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Movies that were once all the rage, but get little mention now.

posted 3 years ago by jonathan_k80 (6436)
84 replies | jump to latest

I can remember when Close Encounters of the Third Kind was first released. Everyone was raving about this film, and it permeated the pop culture, even making the cover of Newsweek magazine: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/8d/90/11/8d9011591005fdac7173fe82e788b9f1.jpg
It prompted discussions about whether or not we were "alone in the universe." The theme song hit the Billboard Hot 100 list. I even remember seeing commercials parodying the film.

It had a lot going in its favor, with Stephen Spielberg riding the success of Jaws (released two years earlier) and a revival of the science fiction genre, thanks to Star Wars premiering six months before Close Encounters.

Today this movie seems to be nearly forgotten. Possibly because a lot of UFO encounter stories have been debunked... I don't know. I can't remember the last time I've seen this listed on TCM or any movie channel.

I'm not at all insinuating that it was a bad movie. I saw it back then and really enjoyed it.

What are some other films that have suffered this same fate?

[–] mcqueen (1150) 3 years ago

It is an all time classic, and is remebered as such. Also saw it on cable several times last month.

[–] jonathan_k80 (6436) 3 years ago

I must have missed that. I haven't seen it listed in years.

I'm not implying it's a bad film; I just haven't heard much about it for quite some time.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

The China Syndrome, 1979

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

Silkwood, 1983

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

I still love that movie. Streep, Cher and Russell.. it’s like watching the acting Olympics! I also think Mike Nichols is an underrated director.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

[deleted]

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

fun topic.

i wouldn't say close encounters has been forgotten at all though. it had a re-release a few years back, and it had a tidy little run as i recall.

the other day for reasons i can't remember, i was looking at the top grossing films of 1980, and i was surprised to see stir crazy was the 3rd highest grossing film of the year. i vaguely remember seeing it as a kid, and had no idea it was such a big hit. that's a film that pretty much has vanished. never pops up on streaming, doesn't have a following as far as i know.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

The Passion of the Christ, 2004

The Last Temptation of Christ, 1988

[–] jonathan_k80 (6436) 3 years ago

I remember both of those films generating their share of controversy.

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

And now nobody cares.

[–] blue1981 (7735) 3 years ago

The Passion of the Christ is a movie you don’t need to see more than once.

[–] Drooch (5333) 3 years ago

It’s a torture porn classic.

[–] blue1981 (7735) 3 years ago

No it's not.

[–] Drooch (5333) 3 years ago

Sure it is, you’re watching a dude get brutalised for the best part of 2 hours. It’s right up there with Saw, Hostel etc.

[–] NitroHangover (1142) 3 years ago

'Avatar.'

In 2009 it was a record-breaking phenomenon, and now the entire internet seems to collectively agree that it was a flashy looking turd, at best. And now Cameron is apparently dedicating all his time and energy to making 100 sequels that nobody is excited for.

I don't get it.

[–] Knish (1721) 3 years ago

Most of those people will see it.

[–] NitroHangover (1142) 3 years ago

I don't disagree. I'll probably see it myself, and I've never felt any urge to ever watch the first one a second time.

[–] davodikum (6197) 3 years ago

I'm excited for it and I can't even remember what the first one was even about.

[–] NitroHangover (1142) 3 years ago

Why are you excited for it if the first one was so forgettable to you? I don't get that. Is it just because Cameron's making it, and you're a Cameron superfan?

[–] davodikum (6197) 3 years ago

Nah, just interested in the new 3d technology it's supposedly going to have.

[–] MovieManCin2 (26342) 3 years ago

It was a pos!

🤨

[–] [deleted] 3 years ago

Dirty Harry. I remember a lot of fanfare for these movies and now they're barely considered an action movie.

High School Musical was another franchise that seemed to fade away.