Films you shouldn't love..but do

[The Curmudgeon]

In the Fortress we talk frequently about classic movies, B-movies and blockbusters that rock our movie world. No-one bats an eye when you talk about how much you love the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Like, duh. Of course you do. You like the original Star Wars Trilogy? Who doesn't?

But what about the films you really shouldn't like? Films that DON'T fit your usual profile? As pretty much anyone who comes in here regularly knows, the Wizard of Oz is my favourite film of all time, and while that doesn't fit the horror/sci-fi/cult mould, it's a recognized, beloved all-time classic. That gets a pass.

What doesn't?

I'll go first, with two "+really? You've seen this film HOW many times?" entries. First being..

Ghost



THAT scene notwithstanding, Ghost is a film I'm weirdly obsessed with. Like, I know every single character's name from that movie. I remember lines of dialogue for no real reason and I think I've probably seen it more times than the Shining. What kind of mad world do we live in?

And



Back when Kim Cattrall was impossibly hot, this non-more 80's film remains a completely guilty pleasure. Stupid as shit (an ancient Egyptian is transformed into a dummy and speaks perfect English and is completely at ease in the modern world?) but it's just SO much goofy fun. Lt Harris from Police Academy shows up playing exactly the same role but as a security guard, there's a gay stereotype who's not 100% annoying, and.. that fucking Starship song is just perfect. Sue me, I love it.


So there. Closet is cleared of skeletons. Your turn.

[Quillford]

You know mine - every Christmas - It's a Wonderful Life. 'Every time a bell rings...'
Maureen

[Ben]

The first one that comes to mind for me is The Sound of Music. Much like Wizard of Oz, it's a classic with undeniable merit, but it's also one of the only musicals I've ever been able to sit through without feeling like puking, let alone actually enjoyed. I feel no guilt about that.

As for some of my other guilty pleasures, I'll start with the least controversial.



Cloverfield



I remember everyone in the Fortress was super pumped when the trailer for this came out, and I wouldn't be surprised if there was some healthy support for Cloverfield in here, but just about everyone else I've ever encountered HATED it. It was either "too shaky, waaaah" or "boring" (seriously?). I still defend Cloverfield as a good movie, but since the world apparently disagrees with me I felt I'd include it.



School of Rock



This is a film with its fair share of supporters, but as particular as I am with my comedies I'm kind of surprised I still dig it as much as I do. My love and appreciation for rock 'n roll demands it, I guess.



Independence Day



I used to absolutely LOVE this movie. It's been awhile since I last saw it, but I still have an unhealthy appreciation for it. Every time I watch the President give a speech from the cockpit of that F-18 I get the chills. I know, I'm hopeless.


That's what I've got for now. I'll try to think of some others in the meantime.

[trashcanman]

Out of your picks,only ID4 is something to be ashamed of, Ben. And even that one, not really. I mean, it's cornball crap and all, but it's definitely fun if you've got a "brain off switch handy. And I fucking love Cloverfield. It's one of those movies that is almost too awesome for people to enjoy. For instance:




It's actually a little upsetting to me that something that original and filled with all of my favorite things is as widely hated as it is. I actually just wrote an article partly based on people hating movies like Sucker Punch for dumb reasons.


Or hows about:



A terrible movie by most standards and proof that Frank Miller is officially off his fucking rocker, but it's so insane and aggressively wtf-ish that I kind of loved watching it.

But that's all nerdy shit. I'm supposed to enjoy that stuff. Here's some crap I'm not supposed to like.



Josie and the motherfucking Pussycats. I actually loved this movie. The ridiculous consumerist satire coupled with hypocritical product placement is just like nothing else I've seen. So funny. And dat music. I actually have the soundtrack on my iPod. Rachel Leigh Cook...man, I just wish she was more popular because I fall in love with her in every role she plays.

Tell me more, tell me more, you say?



Yeah, well I have a serious soft spot for musicals, and this i s arguably the best one ever to hit the silver screen.

[Viktor Triumph]

For me, Hudson Hawk. A true movie that doesn't apologise for itself, followed closely by Big trouble in little China.