Why You Gotta Be Mean To My Movies?

I haven't done a film list in a while, so here's one of films I enjoy that have been bitch slapped by friends, critics, or bloggers:

Across The Universe - Julie Taymor's masterpiece Beatles-inspired musical was maligned by critics when it came out, but has since developed a nice following.

Big Eden - I heard some viewers complaining, saying this film created a fantasy world for gay men. That no small rural town would be as accepting. Maybe so. Maybe not. But it is an adorable romance where the men are not idealized models. And it's not a documentary, so get over it.

The Family Stone - Same director as the Big Eden. Keeps the uber-acceptance theme going too. No. It's not the greatest Christmas movie ever made, but it has some extremely touching moments.

The Fountain - People HATE this movie. Bloggers are especially virulent toward it. I mean, they literally curse its existence. I, however, think it's gorgeous and mind-bending.

Galaxy Quest - I tried showing this comic gem to a gal pal of mine in college. She took a phone call after the first ten minutes and while on the phone said, "Eric's making me watch some boring movie." Harrumph!

Girls Will Be Girls - Again, I tried to watch this with another friend. She didn't get it. It's hilarious! How can you not get it? One of the funniest gender-benders ever.

Lady in the Water - Yes. It's very weird and there may be a few plot holes, but I find it immensely entertaining, and the score is breathtaking.

Ordinary People - Love this film! But every time it's mentioned in a blog it's followed by the fact that it beat out Raging Bull for Best Picture at the Oscars and how it didn't deserve it. They're wrong. It absolutely deserved it. The pain in this movie is some of the most subtle and brilliantly performed I've ever seen.

Picnic At Hanging Rock - I have a friend who thinks this is one of the most boring films ever made. I think it's mesmerizing. A great mystery without a true resolution. Haunting and sexy. Where did those girls disappear to?

Practical Magic - I have to watch it every time I skim past it on TV. It's my favorite "witch" movie this side of The Wizard of Oz.

Return of the Jedi - My love for the original series has been somewhat scarred by the latter trilogy, but unlike perhaps true Star Wars fans... I liked the Ewoks.

Shakespeare in Love - When it won Best Picture over Saving Private Ryan there was many a gasp of horror. Not from me, though. I did, and still do, think it was the better film of the two. Very clever, and a story well told.