# Critically Acclaimed Movies You Don't Want to See **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 4, 2004, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583 "2004-03-04T20:59:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2004, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/41 "2004-03-06T17:26:16Z")
T.rex writes: \> I know that Schindler actually did a lot of what he did for financial gain. When I \> say history, I could care less about the story of Schinder, but I meant it in the \> terms of Nazi takeover, camp conditions, and depictions of the Jewish people. \> Speilberg’s mom was in a camp, and that film was one of his lifelong endeavors \> to make, so I respect the movie in that vein. Do you have a cite for the claim that Spielberg’s mother was in a concentration camp? I just checked a few sources, and it doesn’t seem likely. Spielberg’s mother is named Leah Posner, and she married his father in Cincinnati, Ohio on February 25, 1946. They had four kids and divorced twenty or so years later. She is described in one book as “a frustrated concert pianist” who became a housewife. ---
**Author:** ![Wendell\_Wagner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/8491ac/32.png) [@Wendell\_Wagner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wendell_Wagner)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2004, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/42 "2004-03-06T17:27:56Z")
Excuse me, it was February 25, 1945, not 1946. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Death](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecccb3/32.png) [@Evil\_Death](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Death)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2004, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/43 "2004-03-06T17:43:22Z")
> [@Really Not All That Bright](#): > > Does anyone know where a copy of said movie, and/or a full-length (I’ve only read synopses) copy of _The Protocols_ might be available? I don’t know where The Protocols might be found, but Birth of a Nation is available on DVD. ---
**Author:** ![BobT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e8cbc/32.png) [@BobT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobT)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2004, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/44 "2004-03-06T17:59:53Z")
The library where I work has four different editions of the _Protocols of the Elders of Zion_ . Some have commentary in it. You can also buy a copy through Amazon and lot of other places. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/45 "2004-03-08T07:29:40Z")
> [@T.rex](#): > > I didn’t want to see Forest Gump either, because I thought it would poke fun at retarded people, and make it sentimental. Actually, that is not the case, and the movie is quite enjoyable. The Tom Hanks character achieves more than we could ever believe, because he is not aware of any ‘limitation’. Its really cool. In a way, though, that’s why some people do find the character offensive. Forrest is Movie Retarded, not genuinely retarded. He’s a scaled-down version of a normally abled person, and his simplicity is the charm that gets him through life. “Aw…” [you’re supposed to say] “He doesn’t have the hangups we all do…he sees the real truth in everything!” Kind of a disservice to RL retarded people, who can’t avoid _all_ the problems their limitations cause, no matter how brave they are. I’m not saying that I didn’t like the movie at all. But my enjoyment of it didn’t stem from being won over by the main character. Meanwhile, I don’t want to see any movie having to do with the Holocaust, because I **know** I won’t be able to handle it. Whether it’s 100% historically accurate or not, I still won’t. I even had to cover my eyes during the opening scene of the first X-Men movie. ---
**Author:** ![Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/46 "2004-03-08T09:14:06Z")
This isn’t exactly a critically acclaimed movie. In fact, by all descriptions I’ve read, it’s extremely bad. However, seeing this movie is supposed to be a fun and interactive audience experience, complete with audience members in costume, props, throwing stuff, and I have many friends who encourage me to go see this movie. I’m referring, of course, to **The Rocky Horror Picture Show.** I won’t go. I have no desire to go to an interactive audience event where I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing—and, moreover, one that exults in tormenting people who don’t know what they’re doing. The RHPS “virgins” are, I hear, subject to a variety of public humiliations out of good-natured mockery. In other words, it’s just like going to a Catholic funeral, minus the fishnet stockings. So I don’t particularly care to see this film or to partake in the lovely audience interactions, thank you. My friends may really enjoy this and have a lovely time, and more power to them, but I don’t want to spend my money and my two hours sitting uncomfortably in a movie theater with a bunch of freakazoids doing God-knows-what and getting rice down my shirt. ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/47 "2004-03-08T11:09:14Z")
> [@Fish](#): > > This isn’t exactly a critically acclaimed movie. In fact, by all descriptions I’ve read, it’s extremely bad. However, seeing this movie is supposed to be a fun and interactive audience experience, complete with audience members in costume, props, throwing stuff, and I have many friends who encourage me to go see this movie. > > I’m referring, of course, to **The Rocky Horror Picture Show.** You know, you could just watch the video. In fact, I’d recommend watching the video first even if you did want to see it in the theater at some point. That’s the only way you’ll be able to tell what the movie is actually like on its own merits without a lot of distractions. And it is, IMHO, a pretty funny little film. Sure, it’s bad, but it’s _meant_ to be bad. ---
**Author:** ![smiling\_bandit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/48 "2004-03-08T13:32:50Z")
> [@](#): > > The best regarded movie (according to IMDB) that I will probably never see is The Empire Strikes Back. I saw Star Wars when it was originally released and enjoyed it but had no great desire to see what happened to Luke Skywalker and never saw the next 2. By the time the prequels came out I had kids who dragged me along to them. I didn’t particularly like either. WHile it may be crass to say so, you should take another look. Lucas’ new flicks are really oriented for children (TPM) and young-mid teens (AotC). But the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi were made with an adult audience in mind. This is, I think, the single biggest reason people hated the new movies is that they got old. Lucas, if anything, got younger; at least in his film aspirations. ---
**Author:** ![HPL](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/3da27b/32.png) [@HPL](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HPL)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/49 "2004-03-08T17:56:59Z")
> [@Lamia](#): > > You know, you could just watch the video. In fact, I’d recommend watching the video first even if you did want to see it in the theater at some point. That’s the only way you’ll be able to tell what the movie is actually like on its own merits without a lot of distractions. And it is, IMHO, a pretty funny little film. Sure, it’s bad, but it’s _meant_ to be bad. It’s shown at halloween as well. And even if you go to the show, the only way anyone will know you are a virgin is if you tell them. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/50 "2004-03-08T18:13:58Z")
> [@Really Not All That Bright](#): > > Does anyone know where a copy of said movie, and/or a full-length (I’ve only read synopses) copy of _The Protocols_ might be available? An online version which I think is a full translation of the original is [here](http://www.shoaheducation.com/protocols.html) ---
**Author:** ![Fish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/bc8723/32.png) [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/51 "2004-03-08T19:31:24Z")
I appreciate the encouragement, **Lamia** and **HPL.** But still, so what? I could watch _Mystery Science Theater 3000_ to see a bad movie, or _Amazon Women on the Moon_ if I want to see a movie that’s _meant_ to be bad. I haven’t heard anything about the movie itself that makes me want to bother seeing it for its own merits, whatever they are. A mad scientist who sings and wears fishnet stockings? Sorry, drag humor just isn’t funny to me. (Even though I adore the _Pink Panther_ movies, I inevitably f-fwd past all of the obligatory cross-dressing scenes that Blake Edwards appears to love so much. Either that or I go make a sandwich and let the movie run. To me, it’s just dull.) The pointless cavorting in the aisles seals the deal. I just don’t see the point—and there need not _be_ a point—to me, it’s a waste of time. I don’t know what the routine is, so I should go to a movie to watch everyone else participate? Naw, think I’ll go to the carnival instead and watch people go on rides, or go to a nightclub and watch people dance. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/52 "2004-03-08T19:53:47Z")
I’ve seen **Birth of a Nation**. In fact, I have it on DVD. It’s a wei9rd flick, because it’s an early example of epic film making with a lot of good stuff in it. And a lot of outright racism that, I have heard, was decried even in its own time (so it doesn’t have the excuse that, as a product of its time, you can’t judge it by today’s standards). The movies that I don’t want to watch are the ones that are uniformly boring or depressing. I can’t see myself watching **The Hours** , for instance. Or **Misery**. Or (having seen it once already) **Interiors**. ---
**Author:** ![OtakuLoki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ac8455/32.png) [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/53 "2004-03-08T20:07:31Z")
I just want to be clear, I see nothing wrong with anyone choosing to watch, or own _Birth of a Nation_. I can understand that it is a ground breaking film for many reasons, and worthy of study for that, alone. As a private person who has no desire to be a film maker, or film historian, I have choosen not to see it. I don’t expect that anyone follow my choice. In starting this thread I’d meant only to talk about personal choices, not make policy statements. I don’t direct this at any one comment, or person - I’m just addressing an implied message I have been concerned about. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/54 "2004-03-08T20:31:40Z")
> [@Ilsa\_Lund](#): > > Or better yet, who gives a damn? Refusing to watch a particular movie because it is depressing or racist or whatnot seems to me to be utterly pointless and asinine. I don’t think there’s any movie that I’ll not watch because of subject matter. It’s all about the craft. If you make a good movie, I’ll watch it. Except for that one that Andy Warhol did…the 24 hrs. of the Empire State Bldg. I think I could safely watch ten minutes or so and then be utterly bored. ---
**Author:** ![OtakuLoki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/ac8455/32.png) [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/55 "2004-03-08T21:47:11Z")
> [@Kalhoun](#): > > I don’t think there’s any movie that I’ll not watch because of subject matter. It’s all about the craft. If you make a good movie, I’ll watch it. > > Except for that one that Andy Warhol did…the 24 hrs. of the Empire State Bldg. I think I could safely watch ten minutes or so and then be utterly bored. Does that mean you’re going to watch _Sleep_? Seriously, what makes for a good movie? Is it only camera work? Only the script or only the acting? Can excellent work in one of those areas balance out crap in the other two? Are there movies worth watching only for the background scenery? ---
**Author:** ![MrVisible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@MrVisible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrVisible)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/56 "2004-03-08T21:56:18Z")
I wanted to avoid seeing _American Splendor_, because it sounded like a long celebration of misery. But my boyfriend wanted to see it, and lo and behold… it was a long celebration of misery. Bleah. ---
**Author:** ![Vezer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b38774/32.png) [@Vezer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vezer)\ **Post date:** [March 8, 2004, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/57 "2004-03-08T21:59:15Z")
[QUOTE=Barbarian Personally, I have no interest in seeing things like Finding Nemo, Toy Story, or anything else pumped out by the Disney powerhouse.[/QUOTE] You better check yourself before you wreck yourself 🙂 Pixar produces the feature film. Disney does it’s share in distribution. Proved quite well by Pixar just recently stopping work with Disney. ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2004, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/58 "2004-03-09T02:31:50Z")
> [@Fish](#): > > I haven’t heard anything about the movie itself that makes me want to bother seeing it for its own merits, whatever they are. A mad scientist who sings and wears fishnet stockings? Sorry, drag humor just isn’t funny to me. (Even though I adore the _Pink Panther_ movies, I inevitably f-fwd past all of the obligatory cross-dressing scenes that Blake Edwards appears to love so much. Either that or I go make a sandwich and let the movie run. To me, it’s just dull.) The pointless cavorting in the aisles seals the deal. I just don’t see the point—and there need not _be_ a point—to me, it’s a waste of time. I don’t know what the routine is, so I should go to a movie to watch everyone else participate? Naw, think I’ll go to the carnival instead and watch people go on rides, or go to a nightclub and watch people dance. Well, if you don’t think the movie would be enjoyable for you then I agree you shouldn’t bother watching it. _The Rocky Horror Picture Show_ certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and if you didn’t find it funny it would be pretty miserable to sit through it. But I wouldn’t want anyone who might enjoy the movie itself to avoid it solely because of the antics at theater showings. ---
**Author:** ![Mirasol](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Mirasol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mirasol)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2004, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/59 "2004-11-27T22:39:50Z")
like **koeeoaddi** , I just have no desire to see sports movies. They always seem to be the same story, and while I realize there may be exceptions to the rule, I just can’t bring myself to sit through them. Well, there’s one exception: _Cool Runnings_. That one’s ok–probably because it’s the first sports movie I ever saw (the others just seem a repeat of this “original” to me). I also don’t want to see _Saving Private Ryan_. It just never sounded appealing to me, but I heard all these good things about it, so I decided to give it a try anyway. I couldn’t make it halfway, I was just so bored. I even gave it a second chance, thinking maybe I just wan’t in the right mood before, and the same thing happened. It just didn’t do anything for me, and I eventually decided it wasn’t worth my time. I also couldn’t make it through \* Black Hawk Down\*. I think I don’t have enough testosterone for these films or something. (Joking-please don’t jump on me, I know some women do like these films. I do like some other “guyish” movies, myself). ---
**Author:** ![RikWriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/49beb7/32.png) [@RikWriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RikWriter)\ **Post date:** [November 27, 2004, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583/60 "2004-11-27T22:52:55Z")
I intensely dislike prison movies, so I have no desire to see The Shawshank Redemption. I understand it’s an excellent film, a classic, but I just can’t STAND to watch movies that take place in prison. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critically-acclaimed-movies-you-dont-want-to-see/232583.md?page=4)