In this list, we're only going to be looking at English speaking movies because foreign films always go under the radar unless you seek them out. I picked movies that are totally awesome but grossed under a mill opening weekend with 1 exception. Movies like Usual Suspects and Reservoir Dogs belong here, but I wanted to name some flicks that you may not know.
TOPPING MY LIST....
A Place Beyond the Pines ($279,457 Opening)
A motorcycle stunt rider turns to robbing banks as a way to provide for his lover and their newborn child, a decision that puts him on a collision course with an ambitious rookie cop navigating a department ruled by a corrupt detective. (IMDB)
Only grossing $279,457 opening week, this gem is among my all time favorite films. The story is kind of broken into 3 sub stories - the bank robber father, the police officer, and the children. It's a long movie, but because of the way it's broken up, I didn't feel that way at all. Ryan Gosling pulls off 'cool' unlike any other actor of his generation. The musical score is perfect including that piano themed song. If you have a few hours, pop this bad boy in. You won't be disappointed!
Wife Sobbing Score - 4/5
Captain Fantastic ($93,824 Opening)
In the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a father devoted to raising his six kids with a rigorous physical and intellectual education is forced to leave his paradise and enter the world, challenging his idea of what it means to be a parent. (IMDB)
It grossed a measly $93,824 opening weekend, but I assure you, there is a great movie here. In fact, I watched the trailer and wasn't entirely sold. Then, I streamed it while I was working, thinking I could have some noise and a story going on in the background, but I had to shutdown my computer and get involved because it was that good. The emotional strings are really tugged and pulled like a violin. The music score is perfect. Viggo Mortenson is a top notch actor. Don't miss this one.
Wife Sobbing Score- 3/5
Dancer in the Dark ($91,612 Opening)
An east European girl goes to America with her young son, expecting it to be like a Hollywood film. (IMDB)
This film stars our beloved Bjork. So far, I think she's only been in 2 films. After this one was shot, she said she wouldn't do it again as it emotionally drained her. It's filmed like a musical, but what's clever is it's only a musical in her mind. She thinks of her life this way. Bjork puts on a phenomenal performance with such an amazing soundtrack. It wasn't filmed on the best of equipment, but on a show string budget. The director placed many cameras around a scene and would shoot the musical sequences a few times.
Wife Sobbing Score - 10/5
Rushmore ($43,666 Opening)
The extracurricular king of Rushmore preparatory school is put on academic probation. (IMDB)
You may know the director, but Rushmore is one of his breaking films. The soundtrack is really fun. The acting is a bit different, as the director sets up the shots almost like theater. If you haven't seen it, but like the director, check this out!
Wife Sobbing Score: N/A
Room ($118,298 Opening)
A young boy is raised within the confines of a small shed. (IMDB)
Room is a sad tale loosely based on a true story. Unfortunately, real stories like these are real at all. The movie is a bit slower paced than the others, but is still really good.
Wife Sobbing Score: 5/5
The Lovely Bones ($116,616 Opening)
Centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family - and her killer - from purgatory. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal. (IMDB)
Another tragic tale similar to "The Room". However, in this one we get to see the victim on the otherside trying to communicate with her family as they seek out the perpetrator. It will have you on your toes a bit more than 'The Room" and is a bit more paced. It also has some stunning visuals.
Wife Sobbing Score - 3/5
Snatch ($27,932 Opening)
Unscrupulous boxing promoters, violent bookmakers, a Russian gangster, incompetent amateur robbers, and supposedly Jewish jewelers fight to track down a priceless stolen diamond.
If you haven't heard of Snatch by now, I may ask you what planet you're living on. This shouldn't be on the list because it is well know and has some serious star power. It's cleverly written, very quotable, and Brad Pitt pulls off a great "Pikey". In my opinion, this one is the best coming from the director, but all of his movies are indeed a lot of fun. If you haven't seen it, come back to Earth and watch it now, please.
Wife Sobbing Score - 1/5 for Brad's Mommy.
Punch Drunk Love ($367,203 Opening)
A psychologically troubled novelty supplier is nudged towards a romance with an English woman, all the while being extorted by a phone-sex line run by a crooked mattress salesman, and purchasing stunning amounts of pudding. (IMDB)
So in this little gem, we have Adam Sandler. If you coming to expect the great funny Adam Sandler, you'll be heavily disappointed. If you come wanting to the crappy "Netflix- Adam Sandler", you'll be even more disappointed. This is Adam Sandler trying to break into some serious acting. It's a great story about how love empowers the meek to do the boldest things! It's awesome! Who doesn't love the song where Olive Oil sings to Pop-Eye, come on!
Children of Men ($501,003 Opening)
In 2027, in a chaotic world in which women have become somehow infertile, a former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea. (IMDB)
This is another movie that most probably know about. If not, go see it! It too, has some serious star power. This is one of Clive Owen's best films ever. The very idea of the story is great, and I love the gritty action sequences. Clive Owen deserves Samuel Jackson's wallet in Pulp Fiction - One Bad Mutha Fucker.
Eastern Promises ($547,092 Opening)
A Russian teenager living in London who dies during childbirth leaves clues to a midwife in her journal that could tie her child to a rape involving a violent Russian mob family.
Another film with great star power, and the second film by Viggo Mortenson in this list. What can I say, he's a fantastic actor with great roles, and bad box office numbers. Who else can fight off some gangsters naked in a shower? Yes, it has it! It's a thrilling Russian gangster movie.
Memento ($235,488 Opening)
A man juggles searching for his wife's murderer and keeping his short-term memory loss from being an obstacle. (IMDB)
So most of us know of Christopher Nolan by now. The infamous director of The Batman series, and of course, Inception, and Interstellar. What some don't know is that he directed this thrilling film called Memento. Don't expect anything less than amazing from this film. What was so clever about it, is the film is watched in reverse order giving the viewer the same feeling that he experiences, amnesia.
Equilibrium $541,512
In a fascist future where all forms of feeling are illegal, a man in charge of enforcing the law rises to overthrow the system. (IMDB)
This one seems to be real hidden. It is far from perfect, and tends to be on the line of cliche with these type of futuristic films, but it has some really nice action sequences and fighting style. They all act and talk emotionless but that's only because it's part of the plot. Again, far from perfect, but a real fun ride.
Napoleon Dynamite ($116,666 )
A listless and alienated teenager decides to help his new friend win the class presidency in their small western high school, while he must deal with his bizarre family life back home.
This is one of those movies that is so dumb, but so good. It's a cult classic and won't be for everyone's palate. It's got a great soundtrack and a kind of subtle humor. For those living in rural areas, you'll totally relate to this hilarious film.
Buffalo '66 ( $39,555 )
After being released from prison, Billy is set to visit his parents with his wife, whom he does not actually have. This provokes Billy to act out, as he kidnaps a girl and forces her to act as his wife for the visit. (IMDB)
Another cult classic on the list and one of the first films to experiment with "bullet time", but from actual special effects, not digital effects. Christina Ricci is a doll as always and much fun to watch. The plot, shots, and story are rather simple, but it still is a great little film. For a low budget film it's got great star power. Of course the director Viincent Gallo has a lot of friends.
Ink (N/A- really Indie)
A mysterious creature, known as Ink, steals a child's soul in hopes of using it as a bargaining chip to join the Incubi - the group of supernatural beings responsible for creating nightmares. (IMDB)
This movie is such a great movie. Yes, the acting is subpar as well as some of the set decor. But it is a really low budget film. It really stands out in the story, unique characters, amazing musical score, and the fighting. You'd be so surprised this film has better choreographed fights than than a lot of what's on TV now. Tears flowed from my eyes the last 30 minutes. I was alone, and I guess it had hit me in a place where I didn't expect. I sincerely LOVE. THIS. MOVIE. Geez, I get the chills just watching the trailer! Support this guy and purchase it. He is a director in Denver.
Wife's Sobbing Score - 3.5/5
My Alone Sobbing Score - 5/5
Seven Psychopaths
A struggling screenwriter inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu. (IMDB)
Lastly, I'm including this movie. Yes, it grossed more than a mill opening week, but this is my list, so cry me a river. This movie grossed $4,174,915 which in my opinion is not totally under the radar. That being said, most of the people I know have never seen this film. It's such a fun ride! It's got comedy, loads of comedy, and hilarious action sequences. It's got a "Snatch" type comedy going on, where violence is made in a more humorousness way. Think about "The Mexican" a bit as well. The comedy was well written and the acting was superb. Christopher Walken stills the screen with his intriguing character each time he shows up. This was one of those movies I bought on DVD. It's a rare occasion, so be sure to check it out!
Wife Sobbing Score - 5/5 - Thanks Christopher.
Honorable Mentions:
Reservoir Dogs, Unusual Suspects, Appaloosa, The Proposition, Edward Scissorhands ($159,622)
A couple other of Brad Pitt movies would have qualified like "Legends of the Fall" ( $101,670), and "A River Runs Through It", but let's face it, all of Pitt's movies are relatively well known. In fact "Snatch" probably doesn't belong on the list.
STEEMIAN HONORABLE MENTIONS:
So again, what am I missing? Please add your addition below.
Rules:
- Must be English speaking.
- Must be under 1 mill gross first week.