As college students, we spend a quite a bit of time scouring the Internet for new movies and television shows to watch next. In fact, it wouldn't be far fetched to say that Netflix just might be a college student's best friend. But, as an extreme movie buff, I have noticed that there are so many extremely underrated movies that our generation has not yet been exposed to. Not very many people know that their favorite actors from record-breaking films today have been in some amazing films in the recent or distant past that have remained unknown for whatever reason. So, here are 10 of my favorite films that I have found most other college students have not seen/heard of:
1. "High Fidelity" (John Cusack/Jack Black)
Prepare to be consumed by the music scene and by Rob Gordon's (John Cusack) past failed relationships as he tries to discover where happiness was lost when his latest breakup seems too much to bear. This film is a fantastic must-see for music lovers who find expressing their feelings tough to do and choose to let other artist's music do it for them instead. This raunchy feature is not short on comedy and crude reality, and you will not be disappointed if you choose to experience one of John Cusack's greatest features.
2. "Romeo + Juliet" 1996 (Leonardo DiCaprio)
Of course everyone knows about Shakespeare's world famous literary masterpiece and were probably forced to watch Zeffereli's movie adaptation in their high school English class. But not many people know that Luhrmann created a compelling contemporary version in 1996 starring everyone's favorite, Leonardo DiCaprio as Romeo himself, and others such as: Paul Rudd, Claire Danes and John Leguizamo. This unconventional version takes place in urban Verona Beach and is livened up a bit with guns instead of swords and Hawaiian shirts instead of medieval attire. DiCaprio's performance in the film is nothing short of a masterpiece, and the pure talent of his supporting actors and actresses is far too great to be overlooked.
3. "Mr. Nobody" (Jared Leto)
This fantasy-drama is an absolute must see if you have a passion for philosophy or if you are just in the mood to experience a truly fascinating work written and directed by Jaco Van Dormael in which Jared Leto plays the last mortal man in the year 2092, memorializing the life he lived as well as the lives he could have lived if he had made any single choice differently that could not be unmade. This film has to be one of the most underrated films of its time because it is truly disheartening how few people have taken the time to watch, let alone try to understand, the film. Leto's performance and the captivating plot of the film is truly remarkable. The film takes on one of life's greatest enemies, time, and displays what one man's life could have been if time were irrelevant and you could live your life as many different ways as you choose.
4. "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" (Heath Ledger/Johnny Depp/Jude Law/Andrew Garfield/Colin Ferrel)
I'm not going to lie; simply put, this film is strange, but it is definitely worth the two hour trip into the eccentric imagination of Terry Gillium and his spectacular cast, featuring some of the most talented actors of today's greatest films. This movie is truly captivating, but it has come to my attention that few to none of my college friends have seen nor even heard of it, and despite its fully loaded cast and crew, it managed to slip through the cracks. You'll never be bored while wandering through numerous characters' wildest dreams while Parnassus struggles to take back his deal with the devil and the various characters that depict one man's many alter egos. This film is one of the most interesting takes on good vs. evil and the complexity of the human mind, and I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
5. "Watchmen" (Malin Akerman)
This film is definitely not along the same spectrum as most of Akerman's latest films, and quite honestly, this one is very dark. So dark, in fact, that although it was beautifully done and its lesser known cast was shockingly brilliant, it didn't seem to be talked about much under the radar of our generation. This interesting take on 1985 superheroes, adapted from original DC Comics and book by Alan Moore, keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire film, and its brilliant soundtrack (scored by Tyler Bates) is sure to get your attention. These nonconventional superheroes face dark times and commit crimes of their own while trying to save a world that quite possibly doesn't deserve to be saved. (Fair warning, this film is very graphic.)
6. "Brothers Grimm" (Heath Ledger/Matt Damon)
This truly outlandish take on your favorite childhood fairy tales is another of Terry Gilliam's creative masterpieces starring two of Hollywood's favorite stars as con-artist brothers who discover that evil magic is at work in the disappearance of 10 village girls and are now responsible for solving the mystery while also trying to win the hand of a local huntswoman and the only person who can truly help them. This eerie film could quite possibly change your view on a few of your most treasured childhood stories, but it does not disappoint, and I strongly suggest giving this creative film a try.
7. "V for Vendetta" (Natalie Portman/Hugo Weaving)
Hugo Weaving plays a masked vigilante seeking justice against England's fascist oppressors in a poetic and articulate fashion. This film, based on Alan Moore's 1988 novel, is truly idyllic and will never stop surprising you and pulling you in until the moment it's over. Natalie Portman plays a woman who has been repeatedly tormented by sick enforcers of the police state and becomes an ally to "V," who will stop at nothing to get others to stand and fight for their lives and freedoms from the government, which has resorted to kidnapping, killing and experimenting on innocent people. This spellbinding film in which the hero uses terrorist actions in a fight against sickening absolutism is a highly underrated and must see film for anyone.
8. "The Prestige" (Hugh Jackman/Christian Bale)
Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale play two struggling 19th century stage musicians performing shows together, until a terrible misfortune causes them to become enemies in a rivalry to be the best. In an attempt to destroy each other, on stage and off, both sides cross the line and lead to terrible consequences for both parties. Identities become lost and rivalry turns into dangerous obsession. The film just keeps taking interesting turns to keep you on the edge of your seat, and the phenomenal cast makes every moment that much more breathtaking.
9. "The Skeleton Twins" (Kristen Wiig/Bill Hader)
These twisted siblings haven't seen each other in 10 years, but are brought back together due to unfortunate circumstances which stir up old memories and relationships, leaving them wondering why they ever stopped speaking as they are each pushed to try and fix their broken lives. This reality stricken film is truly eye opening to many issues, including suicide and adultery, while still being packed with comedy and heartwarming perfection. The performances from both Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader will amaze you and more than likely make you want to call up your sibling to tell them how much you love them.
10. "50/50" (Joseph Gordon-Levitt/Seth Rogen/Anna Kendrick)
This emotional roller coaster of a film is the perfect mix of horribly sad and terribly funny. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's performance throughout his newly discovered journey through cancer with his best friend (Seth Rogen) alongside him is nothing short of excellent and will keep you hooked from beginning to end.This comedy-drama is different from any you've seen before, especially as far as cancer related romantic comedies go. This film definitely did not get the hype it thoroughly deserves, and it is definitely a must see.
So, if you're looking for new movies to watch this summer break, I strongly suggest giving a few of these underrated masterpieces a try, as well as others by these talented writers and directors as well as actors and actresses.