8 Most Underrated Movies From Summer 2016

Forget the Marvel/DC debate - The Neon Demon was the summer movie that really showed the problem with modern film criticism. In my press screening of the film (I cite this not to brag, but to establish the level of professionalism that should have been in the room) there was constant, incessant, needlessly loud giggling from vast swathes of the audience (the older and more experienced side of those in attendance to boot).

Now there's nothing wrong with not enjoying a movie because it's plain ridiculous, but to do so so audibly in such a childish fashion is elitist codswallop, showing a complete lack of respect for the work on screen and coming across as a pathetic attempt to show your disdain to those in the cinema before the thing's even over.

Now The Neon Demon is mighty pretentious, with vast stretches that make little sense and no clear lock on what it wants to be about, but for everything I hated there's something to love; the hypnotic visuals, the droning score and the way Nicolas Winding Refn challenges our own obsession with youth in a sickeningly personal manner.

That general attitude towards Refn's film, however, is no doubt why it's been so slated. He deserved it somewhat after Only God Forgives, but that doesn't excuse the rudeness.