logo
I'm a film critic – here are 5 movies that are criminally underrated

I'm a film critic – here are 5 movies that are criminally underrated

Metro3 days ago
Tori Brazier Published July 17, 2025 4:14pm Updated July 17, 2025 4:57pm Link is copied Comments Not every film always gets the attention and accolades it deserves. From awkwardly-timed releases, poor marketing efforts and audiences sometimes just not turning out for no clear reason, it can hurt. As a film critic, some of these have bothered me more than most and I still question why they didn't get the love I feel they were worthy of. Here are five of these movies... (Picture: Netflix) Better Man, famously, was the musical biopic about Robbie Williams where he was played by a CGI chimpanzee. It sounded utterly insane at first, but actually ended up putting a poignant and original twist on Williams' no-holds-barred autobiographical movie. Unashamedly British in its humour and swearing – and packed with nostalgic tunes – Better Man sadly flopped quite spectacularly at the box office over the Christmas period, making just $22.5million on a reported $110m budget – but hopefully it can finally find the audience it deserved now it's streaming on Prime Video (Picture: Paramount Pictures) An absolute gem of a film, The Ballad of Wallis Island has achieved cult status already among fans of its heartwarming and off-beat British humour thanks to buzz that built immediately after its Sundance Film Festival premiere in January. Its premise of an eccentric millionaire attempting to reunite his favourite musical duo for a gig on a remote island is simple but expertly well-executed, thanks to the talents of long-time comedy duo Tim Key and Tom Basden, who wrote and star in it, alongside multiple Oscar-nominee Carey Mulligan. Over 18 years in development, it's still showing in some cinemas following its UK release in May so make sure you pop along and see it; then you can be smug about catching this upon original release in years to come (Picture: Alistair Heap/Focus Features) Many people won't agree with me on this one, but I really enjoyed Netflix's irreverent (some would say blasphemous) take on Jane Austen's Persuasion, starring Dakota Johnson, in 2022. Johnson's heartsick but knowing Anne Elliot, a spinster at 27, swigs rather more wine than I remembered from the novel, with the film featuring anachronistic language and features such as 'goss' and ghosting advice. Some fans were aghast at what was dubbed the 'Fleabagification' of Austen (Johnson breaks the fourth wall) but I think its value and entertainment lies in being a bold adaptation that surprised (Picture: Netflix) Rocketman got a pretty decent showing in 2019, earning impressive and near-matching critic and fan scores of 89% and 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, and $195.2m at the box office. It also nabbed an Academy Award for best original song and other critical praise - but it feels like it didn't land as solidly as it should. This is in large part due to Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody the year before, which seemed to suck a lot of attention up in this genre thanks to overhype. Rocketman painted a more interesting and unflinching portrayal of its protagonist, Elton John, the musical arrangements and orchestrations were sensational - and Taron Egerton should have received an Oscar nomination for his performance (Picture: David Appleby/Paramount Pictures) The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is easy to overlook when it's part of Joel and Ethan Coen's stacked filmography, which also includes Raising Arizona, Fargo and No Country for Old Men. But their last collaboration to date offers a satisfying and action-packed collection of six Western-style shorts set out on the frontier and starring the likes of Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson, Tim Blake Nelson, Tom Waits and Harry Melling. We've got singing gunslingers, bank robbers, gold prospectors and a young woman navigating the Oregon Trail. A Netflix original that made an impact on me when it showed at the BFI London Film Festival in 2018, it did win prizes including three Oscar nominations, but its week-long cinema run allowed it to fade into the obscurity of Netflix's vast back catalogue (Picture: Netflix) I could share several more examples of films that, in my book, should have earned more attention and admiration than they actually got. In the era of streaming, it's easier than ever for the smaller budgeted titles to get lost in the noise too - although there's also a healthy amount of subjective opinion to go with all my picks too (some more than others) (Picture: Alistair Heap/Focus Features)
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Stranger Things re-review: my verdict on episode 1 and 2
Stranger Things re-review: my verdict on episode 1 and 2

Scotsman

time26 minutes ago

  • Scotsman

Stranger Things re-review: my verdict on episode 1 and 2

Join me in taking a trip back to Hawkins, Indiana as we rewatch Stranger Things from the start 📺 Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Stranger Things will conclude later in 2025. Before the final trips to Hawkins, let's go back to the beginning. Join me on a full week-by-week rewatch of Stranger Things. It is hard to believe but in a little over five months time, Stranger Things will be finishing up for good. Netflix's signature show and calling card has recently celebrated nine years since its debut - if you can believe it. In the near decade since it first burst onto our screens, The Duffer Brothers' 80s-themed sci-fi/horror adventure has ballooned into the kind of blockbuster you only see once, or maybe twice, a decade. The fifth and final season is bound to be an event unlike any in the history of Netflix. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But since more than three years have passed since the monster-length fourth season finale was released, you might (like me) be considering rewatching the show ahead of its conclusion. After all, you may want to jog your memory and relive the biggest moments once more. So I decided to put together a Stranger Things re-watch schedule, covering the months between now and the first part of season five on November 26 (in the UK). I will be watching and re-reviewing two episodes every Thursday starting today (July 24), and you can join me. For the first week of our Stranger Things rewatch club, we are going all the way back to the beginning. Let's take a look at the first two episodes of series one - que the theme music. Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Stranger Things | Curtis Baker/Netflix Synopsis: On his way home from a friend's house, young Will sees something terrifying. Nearby, a sinister secret lurks in the depths of a government lab. It might be hard to imagine, given what Stranger Things has become, but the show initially arrived as just another 80s-inspired show back in the summer of 2016. Yet going back to the first episode, it is no surprise that it quickly became an absolute word-of-mouth juggernaut. Right from the opening sequence, it has an air of extreme confidence and trust in its audience. Perhaps it is a lack of budget, but the restraint (something that can't be said for future seasons) is really impressive. The opening sequence sets the tone so completely in just a few moments - an unnamed scientist running for his life, scared of something the audience can't see, before being grabbed by whatever was hunting him. As a scene, it is tense and spooky, but most importantly it leaves you desperate to know more. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Truth be told, the whole opening episode is like that. It quickly gets its hooks into you in a way that not all pilots do. I remember back when most American shows had 22 episodes a season, the rule of thumb would be to give a show at least three episodes before deciding whether to continue or stop. Stranger Things does not need that. We get a real feel for the core characters in just this 50-minute episode - the dynamic of Will, Mike, Dustin and Lucas is beautifully set up through the opening D&D game. It drops enough breadcrumbs about the adult characters like Joyce, Hopper and the teens, to leave you wanting to find out more. And we start to get a sense of geography and place about Hawkins. The restraint shown in the opening sequence at the lab is maintained during the scene in which Will disappears. Like the chase with the scientist, we do not see whatever it is that is hunting him - just ominous sounds and flickering lights. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad It really does capture the vibe of reading a Stephen King novel on a chilly autumn night. I found myself wishing I had a blanket I could pull up to my chin during this scene. The elements that would go on to define Stranger Things are already present in this first episode. Shady government agents, unnatural goings on, references to Dungeons and Dragons and of course that pumping synth score. I am very glad that I could instantly hit play on the next episode. Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street Barb and Nancy in Stranger Things ep 2 | Curtis Baker/Netflix Synopsis: Lucas, Mike and Dustin try to talk to the girl they found in the woods. Hopper questions an anxious Jouce about an unsettling phone call. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Oh Barb, we hardly knew ye! If you weren't around in the early days of Stranger Things, you will not believe me when I say that the fandom around this extremely minor character was enormous. People started hashtags about Barb and there was a campaign called 'Justice for Barb' - which ended up influencing a part of season two. Think pieces were penned about the character, and what better time to bring that up than in her big moment. After the confident opening episode, chapter two is dealt the task of actually making Stranger Things into a proper television series. Will has disappeared, the plot has begun, the vibe of the show has been established, but how will it look episode by episode? Fortunately, The Weirdo on Maple Street picks up the baton and really runs with it. The trio of Mike, Dustin and Lucas (as well as Will) were so well introduced in the first episode - it was time for the rest of the cast to be expanded upon. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This is the episode where Eleven starts to become a character and not just some piece in the mystery. Sure, there are lots of questions about her powers and who she is - but we get the feel of her as someone who is looking for a place to belong and a flashback to what she is running from. Eleven's blossoming friendship with Mike (in particular) and the slapstick-esque moments when the boys are trying to keep her hidden are a highlight. The injection of levity really does help the show to maintain that 80s Spielberg adventure vibe - to counter the horror. This plotline also starts to introduce some of the wider 'mythology' of the show. It is the first time we get a reference to the Upside Down - as El recognises Will in a photo and uses D&D figures to explain where he is and what took him: the demogorgon. David Harbour continues to add deeper shades to Hopper, who could be simply a clichéd tortured detective figure. You can feel his grief and his feeling of being lost. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But it is really Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) and Joyce (Winona Ryder) who get the most to do in this episode. A lot is asked of both characters - and if the actors didn't absolutely nail the assignment, it could sink the whole show. Winona Ryder manages to keep Joyce from slipping into being a one-note hysterical caricature. Charlie Heaton also imbues Jonathan with a deep sense of melancholy that counters the more 'creepy' stalker vibes that the character can give off - the whole sneakily taking pictures thing is not it, chief. Steve and Nancy are yet to really step up and become the fan favourites they inevitably will - and they feel like the weakest part at this point. Although Nancy's friendship with the soon-to-be-doomed Barb does work well in this episode, the actors manage to imbue it with a sense of history. You can feel Barb's sadness as she worries about losing Nancy now that she is entering the 'cool' circle. It is a human moment that perhaps goes a long way to explain why people latched onto it so quickly back in 2016. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This earlier moment foreshadows the end of the episode, when Barb is left alone outside by the pool after being dragged to a 'party' at Steve's by Nancy. Alone and dejected, she drips blood from a wound into the pool and is snatched away. It is another tantalising cliff-hanger and concludes an episode that is just as strong as the premiere. Stranger Things really does come out swinging and makes one seriously good first impression on viewers. Now I have to resist the urge to hit play next. See you all next week.

Sainsbury's knocks 50% off ‘stomach hiding' dress that ‘looks way more expensive' & is a flattering pick for holidays
Sainsbury's knocks 50% off ‘stomach hiding' dress that ‘looks way more expensive' & is a flattering pick for holidays

Scottish Sun

time26 minutes ago

  • Scottish Sun

Sainsbury's knocks 50% off ‘stomach hiding' dress that ‘looks way more expensive' & is a flattering pick for holidays

Scroll down for more stylish summer buys available now FROCK ON Sainsbury's knocks 50% off 'stomach hiding' dress that 'looks way more expensive' & is a flattering pick for holidays IF you're still on the hunt for the perfect dress for your summer holidays, look no further. Sainsbury's shoppers can now pick up a stylish and flattering buy for cheaper than ever. Advertisement 2 The Tu X Scion Golden Print Tiered Midaxi Summer Dress is available for £11.25 Credit: Tu Whether you're jetting of somewhere exotic or enjoying the summer sun at home, an affordable item can help transform your look. Sainsbury's has slashed the price of the Tu X Scion Golden Print Tiered Midaxi Summer Dress. The fashionable look was previously listed for £22.50 but has now been reduced to just £11.25. That's a whopping 50% savings for savvy customers looking to brighten their summer wardrobe. Advertisement This stylish look has been described as "a staple for day-to-night dressing". The summer dress comes in a golden geo print, which designers say gives an "elevated look". And it has even been designed to flatter your figure, helping to hide your stomach. "Cut to a midaxi length, it has been made in a sleeveless style with a tiered hem for a flattering silhouette," the product description read. Advertisement The dress is crafted from a viscose blend for a summer-friendly lightweight feel. According to designers, this is "the perfect choice for holidays and summer outings". shoppers go wild for Tesco's perfect summer co-ord The dress was made in collaboration with the British brand Scion, joyfully mixing a bold pattern and confident colours with Scandi influences. Sainsbury's shoppers rated the dress an average of four stars out of five. Advertisement "A really great little dress in a great colour. Fabric is light and looks much more expensive than it is," wrote one shopper. Another person described the look as a "gorgeous flattering summer dress". They added that it was great for "stomach hiding", while another reviewer dubbed it a "great quality fit". Hottest fashion trends of 2025 Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street. The East/West Bag Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s' shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber. In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder. They've been on runway models' arms at nearly ever designer show - think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta - and are hitting the high street now, too. Powder pink Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025. Pantone may say that it's the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own. If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour. The shell jacket The '80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025. We all know we're likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket. Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in '80s windbreakers'. Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion! The turn-up jeans While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we're styling them is different. This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups. For this look, size doesn't matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good - but only as it's just one single fold. Peep-toe shoe Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event. After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style. From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street. Sheer blouses See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life - until now. Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S '25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season. Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks. More on fashion buys Plus, the £12 jeans available from Sainsbury's, they're perfect for summer and autumn. Advertisement Another Sainsbury's fashion buy looks fresh out of the 1920s. The retailer also has a £26 dress that shoppers say is perfect for summer getaways. And an £11 Tesco dress that works "year round" and is super flattering around the arms. Another Tesco printed midi dress is available for £12, it disguises your tummy and is perfect for summer. Advertisement

Renowned sharp-witted comic Myra Dubois coming to Edinburgh
Renowned sharp-witted comic Myra Dubois coming to Edinburgh

Scotsman

timean hour ago

  • Scotsman

Renowned sharp-witted comic Myra Dubois coming to Edinburgh

Myra Dubois. Credit: Greg Bailey Iconic character comedian Myra Dubois is bringing her tour 'Cosmic Empath' to Edinburghs 'Lyceum' this October. After an incredible 2024 which saw British comedy sensation Myra DuBois sell out venues across the UK and Ireland with her critically acclaimed show Be Well, the registered empath is back! Myra DuBois returns to the stage in 2025 with out of this world show Cosmic Empath—boldly caring where compassion has never cared before. Having spent the last year helping the nation with her unique brand of sardonic self-help, Myra now seeks to answer a fundamental question: where does her great gift for compassion come from? Is it her upbringing? Her ancestors? The cosmos? With razor-sharp wit and a singing voice that's truly like no one else's, Cosmic Empath promises an unforgettable night of comedy, healing, and self-discovery. Tickets are available from

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store