As a cinephile who’s spent countless nights huddled under the flickering glow of a projector screen, I can confidently say that these movies are not just films, they’re experiences that leave an indelible mark on your soul.
The ’90s served as an era of transition for fantasy films. Prior to the widespread acclaim of “Lord of the Rings” and “Game of Thrones,” filmmakers were exploring ways to blend magical storylines with films of varying budgets, ranging from family-friendly flicks to dark comedies – and everything in between. This experimental phase came before the surge of superhero movies and enchanting narratives in big-budget productions during the 2000s.
Before movies started creating stories based on authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and Stan Lee, they primarily adapted children’s books penned by writers such as James Matthew Barrie and Chris Van Allsburg. The aim was to strike a chord with both children and adults, hoping to recreate the magic in a film format. Horror pioneers like Sam Raimi joined this trend, along with humorists like Albert Brooks, and contemporary directors like Tim Burton.
Fantasy films hadn’t really found themselves as Hollywood commodities, but great films were still being made while the genre coalesced into a more definable set of rules. The following are 11 films from the ’90s that used a fantastical approach to redefining film.
11 Hook (1991)
In 1991, the phrase “Bangarang” became popular among children, following a bold move by super producers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy. They decided to take Amblin Entertainment into uncharted territory, adapting a well-loved children’s book into a large-scale film for the first time. This adaptation served as a continuation of the original Peter Pan story, “Peter and Wendy,” written 80 years prior to the release of the movie named “Hook“. Not only did Amblin Entertainment modernize J.M. Barrie’s work, they introduced fresh characters such as Rufio, but it was the creative brilliance of Robin Williams that brought Pan to life and the childlike magic of Steven Spielberg that infused the film with its enchantment.
Critics Panned Hook But It Didn’t Matter
Critics of film purists strongly disliked the movie “Hook,” considering Steven Spielberg’s modern interpretation as blasphemy. However, they overlooked one crucial point – it wasn’t intended for them. Instead, it was tailored to a younger audience who were unbothered by Robin Williams playing an adult or the Lost Boys navigating Neverland on rickety skateboards. The movie became a significant financial hit and provided an essential new addition to the Peter Pan legend, not reaching such success since then.
10 Jumanji (1995)
Once again in the ’90s, a fantasy film emerged, showcasing another extraordinary performance by Robin Williams. Unlike other roles, this time he had to create his character from almost nothing, as the source material was more about pictures than storytelling. However, with his improvisational skills and creativity, Williams steered the movie through a challenging production. The final product was another box office success, striking a chord with children just as the book did.
Nostalgia Trumps the Outdated with Jumanji
The later movies in the Jumanji franchise clearly demonstrate the crucial role that Robin Williams played in the initial film’s triumph. Despite some now-antiquated computer-generated imagery, the movie remains relevant today, largely due to strong performances by Jonathan Hyde and David Alan Grier alongside Williams.
9 Mr. Destiny (1990)
The movie, often referred to as “Mr. Destiny,” served as a nostalgic nod to ’90s cinema, emphasizing that a captivating concept was just as crucial as the plot itself. The film explored the idea that one minor incident can dramatically alter one’s fate, specifically focusing on Larry Burrows (played by Jim Belushi). In an alternate universe, his life took an entirely different course due to a high school baseball game with a surprising twist in its outcome. Essentially, “Mr. Destiny” capitalized on a thought we’ve all pondered as kids – wondering what might have happened if that one pivotal moment had turned out differently and helped realize our dreams.
Mr. Destiny Went From Flop to Cult Film
The charm of Jim Belushi as an ordinary guy, a remarkable acting by Linda Hamilton before her return in “T2”, and the amusing humor provided by Jon Lovitz were key factors in making “Mr. Destiny” successful, despite its poor performance at the box office when initially released. This film experienced a resurgence on cable TV throughout the ’90s and remains enjoyable today due to being the kind of movie that is rarely produced nowadays.
8 Ghost (1990)
One of the most romantic movies ever created is “Ghost,” where the supernatural intertwines with everyday life. In this story, Sam Wheat (played by Patrick Swayze) meets an untimely end but yearns to return to the world of the living, all due to his unwavering love for Molly (Demi Moore). Even though their pottery wheel dance might provoke laughter today, back then it sent shivers down viewers’ spines.
Ghost Redefined What a Romance Film Could Be
Was it really the time when Patrick Swayze shone brightest, Demi Moore sported her iconic short haircut, or Whoopi Goldberg brought us memorable humor, the movie Ghost left a significant cultural imprint for such a moderately-sized production. Although it delved into supernatural fantasy, it’s the romance that stands out most in people’s minds. The song “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers will forever be linked to this film, as its soulful lyrics mirrored the movie’s poignant essence perfectly.
7 Death Becomes Her (1992)
It’s puzzling why the film Death Becomes Her, with its star-studded cast featuring Meryl Streep and Bruce Willis, visionary director Robert Zemeckis (who won an Oscar), and trailblazing CGI, hasn’t left a more lasting impact on cinematic history. Perhaps it was too innovative for its time, blending multiple genres, but the film’s fantastical elements have proven to be more timeless than any other part of this amusing yet gruesome movie.
The Plot of Death Becomes Her Was Ahead of Its Time
To truly appreciate the significance of “Death Becomes Her,” consider the numerous films that have borrowed its themes. For instance, “The Substance” appears to be one such imitator, mirroring the film’s narrative about Hollywood’s fixation on eternal youth. It might come as a surprise, but Meryl Streep’s acting career was facing difficulties at the time, and her acceptance of this role can be seen as a witty critique of her own struggles as an actress grappling with aging in the industry.
6 Practical Magic (1996)
The significant gap between the audience and critic scores for “Practical Magic” on Rotten Tomatoes indicates the film’s highly divisive nature. Initially, it struggled financially, with a high budget of $75 million, which was challenging to meet at that time. However, it has enjoyed a resurgence on television and streaming platforms. Though it took some time for viewers to embrace a movie featuring the two most prominent actresses of the ’90s in their prime, “Practical Magic” has gradually gained fan favor over the years, despite the initial critical disapproval.
Practical Magic Would Be a Blockbuster Today
In the 1990s, the movie ‘Practical Magic’ offered a captivating storyline about two unwilling witches who bring back one of their lovers, unknowingly introducing an evil entity into him. This film was ahead of its time in the ’90s, but if re-released today, it could become a massive success – especially with strategic Halloween-themed promotions. Griffin Dunne’s directing style has held up remarkably well over the years, making us nostalgic for the golden era of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
5 Defending Your Life (1991)
In 2023, the Albert Brooks HBO documentary illuminated the profound impact he had on an entire generation of comedy writers, myself included. Comedians such as Judd Apatow highlighted his daring approach as a crucial factor in shaping our careers. Many agreed that “Defending Your Life” stood out as his masterpiece, with one of Rip Torn’s finest performances gracing the screen. Before shows like “The Good Place” explored what purgatory might entail, Brooks humorously depicted it, paving the way for a unique and laugh-out-loud experience.
Albert Brooks Took Religion Out of the Afterlife
Instead of picturing the traditional Pearly Gates concept, Brooks set judgment in a resort-like setting, with some courtrooms mixed in. This setting housed an enchanting love story featuring Brooks alongside Meryl Streep, who at that time was not yet fully recognized for her acting talent. In essence, it’s one of the most intellectually stimulating films about the afterlife ever produced, despite being entirely secular and humorous in its approach to the subject matter.
4 The City of Lost Children (1995)
In a creative blend of dark and fantastical storytelling, The City of Lost Children, directed by Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet, presents a world where a swiftly aging bogeyman abducts children’s dreams. This film, while too somber for young audiences and overly imaginative for some adults, remarkably appealed to both demographics. The gentle giant portrayed by Ron Perlman adds an emotional core to this extraordinary movie, as his touching bond with his son forms the heart of a truly unique cinematic experience.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet Was Truly a Man of His Time
What stands out most about “The City of Lost Children” is its intricate sets and miniatures. This kind of movie is rare nowadays, seldom produced practically. The film’s unique blend of Jeunet’s distinctive characters, exceptional lighting, and camera work elevate it to the level of fine art, making it as much a masterpiece in visual arts as it is a film.
3 Being John Malkovich (1999)
scarcely have there been film directors who created such a significant impact with their initial full-length film like Spike Jonze, transitioning from his groundbreaking music videos and innovative skateboarding videos to establishing himself as one of the prominent artistic forces in cinema with the remarkable film “Being John Malkovich“. Similarly, the screenwriter Charlie Kaufman made a name for himself, garnering considerable attention even before the script for this brilliant concept was turned into a movie, earning him recognition in Hollywood circles.
Malkovich Was a Good Sport for Taking on the Film
In this extraordinary narrative, we find the most absurd plotline ever penned, featuring a mystical gateway transporting individuals into the humorous existence of actor John Malkovich. Remarkably, Malkovich himself consented to appear in the story, albeit with a twist – he’s portrayed as a dabbler who leads an extravagant lifestyle and maintains friendship with none other than Charlie Sheen. These two characters affectionately dub each other “Malkatraz” and “Ma-Sheen.” Is there any further explanation needed?
2 Army of Darkness (1992)
In his third Evil Dead film series installment titled Army of Darkness, Sam Raimi significantly shifted direction from his original splatter film concept. This medieval-set production showcased Raimi’s gruesome creativity while maintaining the distinctive Bruce Campbell performance and gory elements adored by Raimi’s dedicated horror enthusiasts. Breaking traditional fantasy film boundaries, Raimi blended splatter and time travel elements into a cohesive narrative wrapped within a medieval theme of weaponry and armor.
Raimi Combined Genres Like Few Could
Army of Darkness whisked us away to an era where studios were less constrained by financial considerations, enabling filmmakers like Raimi to innovate and explore the medium. Much like other films on this list, it’s the practical effects that endear it to us so fondly, making one wonder why modern movies feel compelled to rely on hundreds of millions of dollars worth of CGI instead.
1 Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Edward Scissorhands, conceived by Tim Burton, fashioned an enduring fairy tale from the ground up, beginning with eerie yet innocent sketch ideas of its protagonist. This eventually evolved into an indelible cinematic masterpiece. With captivating performances from Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, and a stellar ensemble cast including Academy Award winners Diane Wiest and Alan Arkin, this film continues to tug at every heartstring upon rewatching.
Tim Burton Was at His Best With Edward Scissorhands
From the cookie-cutter suburban setting to the dark castle that looms above, Edward Scissorhands has a tremendous sense of place, using sets and locations like characters as we slowly fall in love with Edward, the way you might with a pet. By the film’s conclusion, you’re so invested in his happiness that the film’s bittersweet outcome is enough to elicit tears.
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2024-09-30 04:03