Dumb Films That Are Actually Pretty Smart

[matt_rawlings]

What films do you think people underestimate the intelligence of it's sentiments, script/dialogue or general ideas/alagory?

[matt_rawlings]

Starship Troopers



One of the most subversive and biting mainstream satires that has infiltrated the mainstream.

[dissident]

the other question was much easier.

[itsmesean0630]

The Cable Guy

Fantastic dark comedy, people write it off as slapstick, but it is pretty disturbing.

[matt_rawlings]

The Cable Guy

Fantastic dark comedy, people write it off as slapstick, but it is pretty disturbing.

Agreed


I would also like to add 'The Truman Show' to this list. Consider how much that film foresaw (pre- Big Brother) and how close we are actually getting to that stage of reality-tv saturation, whereby every fascet of life is documented, sold for advertising revenue and broadcast

[popdisaster00]

Dumb and Dumber.

I realize that it's mostly thought of as a "stupid comedy" but some of the writing is literally fantastic. I don't know how they crammed so much hilarious things into 90 minutes.

[itsmesean0630]

Let's just say all Jim Carrey movies.

[itsmesean0630]

Oh, and I wanna add something to the Cable Guy. Jim Carrey's speech when they're in the satellite dish was dead fucking on about the internet/cable would be.

[matt_rawlings]

Dumb and Dumber.

I realize that it's mostly thought of as a "stupid comedy" but some of the writing is literally fantastic. I don't know how they crammed so much hilarious things into 90 minutes.

To adds such life to such a stupid premise was a stroke of genius.

[MADSTA]

Agreed


I would also like to add 'The Truman Show' to this list. Consider how much that film foresaw (pre- Big Brother) and how close we are actually getting to that stage of reality-tv saturation, whereby every fascet of life is documented, sold for advertising revenue and broadcast
That movie made me so paranoid.

[4N6 science]

Dumb and Dumber.

I realize that it's mostly thought of as a "stupid comedy" but some of the writing is literally fantastic. I don't know how they crammed so much hilarious things into 90 minutes.

Agreed. It is a really smart/funny film.

[popdisaster00]

That movie made me so paranoid.
Haha, did you imagine that the world was watching you like you had your own Truman Show type thing too?

Also, I always wondered about something in the Truman Show. Did they ever explain if they kept the cameras on him while he was taking a shit, masturbating, or doing anything that was basically inappropriate?

[SockMonkeyRiot]

Stranger Than Fiction.


The previews made it out to be another dumb Will Farrel flick to try and cash in on his fame, but it really was a well made film.

[chcougar1]

Stranger Than Fiction.


The previews made it out to be another dumb Will Farrel flick to try and cash in on his fame, but it really was a well made film.

Agreed. I really liked that movie.

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

I would probably lump some Judd Apatow films in here like 40 Year old Virgin, Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and maybe even Superbad.

Edit: and by this I mean that I do not think these movies are dumb. I'm saying that with the type of movies they are, usually people lump them into the "dumb comedy" category when in all actuality, these films actually have some interesting things to say about relationships and how people connect.

[chronomic]

Let's just say all Jim Carrey movies.

haha this

[chronomic]

cept 23





fucukkkkkk

[ActionActionFan]

Superbad.

[Smash Adams]

Zoolander
as ridiculous as the plot is I couldn't come up with something like that and Ben Stiller makes you sympathize with someone who's really not that bright

[domotime2]

Dreamcatcher/The Mist....

[domotime2]

oh!!! wait....better answer,

pleasantville. i love that movie so much.

[Smash Adams]

oh!!! wait....better answer,

pleasantville. i love that movie so much.

Pleasantville isn't a dumb movie at all

[PaulsRightNut]

The Road to Wellville

...its not one of those stupid humor movies like dumb and dumber... but its definitely pretty under appreciated in my opinion

[domotime2]

Pleasantville isn't a dumb movie at all
how dumb are we trying to talk here?

[middlenameboom]

Starship Troopers



One of the most subversive and biting mainstream satires that has infiltrated the mainstream.

What!?!?!?!

Here is an example of the dialogue that my friend always quotes:
trooper 1:Why haven't they killed us?
trooper 2: Because they want us alive!

That's some snappy writing.

I would probably lump some Judd Apatow films in here like 40 Year old Virgin, Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and maybe even Superbad.

Edit: and by this I mean that I do not think these movies are dumb. I'm saying that with the type of movies they are, usually people lump them into the "dumb comedy" category when in all actuality, these films actually have some interesting things to say about relationships and how people connect.

Nope. These movies are exactly what they appear to be. I think the Apatow movies are actually held to a higher standard than they should be. I think the Apatow movies should actually be in the other thread. Or more accurately this is what thread they should be in: Dumb movies that think they're smart (but pretend to be dumb).

Dreamcatcher/The Mist....

So just all Stephen King movies? But seriously who thinks these movies are dumb. These are both bad ass movies.

[underdawg1119]

Robocop.

[PaulsRightNut]

Also... The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai

What!?!?!?!

Here is an example of the dialogue that my friend always quotes:
trooper 1:Why haven't they killed us?
trooper 2: Because they want us alive!

That's some snappy writing.

Exactly, its just so bad, its good.

[middlenameboom]

Exactly, its just so bad, its good.

I'm not disagreeing with that. I like the movie, but I would never call it smart in any way.

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

What!?!?!?!

Here is an example of the dialogue that my friend always quotes:
trooper 1:Why haven't they killed us?
trooper 2: Because they want us alive!

That's some snappy writing.



Nope. These movies are exactly what they appear to be. I think the Apatow movies are actually held to a higher standard than they should be. I think the Apatow movies should actually be in the other thread. Or more accurately this is what thread they should be in: Dumb movies that think they're smart (but pretend to be dumb).



So just all Stephen King movies? But seriously who thinks these movies are dumb. These are both bad ass movies.

:shrug: Well some people like those Apatow movies.

But seriously, Dreamcatcher was a terrible fucking movie.

[middlenameboom]

:shrug: Well some people like those Apatow movies.

But seriously, Dreamcatcher was a terrible fucking movie.

I like the Apatow movies. I really liked Superbad, but I just feel like people are getting this idea that these are the most original smartest comidies made in the last ten years, but to me all they are, are slightly better than normal comedies.

Also what's wrong with dreamcatcher?

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

I like the Apatow movies. I really liked Superbad, but I just feel like people are getting this idea that these are the most original smartest comidies made in the last ten years, but to me all they are, are slightly better than normal comedies.

Also what's wrong with dreamcatcher?
Okay, well I can agree with you there. I definitely don't think they're the most original comedies in the history of comedies. I just enjoy them for being what you said, which is, "slightly better than normal comedies."

As for Dreamcatcher, perhaps it's just a personal distaste, but I felt like the characters who were initially interesting were eventually reduced to cardboard cutouts, some of the acting became laughable, the story started falling apart into the realm of completely illogical elements, psychobabble, redundancy, and a very scattered narrative. It just didn't work for me. Felt like an overly extended episode of The X-Files.

[Cheshire_Buddha]

But seriously, Dreamcatcher was a terrible fucking movie.

I turned off the film after Jason Lee died.

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

I turned off the film after Jason Lee died.
That was the one part that bummed me out the most because Jason Lee is the man.

Also, there's this moment when Thomas Jane is riding a snowmobile after he becomes possessed by an alien ad he turns and gives this ridiculous look to the camera. I wish I had a picture of it because that one scene used to give me some solid laughs due to a friend's impression of it.

[middlenameboom]

As for Dreamcatcher, perhaps it's just a personal distaste, but I felt like the characters who were initially interesting were eventually reduced to cardboard cutouts, some of the acting became laughable, the story started falling apart into the realm of completely illogical elements, psychobabble, redundancy, and a very scattered narrative. It just didn't work for me. Felt like an overly extended episode of The X-Files.

You could be right on, about all this. I honestly only saw the movie once. Right when it came out in theaters. I really liked it then, but now I could have a totally different feeling about it.

[Gaugzilla]

I'm not disagreeing with that. I like the movie, but I would never call it smart in any way.

Ehh....it kind of was. Because to alot of people it's just a Star Wars-type movie with alot of bug killing. Under the surface, it was actually kind of a play on old war propaganda films and kind of how we're brainwashed to go to war without thinking. Yea, the acting and writing wasn't razor-sharp, but actually was trying to same something. That, I would say, makes it smart.

And I would say "Sideways" is a movie that to most people probably looked dumb but was really smart. Dumb guy goes with smart guy to tour wineries. In anybody else's hands it probably would have starred Larry The Cable Guy and Stephen Dorff.

[SkyHeldUpByStar]

You could be right on, about all this. I honestly only saw the movie once. Right when it came out in theaters. I really liked it then, but now I could have a totally different feeling about it.
Well hey, if you see it again and change your mind that's all well and good but if you decide you still enjoy it, don't let a pompous ass like me get in the way of your enjoyment. I would be remiss to make everyone like what I like and movies are made for all kinds of people, so if you still find you prefer it upon a second viewing then kudos to you good sir.

[domotime2]

You could be right on, about all this. I honestly only saw the movie once. Right when it came out in theaters. I really liked it then, but now I could have a totally different feeling about it.
right on dude about dreamcatcher....

ive been trying to defend this movie for years, i think its a truly creative flick....with really funny and interesting characters. I thought the casting was great...and Morgan Freeman was a BAD GUY! haha that was crazy good.

Im into far-fetched concepts....and i think it worked well. The book was fabulous.

[just.Starla.]

I would probably lump some Judd Apatow films in here like 40 Year old Virgin, Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and maybe even Superbad.

Edit: and by this I mean that I do not think these movies are dumb. I'm saying that with the type of movies they are, usually people lump them into the "dumb comedy" category when in all actuality, these films actually have some interesting things to say about relationships and how people connect.
Agreed on everything you said

[middlenameboom]

Ehh....it kind of was. Because to alot of people it's just a Star Wars-type movie with alot of bug killing. Under the surface, it was actually kind of a play on old war propaganda films and kind of how we're brainwashed to go to war without thinking. Yea, the acting and writing wasn't razor-sharp, but actually was trying to same something. That, I would say, makes it smart.


It is a dumb. The only reason it has a little bit of substance is because it's based off a Heinlin book, and the book originally had substance, and they just gleaned a little from it.

[irthesteve]

100 Girls

[TJ Wells]

Definitely Maybe
The Truman Show
Pleasantville (I really think this film was Best Picture quality)

[rob_mylo]

Definitely Maybe
The Truman Show
Pleasantville (I really think this film was Best Picture quality)

love your avatar

[Ailite]

Truman Show
Superbad
Liar Liar

[AShannon04]

I really didn't like Superbad for some reason. I watched it a few days ago, and wow, is it boring. I'd rather watch 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, or Foretting Sarah Marshall any day.

[hero_dujour]

I think Seth Rogen's movies are underestimated and considered stupid comedies, but they're really well thought out.

[AShannon04]

Nope. These movies are exactly what they appear to be. I think the Apatow movies are actually held to a higher standard than they should be. I think the Apatow movies should actually be in the other thread. Or more accurately this is what thread they should be in: Dumb movies that think they're smart (but pretend to be dumb).

I disagree. Apatow and co. have shown, to a greater extent than ever before, that R-rated comedies can work and that they have huge amounts of people willing to pay money to see them. Also, this new breed of comedies shows a huge shift the comedy landscape. In the past, comedies relied on "jokes", while comedy in the past 15 years, with the help of Apatow, has changed in a huge way to the kind of humor that relies on awkwardness and that kinda stuff.

[eraserhead]

Mrs. Doubtfire

When you're a kid you forgot that the theme of the movie is really divorce. Watching it now, it actually portrays the process and effects of divorce on the family in a fairly realistic sense (besides the whole dressing up like a woman thing). Robin William's little speech at the end is a great way to explain divorce to a kid.

[Chemical Love]

I think Seth Rogen's movies are underestimated and considered stupid comedies, but they're really well thought out.
Are you fucking serious? His movies are some of the most hyped bullshit out there today. And I would not consider any of them "smart" comedies. Like has been said, they are what they are..R rated funny movies that leave you leaving with a good feeling inside.

[gilatron5000]

the Harold & Kumar movies.

[hero_dujour]

Are you fucking serious? His movies are some of the most hyped bullshit out there today. And I would not consider any of them "smart" comedies. Like has been said, they are what they are..R rated funny movies that leave you leaving with a good feeling inside.

:shrug: I think they're brilliant.

[MADSTA]

Haha, did you imagine that the world was watching you like you had your own Truman Show type thing too?

Also, I always wondered about something in the Truman Show. Did they ever explain if they kept the cameras on him while he was taking a shit, masturbating, or doing anything that was basically inappropriate?
I just basically started question life in general... my head hurt quite a bit.

[matt_rawlings]

What!?!?!?!

Here is an example of the dialogue that my friend always quotes:
trooper 1:Why haven't they killed us?
trooper 2: Because they want us alive!

That's some snappy writing.



It is supposed to be a propoganda film, as if it were being aimed at recruits. Hence the arian good looks of the un-known/rom-com cast and the info-mericals throughout

[sasalukac]

the entire collection of Girls Gone Wild

so much potential for mainstream success, but the brilliant/thought provoking writing is frequently overshadowed by the much more alluring abundance of boobs

:boobies:

[aminorthreat55]

Are you fucking serious? His movies are some of the most hyped bullshit out there today. And I would not consider any of them "smart" comedies. Like has been said, they are what they are..R rated funny movies that leave you leaving with a good feeling inside.
Well then you completely missed a lot of things. Take Knocked Up for example; once you remove the layers of dick jokes etc. you basically come away with the same storyline and message from Annie Hall. The movie is hilarious the entire way through and the entire time is sneaking message after message into your brain in between scenes where a bunch of losers talk about farting on each others pillows. It is excellent smart comedy, and this is coming from an elitist, asshole cinephile.

[sugarcoatedlies]

Let's just say all Jim Carrey movies.

the mask- we all wear masks...

liar liar- it's not good to lie.

fun with dick and jane- that was a remake....

eternal sunshine of the spotless mind- that stuff's actually happening now, theyre erasing bad memories. though that movie wasn't that dumb.

the number 23- wasn't dumb

a bunch of others...



i wanna add Don't mess with the ZOhan. It had a bunch of silly stuff, but it had some smart jokes about the conflict between israeili and palestine people

[domotime2]

i agree with Zohan...seriously.

[Kif]

Dude, Where's My Car?


...don't look at me like that.

[domotime2]

Canadian Bacon and team America.

[itsmesean0630]

the mask- we all wear masks...

liar liar- it's not good to lie.

fun with dick and jane- that was a remake....

eternal sunshine of the spotless mind- that stuff's actually happening now, theyre erasing bad memories. though that movie wasn't that dumb.

the number 23- wasn't dumb

a bunch of others...



i wanna add Don't mess with the ZOhan. It had a bunch of silly stuff, but it had some smart jokes about the conflict between israeili and palestine people

I wasn't really insulting his movies, you know that right?

[Undue Noise]

That movie made me so paranoid.

Me too. The hidden camera thing became a permanent thought in the back of my mind for a year after I saw that movie.
Haha, did you imagine that the world was watching you like you had your own Truman Show type thing too?

Also, I always wondered about something in the Truman Show. Did they ever explain if they kept the cameras on him while he was taking a shit, masturbating, or doing anything that was basically inappropriate?

Haha glad I wasn't the only one who wondered if the whole world saw him masturbating.

[Undue Noise]

Stranger Than Fiction.


The previews made it out to be another dumb Will Farrel flick to try and cash in on his fame, but it really was a well made film.

Yeah I was a big fan of that movie. I thought it was well made and it had a good story.

[sugarcoatedlies]

I wasn't really insulting his movies, you know that right?

i wasn't either

[pshh]

the entire collection of Girls Gone Wild

so much potential for mainstream success, but the brilliant/thought provoking writing is frequently overshadowed by the much more alluring abundance of boobs

:boobies:

your avatar = hell yes

[Thomas Balkcom]

Oh, and I wanna add something to the Cable Guy. Jim Carrey's speech when they're in the satellite dish was dead fucking on about the internet/cable would be.

Every time I hear that speech I feel the same way, that film is one of my biggest guilty pleasures.

Well then you completely missed a lot of things. Take Knocked Up for example; once you remove the layers of dick jokes etc. you basically come away with the same storyline and message from Annie Hall. The movie is hilarious the entire way through and the entire time is sneaking message after message into your brain in between scenes where a bunch of losers talk about farting on each others pillows. It is excellent smart comedy, and this is coming from an elitist, asshole cinephile.

hahaha

My choice is Con Air,it may not be too "smart" but it's definitely a dumb flick that is highly underrated.

[domotime2]

anything that Trey Parker and Matt stone does.

[WarpSpeedChewy]

Stranger Than Fiction.


The previews made it out to be another dumb Will Farrel flick to try and cash in on his fame, but it really was a well made film.
I fucking loved that movie. Plus the fact it's co-scored by Britt Daniel (the lead singer of Spoon) is a added dimension to why I love it.

[itsmesean0630]

i wasn't either
I know, I just felt that you thought I was. Either way, it's not worth talking about anymore as I have wasted my own time defending nothing. I'm just so bored.