Why is ROLLERCOASTER! such an acclaimed movie?!

I know that so many people here are in love with the Timothy Bottoms thriller Rollercoaster!. I watched this on the Turner Classic Movies channel a few days ago, and I may put this on the top twenty worst films I have ever seen. The performances are corny, the story is far-fetched, and the sole purpose of this film is to show how well they can mount a camera on a roller coaster. I was so bored while watching it, but I had to stay awake to see if it would get better. The only good parts were towards the end with some decent shots (with horrid acting) of "Revolution". Honestly, how can you people sit through this crap?

Who ever said it was "acclaimed?"

It's a big pile of crap meant to be serious. That makes it funny.

Ever see "Towering Inferno," "Airport," "Rocky Horror Picture Show," or the State of the Union address? Same deal. Great fun, but not in the way it was intended.

You put it on the top 20 worst movies you've ever seen? I put it on my top 5. That's why I can't turn away whenever it's on.

I don't think anyone admires it for great acting, awesome effects or even a fascinating plot. What is IS good for are: great slices of life circa 1976 at two parks that are still around but vastly different, footage of the long gone Comet (the coaster destroyed in the opening), fine performances by George Segal, Richard Widmark, and Timothy Bottoms, and some quick shots of future stars Helen Hunt and Steve Guttenberg.

Why do I love it? I get to see Revolution when it didn't suck, and I happen to like that stupid Sparks song that goes on for 30 minutes at the climax.

Because it's about roller coasters. That's all. The same reason why Kiss fans liked that Detroit Rock City movie. Because it was about Kiss. That's not to say it's good...

It's a total piece of crap. I've never been able to sit through the entire thing, so I don't know how it starts (I've only seen the ending and the opening credits).

Rob Ascough, that is a horrible example. DRC grew a nice cult following after its release (and they, for the most part, weren't KISS fans).

Jay Sherman said "It stinks!". ;) I remember watching this as a kid and being glued to my seat. I was enthralled. But then again, the same can be said for "Xanadu". Imagine my horror when, years later, I had convinced a group of friends to give it a shot (after very heavy lobbying on my part), only to discover that it did indeed suck! What was I thinking!! I hadn't started drinking at that age, and as for drugs, I was all "yeah right, stoner!" at that age, so I have no idea why I initially thought it was good. I do know my reviewing credibility went out the window that day.
I imagine "Rollercoaster" might be a lot like that...

I like the story and the nostalgic park footage, but the acting and *special* effects are just horrid, which is what makes it funny to watch.

I sometimes wonder what it would be like to do a remake of the movie?

-Tina

What you do get is views of Kings Dominion in its prime as a THEME park with the wonderful Lake Charles still in tact.........

Rollercoaster, is one of life's guilty plesures.

The movie is so bad it's good. A stupid, totally forgetable Helen Hunt who should have quit the business, and that rediculous shot of Timothy Bottoms right before he gets smacked down by the Revolution. If that's not the definition of payback, I don't know what is.

There's a few reasons to LOVE Rollercoaster!

First, there's *Sensurround*, which was new and innovative...

Second, it started ACE and really kicked off what became not only a fantastic club, but an excellent way for hobbyists and industry professionals to interact (not unlike Buzz, LOL).

Third, it *does* contain some footage of some great parks in the long long ago.

Fourth...even though it was before her time, there's Helen Hunt...;)

That's not enough for ya?!?

Well, Helen Hunt IS a good selling point! But other than that, it seems to be a dated movie- a movie that time hasn't been too nice to. Sure, the old shots of PKD and MM are nice, but they don't save a generally lackluster movie. Yeah, it's historic (especially if you're an ACE member) but that's about it.

And Helen Hunt, of course.

What is everyone's deal with Helen Hunt?

The movie does suck, but it has great footage of Kings Dominion in its prime, as someone stated earlier. It's how I remember the park as a kid. Gives me a wicked feeling of nostalgia.

Singing mushrooms! :)

The beautiful Kings Dominion (Pre-KECO/Paramount) footage is enough for me.

I'm probably in the minority when I say I like the musical score. It reminds me of old Carousel band organs. ;)

*** Edited 6/29/2004 5:33:42 PM UTC by Dukeis#1***

It's definitely the nostalgia factor and unless you are a total coaster geek, not going to impress you one whit. Just like the old Star Trek series.

Of course, anyone born after 1974 isn't likely to appreciate any of the "special effects" like Sensurround or the shots from on the coasters especially compared to what can be done now. But when it was released, the sensurround was awesome, and it was the first movie I recall that made you feel like you were riding the coasters.

Eh...opinion from an old fart.

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coastergoose said:
What is everyone's deal with Helen Hunt?

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I dunno... what's the deal with any other actor? Just a matter of personal preference. besides, you could definitely do a lot worse than Helen Hunt.

Yeah, like Kirsten Dunst......Blech!!!

Can't argue that one!