Top 10 over-rated films of all time, Part I

1. The Shawshank Redemption - The tag line for this film was "You can't break a man's spirit." This maybe true, but you sure as hell can bore him to death with one dimensional villains, long winded monologues, and every cliche' known in the film world. I wouldn't have a problem with this film if so many people didn't think it was one of the "all time greats." However, for some reason this film has been prematurely labeled a classic by so many people, when in reality it's not that good. Compare this film to any other film set in prison and you will see that it is no different from the rest. It borrows heavily from Birdman of Alcatraz, The Great Escape, and Escape From Alcatraz to name a few, but it never distinguishes itself from any of these films. Where does the redemption part fit in, considering Tim Robbins character is a wrongly imprisoned man? In what way does he redeem himself? It's not the worst film ever made, but my no means is it a classic.

2. Shrek - Like The Shawshank Redemption this film has been labeled a classic for too quick. When critics talk about Shrek they often use words like "clever" and "original" to describe it. However, what is so clever and original about film where the majority of the laughs derive from pop-culture references. Practically, every scene in Shrek has a reference to current films and trends. I lost all hope for the film when I heard the oft used Smash Mouth song "All Star" playing during the films opening montage of Shrek getting his day started. In another groan inducing sequence, Princess Fiona takes on Robin Hood and his merry band of men Matrix-style. This scene had potential to be funny, but then the filmmakers decided, "I think we need a Matrix reference thrown in for good measure. People love Matrix references, they never get old." The reference might have been funny had it not been done to death by every other comedy post-1999! Even more annoying is Mike Myers decision to give Shrek a Scottish accent. It's not only a bad Scottish accent, it's one that fades through out the course of the film. Listen Mike Myers, your Scottish accent is NOT FUNNY. It got old once you left Saturday Night Live, yet for some reason you feel the need to revive it in EVERY film you are in.

3. The Matrix - Time has not been kind to The Matrix; its effects are no longer impressive due to the amount of imitators and the needless sequels that have come out in the last five years. Unfortunately, despite what the fan boys say, the special effects were the only thing The Matrix ever had going for it. The acting is as stiff as any Star Wars prequel and the dialogue is equally asinine. Why is that in The Matrix people feel the need to answer a question with another question? Why can't every one just spit out what they mean? Stop talking in riddles and get to the point. Of course, some one will respond by saying, "You just don't understand The Matrix. It's really deep with it's religious icons, it's take on technology, etc." I understood it fine, just because a film thinks it has something to say doesn't mean it is good.

4. The Princess Bride - I like the Princess Bride, it is a good movie but people seem to have the false notion that it is a timeless masterpiece. It's not, the film is very much dated to the 80s, mainly due to the appearance of Fred Savage playing Nintendo. My main gripe against The Princess Bride is how it feels the need to hammer into your head about how wonderful reading truly is. At the beginning of the film Fred Savage's grandfather, Columbo (Peter Falk) walks into his room, has him turn off the Nintendo, and begins reading a book, much to Fred's annoyance. It is a book after all, therefore it must be boring. As the film progresses, Fred gets heavily into the book and is anxious to know what happens next. At the films conclusion, Columbo leaves Fred, and Fred asks if Columbo will come back and read the book again. Fred has learn a great lesson: reading is magical, we shouldn't waste time playing video games, we should READ! I wish some one would make an anti-reading film, in which the character loses everything due to his obsessive book reading.

5. Requiem For a Dream - I will summarize the story to Requiem For a Dream in three words, thus saving you an hour and a half of your life: DRUGS ARE BAD! Despite all the film's flashy techniques, there's not really much at it's core. The film is well made, but it's excessiveness becomes redundant after twenty minutes. It's like Darren Aronofsy decided one day to, "Screw subtlety, let's pound it into the viewers heads how evil drugs are." After awhile the endless split screens, montages, time lapse photographer, and overbearing soundtrack wear out their welcome and become pretty boring. I have never liked the film, but it has a following because people tend to think depressing films are deep and far more important than mindless Hollywood dribble. I disagree on both accounts. Depressing films are genre in themselves, and rely heavily on the same iconography to get their message across. Requiem is one long morality play that relies heavily on flash, not substance to get its message across.

I will post the second half of my list some time soon. Feel free to argue/agree with me, I'm curious what you all think about my list.