Something that often happens in the world of movies, and music, is that when it first hits the screens and the radio – they flop. Either they aren’t seen by the right audience, or it’s just not the right time. Occasionally, the main actor has been in the spotlight, or it is ‘cool’ to dislike them, and no matter what they do – their work just doesn’t pull the numbers that it deserves.
Luckily after a few years (or sometimes more than a few), they come back around.
Film critics are especially fond of a resurgence and re-examination of movies that should’ve been a smash hit or, at the very least, are underrated.
So let’s set up the perfect movie night.
Get movie ready!
Alright, since you’ll be watching one of the movies below, you can skip searching through your streaming services for inspiration, call your bestie or tell your partner it’s movie time. Instead, you can both throw on your comfy short sets, grab a blanket, and order a pizza.
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Turn your phones on silent and put them out of reach.
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Lock the doors.
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Do any chores quickly in advance!
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Make drinks.
Here you go!
A League of Their Own
Is there anything Tom Hanks can’t do? Well, in this case, unless you are a big fan, you probably haven’t seen this movie. Released in 1992, the movie covers the Rockford Peaches and All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in the 1940s.
Based on a true story, we see Jimmy Dugan (played by Hanks), an alcoholic ex-MLB player (who is more than a little grumpy), take charge of the team. The rest of the cast is great, too, including Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell, Lori Petty, and Geena Davis.
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
This is a great film, but one that you might just scroll by. It is currently enjoying some level of popularity but really deserves a bit more. It isn’t an old movie, it was released in 2018, but many films between 2018 and 2021 didn’t reach the audiences they could’ve.
This is one of those films that would be of particular interest to those who fancy themselves a bit of a writer or who have an interest in some of the literary greats.
You’ll join Lee Israel, writer, forger, and often an unlikeable person – along the way, she learns a few things, and so do we. Richard E. Grant becomes her faithful if somewhat arrogant friend – and in the end, you will be delighted to know it’s based on a true story.
If you want to, you can get the book written by Lee herself – under the same name as the movie.
August: Oasis County
Sometimes there is nothing as immersive as watching a messy family feud unravel on the big screen; this is based on a book and was released as a movie in 2013. Meryl Streep gives a thoroughly hateful performance, and you’ll be happy to see her shut down a few times.
Meryl plays Violet, who takes out all her loss and other emotions on her family, and you watch Karen, Ivy, and Barbara battle through it in their own way.
Julia Roberts, Julianna Nicholson, and Juliette Lewis are a delightful trio – and there are plenty of things happening with other family members too. Each of the characters needs to work through their issues until the inevitable happens.
Locke
One man, a long car drive, and a lot of phone calls. We watch as Tom Hardy, who plays Ivan Locke’s life, changes in irreparable ways. What is surprising about the movie is that you don’t ever need more than what is provided. You get all the conversations and boy, will you travel through multiple emotions. Hardy does an incredible job of conveying everything you need.
Released in 2014, Locke has been easily forgotten compared to other projects Hardy had.
Big Fan
Big Fan is heart breaking in many, many ways. And only those who have seen it will truly understand what this movie puts you through. Released in 2009, it should be on every movie buff’s list. Patt Oswalt very easily wins your heart, and through what happens to him. He finally manages to meet his favourite player and gets the beating of his life.
Yet, that isn’t enough to stop him being… a big fan. It is a tough watch.
There are plenty more underrated movies that are hitting all of our favourite streaming services right now, so you might discover a few more!
