Movies that surprised me (better than expected?)

It's on Flixster now! One of the best movies ever.

Classic film noir. Some of the best film noir dialogue I've ever heard, especially the gangsters at the diner. Atmospheric, gloomy, and fatalistic.

Better-than-average romantic comedy. I liked Janeane Garofalo in this. The movie blends a certain modern cynicism with an old-fashioned charm that makes this film more believable and tolerable than some of the rom-coms. Typically beautiful and charming Irish village locations, good supporting cast. This is much better than the horrible "Truth about Cats and Dogs".
Interesting mix of Irish-American relations and romantic angst / comedy.

Thoughtful romantic comedy. Better than most. Great soundtrack of Brazilian bossa nova music.

I guess I'm one of the few people who liked this film. I heard so many bad things about it, and also of Shyamalan's previous couple of films, that I was doubtful and only watched it because it eventually showed on TV. I thought it was very suspenseful; I occasionally find myself having an odd sense of unease when I am walking along and a strong breeze whooshes through the trees next to me. It's very timely, touching upon some environmental issues in obvious, but not preachy, ways. I found this a refreshing change from the glut of slasher-type movies coming out lately; also nice to see a film about our ecological crisis (crises?) with touching personal scenes, real mystery and suspense, and a sense of humility about our place in the world. Most environmental themes are relegated to the world of documentary films. I thought it was better than the reviews I've seen and read made it out to be. Maybe I'm alone. Maybe the trees are making me say this...

Really, not as bad as it looks. Well-written and touching, especially if you ever felt like a "Martian" growing up. Of course, it has the requisite feel-good moments, contrived scenarios, and dramatic turning points where everyone doubts themselves and the child - "Is he- could he be?- a real Martian?" "Is he insane or is he traumatized?" "Am I father material?" "Do I wear some variation of a black suit or ensemble in every movie I am in now?" (just kidding, love the black, Cusack). But it manages to be sweet without being cloying, realistic without being pessimistic. And obviously, casting John Cusack was helpful in making this less saccharine than it could have been. A little cutesy, but worth seeing.