As Val Kilmer bids farewell, Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most illustrious stars from the 1980s and ’90s. His extensive filmography boasts numerous gems, such as “Tombstone” and “Heat”, that continue to captivate audiences today. However, there are also lesser-known films of his, which may not have been box office hits or held a cherished place in many hearts, but were still worthy of acclaim. Spanning over three decades in the acting industry, Kilmer’s career was marked by a few productions that didn’t receive the attention they deserved when initially released.
A handful didn’t quite meet the criteria. For example, “Kill the Irishman” is well-made, but it’s more about Ray Stevenson’s performance than Kilmer’s. On the other hand, “Batman Forever” often gets grouped with the poor quality of “Batman & Robin”, but it’s challenging to label a movie that was the top earner in its year as underappreciated or underrated. Moreover, many ’90s kids still hold a soft spot for it.
Thunderheart
1992 saw the moderate success of “Thunderheart” at the box office, yet over time, it appears to have slipped into obscurity. It’s unfortunate as this film offers a profound, intellectually stimulating mystery, showcasing some of Kilmer’s finest acting performances.
In the role of Ray Levoi, a FBI agent who possesses a trace of Sioux ancestry, yet has seldom acknowledged or embraced it, Kilmer takes on the task of investigating a murder within a Native American reservation in South Dakota. Upon arrival, he discovers that merely wearing a badge doesn’t guarantee one’s intentions are noble, nor does it ensure the presence of moral integrity.
The Island of Dr. Moreau
John Frankenheimer’s 1996 science fiction movie, “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” is a fascinating cultural oddity that’s worth watching for its peculiarities. Originally directed by Richard Stanley, who was also behind “Hardware,” the production of “Dr. Moreau” is infamous as one of the most chaotic episodes in studio filmmaking history. It’s astonishing that the movie even came together at all.
Not only does it function effectively, but its quirks (such as Marlon Brando’s unique contributions) add to its appeal. Interestingly enough, while Kilmer wasn’t given much to work with, he convincingly portrayed a Brando-like character in his last scenes. After finishing the movie, consider watching the documentary “Lost Soul: The Troubled Production of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau.
The Ghost and the Darkness
Stephen Hopkins’ film “The Ghost and the Darkness” can be thought of as “Jaws,” but set in Tsavo, Kenya. Contrary to what the initial billing might suggest, Michael Douglas plays a secondary role, appearing for roughly 30 minutes out of the movie’s total running time of 110 minutes. However, it is Kilmer who truly steals the show.
Kilmer portrays Lt. Colonel John Henry Patterson, appointed by the wealthy and aristocratic railway magnate Robert Beaumont (Tom Wilkinson), to manage the construction of the Uganda-Mombasa Railway that has been delayed inexplicably. Eager for a quick assignment due to an impending birth, Patterson discovers upon arrival the reason behind the delay: a pair of lions that indulge in lethal hunting activities.
Spartan
In the 2000s, many movies starring Kilmer didn’t perform well, possibly explaining why David Mamet’s Spartan didn’t leave a significant impression. However, it’s occasionally startling how good this movie is – well-written and superbly acted – and it truly deserves a much larger viewership.
In this rephrased version: Kilmer portrays ex-US Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Robert Scott, who devotes his time to perfecting the skills of recruits. However, he’s summoned to locate and save the president’s daughter (Kristen Bell, not far from her role in Veronica Mars) from kidnappers involved in human trafficking. He teams up with his young protege, Curtis (Derek Luke), to track down the abductors. The ringleader could have unexpected connections.
MacGruber
Despite being one of the funniest comedies of the 2010s, “MacGruber” left cinemas as swiftly as MacGruber can recall a disrespectful individual’s license plate number (KFBR392…KFBR392…KFBR—). However, it might have been the kind of movie that was always meant to have a devoted, if small, fanbase. And that’s precisely what occurred, eventually making it notable enough for a strong follow-up miniseries on Peacock.
Is the humor in this movie immature at times? Absolutely, but let me tell you, if any film deserves credit for its romantic scenes, it’s MacGruber. Even those who criticize the movie would have to acknowledge that these scenes outshine some of the most iconic ones in cinema history. They surpass the steamy encounters in Basic Instinct, Body Heat, and Last Tango in Paris, and let me tell you, they stand above all others.
RIP Val Kilmer. We hope fans enjoy rewatching his impressive work, onscreen.
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2025-04-03 23:10