What are some of the worst films to feature in IMDB Top 250?
- 30 Jul 2023
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Movies That Might Leave You Scratching Your Head
Let's take a little walk down an unconventional memory lane of sorts. This is about those times when my better half Naomi and I have settled on our comfy couch, all geared up, expectation levels peaking, ready to feast our eyes on a film from the near-sacred IMDB Top 250 list. And yes, while many movies on the list are indeed exceptional pieces of cinema, there were moments we found ourselves aghast, puzzling over how some were rated so highly. So buckle up for a rollercoaster ride of "What the...!" moments as we delve into the fray.
Behold the Beauty of 'Inception'
As the inquisitive beings we humans are, I understand that there's a palpable sense of fascination with the raw complexity and intricate narratives portrayed in films like 'Inception'. The storyline dips and dives into the realm of dreams, giving birth to questions that force us to question our own reality. But here's where I slip into the grumbling old man act. I mean, as exciting as the concept might sound initially, this movie, in my opinion, blew it out of proportion, making it rather arduous and tiresome to follow eventually. Naomi and I found ourselves struggling to keep track of the winding plot twists and turns. The movie takes 'thinking required' to a whole new level, and I'm not sure if that's a compliment.
The Rumble in 'Fight Club'
Oh, Fight Club! The daring, the machismo, Brad Pitt flexing his muscles, the raw thrill of anarchy – sounds like a recipe for success, right? Wrong. After what felt like an eternity of gory scenes and a convoluted mishmash of a plot, Naomi was ready to sue me for subjecting her to it. I had to argue that the twist ending justified the muddled narrative mess but frankly, I was also just relieved when it was over. Yet, against all sensibility, this film continues to maintain a mystifyingly high rating in the IMDB Top 250 list.
And Now, 'Interstellar'
Continuing on this journey down the road of 'how did this make it?' let's talk about 'Interstellar.' On paper, it's Christopher Nolan, Matthew McConaughey, and a plotline about saving humanity. Should be awesome, right? Filled with grand visuals and a stirring soundtrack, 'Interstellar' tries to immerse you in a world beyond our own. But while it's visually arresting, for me, the pacing drags, the dialogue meanders, and the movie as a whole seems stuck in its own black hole of profundity. I appreciate the colossal effort, but count me among those who think this film bit off more than it could chew.
The Glorious '2001: A Space Odyssey'
Now, 2001: A Space Odyssey is cinematic gold for some, an undisputed heavyweight champion of the sci-fi genre. But, guys, let's be real – it's also slow. And obscure. And slow again. And oh-so incredibly silent. This Kubrick classic sent me and Naomi into a trance, and not in the way you'd think. Still, it persists in the IMDB Top 250 list like a mythical creature, feeding off the adoration of the many who look past its glacial pace and enigmatic climax.
The Pulsating Rhythm of 'Birdman'
'Birdman' is yet another one of those highly rated films that I struggled to connect with. The frantic, offbeat rhythm didn't resonate with me, and I believe Naomi felt the same. It's one of those movies you either love or scratch your head at, and it seems a significant number of folks are of the former persuasion given its standing in IMDB's listing. For all its technical prowess and Keaton's intense performance, this one left me with a feeling of “I'm sure it's brilliant, but what was the point again?”.
In the end, while my taste may align with the majority on many films on the IMDB Top 250 list, the ones I've mentioned above are examples of where the general consensus and personal opinion diverge. These films have their merits and have obviously resonated with a large number of viewers; they just didn't do it for me. But film, like all art, is intensely personal. So, while I'll continue to vent about 'Interstellar,' I completely understand if you're puzzled by my dislike for Mother!'s visceral intensity.
That's the magic of movies - there's something for everyone, even if it's not for everyone - and for that, we should be grateful. Even if that means sitting through 'The Tree of Life.' Twice.