Thus far, I’ve participated in the “Against the Crowd” blogathon in 2014, and in 2015, and now it’s time to participate in 2016! Like I said back in 2014: Everyone has those films where you think, “This is not as good as people believe it to be”, or conversely, “I wish more people loved this!”. Luckily, Dell on Movies has created a blogathon where we can share these films with everyone, called the Against the Crowd blogathon. It’s a genius idea!
Here are the top three rules:
1. Pick one movie that “everyone” loves (the more iconic, the better). That movie must have a score of at least 75% on rottentomatoes.com. Tell us why you hate it.
2. Pick one movie that “everyone” hates (the more notorious, the better). That movie must have a score of less than 35% on rottentomatoes.com. Tell us why you love it.
3. Include the tomato meter scores of both movies.
Without further ado, here are my picks for this year!
*****
I really didn’t like… True Grit (2010)
True Grit (2010) is a story of murder and revenge, helmed by a fourteen year old girl and a grizzly old man. Sounds great. But whenever I think of this film, I think of how bored I was when watching it, so much so that I almost decided to put myself to bed. True Grit is definitely my least favourite film directed by the Coen brothers, and it’s probably my least favourite Jeff Bridges film that I’ve seen. I don’t think I’ve seen Hailee Steinfeld in anything else so I can’t really comment on that. I think the whole thing was just too grim for me. Which is strange, because on the whole I don’t mind a grim film or two. I think both Bridges and Steinfeld were nominated for Oscars for this. But it’s just so dull. And slow. I’m putting myself to sleep just writing about it. Perhaps I’ll give it another try one day, after I’ve had a big cup of coffee. Or I might even give the original film a try. But for now, all I can say is that I was so underwhelmed and sleepy when watching this; even though I remember the film being quite visually beautiful.
I really liked… Showgirls (1995)
Now, Showgirls (1995, dir. Paul Verhoeven) is the kind of terrible film that will keep you awake no matter what. It’s so shiny, bright, greasy, and bombastic that it’s blinding; like getting slapped in the face with a hand full of glitter glue. Which is almost to be expected for a film about erotic dance showcases in Las Vegas. It’s undeniably bad, but it’s one of the most entertaining bad films of all time. I shared my thoughts on Showgirls earlier in the year. Some see Showgirls as a modern-day satire of… something or other, others see it as a hilarious irony-fest, and others think it’s just plain bad. My view on the film is located somewhere in between satire and irony, because whilst Showgirls does seem to be a sarcastic and exploitative portrayal of the moral downfall of those who push others down to climb their way up the food chain, I’m also one of those viewers who shrieks with laughter during the hilariously awkward sex scene between Kyle MacLachlan and Elizabeth Berkley. Showgirls is, above all, a lot of dumb fun, with some pretty impressive costumes and entertaining (to say the least) dance sequences. Yes, it’s terrible, but almost lovably so. Like a super cute puppy that poops on the carpet, Showgirls can be forgiven for being bad.
FILM GRIMOIRE 
I actually love both of these films, for vastly different reasons of course, love them nonetheless. I was just enthralled by True Grit, and it is visually beautiful which helps. That said, I understand not being a fan of it because it is a bit of a patience tester. Showgirls, my affection for it is solely ironic because it is flat moronic…teehee, I made a rhyme. It’s bad in every conceivable way and each of them is to a hilarious degree. And yes, greasy! What a perfect word to describe it. Thanks for joining!
Thanks for letting me participate a little bit late! 😀 True Grit was a very beautifully made film. I’m hoping to give it another go at some point to see if I can prove myself wrong. Nice rhyme there too! Showgirls is so damn greasy, and you can’t help but feel a little bit filthy after watching it. Definitely not Kyle MacLachlan’s best.
I liked the 2010 True Grit – I thought it was much closer to the novel than the John Wayne version was, although my heart will always be with the John Wayne version.
As for Showgirls, I have never been interested enough to watch it, but your review has convinced me to give it a try.
I didn’t even know True Grit was originally a novel! Shame on me as a former bookshop employee. I’m interested to try the John Wayne film to see if I enjoy it more.
I too like the 2010 version of True Grit while Showgirls is a film I’ve become fond of because of its element of camp.
I feel like Showgirls is one of those silly, gross films that you can’t help but feel fond of!
Both films I’ve been meaning to see for years, but haven’t! One day… I have seen the original True Grit though, and it’s pretty good (depending on your feelings towards ’60s Westerns starring John Wayne, anyway).
I’m tempted to give the original True Grit a go!
showgirls? u?
I must confess that Ive never seen it, so I dont know if its any good or not, but if u liked it, maybe I should check it out.
I didnt love this version of true grit and preferred the original
I know, it’s a bit of a strange one but it’s just such a ridiculous film that I couldn’t help but somehow adore it (somewhat ironically). You would probably hate it, it’s so gratuitous!
Is that a challenge??? 😉
I really wish I had got in on this Blogathon. It’s a very interesting idea.
I have to say, though, Anna. I really liked True Grit. Hated the John Wayne version but love the Coens’.
It’s a great blogathon, you should definitely join in next time around! I’ve never seen the John Wayne version, but I’m keen to try the Coens’ True Grit again at some point in time.
From what I remember, True Grit was pretty forgettable…I only saw it once. I’ve never seen Showgirls, but it’s on my list 🙂
I hope you get to see Showgirls one day! It is such a silly, ridiculous mess of a film.
I adore True Grit, but this Blogathon is awesome! I should give it a whirl.
Definitely! I love doing this one each year, and it’s fun to see the films others pick!
Great work Anna!
Thanks heaps Zoe! 😀
I just gave Striptease a first-ever watch earlier this year and …nope! But love you!
Haha! At least you gave it a go! I have a lot of ironic joy for that film.
Nice picks! I’m in the same camp with you for True Grit. Not that the original is a favorite of mine but the remake was just super boring and Bridges doesn’t improve on John Wayne’s performance. I completely forgot the Coen Brothers directed this – yeah, this wasn’t their best.
Thanks heaps Katy! I might give it another go one day, but for now, I wasn’t impressed by it at all.