Top 5 Underrated Movies of the Decade

Hey ladies and gents,

With the year, and the decade, wrapping up, I'm sure you can expect a lot of "best of the year/best of the decade" kinda lists, so I decided I'd switch things up a bit: We're going to list off what I believe to be the 5 most underrated/underappreciated films of the last decade, and follow up with a short review of each in case anyone who hasn't seen these hidden gems wants an idea of what they can get from them. Let's kick it off, in no particular order.

5. The Man From U.N.C.L.E (2015)

Guy Ritchie's slick, stylish spy thriller probably lands somewhere in my top 10 movies, and that's no joke. In 2015, a year of big, expensive, sci-fi action, this understated little spy movie snuck into theaters to generally favorable reviews from those who saw it, the problem seems to be that nobody actually...did.

My review in short:

The Man from U.N.C.L.E stars Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer as Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin respectively, two government agents (CIA and KGB) tasked with hunting down a former Nazi scientist during the cold war. Cavill really lets loose here, bringing a charisma to screen that we haven't seen in his other films (he states in an interview that not having to focus so much on his physique allowed him to really throw himself into the role), and you can tell he's having a lot of fun playing Solo as the hammy, over the top, but also clearly skilled James Bond kind of spy that I wish we saw more of in modern films. Hammer, likewise, brings a lot of vulnerability and nuance to a character who could have just been a one-note brute considering his characters backstory and entrance. Richie, as always, brings his eye for unconventional action, and his love of sharp, dry wit, both of which serve to make an espionage film that is truly unique, and an absolute joy to watch.

A solid 3.5 out of 5 for me, can't wait for a sequel with these characters.

4. The Nice Guys (2016)

If you've read my top 5 movies list you already know how I feel about this one, but it's worth a short review here because not only has no one seen this (apparently), but it really is just that damn good.

My short review:

The Nice Guys, the most recent film from writer/director Shane Black (not counting that exceedingly mediocre Predator film, thanks Fox), is hands down the best buddy-cop movie I've ever seen. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe play two P.I's being paid to find and protect the same person, though neither of them know it yet. Crowe is a tough guy looking for a real purpose, while Gosling is a drunken screw-up trying to find happiness after a family tragedy. I won't go into details about the film here, as it's better watched blind, but suffice to say that Black brings the full force of his unique style to this film in his sharp, witty dialogue, memorable characters, and his penchant for turning movie tropes on their heads in ways you never expect.

4 out of 5, this movie is an absolute riot and you should watch it immediately

3. Sing Street (2016)

The premise for this one is nice and simple: A young man (Conner, played by Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) in 1980's Dublin, unhappy with his strict school, tense family, and trying to impress a girl, starts a band. That's it, really, as far as plot goes.

My short review:

Again, simple like the premise, this movie just feels good to watch. Seeing these kids cope with their hardships through music feels like watching the origin story of some true rock n roll artists, and watching their style adjust as Conner delves deeper into the music of the day makes for not only some good laughs, but some really fun scenes as they work to emulate everyone from Duran Duran to The Cure. This movie doesn't really break any new ground, it doesn't do anything revolutionary, and maybe I'm biased, what with my love of any and all music from the 70's and 80's, but damn if it wasn't entertaining as all hell to watch.

3.5/5, just a nice, feel-good movie with a great soundtrack

2. Drive

This one I don't view as underrated (critics loved it) so much as under-viewed.

Ryan Gosling plays a stuntman, who moonlights as a getaway driver, whose life is turned upside down after getting close to a married woman and her criminal husband.

My short review:

Hopefully you'll have already read my review on this one here, but I'll summarize my thoughts. Ryan Gosling gives a subtle and quiet, but powerful performance here, possibly one of the best of his career, using his body language and facial expressions to convey his character's feelings instead of words. The action is tight, nerve-wracking, and brutal, the soundtrack is an 80's synth dream, and every actor is bringing their A-game (especially Albert Brookes as an imposing gangster). This is one I can watch over and over again, and I can't recommend it enough.

5/5 If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor.

1. Star Wars - The Last Jedi

Fight me this was the best of the new Star Wars movies.