The 90s were a time of good bands, music, and iconic films in the making. Films were freely exploring different plots and actors were pushing themselves out of their comfort zones, going above and beyond in the name of the film and their craft.
Some films went overlooked for the genius that they displayed, never being given a second glance or thought after their release for audiences and critics to pick apart. Some films need to be given a second look to appreciate and understand just how amazing they are on some level.
Airheads (6.1)
Three rounds of funny are what fans get when they see the film Airheads, starring Adam Sandler, Brendan Fraser, and Steve Buscemi. The film follows three guys in a band wanting to get their demo tape played on-air at a radio station. When it becomes clear that this will not be the case, they go to the extreme, holding the station employees hostage with realistic water guns. The hilarity that ensues is worth the watch.
The chemistry between the three actors made the crazy plot work, with Steve Buscemi and Adam Sandler working together multiple times over the past 2 decades in films like Big Daddy, Mr. Deeds, The Wedding Singer, and so many more.
The Cable Guy (6.1)
An underrated masterpiece from Jim Carrey, The Cable Guy follows Steven Kovacs as he tries to convince everyone around him that the cable guy, Chip Douglas, is a psychopathic stalker. Chips eccentric need to be friends with Steven quickly turn dark and Carrey plays the role wonderfully.
The film proved to be a failure at the box office, however, this doesn’t take away from the genius of the film. The Cable Guy’s dark humor is what makes it so satisfying to watch with its outrageously funny scenes that could turn dark at the drop of a dime. Jim Carrey played the role of psychopath stalker so well, with him and Matthew Broderick balancing each other out.
Idle Hands (6.2)
There's nothing wrong with being a hands-on person unless you're Anton Tobias and your hand is killing people in the film, Idle Hands. The movie follows Anton as his right hand becomes demonically possessed and he begins to kill those around him. The star-studded cast includes Jessica Alba, Seth Green, Devon Sawa, and Vivica A. Fox.
Although the film earned only 4.3 million at the box office, Idle Hands has become a must-see film over the years. The teen horror-comedy had a creatively written plot that allowed viewers to laugh while maintaining the suspense and thrill of the plot. Idle Hans should be among some of the best horror comedies for the family, however, it's still so overlooked.
Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead (6.3)
Every kid wants to grow up until it's time to be a grown-up. Don't Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead follows the Crandell siblings as their mother leaves for the summer, the siblings are left in the care of their old babysitter. When their babysitter suddenly dies, it's up to the oldest sibling, Sue Ellen, to take her on the care of her siblings for the summer, especially when they run out of the money their mother left.
As Sue Ellen navigates her new fashion job that she's too young to be working, she begins to see that adulthood is not all it's cracked up to be, facing some complicated situations.
Romy And Michele’s High School Reunion (6.3)
Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow bring the chemistry in their portrayal of two best friends in the film Romy and Michele's High School Reunion. The film follows Romy and Michele as they attend their high school's 10-year reunion. With the two not having accomplished much in adulthood, and in a bid to try and seem like success stories, they each lie about inventing post-it notes and special glue. As their lives begin to spin out of control, it risks tearing the two women apart and ruining their friendship.
The film had everything to make for an entertaining watch. From the dialogue, flashbacks, and amazingly colorful outfits and wardrobes of Romy and Michele, the film deserves a watch from all film lovers.
Corrina, Corrina (6.6)
When Manny Singer (Ray Liotta) needs a nanny for his mute daughter (Tina Majorino), Corrina (Whoopi Goldberg) is the woman fit for the job in the film, Corrina, Corrina. Along the way, romance begins to blossom for the two and so does drama in this 1950’s period piece.
The film is upbeat and bright with a few darker undertones involving the interracial relationship aspect of the two main characters. Even with a few prejudice setbacks, this romance drama deserves its recognition and roses for the amazing storytelling and should be considered as one of Whoopi Goldberg’s best movies to date.
Election (7.2)
Reese Witherspoon does such an amazing job of portraying Tracy Flick in Election, that viewers can't help but have a love/hate relationship with her insufferable yet ambitious personality. In the film, Witherspoon’s character becomes involved in a feuding competition with her history teacher (Matthew Broderick) when the latter convinces the school jock to run against her for class president.
The film is an interesting spin on politics and a learning lesson on morals and integrity rooted in comedy and romance. The acting and chemistry of Witherspoon and Broderick alone place this film among the best election movies of all time.
Pump Up The Volume (7.2)
A rebel with something to say, Pump Up The Volume is a film all about expressing yourself, and not diminishing your voice for the sake of others. The film follows Christian Slater’s character, Mark Hunter, who speaks about the injustices and hypocrisy happening in his community through his “forbidden” radio show.
Pump Up The Volume introduced the memorable rivalry between student and principal that had the audience rooting for Slater’s character. The film is so well written and says all the things some people wished they’d been brave enough to say in high school.
Love Jones (7.4)
Nina Long and Larenz Tate brought love, drama, and undeniable chemistry to the film Love Jones. The film follows two young adults as they navigate the world of dating and love. Photographer Nina Mosely and Poet Darius Lovehall meet one night and what ensues is a testament of the right person but wrong timing and the lesson of communication is key to making a relationship work.
The film's exploration of the two characters' love stories is poignant and drama-filled. It pushes the notion that their heartbreak and miscommunication not only affect them but also those around them as well. The film is amazingly done and the script was beautifully written and well-acted out by the entire cast.
The Truman Show (8.1)
One of the most riveting films starring Jim Carrey, The Truman Show is still as relevant today as it was on its debut in 1998. The film follows the unsuspecting Truman Burbank as he goes through the everyday routine of his ordinary life, unbeknownst to him, he is the star of his television show about his life. Surrounded by fake characters all his life, Truman begins to realize that something just isn’t right and a few times he almost found out the truth.
This amazing film followed the subject of privacy in a world of surveillance and explored the question of if privacy is a real thing. The Truman Show was so amazingly done, incorporating the question of true existence surrounded by comedy and hysterics.
