Well Schmoes, as 2015 draws to a close we reflect on a year of ups and downs at the movies, both critically and financially. There were some surprises in regards to which highly anticipated movies lived up to their trailers and marketing as well as some dark horses that came out of nowhere to really steal the show. But, if there is one thing for certain, there are always movies that are highly overrated and underrated by critics and fans alike.
As the UnPopular Opinion Guy, I felt it was only fitting to issue my list of the movies I felt that the masses got wrong. Some of these may shock you and some may just piss you off, but these are my honest to goodness perspective of the movies of 2015. If you disagree with any of the choices, please voice your own opinion in the talkback below. After all, the only opinion that really matters is yours, I am just here to share mine.
#5 – TERMINATOR: GENISYS
After two bad sequels, expectations were naturally high for this rebootquel to James Cameron's first two films. While many lamented the PG-13 film with a Marvel-esque approach, TERMINATOR: GENISYS is a fun rollercoaster ride that benefits from Arnold Schwarzenegger's iconic presence. Sure, the time travel element becomes a bit convoluted, but it offers a fresh start much in the way that J.J. Abrams' STAR TREK did for that storied franchise. Despite a spoiler-filled ad campaign, TERMINATOR: GENISYS is still a fun blockbuster with exciting set-pieces and witty one-liners. (My full UnPopular Opinion on this film can be read here)
#4 – TOMORROWLAND
Disney has not had much luck in recent years with their attempts at new franchises like THE LONE RANGER and JOHN CARTER. Regardless, with Damon Lindelof's unique script and Pixar icon and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – GHOST PROTOCOL director Brad Bird behind the camera, TOMORROWLAND seemed like a surefire hit. Still, the high concept film based in Disney lore may have been difficult for some critics to fully embrace, TOMORROWLAND is an adventure appropriate for the whole family. The special effects are excellent and there is vast potential to make this into a series worth watching that just so happens to have a positive message about humanity and our planet. (My full UnPopular Opinion on this film can be read here)
#3 – EVEREST
EVEREST came and went in domestic theaters will little fanfare. Just a week after expanding to wide release, Ridley Scott's THE MARTIAN stole all of the thunder from every other film. But, EVEREST was a stunning cinematic achievement that not only used 3D to great effect but also told a heart-wrenching story in which very few survive. This is a very tough movie to watch but ranks alongside the very best disaster films ever made. Director Baltasar Kormakur does a fantastic job of making the tallest peak on Earth tangible while the diverse cast led by Jason Clarke deliver on making this human drama and epic filmmaking all at once.
#2 – JUPITER ASCENDING
The Wachowskis once again bombed at the box office with their attempt to emulate the space opera of STAR WARS but the finished film is a lot more fun than you think. Jumping into a sprawling galactic adventure that blends JOHN CARTER, STAR WARS, and DUNE, JUPITER ASCENDING is far from a great film but it is a great movie. Channing Tatum is advertised as being a much bigger character than he ends up being with this truly Mila Kunis' movie and she makes quite the worthwhile heroine. I definitely think this movie makes the case for the Wachowskis to direct a STAR WARS or Marvel film. (My full UnPopular Opinion on this film can be read here)
#1 – PAN
Acclaimed director Joe Wright had his first major failure with the mainstream studio epic PAN. Designed as a blend of PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN and HARRY POTTER, PAN offers a new origin for Peter Pan that takes us to the days before Captain Hook. The movie is brimming with energy and a vibrant visual palette that makes it stunning to behold. This is a fun movie that deserved to be followed up by multiple sequels that embrace the same anachronistic musical numbers, breathtaking action sequences, and vast multicultural update to the classic J.M. Barrie story. PAN could have done a lot better if given a better marketing campaign and a little more freedom for Wright to really let his film fly.