It’s hard to believe 2005 was 20 years ago.
2005 is a year I’ll never forget. I recall watching Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith on the big screen, an experience that still feels vivid today. If you ask where I was seated during Peter Jackson’s King Kong or the various locations where I caught Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins, I could tell you without hesitation. (Wow, it’s been 20 years since Batman Begins? That makes me feel like I might be ready for a role in an unforgettable production of Batman Fades Away.)
Over the years, these three movies from 2005, along with many others, have gained significant recognition. Steven Spielberg’s “War of the Worlds” has become one of cinema’s most acclaimed 9/11 allegories. “Oldboy” shone a global light on South Korea’s impressive film industry during that period, and Keanu Reeves’ “Constantine” has been hailed as the overlooked gem among comic-book movies of its time by fans. Even some of the year’s less successful films have left an indelible mark (or perhaps infamy). For instance, Cameron Crowe’s “Elizabethtown” is still a topic of conversation, not just for its role in coining the term “manic pixie dream girl,” but also due to Kirsten Dunst’s character in that film.
As I look back on the cinematic landscape of two decades ago, I’m struck by how some truly remarkable films from 2005 have begun to slip into the shadows of time. To combat this inevitable fading, I’ve compiled a list of 12 underappreciated gems that deserve another look or, for those who may be unacquainted, a first viewing. It’s been two decades since these films graced our screens, and it might just be the right moment to rediscover their brilliance once more. Enjoy the journey down memory lane!
Forgotten 2005 Movies That Deserve to Be Rediscovered
Cinderella Man
In this gritty boxing biopic, Russell Crowe delivers an exceptional performance as Jim Braddock, a compassionate heavyweight boxer struggling to provide for his family amidst the hardships of the Great Depression. He finds himself in a seemingly impossible fight, yet against all odds, he emerges victorious, igniting a remarkable comeback reminiscent of a true-life Rocky tale. (The film culminates with him facing an invincible opponent in a title match.) Directed by Ron Howard, the movie exudes the spirit of inspiring character dramas that would have graced cinema screens during the time period portrayed in Cinderella Man.
The Devil and Daniel Johnston
Unveiling the Life of Indie Music Pioneer Daniel Johnston: A Documentary Delving into Creativity and the Essence of Art
This captivating documentary delves into the life of indie music icon Daniel Johnston, whose homemade cassette tapes became coveted treasures among alternative music enthusiasts. The rise in popularity was partly due to Kurt Cobain sporting Johnston’s T-shirts. This film not only traces Johnston’s journey but also explores the very essence of creativity and what it really means to be an artist. (In his own words from the film, “Art is the best state of mind to express a particular feeling. And that feeling, it’s always within you.”)
Just Like Heaven
Whenever I’m asked to recommend an underappreciated romantic comedy, my preferred choice is the unconventional yet enchanting movie titled “Just Like Heaven“. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, this film tells the story of a woman in a coma (played by Witherspoon) who encounters the man (Ruffalo) who later moves into her former residence. The duo shares remarkable chemistry, and the plot takes delightful, unforeseen twists that keep viewers hooked. While it may not be a divine treat, this movie truly deserves more affection.
Last Days
In this elliptical drama, Kurt Cobain, who has been mentioned earlier, is not only the main character but also seems to be a vague influence. This movie, titled “Last Days“, portrays a secluded rockstar confined in a house in the moments leading up to his heartbreaking demise. Gus Van Sant produced it as the culmination of a trilogy of films centered around death; the other two being the peculiar buddy film “Gerry” and the school-shooting drama “Elephant“. Thematically, it aligns with this trilogy, but it stands uniquely as its own heartrending, subtly devastating masterpiece.
L’Enfant
In 2005, the Palme d’Or at the illustrious Cannes Film Festival was graced by none other than the defining masterpiece from the skilled Belgian filmmakers, the Dardennes brothers. This remarkable film follows a young, misguided criminal on a harrowing journey as he contemplates selling his own baby to secure some much-needed income. However, an unexpected turn of events at the eleventh hour compels him to question his actions and seek redemption. The Dardennes’ exploration into whether redemption is attainable for someone in such a wretched predicament leaves a profound and indelible mark on the heart. (It should be noted that the infant at the center of the title may not be the one whose presence serves as the story’s catalyst.)
Lords of Dogtown
Possibly, since a remarkable documentary titled “Dogtown and Z-Boys” from 2001 already covered the same topic, the 2005 film, “Lords of Dogtown,” which was written by one of the original Z-Boys, Stacy Peralta, received somewhat lukewarm reception two decades ago. However, it is a commendable watch with impressive performances and authentic 1970s SoCal details. The film’s extensive, diverse cast includes Heath Ledger, Mitch Hedberg, Rebecca De Mornay, and features cameos from celebrities such as Tony Hawk, Jeremy Renner, Johnny Knoxville, Joel McHale, among others.
Man Push Cart
This small yet profound film by Ramin Bahrani introduces us to Ahmad Razvi, a Pakistani man who earns his living by operating a food cart in bustling Manhattan. However, unbeknownst to many, this man was once a renowned rock star in Pakistan. Now, far from his family, he navigates through the streets of America, pushing his heavy cart filled with bagels and coffee, selling to commuters in Midtown. It’s an inspiring story about an immigrant’s arduous journey to survive and establish a new life in a foreign land.
Me and You and Everyone We Know
In the fall of 2005, the movie “Man Push Cart” made its debut at various festivals, later screening at Sundance in 2006. It garnered significant attention due to a glowing review by Roger Ebert. Interestingly enough, the year before at Sundance 2005, Ebert and other critics were smitten with “Me and You and Everyone We Know”, an ensemble dramedy that explored the intertwined lives of diverse characters such as the filmmaker Miranda July, her new romantic interest John Hawkes, his sons, and their potential love interests. Widely praised for its sweetness and humor, it catapulted July into the spotlight as a prominent indie director. Although it’s not often discussed nowadays, it was quite significant during its time. (Notably, it also features what is arguably the most remarkable use of an emoticon in cinema history.)
No Direction Home: Bob Dylan
The movie “A Complete Unknown,” directed by James Mangold, was well-made and acted, but its content is somewhat similar to Martin Scorsese’s extensive two-part documentary about Bob Dylan’s early years, titled “No Direction Home.” The documentary, which offers deep insight into Dylan’s life and the cultural environment that shaped him, also delves into his artistic growth. Plus, let’s not forget, Bob Dylan’s music is quite iconic and memorable.
Here’s another attempt:
James Mangold’s “A Complete Unknown” was a well-crafted movie with great performances, but it didn’t offer much new information compared to Martin Scorsese’s comprehensive two-part documentary about Bob Dylan’s early years, titled “No Direction Home.” This documentary provides a detailed look into Dylan’s life and the cultural era that influenced him, including his artistic evolution. Furthermore, Bob Dylan’s music is undeniably memorable.
Sky High
At Sky High School, individuals with superpowers are categorized as heroes or companions – a comic book representation for popular kids and the academically inclined. The movie Sky High doesn’t just play on this clever analogy but also offers a lot of emotion and a strong ensemble of adult characters, featuring Kurt Russell, Lynda Carter, Cloris Leachman, and Bruce Campbell.
13 Tzameti
If you’re a fan of Netflix sensation, Squid Game, I recommend checking out 13 Tzameti, a French film. It tells the story of a Georgian immigrant who unwittingly enters an underground gambling den where the rich elite gamble on a deadly game of Russian roulette. In this game, 13 desperate men stand in a circle and take turns pulling the trigger of their gun, with one bullet being added to each weapon for each round. Considering its theme and timing, watching 13 Tzameti could make for an intriguing double feature with Man Push Cart. However, I would advise steering clear of the English-language remake from the same director. Watching it is like playing a dangerous game of cinematic Russian roulette.
The Weather Man
Between the release of the first and second Pirates of the Caribbean films, director Gore Verbinski created an unconventional film titled The Weather Man. This movie centers around a downtrodden local TV meteorologist played by Nicolas Cage, who unexpectedly lands a spot on a national morning show. To boost his self-esteem, he also learns archery – an unusual step, to say the least!
The film is challenging to summarize or classify as it incorporates elements of both humor and melancholy. This blend might account for The Weather Man’s mixed reviews and poor box office performance. Despite its controversies, I have always appreciated this movie, as it showcases one of Nicolas Cage’s most engaging and underrated leading roles.
12 Forgotten Movie Prequels
Butch and Sundance: The Early Days (1979)
When you create a film that becomes incredibly popular in its year, such as the original “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” from 1969, which topped the charts, it’s natural to delve into their past. So, the prequel entitled “Butch and Sundance: The Early Days” explores how these two characters initially formed an alliance. In this adaptation, Tom Berenger and William Katt portray Butch and Sundance instead of the original duo, Paul Newman and Robert Redford. It’s fascinating to ponder whether audiences were captivated by the personalities of Butch and Sundance or the charisma of stars like Newman and Redford. Perhaps it was a combination of both, as their collaboration in another film, “The Sting“, also garnered massive success. Conversely, “The Early Days” turned out to be a financial disappointment, effectively concluding the franchise.
Missing in Action 2: The Beginning (1985)
A prequel for the movie “Missing in Action” (1984) is an unusual case. Unlike other surprise hits, this one had a planned prequel ready before the original release. In a unique turn of events, both the prequel and the original were filmed simultaneously and initially intended to be released chronologically. The second film, titled “Missing in Action,” featuring Chuck Norris as Col. Braddock rescuing American soldiers still imprisoned in Vietnam, was released first and turned out to be a success. Following this, they released “Missing In Action 2: The Beginning,” which showcased Braddock’s past experiences in a Vietnam POW camp. Both films were successful, but the third installment, “Braddick: Missing in Action III” could only manage half of the first film’s box office revenue.
In simpler terms, the producers had a prequel for “Missing in Action” ready even before the original movie was released. They planned to release them in order, but after reviewing their material, they decided the second film would be more successful due to its relevant subject matter about missing POWs. The second film was a hit, and so was the first one, which set the story in motion for two more sequels, but the third only made half of what the first movie earned.
Psycho IV: The Beginning (1990)
Originally released in 1960, the movie “Psycho” spawned a franchise that took over two decades to produce its first sequel. The enduring appeal of the film and the growth of home video market led to a third installment and a spinoff titled “Bates Motel.” As the series started to lose momentum, they chose to create a prequel instead. In this prequel, longtime franchise actor Anthony Perkins reappeared, introducing a young Norman Bates portrayed by Henry Thomas from “E.T.”
Unfortunately, “Psycho IV: The Beginning” marked the end of the original “Psycho” series for Perkins, as it was his final performance as Norman Bates before his passing in subsequent years. Gus Van Sant’s remake appeared a few years later.
Cruel Intentions 2 (2000)
The character portrayed by young Amy Adams in “Cruel Intentions 2” is often overlooked, which is just as well for her and other cast members. When the original “Cruel Intentions” turned out to be a surprise success, the studio opted to create a prequel TV series focusing on the characters prior to the movie’s events. Although the pilot wasn’t picked up for a series, the producers assembled the available footage into a full-length feature. In this adaptation, Adams takes on the role of Kathryn Merteuil, previously played by Sarah Michelle Gellar in the initial film.
Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd (2003)
Following Jim Carrey’s successful release of movies like “Ace Ventura,” “The Mask,” and “Dumb and Dumber” in 1994, he wasn’t keen on making a sequel to “Dumb and Dumber.” However, New Line Cinema still wanted more. Since Carrey was not involved, they opted for a prequel approach instead, casting actors who could mimic Carrey and Jeff Daniels’ screen personas. This led to the creation of “Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd,” which some argue might be one of the worst prequels ever made.
Carlito’s Way: Rise to Power (2005)
The original film titled “Carlito’s Way” was largely influenced by the second novel of Edwin Torres, “After Hours,” which focused on the character Carlito. However, when Brian De Palma adapted the book, he used the title “Carlito’s Way” because Martin Scorsese had previously made a different film titled “After Hours.”
When the success of “Carlito’s Way” warranted a prequel based on the first novel, a new title was needed. So, it became known as “Carlito’s Way: Rise to Power,” featuring Jay Hernandez, Mario Van Peebles, and Sean Combs in leading roles.
The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning (2007)
The prequel to the 2007 “The Dukes of Hazzard” movie wasn’t just a remake of the TV show, but instead, they produced a standalone prequel film titled “The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning.” This spin-off was released two years after the original movie had grossed more than $100 million in box offices. Unlike the initial movie, the cast was mostly new, with only Willie Nelson reprising his role as Uncle Jesse from the TV series.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)
Title Preview: A Chronicle Leading to: Underworld (2003)
One of the delightful aspects about series featuring werewolves, vampires, or a mix like in Underworld, is that character deaths or actors’ age do not significantly impact the storyline. Since these characters don’t visibly age, it’s possible to recast them as their younger selves! This prequel indeed features many of the supporting characters from the previous Underworld franchise, and sheds light on the origins of the prolonged conflict between “lycans” and vampires. For fans who have always yearned for an Underworld movie with less Kate Beckinsale (but not completely absent, as she makes a brief cameo at the end), this is your perfect match!
Terminator Salvation (2009)
The film “Terminator Salvation” (2009) can be seen as both a prequel and a sequel within the Terminator series, given its complex timeline. While it follows events after the first three films chronologically, it marks John Connor’s initial encounter with the T-800 robot in the future. This encounter sets the stage for his rise to prominence among human resistance forces, ultimately becoming one of their leaders. Despite its title, “Salvation” received poor reviews and stands alone as the only film in the series set entirely in the future without Arnold Schwarzenegger playing a leading role.
Oz: The Great and Powerful (2013)
A Precursor to The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Oz: The Great and Powerful is often labeled as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, but technically, it’s not. Disney held the rights to create a movie based on the early life of the Wizard from the story of The Wizard of Oz. However, they didn’t have permission to replicate the visuals from the 1939 film featuring Judy Garland. This might have contributed to some issues with the movie, as it aimed to reference a film it couldn’t directly connect to.
Leatherface (2017)
Orphan: First Kill (2022)
We conclude our list with a famous movie that ended with the demise of its main character, a seemingly innocent girl who turned out to be a homicidal woman. To create a sequel for Orphan, we needed a workaround since the orphan had died. That’s where the prequel, titled Orphan: First Kill, comes in, allowing Isabelle Fuhrman to reprise her chilling role as Esther, delving into the reasons behind her violent actions.
Although Isabelle Fuhrman delivered another powerful performance, the prequel didn’t have the same impact as its predecessor. The original Orphan was a surprise box-office success and played a significant role in kickstarting Jaume Collet-Serra’s Hollywood career; unfortunately, he did not return for First Kill.
Read More
- Gold Rate Forecast
- PS5’s ChinaJoy Booth Needs to Be Seen to Be Believed
- Don’t Miss the BBC Proms 2025: Full Schedule Revealed!
- EUR JPY PREDICTION
- USD JPY PREDICTION
- Rob Schneider’s Happy Gilmore 2 Role Is Much Different Than We Thought It’d Be
- ENA PREDICTION. ENA cryptocurrency
- BTC EUR PREDICTION. BTC cryptocurrency
- GBP CHF PREDICTION
- How to Do Restore Power to the Arcade in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
2025-08-22 22:02