Whilst reviewing Warrior earlier this year Mark Kermode described its story as resembling “Gladiator, no not that Gladiator”, he was referring to Rowdy Herrington’s 1992 boxing movie and not Ridley Scott’s sword and sandals epic, see below. This got me thinking of other movies with the same or similar names that you wouldn’t want to mix up.
The Running Man (1963): After faking his own death Rex Black (Laurence Harvey) meets ups with his wife (Lee Remick) in Spain to live off the proceeds of the insurance payout until an insurance investigator (Alan Bates) shows up. Directed by Carol (the third man) Reed.
The Running Man (1987): Based on a Stephen King story and set in a near future totalitarian society; cop Ben Richards (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is framed in the cover-up of a massacre, he escapes but is recaptured and forced to appear on the most popular show on TV “The Running Man” where contestants are chased down and killed for the entertainment of the masses. Surprisingly good and prophetic given the trend for increasingly elaborate reality TV.
Sliver (1993): Taking its name from the New York “sliver” building in which it is set, new resident Carly Norris (Sharon Stone) learns that not only did the previous tenant in her apartment die in mysterious circumstances but that she bore a great resemblance to Carly. A unremarkable thriller best remembered for its controversial portrayal of female masturbation.
Slither (2006): Spelled differently but sounding very similar: A small town is overrun by slithering alien creatures that turn the population into a zombie like hoard. A small group of survivors including the town sheriff (Nathan Fillion) fight back. A lightweight but fun comedy horror.
Priest (1994): Some time in the mid/late 90’s I remember reading a headline on the front of a tabloid newspaper claiming that the then prime ministers son Euan Blair had appeared in a gay porn film. The truth was, he had a bit part in the movie priest (his grandfather Anthony Booth had a larger part) about a catholic priest who lives a conflicted existence thanks to his secret life involving a gay lover.
Priest (2011): Loosely based on Korean comic book priest is an action/horror/western about a vampire hunting priest (Paul Bettany) on the hunt for renegade vampires who have kidnapped his niece. Despite poor reviews, it is actually a decent and original vampire movie.
Crash (1996): David Cronenberg’s misunderstood and underappreciated movie about a man who following a car accident becomes strangely sexually aroused by car crashes victims and the bizarre sub-culture he discovers created by similar minded people.
Crash (2005): I have mixed feelings about Paul Haggis’ interweaving LA based story that explores race and racism in modern society. It doesn’t deserve its Best Picture Oscar, but it also doesn’t deserve the backlash that followed.
Deep Blue Sea (1999): A group of scientists searching for a cure to Alzheimer’s become the prey of the sharks the have genetically enhanced. A bonkers concept actually turns out to be a surprisingly watchable movie and easily the second best man eating shark movie.
The Deep Blue Sea (2011): Terence Davies’ yet to be released (in the UK) 1950’s set movie is based on Terrence Rattigan’s play of the same name, previously made in 1955 (also called The Deep Blue Sea). The wife of a Judge engages in a self-destructive affair with an RAF pilot.
Gladiator (1992): Tommy Riley (James Marshall) moves to a tough Chicago neighborhood before long he is drawn into the illegal world of underground boxing. It soon becomes clear that he is fighting for more than he thought.
Gladiator (2000): After his family is killed by the emperor’s corrupt son (Joaquin Phoenix) a Roman general (Russell Crowe) finds himself enslaved and fighting as a gladiator.
Also see: The Gladiator (1986): After his brother is killed in an accident caused by a crazed motorist, a mechanic (Ken Wahl) customaries his truck and sets himself up as a vigilantly against dangerous drivers. Made for TV and directed by Abel Ferrara.
Sky High (2003): Supernatural Japanese serial-killer movie. A murder victim becomes the guardian of the Gate of Rage, there she has to fight her own murder to prevent him form summoning daemons and darkness falling upon the earth.
Sky High (2005): Disney family fun involving a family of superheroes. (I haven’t seen it so can’t say much more about it)
I’m sure there are lots of others I haven’t thought of.
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I’m not sure the 90’s is the best decade for movies but it is certainly consistent! Without any padding to make up the numbers every year of the decade has at least five great films to be in contention.
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