I was highly amused and engaged (like many others) by GeekDad Ken's "10 Geeky Movies That Should Have Been Great, but Weren't" and GeekDad Matt's "10 Geeky Movies That Should Have Been Terrible, but Weren't".
So, in the interest of good geek movie practice, I present this third article to complete this trilogy — "10 Geeky Movies That Were Terrible, but We Loved Anyway."
So, what would be your top 10 geeky movies that were based on a really bad idea, but which we all loved anyway? What were the movies whose thin plot, or poor acting still won us over because they developed a level of geek credibility through excellent referencing, humor or attention to obscure details.
After a broad canvassing of a large number of GeekDads, here is a list of 10 to argue over.
Spaceballs
"S#!t. There goes the planet." The special effects and costumes were second rate, and the script basically throws around a series of sci-fi movie gags and parodies - which is probably why we loved it.
One of the first successful mainstream attempts to make fun of the Lucas franchise and parody Star Wars, it deserves a special place in our hearts, despite its failings.
Conan the Barbarian
This movie is a favorite because of Arnie, and the weapons. The dialogue is strange, the plot is formulaic, but it deserves to be recognized for entertaining geeks by sticking it to a genre. While screwing up in many ways, its sheer commitment to having-a-go and delivering some sword play that wasn't King Arthur or Light Sabers is laudable.
Alien vs Predator
Alien = awesome! Predator = intense! Alien vs Predator = bizarre idea...but everyone wanted to see it, don't say you didn't. It didn't really matter what the script was, as long as Alien got to face off against Predator.
Starship Troopers
Okay, I actually loved this movie. I think it was highly clever and engaging. But, yes, I admit on one level it was bad.
Intentionally bad? Probably. But hey, those bugs and that opening battle scene was so good on the big screen. And more than made up for the cheesy moments (which in their comic-book style were actually quite bearable, weren't they — or was that just me?)
Labyrinth
The Muppets and David Bowie. Simultaneously crazy and fun, but disturbing. Babies crawling up Escher angled walls might not have done it for us. But the maze and Henson's ability to populate it with the weirdest and wonderfullest Muppet creations made us love this film.
Total Recall
The premise may have been a good one, but the execution of this movie meant it was never really elevated to the level that it could have reached. Instead it sank; but teenage boys flocked to this movie in their millions. You know why. I don't have to say it. But, adolescent geeks whispered throughout school corridors — "Yes, that is right. I saw it too. Three breasts!"
Electric Dreams
Cheesy '80s geek movie about a love triangle between man, woman and computer! Seriously. Poorly executed idea, but a computer trying its best to steal your girlfriend by blowing up all your appliances is still a good idea, for the early '80s, no matter how executed.
Plus, there was the theme song..."Together, forever in electric dreams...."
Hmmmm. Ok, maybe the theme song is bad.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
We definitely didn't need that Crystal Skull. And we probably didn't need the Last Crusade, but as cheesy as it was to meet Indy's dad it was Sean Connery. And Sean Connery is the only actor we would have accepted. Sure, it became more cheese than action, but tell me we weren't all gunning for Indy as he made the final steps towards that crusty old knight who was guarding the cup of a carpenter.
King Kong
The Peter Jackson version is completely over the top, but its strange boys-own-adventure aesthetic was able to just wash over us. The size of the ape, the absurdity of the film crew, the over-the-top courage of the lead male and the burgeoning love and respect a woman forms for a large ape. It was comforting, somehow. Plus, Dinosaur vs King Kong
Title Fight!
Finally, and perhaps controversially:
T
ron
I know there might be some who question what part of this movie wasn't that great, but let's face it: a man is sucked into computer network where he meets programs who actually have human form is bizarre. But the movie deserve much applause and kudos for giving us TronCycles. Now, that was inspiration!
And, let's make room for a few more...
Honorable mentions
- Mad Max II (or "The Road Warrior" in the US) (who didn't love the autogyro)
- Johny Mnemonic (Keanu playing a bloke that ditched part of his memories [read: personality] to make room for a data storage device in his head. Great casting.)
- The Mummy (Delightful and terrible 1920s mental floss)
Meeting Reader's Demands
Clearly, Geek Movies evoke passions in us all. So, in fairness (and yes, I knew including Starship Troopers would be controversial), here are further suggestions from readers via email and comments. (note: I required 3 mentions to make this list.)
- Real Genius
- Weird Science
- Hackers
- Flash Gordon — from 1980
- The Never Ending Story
- Tremors
- Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
- Logan's Run
- Teen Wolf
