In Bruges (2008)
"In Bruges" is not what it looks to be on the surface. Though it may seem so, it does not fit comfortably into the category of fast talking British action-comedies. The banter between the film's two hitmen in hiding is droll and clever, and their relationship is often very amusing. However, the story of Ray, who is guilt-ridden and broken down by some unintended consequences of his profession, becomes increasingly dark and emotional as the plot progresses. In the best performance of his career, Colin Farrell is effectively complex at the center of this movie, while Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes round out a cast which makes for flawed and zany characters. Its unpredictability and impulsive turns are its strengths, so discussing its plot too much would be doing a disservice to future viewers, but you can be sure that "In Bruges" will garner reactions as unusual and surprising as its story is.A River Runs Through It (1992)
Some of my greatest childhood memories revolve around fishing with my father and my brother, so perhaps my love for this movie is simply on a personal level, but "A River Runs Through It" remains one of the most heartfelt, beautifully crafted films I have ever seen. The story is one of two vastly contrasting brothers who are raised in rural Montana by a stern minister. A single quote can explain much of the basic principles of the film: "In Montana, there's three things were never late for: church, work, and fishing". As the brothers grow, they develop very different courses and outlooks for their lives. While fishing is at the center of many of the movie's events, its more a story of family, brotherhood, and father-son relationships than anything else. A musing story, a beautiful score, dazzling scenery, and three brilliant unsung performances (including one of Brad Pitt's absolute best) come together to form a charming picture. It will resonate with any family man, fisherman, or film-lover. The Iron Giant (1999)
Its likely that "The Iron Giant" seems to have gone relatively unnoticed upon its release because it came out at a time when Disney, and Pixar in particular, had unquestionable dominance over the animation world. But ignoring this film in favor of its more popular contemporaries is a vital mistake. A film about a young boy's unlikely friendship with an extra-terrestrial metal behemoth, "The Iron Giant" contains enough adult humor and little boy "wow" factor to be as exciting to me today as it was when I was 6. For an adventure movie geared towards family viewing, it contains subject matter which is actually quite mature. It's exciting and wholehearted while maintaining a humorous edge. While I am usually not in favor of big-money remakes, I must say that this seems like a film that would translate into a jaw-dropping live action revival.Swingers (1996)
What I appreciate most about "Swingers" is that it doesn't rely on the crass, in-your-face jokes that many modern comedies do. Instead, it brings bright writing and enjoyable characters to its spot-on depiction of the awkwardness that is, at times, inescapable in certain social scenes. The movie is ironic but honest, not to mention any film-lover cannot help but appreciate the subtle references to classic films, such as the "Goodfellas" inspired tracking shot on the way into the bar. Its greatest entertainment factor is, in my opinion, Vince Vaughn's funniest performance to date as the charismatic and loyal pal, Trent. "Swingers" is not a masterpiece; its not hard to tell that it was a low-budget production from some industry newcomers, but Jon Favreau's script manages to be intelligently goofy yet unusually touching. It's a film which greatly exceeds what viewers likely expect from it.Road to Perdition (2002)
Many people saw this film when it came out and it was received fairly well, so it may not seem like a choice for an "underrated" list. But personally, I cannot seem to grasp why the movie isn't consistently ranked with the best mob films of modern times. "Road to Perdition" is a beautiful film. It is a mobster picture which, better than most, ties in complications of family (biological family, that is) and morality. Detailing crime life from the eyes of a child, "Road to Perdition" establishes authentic, haunting, and deeply conflicted characters. With a cast featuring names such as Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, and a deeply disturbing Jude Law, you really do not need me to tell you that it's well acted. Director Sam Mendes creates a palpable atmosphere which is cold and subtly threatening. At its heart is a complicated father-son relationship, leading us to an eventually gut-wrenching conclusion. I find everything about this film, from the story, to the acting, to the music, to be profoundly captivating. It is not underrated because people don't like it, but because people don't like it enough. 
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