Movies That Time Forgot

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Cinema history is packed with classics and cult classics alike. However, some fantastic flicks somehow slip through the cracks in the DVD shelf. Check out these films and discover (or re-discover) one of these movies that time forgot.

Deep Cover (1992)

Bill Duke, most recognizable from his roles in “Commando” and “Predator,” directed the 1992 crime thriller “Deep Cover.” Duke’s tour de force features a star-studded cast of Lawrence Fishburne (then known as Larry Fishburne) as an undercover police officer infiltrating a drug cartel, Jeff Goldblum as cartel attorney and drug trafficker David Jason, and Clarence Williams III as a narcotics detective. Aside from its poignant commentary on law enforcement, politics, and life on the streets, “Deep Cover” is renowned for a theme song of the same name, also known as “187,” a Dr. Dre-Snoop Dogg collaboration. Since then, “Deep Cover” remained a staple in hip hop with references and samples in songs such as Immortal Technique’s “Golpe de Estado.” Alongside 1991’s “New Jack City,” “Deep Cover” showcases a clear influence on 1999’s “In Too Deep” starring LL Cool J, Omar Epps, Pam Grier, and Stanley Tucci. Although “Deep Cover” eventually received a long overdue Criterion Collection release in 2021, it’s still an under-the-radar gem.

Magic (1978)

Before his recognition as Hannibal Lecter, or Hannibal the Cannibal, Anthony Hopkins utilized his penchant for eeriness in the unique, unsettling 1978 Richard Attenborough-directed “Magic.” Hopkins brings to life magician’s assistant Corky with a creepy ventriloquist dummy, Fats. When a chance at fame presents itself, Corky goes a bit “The Shining,” with an extended hiatus in the Catskills. Like “The Shining’s” Jack Torrance, Corky seems to be going off his rocker when Fats starts talking back. “Magic” is a clever horror-thriller that conceals most of its cards up its sleeve until its epic finale. Hopkins plays both Corky and Fats with equal gusto, giving both magician and dummy their own distinct personalities. Throw in the always enjoyable Burgess Meredith (Mickey from “Rocky,”), a riveting plot, and one of cinema history’s most spine-chilling puppets or dolls, all of which make “Magic” a marvelous movie.

Foul Play (1978)

Colin Higgins-directed 1978 film “Foul Play” stars Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn in an uproarious comedy. Its hilarious Hitchcockian plot finds librarian Gloria Mundy (Hawn) unwittingly entangled in a plot to assassinate the Pope. Mundy teams up with cop Tony Carlson (Chevy Chase). Bonus points for its spectacular cast that includes Dudley Moore and Burgess Meredith. There’s a bevy of chemistry between Chase and Hawn in “Foul Play,” making their future pairing in 1980’s “Seems Like Old Times” a no-brainer. Although “Foul Play” was incredibly well-received critically—with a whopping seven Golden Globe Award nominations including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Best Original Song, and Best Supporting Actor in a Movie or Comedy—“Foul Play” mysteriously faded into obscurity. In fact, it’s a rare situation where the theme song, Barry Manilow’s “Ready to Take a Chance Again,” is arguably more famous than the movie itself. A superb dark comedy, “Foul Play” is a witty Hitchcockian homage and parody.

The Quiet Earth (1985)

Post-apocalyptic landscapes provide a perfect cinematic backdrop. While most focus on society in the wake of a tragedy with an onus on a character or group of survivors, 1985’s Geoff Murphy masterpiece “The Quiet Earth” takes a different approach. Scientist Zac Hobson (Bruno Lawrence) awakens to find himself seemingly as the last remnant of humanity. That is, until he encounters Joanne (Alison Routledge) and Api (Pete Smith). “The Quiet Earth” pensively probes the apocalypse and its cause with fictional albeit somewhat grounded science. At the same time, Murphy’s movie explores the human condition with themes of isolation, loneliness, and love. It’s a thought-provoking, peculiar science fiction romp that’s packed with replay value.

Jawbreaker (1999)

Teen high school dark comedy “Jawbreaker” follows friends Courtney (Rose McGowan), Marcie (Julie Benz), and Julie (Rebecca Gayheart) who accidentally kill their friend Liz Purr (Charlotte Ayanna). Unfortunately, Liz happens to be the most popular girl at Reagan High, so her absence from the classroom doesn’t fly under the radar. Purr’s supposed friends attempt to cover up her murder, but the socially awkward Fern Mayo (Judy Greer) discovers their plan. In exchange for her silence, Courtney and Marcie transform shy Fern into popular exchange student Vylette (Violet). “Jawbreaker” draws heavily upon 1988’s “Heathers” and subsequently inspired 2004’s “Mean Girls.” All three films delve into high school dynamics with a specific onus on cliques. Unsurprisingly, considering its critical and commercial failure, “Jawbreaker” doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. While it’s since resurfaced as a cult classic, the 1999 teen film remains overshadowed by “Heathers” and “Mean Girls.”