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THE FAILED BLOCKBUSTERS APPRECIATION THREAD! - 11/3/2009 12:06:23 PM

DONOVAN KURTWOOD

Posts: 7668
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: PLANET G

I love me some failed blockbusters. I have a thing (bizarrely) for movies that had ridiculous sums of money spent on them, but just failed hugely at the box office. These are usually the ones that most people think are crap, but IMO there are so many gems. So i make this thread for anyone who has a soft spot for a much maligned big budget movie that either sank without trace or did ok/ good but was/ is generally hated.

Some of my favourites are:

'The power of seven become a league of one' - But also unfortunately a movie nobody wanted to see. I'm a big LXG fan. This is mostly due to the gorgeous Carol Spier production design, but it's a lot of fun with some crazy action sequences and FX and fun performances all round.

'Adventure Lives Forever' - Well that's a relief, i was worried it was only temporary. Despite many, many, many flaws Van Helsing is also a favourite of mine. Again i love the production design (this could be a running theme in all of my favourite failed blockbusters) and FX (cheesy CGI abound). This movie is just basically crazy and manic and barely takes a breather.

'The legend, the battle, the first hero' - well that sounds lame, but i really love the movie. It's a great adventure and has some incredible FX and scale, particularly the last half hour. It coulda done with a bit more action throughout but what the hey, still love it.

If you're still reading by this point, frankly WOW! I know i'm treading on thin ice but i am really fond of Stealth. It has incredible action scenes and is full of 100% fresh fromage. It also has one of the best explosions EVER.

So please join in. I know there are at least a few of you out there who love maligned cheesefest 'blockbusters'!

< Message edited by DONOVAN KURTWOOD -- 13/3/2009 7:17:25 PM >

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Post #: 1

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 12:11:00 PM

benny the jet

Posts: 2330
Joined: 27/8/2008
From: Over there

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That means we only have thirty minutes to get you up that tree

I fucking love tea. Its my favourite drink after coffee and alcohol

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Post #: 2

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 12:13:03 PM

DONOVAN KURTWOOD

Posts: 7668
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: PLANET G

quote:

ORIGINAL: benny the jet

YES!!! How on earth could i forget? Waterworld is one of my favourite movies. Good call!

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Post #: 3

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 12:13:23 PM

benny the jet

Posts: 2330
Joined: 27/8/2008
From: Over there

Except for the cgi wolves. WTF?

< Message edited by benny the jet -- 11/3/2009 12:15:22 PM >

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Post #: 4

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 12:16:45 PM

Lex Romero

Posts: 412
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: southampton

I love it and will defend it till the end of time.

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My Film list for 2009:

http://www.empireonline.com/forum/tm.asp?m=2164869&mpage=39

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Post #: 5

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 12:22:41 PM

benny the jet

Posts: 2330
Joined: 27/8/2008
From: Over there

quote:

ORIGINAL: DONOVAN KURTWOOD

quote:

ORIGINAL: benny the jet

YES!!! How on earth could i forget? Waterworld is one of my favourite movies. Good call!

I've never understood the hatred. I've forced quite a few of my bandwagon jumping mates to watch it. Mostly they loved it^^^^

Dirivative bollocks but very entertaining

< Message edited by benny the jet -- 12/3/2009 10:07:35 AM >

_____________________________

That means we only have thirty minutes to get you up that tree

I fucking love tea. Its my favourite drink after coffee and alcohol

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Post #: 6

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 12:36:32 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

quote:

ORIGINAL: benny the jet

Singlehandedly, the worst example of a 'failed blockbuster' ever.

Yeah, it made NO money. Same with Forrest Gump......

_____________________________

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Twitter: @timonsingh

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Post #: 7

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 12:59:52 PM

DazDaMan

Posts: 10109
Joined: 8/9/2006
From: Penicuik - a right shithole

Gotta agree on Waterworld, brilliant action-adventure film, and I haven't seen it in ages!
I do have a soft spot for Stealth, too. It has some decent action sequences in it (and THAT explosion!) - plus, Biel in a bikini is never a bad thing!

I kind of have a hard time with Van Helsing, though. I really enjoyed it at the cinema (I went to see it twice!), but on subsequent DVD viewings...

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Post #: 8

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 1:05:36 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

Waterworld didn't flop. Common error, it actually made all it's money back. It's just because it was, at the time, the most expensive film made, that it was expected to make more than it did......

But for my money, all these box office underperformers deserve sequels and wider recognition;

Serenity
Sahara
Deep Rising

Also, almost all of benny's choices (apart from Speed Racer) didn't fail at the box office.

< Message edited by Timon -- 11/3/2009 1:06:55 PM >

_____________________________

"I put no stock in religion. By the word 'religion', I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called 'The Will of God'. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves."

Twitter: @timonsingh

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Post #: 9

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 1:05:41 PM

benny the jet

Posts: 2330
Joined: 27/8/2008
From: Over there

quote:

ORIGINAL: Timon

quote:

ORIGINAL: benny the jet

Singlehandedly, the worst example of a 'failed blockbuster' ever.

Yeah, it made NO money. Same with Forrest Gump......

I'm aware they made a shit load of money. I was answering the question from a" Much maligned" & " generally hated" point of view which was another part of the thread question. Although feel free to patronise a bit more if you feel the need

(in reply to Timon)

Post #: 10

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 1:08:25 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

Ah I see what you did there....

_____________________________

"I put no stock in religion. By the word 'religion', I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called 'The Will of God'. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves."

Twitter: @timonsingh

(in reply to benny the jet)

Post #: 11

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 1:11:04 PM

benny the jet

Posts: 2330
Joined: 27/8/2008
From: Over there

I see your point though. I will delete if they are deemed inappropriate

Edit- just re-read my last post. It sounded quite arsey. Apologies Timon, my sarcastic tone does not translate well in text i guess

< Message edited by benny the jet -- 11/3/2009 1:12:56 PM >

_____________________________

That means we only have thirty minutes to get you up that tree

I fucking love tea. Its my favourite drink after coffee and alcohol

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=585511933

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Post #: 12

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 1:12:08 PM

DazDaMan

Posts: 10109
Joined: 8/9/2006
From: Penicuik - a right shithole

quote:

ORIGINAL: Timon

Waterworld didn't flop. Common error, it actually made all it's money back. It's just because it was, at the time, the most expensive film made, that it was expected to make more than it did......

According to Wiki:

quote:

With a budget of $175 million, the film grossed a mere $88 million at the U.S. box office, which seemed to be the all time box office bomb.

The film did however do much better overseas, with $176 million at the foreign box office (for a total of $264 million)[5], and good VHS and later DVD sales

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Post #: 13

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 1:16:08 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

So I'm right! It made all it's money back at the box office!

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Post #: 14

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 1:18:57 PM

Incanus

Posts: 15971
Joined: 23/7/2008
From: Winterfell

Batman and Robin.

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T h e 2 4 t h F r a m e . c o . u k

Cuiva Olorin
Narendur.
Tira nottolya
Tulta tuolya.
An mauya mahtie
Ter oiomornie
Ter ondicilyar
Mettanna.
Nurunna!

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Post #: 15

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 1:27:00 PM

DazDaMan

Posts: 10109
Joined: 8/9/2006
From: Penicuik - a right shithole

quote:

ORIGINAL: Timon

So I'm right! It made all it's money back at the box office!

Well yeah, but aren't films meant to make X-amount over their budget in order to be considered a hit, or to break even?

I can never remember!

Anyway, depending on your definition of "failed", I'm going to nominate....

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Post #: 16

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 3:23:48 PM

DONOVAN KURTWOOD

Posts: 7668
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: PLANET G

quote:

ORIGINAL: DazDaMan

quote:

ORIGINAL: Timon

So I'm right! It made all it's money back at the box office!

Well yeah, but aren't films meant to make X-amount over their budget in order to be considered a hit, or to break even?

I can never remember!

Anyway, depending on your definition of "failed", I'm going to nominate....

YOU GO! I absolutely love Pearl Harbor. Plus it pretty much has the best 40 mins or so of the best action in any movie ever.

Re: Titanic. I'm not so sure it qualifies. Maybe it won too many oscars to qualify! Surely if a movie wins even one oscar (unless it's for FX) it has been recognised as 'quality' to a degree. Titanic is more snubbed in 'movie buff' circles. But hey don't delete it, this is what the fun of discussion is all about!!

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Post #: 17

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 3:28:05 PM

DONOVAN KURTWOOD

Posts: 7668
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: PLANET G

oh and just to clarify what i define 'failed' as:

It has to have either flopped at the cinema (pretty much all movies end up making their money back on DVD generally)

Or it can be a success, but is generally hated. When i say generally hated, i don't just mean on these forums. If it has won oscars, well i'd say that could be considered very successful by many.

And to add to the thread:

Another one of my favourites

< Message edited by DONOVAN KURTWOOD -- 11/3/2009 3:49:16 PM >

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Post #: 18

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 3:38:05 PM

DONOVAN KURTWOOD

Posts: 7668
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: PLANET G

i just had to do a double take then. It looks like she's riding a jet ski!!!

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Post #: 19

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 3:38:17 PM

DazDaMan

Posts: 10109
Joined: 8/9/2006
From: Penicuik - a right shithole

quote:

ORIGINAL: DONOVAN KURTWOOD

oh and just to clarify what i fine 'failed' as:

It has to have either flopped at the cinema (pretty much all movies end up making their money back on DVD generally)

Or it can be a success, but is generally hated. When i say generally hated, i don't just mean on these forums.

I'll go with that. Though I hesitate to add one of my faves.... ('cos I KNOW everyone will hate it!

)

_____________________________

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Post #: 20

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 3:47:41 PM

DONOVAN KURTWOOD

Posts: 7668
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: PLANET G

quote:

ORIGINAL: DazDaMan

quote:

ORIGINAL: DONOVAN KURTWOOD

oh and just to clarify what i fine 'failed' as:

It has to have either flopped at the cinema (pretty much all movies end up making their money back on DVD generally)

Or it can be a success, but is generally hated. When i say generally hated, i don't just mean on these forums.

I'll go with that. Though I hesitate to add one of my faves.... ('cos I KNOW everyone will hate it! )

even better! I'll probably love it lol. Add it!

_____________________________

Pack your bags, we're going on a guilt trip!

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Post #: 21

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 3:49:28 PM

Funkyrae

Posts: 20306
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Just stick a pin in a map

I love, love, LOVE Cutthroat Island. What's not to like about it?

I have to put into the mix this one

If for no other reason than it's bugging me what you're supposed to do with those sea shells.

< Message edited by Funkyrae -- 11/3/2009 3:52:15 PM >

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Post #: 22

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 3:52:01 PM

Timon

Posts: 14545
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Bristol

I remember renting Cutthroat Island out back in the day... and really enjoying it. Perhaps an Appreciation Thread is in order....

_____________________________

"I put no stock in religion. By the word 'religion', I have seen the lunacy of fanatics of every denomination be called 'The Will of God'. Holiness is in right action and courage on behalf of those who cannot defend themselves."

Twitter: @timonsingh

(in reply to Funkyrae)

Post #: 23

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 3:56:46 PM

DazDaMan

Posts: 10109
Joined: 8/9/2006
From: Penicuik - a right shithole

quote:

ORIGINAL: DONOVAN KURTWOOD

quote:

ORIGINAL: DazDaMan

quote:

ORIGINAL: DONOVAN KURTWOOD

oh and just to clarify what i fine 'failed' as:

It has to have either flopped at the cinema (pretty much all movies end up making their money back on DVD generally)

Or it can be a success, but is generally hated. When i say generally hated, i don't just mean on these forums.

I'll go with that. Though I hesitate to add one of my faves.... ('cos I KNOW everyone will hate it! )

even better! I'll probably love it lol. Add it!

You asked for it!

Beat that!

< Message edited by DazDaMan -- 11/3/2009 4:03:01 PM >

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Post #: 24

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 4:00:45 PM

Funkyrae

Posts: 20306
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Just stick a pin in a map

*whispers* Beat what Daz?

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Post #: 25

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 4:03:46 PM

DONOVAN KURTWOOD

Posts: 7668
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: PLANET G

quote:

ORIGINAL: Funkyrae

I love, love, LOVE Cutthroat Island. What's not to like about it?

I have to put into the mix this one

If for no other reason than it's bugging me what you're supposed to do with those sea shells.

Now isn't DM liked by quite a few? (I may be wrong here!). I thought it also set the box office alight! Of course i was much younger then so my memories are slightly hazy.

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Post #: 26

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 4:03:56 PM

DazDaMan

Posts: 10109
Joined: 8/9/2006
From: Penicuik - a right shithole

quote:

ORIGINAL: Funkyrae

*whispers* Beat what Daz?

THAT!

< Message edited by DazDaMan -- 11/3/2009 4:06:57 PM >

_____________________________

You fucking fuckers are gonna do what I say or I'm going to stick my foot so far up your assholes you'll rue the day you crawled out of your mother's twat!

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Post #: 27

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 4:04:58 PM

DONOVAN KURTWOOD

Posts: 7668
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: PLANET G

quote:

ORIGINAL: DazDaMan

quote:

ORIGINAL: DONOVAN KURTWOOD

quote:

ORIGINAL: DazDaMan

quote:

ORIGINAL: DONOVAN KURTWOOD

oh and just to clarify what i fine 'failed' as:

It has to have either flopped at the cinema (pretty much all movies end up making their money back on DVD generally)

Or it can be a success, but is generally hated. When i say generally hated, i don't just mean on these forums.

I'll go with that. Though I hesitate to add one of my faves.... ('cos I KNOW everyone will hate it! )

even better! I'll probably love it lol. Add it!

You asked for it!

Beat that!

ha ha yeah! awesome. I must confess i've only seen it a couple of times, but good choice

_____________________________

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Post #: 28

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 4:07:31 PM

DONOVAN KURTWOOD

Posts: 7668
Joined: 6/10/2005
From: PLANET G

I believe this made OK money but not enough for Roland and Devlin to go forth with their proposed Godzilla trilogy. Everyone seems to hate it but fantastic FX which hold up to today really elevate it. Jean Reno is also funny in it. Maria Pitillo is freaking awful mind you.

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Post #: 29

RE: The Failed Blockbusters Appreciation Thread - 11/3/2009 4:10:56 PM

Funkyrae

Posts: 20306
Joined: 30/9/2005
From: Just stick a pin in a map

quote:

ORIGINAL: DONOVAN KURTWOOD

quote:

ORIGINAL: Funkyrae

I love, love, LOVE Cutthroat Island. What's not to like about it?

I have to put into the mix this one

If for no other reason than it's bugging me what you're supposed to do with those sea shells.

Now isn't DM liked by quite a few? (I may be wrong here!). I thought it also set the box office alight! Of course i was much younger then so my memories are slightly hazy.

I'm only going by the reaction I get from most of my friends when I mention that I like it. The same kind of look that you normally get when you know you've stepped in dog crap. And yeah, it did get that magical over $100million worldwide figure, but I have to say that when I usually mention Demolition Man I tend to find myself defending it. Along with: