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Chicago Tribune's list of unappreciated films; send in your choices

Posted Monday, January 4, 2010 at 9:47 AM Central
Last updated Monday, January 4, 2010 at 9:51 AM Central

by Tim Briscoe

The Chicago Tribune recently published a very well-meaning list of "10 unappreciated films that deserved better." Writer Christopher Borrelli chronicled a set of movies he felt should've received more attention.

More than selections themselves, I felt this was a very inspired theme. Hundreds of films are released in a given year and only a select few are thought to be commercial or critical successes. Due to timing, circumstances, or just bad luck, many fall through the cracks undeservedly.

Here are Borrelli's suggestions, in the order presented. See the Chicago Tribune web site for a brief reasoning on each.

  1. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
  2. Dark Blue
  3. Dave Chappelle's Block Party
  4. Marie Antoinette
  5. Morvern Callar
  6. The New World
  7. Orange County
  8. Spartan
  9. Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story
  10. You Don't Mess with the Zohan

When you read through the list, the first thing that jumps to mind is the inclusion of the Adam Sandler comedy in last place. The author compares it to a Looney Tunes cartoon. I compare it to a feces festival.

I digress. My point is the excellence of the theme. I can name a bunch of films that really deserve more attention than what they received upon initial release. I'm sure you can too.

Here are my three picks. I'm including them without comment. I invite you to seek them out and give them a watch.

OK, now send in your choices. After a few days, I'll compile them here for everyone to enjoy. Between all of us, we should be able to assemble a damn good list of movies to watch.

Update

My cohort John passes along his three picks:

Don't forget to send in your suggestions!