While replying in tdn’sthread asking for the worst movie you’ve seen recently, I thought of a movie that I saw on Netflix right around the time I watched Princess of Mars.
Hunter Prey is a pretty good science fiction movie. it’s got a pretty tight story and the effects and costumes are really good considering the low budget. There are some neat twists in the story and although I guessed one or two along the way, I still enjoyed watching this one through.
So, what was your last “hidden gem?” Something you watched with low expectations and were pleasantly surprised to like, or perhaps something that you knew you would like that nobody else knows about.
I’m willing to entertain people’s TV shows and other media if you have a hidden gem from there to share.
It wasn’t recent, but The Brothers Bloom was good. Also, again I didn’t watch it recently, but I really like The House Of Yes and re-watch it every couple of years. Also, I consider these Hidden Gems, but there not ridiculously obscure it’s just that most people haven’t seen them and probably aren’t aware of them. They both have famous people in them and can be found on Netflix (and probably at Blockbuster for that matter).
ETA, I expect to see some good movies here, I need to repopulate my netflix queue.
2 documentaries I watched over the last couple of nights have been very interesting, much more than I expected them to be anyway. Both streaming on Netfilx currently. Marwencol and the real dirt on farmer john.
I’ll include The Strange Love of Martha Ivers from a DVD of public domain movies from Mill Creek Entertainment – 100 films for $16. A mixed bag, but plenty of gems.
This is my favorite Barbara Stanwyck film–and “introducing” Kirk Douglas.
The impressive film I’ve just seen is a silent one I’d never heard of before Netflix recommended it to me, “A Cottage on Dartmoor,” made in 1928. There is a set piece in a movie theater that is incredible, especially so for its quick-cut editing considering when it was made.
I really enjoy Brick, too - similar noir feel as After Dark My Sweet.
Easy A was a movie in a toss-off genre that had a bit more traction to it and was more satisfying as a result. Kinda like that Julia Stiles/Health Ledger/JGLevitt *Shrew *Re-Do 10 Things I Hate About You…
Orange County, which I recently saw for the first time since it came out in 2002, I think, is a very underrated film. I view it as sort of the dying breath of the teen coming-of-age genre that was popular throughout the 80s and 90s; despite the comedy, it’s a genuinely honest movie. But also, it re-ignited my gigantic crush on Schuyler Fisk, which might be why I liked it so much the first time.
Th 1921 “Camille” starring Rudolph Valentino and Alla Nazimova, yes, a silent movie, shown on TCM every now and then. It’s quite short, the old classic story of a courtesan in love with a young man who has to give him up, as his wealthy father couldn’t abide the scandal if they marry. The acting is hysterically over the top, but the scanty costumes, the crazy hair, and the eye-popping Art Nouveau sets (designed by Valentino’s real future wife) are certainly worth a look! It’s like a crazy slow simmering dream.