Narrowing down a list of underrated films is always hard but whittling down this list was nearly impossible. The early 2000s was a treasure trove of underseen and often ignored films. As always, this list will go in chronological order. I tried to do my best but tell me your thoughts. What did I miss? What films should have made it?
The Cell
Year Released: 2000
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 45%
Metacritic Score: 40
The Cell is a visual orgy. There is no doubt that director Tarsem Singh pushed the boundaries of what constitutes necessary. The plot is a little derivative, but what makes this film work is that we care not only for our protagonist and the woman she is trying to save but our villain. Even though, at times, the film is a blatant assault on our eyes, the visuals are stunning. The meticulous design and make-up are awe-inspiring. Jennifer Lopez does some of her best acting to date, and Vincent D’Onofrio is terrifying. The film is heavily influenced by Silence of the Lambs, but its influences on later works like Inception and Saw can’t be ignored.
The Way of The Gun
Year Released: 2000
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 45%
Metacritic Score: 49%
I’m not the first person to call The Way of the Gun a modern cult classic, but I’ve championed this film since its release. While most pegged it as a Tarantino ripoff at the time of release, I saw it as many do today. For several reasons, this film could not be made today and not just because small budget films aren’t getting made. This movie has both an overt nastiness and underlying wisdom. The dialogue is sharp and witty, but also there are long shots of stillness. The action is violent but realistic. The characters are all flawed but relatable. But above all else, the cast is remarkable. Benicio del Toro and Ryan Phillipe play Longbaugh and Parker, two petty criminals, looking for their last big score. As good as the leads are, the supporting cast is what makes this film hum. James Caan and Juliette Lewis stand above the rest.
Serendipity
Year Released: 2001
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 59%
Metacritic Score: 52
Rom-Coms are a very 90s idea, but the early 00s had their fair share. Most romcoms rely heavily on chemistry and humor, with very few building actual characters. Why I chose to throw Serendipity on the list is because of how literally insane this movie is. There are no real villains in this film. In fact, it could be argued our leads played by John Cusack, and Kate Beckinsale are bad people. Both have significant others who, by all accounts, are good partners. Unfortunately, these partners get dragged through the mud and tossed out like old shoes. What can’t be denied is the palpable chemistry by our leads. I would also add that Jeremy Piven and Molly Shannon are terrific as supporting actors. Despite the insane story and stalkerish behavior, this film is inherently sweet.
Gosford Park
Year Released: 2001
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Metacritic Score: 90
It’s easy to point at the critical census of Gosford Park as a reason that it’s not underseen or underrated. I will concede that among most cinephiles, it is a beloved murder mystery. But what I will argue is that not enough outside of a small group of film lovers have seen it. Gosford Park was one of Robert Altman’s last films and, in my opinion, one of his best. The film boasts a massive cast much like all of Altman’s films, and just like always; he manages to cast it perfectly. The central mystery isn’t as intriguing as the intertwined lives of the characters involved. However, the film is playful and thoughtful at the same time. The humor never undercuts the more serious themes but rather puts a stamp on them. Life can be both traumatic and humorous, after all.
Orange County
Year Released: 2002
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 46%
Metacritic Score: 48
This list is chalked full of comedies. The early 00s was a cornucopia of comedy, and hits like Superbad and Wedding Crashers tended to overshadow smaller films. Orange County has a simple premise and a rather generic ending. But what makes this film so rewatchable is the central performances by Colin Hanks, Schuyler Fisk, and Jack Black. What sets Orange County apart from the normal bland teen comedy is the sweetness. It’s never mean or degrading. The central theme of happiness and family makes it a bit refreshing. The humor rests mostly on the back of Black, but there is a hilarious scene with Harold Ramis on ecstasy.
Run Ronnie Run
Year Released: 2002
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
Metacritic Score: N/A
David Cross is a comedic genius, and the Mr. Show is one of my favorite TV series of all time. So to say this film is right up my alley would be an understatement. The titular character is ripped from one of the Mr. Show’s sketches, but this isn’t like when SNL tries to make one of their characters carry a movie. This film is flat-out bonkers. The dialogue is full of innuendos and crass language, but it always lands. The movie is also packed with side characters and cameos. My favorite is a scene featuring Jeff Goldblum and group therapy. Bob Odenkirk is also amazing as Ronnie’s manager.
Love Liza
Year Released: 2002
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 54%
Metacritic Score: 58
This is one of the only dramas on this list, and it’s one of the few films I haven’t revisited often. That is mostly because the subject matter is so tough. Phillip Seymour Hoffman stars as widower Wilson Joel. Wilson has found what he believes is his wife’s suicide note. The film follows Wilson as he tries to make sense of his loss and find the courage to read the note. Kathy Bates brings a powerhouse performance as his mother-in-law. During the film, Wilson battles strange addictions, and in some ways, this mirrors Hoffman’s own fight. The acting is superb, but it’s the touches of comedy throughout the film that make Love Liza so good.
Club Dread
Year Released: 2004
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 29%
Metacritic Score: 45
The Broken Lizard comedy troupe hit the mainstream with their classic Super Troopers, but their follow-up was seen as a failure. Club Dread was much sillier and more satirical than Super Troopers, so many fans didn’t carry over. As a result, the jokes can feel a little inside and goofy. But what I love about Club Dread is that it is effective in both its humor and its horror. The idea of being trapped in a tropical paradise with a psychopathic killer is terrifying. Bill Paxton plays Coconut Pete, a Jimmy Buffet ripoff that sings songs like “Pina Coladaburg.” The funniest aspect of this film is that his records are the key to solving the murders.
The Heartbreak Kid
Year Released: 2007
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 29%
Metacritic Score: 46
The last comedy on this list is The Heartbreak Kid. The Farrelly brothers have long been some of the funniest and most controversial directors in Hollywood. Their films are often hated by critics but loved by audiences. The Heartbreak Kid is no different. While the film is a remake, it is much sillier and way more offbeat than the original. Ben Stiller is at his best when he is put in awkward situations, and this film has plenty of that. The MVP of the film, however, is Malin Ackerman. Ackerman’s delivery and comedic timing are a perfect fit for Stiller. While it’s hard to like either lead character, you do feel a bit of empathy for Lila, which makes this such an interesting film.
The Mist
Year Released: 2007
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%
Metacritic Score: 58
There have been about a million Stephen King adaptations. Some are great, some are good, but the majority are awful. The Mist has been labeled in all three categories. I’m in the great camp because this film is simultaneously fun and gut-wrenching. Thomas Jane is a fantastic lead, and Frank Darabont’s direction is masterful. Darabont pairs perfectly with King’s style, and he brings this horrific world to life. However, while monsters are swirling around in the mist outside, it’s the people inside that are the biggest threat. Marcia Gay Harden as Mrs. Cambody is perhaps the scariest part of the film. Her dogmatic view of life and charismatic leadership put everyone not on her side squarely in harm’s way. It should be noted this film is not for everyone, and don’t expect a happy ending.
Knowing
Year Released: 2009
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 34%
Metacritic Score: 41
I am not a Nicholas Cage fan, and his career hasn’t been one that I point to often as enjoyable over the last two decades. Knowing is somehow different. Director Alex Proyas is known for his high concept science fiction, and I think his movies are often ignored when they initially come out. But what makes Knowing so good is how serious Proyas takes this film. In contrast, most directors would focus on the action or mystery Proyas chooses to focus on relationships. Cage’s performance is a mixture of all his previous roles, including Leaving Las Vegas. The key to this film is that it always sticks to its guns. It doesn’t take a cheap way out, and similar to The Mist, if you are expecting a Hollywood ending, this movie isn’t for you. Proyas drives the story with biblical allegory and never shies away from the inevitable ending.
