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Never Want to Put My Feet Back Down on the Ground: The Greatest Film Surprises

By Cindy Davis | Posted Under Comment Diversions | Comments (90)

laurentbasterds.jpg

So the other day, while discussing Quentin Tarantino’s next film project, I mentioned that I was surprised at how much I enjoyed Inglourious Basterds. I may have even been shocked. It was one of those overly hyped projects that sounded intriguing to me, but I figured it would end up not really my thing. I can still remember sitting in the theater, utterly mesmerized and terrified by Christoph Waltz’s Colonel Landa as he ferreted out that hidden family. I was also taken in by Mélanie Laurent and Diane Kruger (both their performances and their characters), the intense scenario played out at the tavern, a goofy Brad Pitt, Shosanna’s crazy plan and the horrifying culmination of events at the theater. Even while watching the movie, I kept sort of mumbling in my brain that I couldn’t believe how much I was enjoying the whole thing (though I do admit to covering my eyes for the carvings). Thinking back now, I believe the reviews for Basterds were actually mixed, but damned if I wouldn’t give the thing five stars.

Usually when movies are well-reviewed, we try to temper our expectations so we’re not disappointed. Then there are the times when we catch a small film that blows us away—maybe we haven’t even read anything about it or have no idea what a movie is—and we end up very pleasantly affected. So, what’s your greatest film surprise; which movie unexpectedly blew you away?









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Comments

Slither. The previews made it look ridiculous, but my girlfriend dragged me to it and we immediately fell in love.

Posted by: Julie at May 8, 2011 3:12 PM

Inception was a big surprise for me. I'd seen the ads and thought it looked like a mildly interesting Matrix clone. Now when I watch the Matrix, I'm struck with how dumbed-down it seems by comparison. I promptly dragged a number of friends and family to see Inception, and they all had the same reaction. Great movie.

Posted by: SJ at May 8, 2011 3:15 PM

I also didn't expect to enjoy Inglorious as much as I did. I'm with those who think it will end up being Tarantino's most appreciated work. I addition to that, I was blown away by how good Golden Compass turned out and Kidman's command of her character, turns out the girl CAN still act. Oh and, Tokyo Drift ended up being waaaaaay better than it had any right to be.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at May 8, 2011 3:34 PM

god help me, the last airbender.

while being completely conscious of the source material, but not having seen more than snippets of random episodes, i thought, what the hell, and popped it in.

and enjoyed it.

i understand why and how fans of the series weren't pleased when it was released.

but it kept me engaged enough.

was it the Best Movie Ever? no.
but it wasn't the worst.

Posted by: gp at May 8, 2011 3:42 PM

"Speed Racer." I went to go see it after the critics tore it a dozen new assholes and yet I wanted to see for myself whether the movie was really that bad.

And yet through all two hours, I kept asking myself, "So where is this horrible movie that the critics were going on about? Because this is actually pretty damn good."

Posted by: hellresident at May 8, 2011 3:45 PM

I've got two:

Brick - I read a lot of good things about it here, but wasn't sure if a Film Noir in a high school setting would work. But I was blown away.

Lulu on the Bridge - It may be that that one caught me in a weak moment, but hell did this little gem impress me. A totally subtle and pleasantly slow love story with a typical Paul Auster ending: in equal parts uplifting and downing. I'be damned if it didn't make me cry.

Posted by: FabMax at May 8, 2011 3:47 PM

I'm with you on Basterds; I'm not a huge Tarantino fan, but damned if I didn't enjoy the hell out of that movie.

Shoot 'Em Up. Now that, according to my experience, is a film I ought to have hated. However, Clive Owen apparently trumps my dislike of blood and guts and senseless violence. Go figure.

Posted by: meaux at May 8, 2011 3:51 PM

No, I'm pretty sure the Last Airbender was the worst movie ever.

Posted by: camytaru at May 8, 2011 3:53 PM

Strangely enough, The Hoax blew me away when I saw it on a hung-over, early show, at the local dirt theater for 2 bucks.

Posted by: Brian at May 8, 2011 4:07 PM

The Matrix, actually. I saw it with a few of my friends while in Florida for a band trip. I had no idea what it was about or even who was in it, but after it was done I knew immediately that movies had changed. Say what you want about it now, but there is no way you can deny its impact on popular culture and movies.

Posted by: Snath at May 8, 2011 4:09 PM

Repo Men. Went in with no expectations, and I loved it. Darkly hilarious, awesome action, and I even liked the two lead characters.

Posted by: Vick at May 8, 2011 4:15 PM

Strange Days and Dude, Where's my Car? With both movies the studios had no idea what they had. Went in dreading watching them and enjoyed the hell out of them.

Posted by: PB3 at May 8, 2011 4:17 PM

The Matador. I think that Pierce Brosnan is a douchemaster pretty much all the time, but he slayed in that movie. Totally unexpected.

Posted by: Mattfactor at May 8, 2011 4:28 PM

In Bruges. My hubby and I we were trying to find something to go see one night, had heard nothing about it, but saw it had good overall ratings and decided to go with it. We both totally loved it.

Posted by: Sabrina at May 8, 2011 4:46 PM

To Die For.

Posted by: Jon at May 8, 2011 4:49 PM

Mean Girls

I expected some inane girly stupid flick, but it was so much more and I love it.

Posted by: parker jammsten at May 8, 2011 5:09 PM

Layer Cake. Hadn't heard anything about it, and thought it was another Ritchie BritMob film. I was very wrong.
Also, Kung Fu Hustle is the epitome of a fun movie, and I wasn't expecting that.

Posted by: dorquemada at May 8, 2011 5:16 PM

Amiele. not into love stories/sub titles. Now one of my fav movies.

Posted by: rabbi at May 8, 2011 5:33 PM

Breaking Away.

I was expecting nothing more than another typical "teens try to get laid and win the big game" movie and instead saw a masterpiece of tone, pace, character and heart that made me laugh and cry and cheer.

Also, a performance by Paul Dooley that is absolute perfection. As an actor, I was in awe. I saw the movie several time just to watch his work. Better than acting classes.

And ditto on Slither, To Die For and In Bruges. Much better than they had any right to be, based on the basic plot descriptions.

Posted by: The Mutt at May 8, 2011 5:33 PM

The Lord of the Rings. I went in expecting a bloated fantasy epic and came out blown away by the whole trilogy.
Speed Racer was another one. I'd heard horrible things but I actually ended up enjoying it somewhat.

Posted by: kiz at May 8, 2011 5:47 PM

- films I just sat in awe of during the show-
Jackie Brown
Toy Story
LA Confidential
Boogie Nights

Posted by: PyD at May 8, 2011 6:01 PM

Orange County. The previews made it look like the whole movie is Jack Black running around in his underwear. But it is actually a really sharp, well-paced and infinitely quotable movie with Catherine O'Hara, John Lithgow, and Harold Ramis.

It is near the top of my "Movies I am Always in the Mood to Watch" list.

Posted by: MN_Jen at May 8, 2011 6:08 PM

The Matrix: despite usually being up on movies this one snuck under my radar until it was out and a friend said to go see it. I sat down in the theater knowing noting about it or seeing any ads. I still think that Trinitys first bullet time kick was almost as impressive as seeing the star destroyer overhead must have been at the time.

Pirates of the Carribean: given Disneys live action track record and the fact it was based on an amusement ride I went expecting what we got in Haunted Mansion.

Posted by: Boromir of Borg at May 8, 2011 6:10 PM

Zombieland. I was publicly shamed by a few writers on Twitter (including Dustin) until I agreed to go. I didn't want to because I thought everything I loved about the trailer would be gone, leaving a pseudo-horror comedy with pop-up graphics in its wake. I was pleasantly surprised that it was a strong horror comedy with a lot more heart than I expected. I mean, it's no Bio Zombie, but what is?

Posted by: Robert at May 8, 2011 6:12 PM

In France, Melanie Laurent's performance in this movie is the usual example given when someone has to chose among the worst french actresses in american movies (close second is Marion Cotillard's Inception)

Posted by: Ju/ at May 8, 2011 6:14 PM

Oh, yeah. Toy Story. Computer animation was still lame at the time. It starred Tim Allen. It was a kid's cartoon...

It totally blew me away.

Then they started making a direct-to-DVD sequel and my expectations were even lower. Toy Story 2 blew me even farther away.

But they couldn't catch that magic three times, could they?

Toy Story 3 blew me all the rest of the way away.

What would really shock me would be Pixar making a bad movie, but with Cars 2 looming, I fear the worst.

Posted by: The Mutt at May 8, 2011 6:20 PM

I saw Iron Man on opening night. I'd heard goodthings, but come on, it's Iron Man. It was better than it had any right to be. For God's sake Jon Faverau(sp) was the sidekick in Rudy!

Posted by: mrcreosote at May 8, 2011 6:25 PM

Mary and Max.

I was tossing up over what to watch the other night, between that, and Heavenly Creatures. I decided I was in the mood for something a bit more cheerful than Creatures, so I went with Mary assuming it was a nice little cutesy story.

Oh man. No it isn't. It's way better.

It's dark as hell and I cried like a whats-it.

Posted by: The Only New Zealander at May 8, 2011 6:25 PM

I was in college when the original Matrix came out, and thus was fairly cut off from media at the time. My best friend took me to see it for my 20th birthday, and all we knew about it going in was that it "had some pretty good action sequences." We didn't know the plot, we didn't know about the effects work, we didn't know nothing. 2 hours later our minds were blown. Even Keanu was good! I think we spent the next week beginning every conversation with "Go see The Matrix!"

Posted by: Bistro at May 8, 2011 6:32 PM

Ok don't laugh, but I saw Napoleon Dynamite in a little independent theater only because I was three hours early for something and had time to kill. I didn't know a single damn thing about it. I just said um, yeah one ticket to that one, whatever. Figured maybe it was a historical action flick re-writing what happened to Napoleon. I was very pleasantly surprised by the sweet and funny, quiet little film.

Then everyone started quoting it nonstop, then they sold ND shit in Hot Topic, then people who hadn't seen it started getting downright bullied by those who had and it was apparently a victim of its own success and now everyone hates it, the end.

More recently: Hanna. A friend had free tickets. I didn't know anything about it, either, except the title. Pretty fun!

Posted by: Snuggiepants at May 8, 2011 6:34 PM

The Usual Suspects STILL surprises me every time I watch it. It puts my hair on end.

Posted by: boombox at May 8, 2011 6:41 PM

It had already been out a long enough to be off the front shelves of the video store. Neither of us had ever hand any interest in seeing it; it was just another mindless comedy.

But we arrived at the Blockbuster a wee bit too late on a Friday evening (you older codgers will remember what that used to be like). The shelves were empty and everything had been repeatedly picked over. But we didn't want to leave empty-handed.

I saw the box, looked at the boyfriend with raised eyebrows, said, "You wanna take that home?" and he said, "Enh." We were mainly just tired of wandering around the store.

It was Wayne's World.

The first laugh came about ninety seconds in, and after that the laughs did not stop. We laughed until we nearly ruptured.

I doubt if it has aged well, but damn.

Posted by: Jerce at May 8, 2011 6:44 PM

The recent The Source Code. Great acting, great story, and the end actually gave me shivers.

Posted by: ladydi at May 8, 2011 6:52 PM

Trainspotting.

Was one of those that I didn't catch in theaters, I suspect it's because it wasn't in many theaters around where I was then. I hadn't really heard anything about it other than that it was great and I just couldn't get that until I was actually seeing it. I saw it on cable and haven't missed it any time I find it on tv since then. It's even hard to explain to people you so wish would see it but won't, because every time you start talking about Scottish heroin addicts stealing for their habits and all that stuff, no one wants to see it with you.

I think I'm going to start telling people it's a rousing tail of how Ewan McGregor fought the British to make England free for the English.

Posted by: Protoguy at May 8, 2011 6:58 PM

It was Wayne's World.

I doubt if it has aged well, but damn.
Posted by: Jerce at May 8, 2011 6:44 PM

It holds up.

Posted by: BarbadoSlim at May 8, 2011 7:13 PM

Hard Candy. The cover is what sold me on it.

Posted by: Matt at May 8, 2011 7:21 PM

In Bruges really snuck up on me. The trailer made it look like a comedy. There are some funny moments but I wouldnt call it a comedy. I fell in love right away with the dialog. I heard it was okay but I did not expect to love it.

The Sixth Sense-I knew the twist ending going in and it still blew me away. Its still holds up. Its not just a one trick pony.

The Usual Suspects-I always knew about it it. I did not really know what it was about. I knew it invloved a surprise ending and there was a broken coffee mug at the end. Totally blew me away.

Posted by: Junierizzle at May 8, 2011 7:49 PM

Star Trek. I had just assumed it was for geeks and fanboys. Nothing wrong with that, just not for me. I was entertained the whole time. Good stuff.

Posted by: wildflower at May 8, 2011 7:51 PM

Waitress!!
i didnt hear much but my mom told me she saw a good review for it. I had never even seen a preview so I had no idea wht it was even about but i LOVED it! still one of my fav movies to this day.

Posted by: Anna at May 8, 2011 8:01 PM

Spirited Away

Posted by: SaBrina at May 8, 2011 8:03 PM

@Jerce

There was a movie that was right in my wheelhouse that I saw on the shelf every time I went to the store but never rented, because the cover art was sooooo bad. I passed over it for years.

I love zombie movies. I'll watch pretty much any of them. But this looked so cheap and was from Canada and starred that guy who was the replacement for that other guy from that sitcom...

Fido.

Fourth best zombie movie of all time.

Posted by: The Mutt at May 8, 2011 8:15 PM

Hard Candy. The cover is what sold me on it.

Posted by: Matt at May 8, 2011 7:21 PM

Dear godtopus, anyone else remember the days of minimal advanced notice of films, when frequently we'd go to a real video store and select the evening's entertainment based on the cover? I'm suddenly very nostalgic for that kind of discovery.

Posted by: Bistro at May 8, 2011 8:16 PM

The Only New Zealander, Mary and Max is fantastic. I love how it uses the innocence of claymation to go into really dark territory without taking itself too seriously.

Posted by: Robert at May 8, 2011 8:34 PM

You puppies.

I remember the days when you just had to hope something awesome might show up on your local late-night Sunday movie.

Godzilla. Them. The Night Stalker. The Maltese Motherfucking Falcon!

I was the coolest guy in my gang for a while because I had nearly every Hammer horror movie on VHS.

Yes, you may touch me. I said touch me!

Posted by: The Mutt at May 8, 2011 8:50 PM

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. I thought I'd fall into the camp that hated it. Instead, I was blown away before the title credits finished. I watched it several times over the next few weeks.

Posted by: MelBivDevoe at May 8, 2011 9:03 PM

has anyone here heard of goodbye solo? i had no expectations and it was a great movie with a great ending. still think about it. just wow.

Posted by: splinter at May 8, 2011 9:27 PM

Pirates of the carribean. all 3. Everyone told me that the second 2 were terrible, but I've watched all of them multiple times and I'm always amazed at how enjoyable and entertaining they are.

Posted by: Piwonainc at May 8, 2011 9:33 PM

Jurassic Park. i didn't even want to see it, i was snobby at the time, a friend made me go. the movie killed my snob and brought my inner child out of it's coma. I've probably seen that movie now, a hundred times

Posted by: idleprimate at May 8, 2011 9:38 PM

George of the Jungle. Shut-up! I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to that one, and I really ended up liking it.

As far as being blown away? Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away. My nephew is really into Japanese anime, and I decided to see what all the fuss was about. I was expecting old Speed Racer animation and I got something that trumped what Disney used to do in their hey-day.

Posted by: BWeaves at May 8, 2011 9:44 PM

You basically described my experience with Inglorious Basterds to a tee.

Hot Fuzz was one of those movies I didn't know anything about (and I had completely missed Shaun of the Dead, so I had no idea what to expect) but ended up absolutely adoring.

Also, I am using this comments section to expand my list of movies to see.

Posted by: Shibuyama at May 8, 2011 9:59 PM

Reservoir Dogs

I kinda knew the plot going in and sorta explained it to my dad who I dragged with me. The movie was so amazing I don't think we said anything on the ride home other than wow and that was great.

Galaxy Quest

My wife and I went to see a movie (I forget what, maybe Toy Story 2?) that ended up being sold out and we could not decide what else to see. We compromised with Galaxy Quest. I knew it had a good cast and an awful poster, ended up being a great move on our parts.

Posted by: EshinX at May 8, 2011 10:04 PM

Oh my God, I can't believe someone mentioned The Matador. I watched that out of sheer boredom one day and adored it.

Posted by: Julie at May 8, 2011 10:34 PM

American History X

We were out and there was nothing to do. The girl I was dating at the time started pushing for going to see this American History movie. I didn't know what it was about. Somebody said something about Nazis so I assumed it was a World War Two movie. I had absolutely no idea what I was walking into but the girl was persistent and I didn't have anything better to suggest.

(Where do I know that guy from? Oh yeah, he was the lawyer in People vs Larry Flint. Hey, wait a minute, what's he doing to that guy on the curb...)

Suffice to say I was completely blind sided by that movie in the best possible way.


Another from that same time period was Devils Advocate. I didn't really know what it was about (The devil and a lawyer, or something) so I had no expectations but some friends wanted to go, so I went. These are the same dumb ass friends who wanted to see Battlefield Earth, so the expectations were not at all elevated.

Wow. It was crazy and over-the-top, but not at all what I was expecting and I was sufficiently blown away.


Posted by: Yossarian at May 8, 2011 10:56 PM

Seeing it said here now, I gotta agree with Hard Candy.

Not just before the movie and after people were talking about it, but even during my actual viewing of the film on cable. I thought I knew what I was seeing and what I thought of it, including how good or bad I thought the film was, and every single molecule of all of that changed with the ending.

Posted by: Protoguy at May 8, 2011 11:04 PM

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.

My boyfriend and I couldn't stop laughing from when the little boy cried out, "But I DON'T UNDERSTAND FISHING METAPHORS!"

Posted by: Kristin at May 8, 2011 11:28 PM

Half Nelson.

Gut wrenching film.

Posted by: grace b at May 9, 2011 1:05 AM

The Crying Game. My friend spent ten minutes on the phone talking me into the seeing this on New Year's Day. "It's some IRA action thing, isn't it?" I whined. I gave in and went w/him. I watched as the movie went from action to romance to suspense. We were both totally surprised at just how good it was. It was the first time in a long time I had been pleasantly surprised at a movie.

Posted by: Tecuya at May 9, 2011 1:48 AM

Actually, I just had this experience with Thor. I guess I missed most of the the trailors and had only seen ones that made it look like an action/drama, so I wasn't very excited when a friend took me to see it. It was so much fun! I had no idea it was a comedy, but I enjoyed myself all the way through. Same thing happened, to a much greater degree, with Iron Man. I had no idea I was going to see what would become one of my favorite movies.
Get Smart is a much better movie than it has any right to be. I'm not saying it's an example of great cinema or anything, but it has a great sense of humor.

Posted by: BiblioGeek at May 9, 2011 3:28 AM

Kill Bill for me. When it first came out I was dating this nerdy guy who took me to a bunch of terrible movies and always wanted to watch anime and crap with me. I broke up with him and started dating my current boyfriend and one night at family video we decide to give it a try. I didnt really know what to expect but I was blown away! Kil Bill 2 came out a couple of months later and of course we saw it opening weekend

Posted by: apsutter at May 9, 2011 4:45 AM

"Things to do in Denver when your dead"

Me and a friend wanted to go to antoher movie which was sold out. So we went to this one, knowing nothing about it.
Blew us away.

Buckweat!
Mr Shhh!

Briljant movie.

Posted by: Magiel at May 9, 2011 5:57 AM

Away We Go - just LOVED everything about it.

Repo Men & Daybreakers - low expectations, weak sci-fi premise but still loved it.

Doomsday - Malcolm McDowell didn't disappoint

Adventureland

A Single Man - I wasn't convinced by the Tom Ford designer turned director bit, but in the end, I loved the ride. Oh, and Colin Firth always helps.

Posted by: Teresa at May 9, 2011 6:25 AM

Walking Tall starring the Rock and the guy from Jackass. So strangely compelling. I've seen it more times than Citizen Kane.

Posted by: TSF at May 9, 2011 7:15 AM

igby goes down. i found kieran culkin to be the best part of scot pilgrim vs. the world and he's realy good as igby too.

Posted by: marie at May 9, 2011 8:30 AM

Baz Luhrman's "Australia". I wasn't that impressed with the trailers but the cinematography is phenomenal and the movie is a great old fashioned adventure. Reminded me a lot of the "Indiana Jones" movies in the way it looked and the composition of the action scenes.

Posted by: TylerDFC at May 9, 2011 9:02 AM

The Big Hit

My brother and I were looking for trashy action movies to rent for a popcorn night and this was just newly released. Didn't care about anyone in it at the time, but it was produced by John Woo and Wesley Snipes so our thinking was that it'd be teeth-pullingly awful, but have great action scenes.

We were kinda right, but man, Lou-Diamond Phillips makes that entire movie kick-ass merely by its proximity to his performance, but really the whole cast seem like they're having a blast so ya can't help but get carried along.

Also Gangster No.1, apart from McDowell I didn't expect anything memorable from that ... was wrong!

Posted by: MurderBot at May 9, 2011 9:19 AM

The greatest surprise was probably The Matrix. I went in knowing it involved virtual reality. My experience so far with movies dealing with such themes sucked (it even starred Keanu Reeves in what I thought were a reprise role of sorts from the pathetic Johnny Mnemonic movie), but I decided to give it a try anyway. The opening sequence was enough to convince me I was in for something special after all.

The most recent surprise was Bitch Slap. I was pretty sure it was going to bore me to death, but I ended up enjoying it immensely.

Posted by: Ozpinhead at May 9, 2011 9:35 AM

Two movies that are in genres that I don't really care for, inane "it boy" comedies and action hero supermovies, or what ever they're called.

Due Date. Hate most of the comedies that cater to teenage boys but love RDJr. and was so-so on Zach G, so I gave it a try. LMAO and watched it twice. Zach G is hysterical in it.

Iron Man. Not a fan of Bat,Super, Spider or any other supermen, other than Russell Crowe, but Iron Man was entertaining, probably because of RDjr. The sequel? Back to not giving a rats ass....

Posted by: kirbyjay at May 9, 2011 9:42 AM

I, too, was surprised how much I liked Inglourious Basterds, but the movie that most unexpectedly blew me away was The Matrix. I knew that it had done very well and had some buzz, but I didn't have any friends who had talked about it. For me one of the biggest ways I find out what is good is word of mouth through my movie-going friends network. I finally went to see the Matrix one night at the $1.50 theater when I had free time. I was amazed.

Posted by: reanalyst at May 9, 2011 9:51 AM

Sneakers does this fairly well. It starts out just a litttttle too goofy-soundtrack family-friendly feeling, like an extended-length 90's sitcom about bank robbers, but then, they turn it up to 11 and it stays there until the end of the movie. Watching this group of people solve puzzle after puzzle never gets old for some reason. I wish it WAS an hour-length serial TV show with the same characters on a channel where they allow Poitier swearing.

Posted by: LEROOOY at May 9, 2011 10:35 AM

PREDATOR

My husband loves muscle bound action movies (childhood thing) and i thought that was all predator was, but it is an excellent movie.

Also, THE THING.

Posted by: Sinnh at May 9, 2011 10:41 AM

I'm not saying these were great movies, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed them:

Whip It (God help me I love Kristen Wiig and Drew Barrymore was largely off screen, even though I find her adorable I hate watching her chew her own face)

Ira and Abby (a little nothing film from the woman who wrote and directed, and starred in Kissing Jessica Stein. It was cute and reminded me of all the reasons I am still not married, plus you gotta love Judith Light and Fred Willard in the throes of an offbeat affair.)

Posted by: lawyergirl06 at May 9, 2011 10:44 AM

Waaaaay back in the day at a drunken party, around midnight, a friend said, "I'm going home. 'This is Spinal Tap' is on HBO. Wanna come along?"

"This is who/what?"

Posted by: , at May 9, 2011 10:46 AM

Iron Man. I hate comic book movies, but man, this one was awesome.

Galaxy Quest. Again, not my type of movie, but Galaxy Quest, considering Tim Allen is in it, is brilliant.

In Brughes. I went into the theatre thinking I'd probably like it, but I had no idea that it'd be THAT good.

@Marie - I totally forgot how much I loved Igby Goes Down. Thanks for reminding me.

Posted by: Zirze at May 9, 2011 11:13 AM

Happy Go Lucky, SHE WINS!!! Now one of my favorite films.

Also Death Proof has a nice haunting quality with the poetry and the end is suprising and hilarious. Anything with a jumping high five (also see scott pilgrim for that) is going to bring me joy.

Posted by: Allison at May 9, 2011 11:33 AM

In college, went to a double-feature at a small "indie-type" movie theater and watched John Woo's "The Killer" and "Hard-Boiled" back-to-back. This was back in the early 90s - before the internet and all - so everyone went in with zero expectations. Just thought it would be some HK kung-fu fodder. But it was glorious.

Posted by: MisterMJ at May 9, 2011 12:45 PM

It was not exactly a surprise bcz I love every actor and I love period films, but Dangerous Liasons snuck up on me with how brutally tragic and sad it is. I cried and cried and cried and cried in that theater.

Also cannot believe I cried in Toy Story 3. But I'd been drinking, so...

Also: 28 Day Later. I had no idea what to expect except Danny Boyle, so I figured it was a good bet. I bought it, I watch it over and over.

Posted by: klingonfree at May 9, 2011 12:52 PM

Four Lions.

I knew nothing about it, but I saw the poster outside of a theater (the one with like 20 "Funny" quotes) and decided to see it on a whim. I had no idea it would be one of my favorite comedies of the decades, and to this day I call chickens Fucked Up Rabbits With No Ears.

Posted by: The Dead Burger at May 9, 2011 1:00 PM

Pitch Black. I went in expecting something mildly distracting but ultimately shitty and was pleasantly surprised. It was engaging, suspenseful, good concept, decent acting. Who knew?

Also, Role Models with Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott. Hubby's buddy brought it over and my eyes, they were a-rolling. Then I laughed my ass off and got a little misty. Again, who knew?

Posted by: FupaDupah at May 9, 2011 1:12 PM

Tigerland.

$5 DVD at Blockbuster, if I remember correctly. Was expecting another Full Metal Jacket type film where Ferrell plays a Matt Modine clone as he goes off to Vietnam. Wow! Totally wrong. I fucking love that movie.

True Romance.

Even today I have trouble selling this movie to people who haven't seen it. It seems obvious looking back. Just another fun fucking film. And it has Balki!

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

Did this even get released in theaters? All I know is, if either of these three movies is on TV, its on my TV.

Posted by: EJ at May 9, 2011 1:17 PM

This is extremely embarrassing, but recently we were looking for an OnDemand movie to amuse a large group, and the only thing we could all grudgingly agree on was McGruber. I expected it to be horrific, much like every other SNL movie, but it was suprisingly hilarious--mostly because we were all raised watching McGuyver, so the tropes were familiar.

Posted by: Siege at May 9, 2011 2:36 PM

3 films (2 of which were recommended by lord Pajiba).

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: I don't know why (and most importantly how) I wasn't made aware that this film was released 6 years ago. Probably one of the best comedies to come out of the past decade.

Matchstick Men: Another movie that caught me completely off-guard on so many levels. Everything just seemed to work perfectly. Oh, and thank god the special features were there to make me feel clean again; lusting on a 14-year-old girl, how immoral.

Mad Detective: I had only watched the chinese trailer (a language to which I am entirely foreign) and I felt so compelled that I immediatly started a quest to find the DVD. A month later, I could finally watch the film and it didn't disappoint.

Posted by: Waytensea at May 9, 2011 3:36 PM

Bubble Boy was mine. The previews made it look extremely moronic and forgettable, so I had no idea when my cousin popped in the DVD years later that it would be exactly the kind of comedy I love: silly, irreverent, and filled with hilarious subtle touches that you don't catch until the 3rd viewing. I effing love that movie so hard.

Posted by: Jessie at May 9, 2011 7:14 PM

Oh and George Washington. Snuck up on me and made me love it. Go find it. Paul Schneider is in it, before anyone knew him as Brandanowitz on Parks and Rec.

Posted by: Snuggiepants at May 9, 2011 7:49 PM

"Cars" - shut up - because my kid wanted to see it. I bawled so much at the "our town" bit.
Recently, "I Love You, Phillip Morris" - saw the trailers, thought it looked ok then picked it up to rent and LOVED it.

Posted by: Tabby at May 10, 2011 4:42 AM

Heathers. Humour so black it's ultraviolet. Also Christian Slater's best performance EVER. Still 1 of my Top 5 Films.

Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy. Not sure why everyone hates this film so, I found it to be really fun. From Martin Freeman's befuddled Everyman, Mos Def's Ford Prefect to the all-star cameos (Helen Mirren, Bill Nighy, Stephen Fry), I found all the cast to be spot on.

Babe. Movie about a sheep pig. Yawn. NOT! A true delight.

Breakfast on Pluto. Neil Jordan + Cillian Murphy dressed as a woman? Count me in!!

Evil Dead. Saw this on Joe Bob's Drive-In Movies originally. LOVED it! Funniest horror flick ever!

Hackers. Knew nothing about this film when we rented it from the video store. Silly us! This is the film Angelina Jolie met her 1st husband Jonny Lee Miller on. Also features Matthew Lillard.

Love Actually. Delightful, funny, touching ensemble comedy, starring way too many stars to list here. Watch it, if you're unfamiliar with this film.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. d/l'd this because it starred Robert Downey Jr. Absolutely charming film all around.

There are many others, but I'll let someone else take up the bandwidth now...

Posted by: dagny t at May 10, 2011 8:22 PM

For me it has to be Sunshine. Another really good Dany Boyle movie about some astronauts from different parts of the world that go on a mission to re-ignite the dying sun with some nuclear bombs.

I had no idea that movie existed until the day I saw it on cable. And I loved it. That has to be one of the most stressful movies I have ever seen, really. You just have like 15 mins or so of fun in space and awe with the ship and averything. After the last sent transmission to earth from the team, is all downhill from there.

Watch it!

Posted by: danielo at May 11, 2011 3:30 AM

Detroit Rock City.

I still don't know why I bothered to rent it in the first place. It looked like a stupid stoner comedy, and I just knew I'd only get 15 minutes in before I shut it off in disgust.

I don't know what it was about the movie, but I ended up enjoying the hell out of it.

Posted by: Andy at May 11, 2011 3:11 PM

Most surprising movies 
Human Traffic. Upon a friend's recommendation I rented it without any foreknowledge or expectations and was pleasantly surprised at its brilliance. 

Neon Genesis Evangelion 
Before, I had no faith in anime to convey anything other than conventional tropes and shallow scifi concepts. Afterwards, I became inspired enough to weave my post ragnarok epic. A fantastic example of postmodern psycho-drama with the clothing of religious allegory. 

Zero Effect
A random rental of a detective film turned out to be a memorable night of cinematic orgasm 

Posted by: Oroboros at May 15, 2011 10:02 PM

I have a conceit that I can spot a good movie by the trailer. I feel like most of the surprises in the above comments I was aware of and looking forward to, but Tokyo Drift surprised me for sure. It didn't have Paul Walker, I liked that, and the drifting was fuckin' sweet.

The flip side of it was gone Gone With The Wind, and Citizen Kane. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and I get what? Total snoozefests. It was his freakin sled, I just saved you three boobless hours (my only Family Guy quote). Though in Gone With The Wind I did like the morning after scene when Rhett had forced Scarlett the night before and she looked satisfied for the first time in the movie--I mean come on, with the amount of sex she wasn't having, no wonder she was so bitchy. The movie is such a trial to sit through (all the faculty walked out in the beginning) that the brief bit of levity was hilarious relief. And that shot around the staircase is fun to contemplate, in Citizen Kane.

Bully is a really hard movie to watch, but the one moment of dark humor is all the more hilarious because it's lifting the weight of everything that's happened.

Posted by: HappyGobo at May 16, 2011 1:12 AM

Shotgun Stories.

I was buying a bedroom set and the owner of the store kept telling me about his son who had a movie coming out. I kind of forgot about it but the title stuck in my head until I ran across it on cable one night. Couldn't believe how much I enjoyed the camera work, the familiarity of the characters, and the creepy intense guy playing the lead. Still recommend it to anyone I have a film conversation with.

Posted by: AL at May 17, 2011 7:35 AM