I was reminded of Disney’s Holes today. It’s a really good little flick. It’s
This doesn’t even take into consideration the cast (Sigourney Weaver, Jon Voight, a young pre-Transformer Shia Of the Beef), or the soundtrack…
So, along similar veins, recommend me some oddball little movies.
(and netflix Holes. It’s a great oddball little movie)
Ooh! I love Holes! We took it out from the library expecting just another craptacular kid movie, and we ended up absolutely loving it.
My nomination is Twenty Bucks, an oddball little movie that nobody seems to have seen. It tells the “life story” of a twenty-dollar bill, from birth (when it popped out of an ATM) to death (when it was destroyed), and depicts everyone who came into contact with it and why. There are a series of odd twists and coincidences. It has a great ensemble cast–make sure to click “more” on the cast list if you IMDB it. (Weird '80s TV trivia bonus–the cast includes both Max Headroom and Sledge Hammer.)
Another one I like is Grand Canyon. I guess it’s not an “oddball” movie really, but it seems to have been forgotten. From the IMDB plot synopsis: "Grand Canyon revolved around six residents from different backgrounds whose lives intertwine in modern-day Los Angeles. " Yeah, that’s pretty much it, but it’s a lot better than it sounds. And it has another great ensemble cast. As for what it has to do with the Grand Canyon…well, you’ll just have to watch it.
Holes is an excellent film, but I recommend that you also read the book. When I was on my PGCE (teacher training), we used Holes with a really very difficult class. Something like 80% EFL and a large number of kids who simply couldn’t read at all, plus some who had behavioural difficulties. We read Holes out to them. It’s quite a complicated story to follow, really, especially if you ask questions about the different timelines. They all got really into it and loved the characters.
Pretty much all the ‘good’ characters are likeable without having to make the baddies despicable.
One of the best kids’ books around, and also one of the best adaptations of a kids’ book.
(Except for the casting of Shia Lebouef. He acted well, but the character had to be fat).
Regarding Holes: I take it you’re not familiar with the book? Before it was a movie, it was a book published about ten years ago that was hugely popular among children and won the Newbery Medal. I recommend it, even if you aren’t a kid.
And I liked Grand Canyon as well.
As for my contribution to the thread, I enjoyed the 1995 film version of Cold Comfort Farm, based on a 1932 novel that parodied some of the literature of the time.
Secondhand Lions. Great little movie. One of the few times neither Haley Joel Osment nor Kyra Sedgewick annoyed me in a movie, too.
I haven’t seen Holes, but I was immediately reminded of the fact that the original script treatment given to the studio was a little more…adult and disturbing. Not suprising, given it was written by the guy who did Donnie Darko.
Black Moon. About as oddball as they come. I don’t think anyone can actually say what it’s about, and there’s nothing resembling a plot, but it holds your attention from start to finish. Basically, there’s a war going on (maybe) and a young woman finds an old farmhouse that’s filled with mystery and wonder. Here’s a clip.
The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill. A terrific documentary about a flock of while parrots living in San Francisco and how they have become a part of the city. Probably the only documentary with a twist ending you never saw coming, too.
The Stunt Man. Quirky comedy with a superb performance by Peter O’Toole as a godlike film director.
[/url=Great but Forgotten: Son of Dracula]Son of Dracula – Strange take on the legend with a surprisingly good performance by Harry Nilsson (the songwriter) in the title role.
Quick Change. Caper film/comedy. Bill Murray commits the perfect bank robbery, but can’t escape with the loot.
The Tall Guy – Jeff Goldblum as an American actor in London, filled with absurdities (a musical about the Elephant Man title Elephant! which is a hilarious parody of Andrew Lloyd Weber) and with one of the sexiest love scenes ever committed to film.
Leaving Normal.
Meg Tilly. Christine Lahti. Buddy/road trip picture.
I just skimmed that, but I’m very glad they never proceeded with it, as that completely changed the original story.
Agreed!
I remember seeing Grand Canyon…it jarred my naivete when Steve Martin got shot in a carjacking. I’ll have to get it again and see 20 years has changed my perspective any. It’s certainly not something I’d be showing my kids. (Criteria #1 in the OP. 
)
I don’t think the OP was saying that these movies have to be kid friendly. I think that was just an example of one of the many good things about Holes.
I wrote the OP. 
There’s no shortage of good odd movies (Brazil), there ARE a shortage of good odd movies I’d watch with my kids.
One of my favorite movies is A Life Less Ordinary.
A silly little love story that no one else has ever heard of it, but once they see it, they love it.
Cameron Diaz and Ewan McGregor star, with Delroy Lindo, Dan Hedaya and Holly Hunter in supporting roles, and Tony Shaloub in a great blink-and-you’ll-miss-him role.
Bill Forsyth’s films probably count, at least in the United States ( I imagine they’re better known in Britain ). Everybody has seen Local Hero ( and those that haven’t, should ), but movies like Gregory’s Girl and Comfort and Joy can also be a lot of fun if you like that sort of quietly whimsical style.
Another loopy little film is Highway 61, the highlight of which is a dude convinced he’s Satan :p. Don’t miss punk lord Jello Biafra in a cameo as an American border cop!
ETA: Okay, this one is actually not that oddball, maybe just underappreciated. I’ll delete it.
Gonna have to disagree with you, on that last - I’ve seen it and…
But it definitely is an odd little film. I regard it as an interesting failure. May well be worth watching for a couple of “WTF!” moments ;).
“A Life Less Ordinary” was directed by Danny Boyle, who also directed “Slumdog Millionaire”. Not sure if either is kid-friendly, but he also directed “Millions”, which is. Plus it’s quite good.
*A Life Less Ordinary *is not little-kid-friendly. Good bit of violence, one scene of implied sex. Mid-teens should be able to handle it, though.
Gummo
Fast, Cheap and Out of Control
Ulee’s Gold
That last one is the most like “real life” I’ve ever seen. As I recall (and I’da been drinkin’ by now) the fight scene lasted one punch. Just like in real life. Someone got shot. They stayed down and woke up in the hospital.
Eh, whatever. I have strange taste in movies.
Nice Girls Don’t Explode
Not all that kid-friendly, but a fun little movie that does not take itself too seriously. It has a quietly insane premise, and is very funny. Barbara Harris plays the perfect suburban mom, making cookies (and plastic explosives) every day!
“Dear Mom … Boom!”
"Something Wicked This Way Comes "'was a very surprising Disney movie. It actually generates a lot of suspense.