skyfall. Such an overrated TDK rip-off I don't get why it got such raving reviews

[seabterry]

Originally Posted by blonde_devil

good promotion. people bought into the "lost footage" concept. plus they sold it the right way - talk about the people leaving the theatre sick but don't mention they are motion sick from the camera bouncing around so much. it was a new concept and they pushed it to the max but it still didn't help the predictable ending. this was the only movie I went to where me and my friend actively talked out loud during it because we were bored out of our skulls and were waiting for the good part to start.

And then people fell for it all over again with Paranormal Activity. People kept saying it was "the scariest movie they have ever seen".

[42041]

Originally Posted by blonde_devil

good promotion. people bought into the "lost footage" concept. plus they sold it the right way - talk about the people leaving the theatre sick but don't mention they are motion sick from the camera bouncing around so much. it was a new concept and they pushed it to the max but it still didn't help the predictable ending. this was the only movie I went to where me and my friend actively talked out loud during it because we were bored out of our skulls and were waiting for the good part to start.

It was a clever gimmick, but no one with half a brain ever "bought into it".
I like TBWP because it does something interesting with the genre.

[Shanderson88]

Originally Posted by Danchez

I'd say that The Tree of Life definitely falls into this category.

Seems as though most people are in one of two camps:

1. It's a boring, meandering piece of self-indulgence by a hack director.

2. It's a unique, beautifully-shot meditation on life and death.

I reside in the latter group, but I can totally see why some people might find it frustrating.

Edit: CoopFilm beat me!

I fall in the first category, but I don't think of him as a hack director. The boring, meandering piece of self-indulgence though, absolutely.