A Little Less Appreciated Trivia Quiz

Answer: For Your Consideration

Although only receiving a minimal limited release, "For Your Consideration" is another Christopher Guest feature to make use of his frequent ensemble cast, including Eugene Levy, Parker Posey, Catherine O'Hara, Jane Lynch, and others. The film is based around the production of the expected-to-be Oscar-worthy 'Home for Purim'. Of course, as Oscar buzz increased for the film, many of the actors and crew (and the studio) make changes to themselves and the film to ensure that their nomination is set). Coincidentally, during Oscar season of the same year, Catherine O'Hara was speculated to be one of the 'Best Actress' nominees.

It never happened, just like in the film.

Answer: The Mothman Prophecies

Based on the idea of the paranormal creature often seen around Point Pleasant, West Virginia known as 'the mothman' or 'the man in black', "The Mothman Prophecies" is a modern retelling of a possible supernatural event which occurred decades ago - the collapse of the Silver Bridge. Richard Gere stars as an investigative journalist who tries to figure out the truth behind the situation after his wife, played by Debra Messing, is supposedly killed by the creature. "The Mothman Prophecies" was released in 2002, and while it may have recouped its budget, it wasn't necessarily a breakout hit.

In the box office, it was beaten by "The Count of Monte Cristo", released in the same week.

Answer: Transsiberian

Set on the Trans-Siberian Railway, this film, directed by Brad Anderson, stars Harrelson and Mortimer as a couple crossing the continent on the rails. When they meet the couple that they're sharing a cabin with, they soon get accidentally involved in a heroin smuggling trip and become hunted by corrupt Russian narcotics officers (led by Ben Kingsley).

The trip soon gets more dangerous as they progress across Russia, culminating with a wintry forest and hidden torture chamber alongside the tracks. The film was quite well-received (much like Anderson's earlier films "The Machinist" and "Session 9").

Despite critical acclaim and a modest box office return, the film remained low on most peoples' radar, only claiming a minimal release in the United States and very little buzz.

Answer: Starship Troopers

Although all of these films were directed by Paul Verhoeven, the three incorrect answers were released in the decade prior to "Starship Troopers". Although the film was quite popular with critics and scored well at the box office as well, the movie has since fallen by the wayside, with other sci-fi/alien action flicks released around the same time.

A year earlier, Roland Emmerich's "Independence Day" was released and "The Fifth Element" was released less than half a year before. Based on a futuristic world, in which aliens from a distant planet have traveled to Earth to fight in a war, a number of citizens have joined the Mobile Infantry in an attempt to save the planet. Casper Van Dien, Denise Richards, and Neil Patrick Harris star. "Starship Troopers" was followed in the following decade by two sequels: "Hero of the Federation" and "Marauder".

Answer: White Noise

Most film-goers may recognize Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice and Jack Frost, but "White Noise" fell somewhat by the wayside. It is based around the story of a man who loses his wife in a horrible accident and discovers that the dead can communicate through the 'white noise' and TV static.

He soon becomes obsessed with finding out the truth behind his wife's mysterious death. Deborah Kara Unger also stars. Though the film was somewhat successful in the theaters, earning $50 million, it was panned by critics.

The sequel, "White Noise 2: The Light", was less well-received though its director, Patrick Lussier, filmed the 2009 remake of "My Bloody Valentine" in 3D.

Answer: Kirsten Dunst

Released in 1995, "Empire Records" is the teen comedy of the mid-nineties. Taking into account the mid-nineties music scene and the styles and sayings of the time, the film follows a single day in a record shop and the events that transpire within. When one employee uses the store's earnings on a bet in Atlantic City and loses it all, they need to find a way to keep the store afloat. The film didn't do too well in the box office nor with the critics, but has since developed a following due to its subject matter. Like John Hughes films of the 80s, "Empire Records" similarly holds a place in the collections of teen comedy collectors.

Answer: A book

While "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" was financially successful, earning more than double its $65 million budget, most of its earnings were gained in Europe. Filmgoers in North America were treated to a meager theatrical run for a short amount of time - the movie barely charted. Based on a novel released in 1958 by Patrick Süskind, the film follows an odd young man with the unnatural ability to smell better than most people. Also starring Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman, the movie continues as the protagonist (Ben Whishaw) searches France for ingredients for the perfect perfume.

Answer: Domino

Based on the life of bounty hunter Domino Harvey (in the film portrayed by Kiera Knightley), "Domino" was a box office flop taking in less than half of its $50 million budget in theaters. The film was directed by Tony Scott (director of "Deja Vu", "The Taking of Pelham 123", and "Top Gun") and it also stars Lucy Liu, Christopher Walken, Mena Suvari, and Mo'Nique. Aside from bringing in a less-than-stellar box office total, the film was also panned by a number of critics, though it was regarded as one of the grittier action movies of recent years. Domino Harvey, the woman upon whom the character is based, passed away months before the film was released.

Answer: San Francisco

Based on the story of the Zodiac killer, the film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr. Despite very positive reviews for the most part, the film was quite long (reaching about two and a half hours in running time) and didn't fare well in terms of revenue in North America. Although it recouped its budget internationally, it was considered to be somewhat of a flop.
The film was directed by David Fincher, also known for his work in "Seven", "Fight Club", and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button". The last of these was nominated for thirteen Oscars in 2009.

Answer: Mars Attacks!

Although Tim Burton's comedy "Mars Attacks!" grossed $101 million in the box office over its theatrical run, the film cost $100 million to make, and as a result it was deemed unsuccessful. Featuring a high-profile cast including Jack Nicholson, Glenn Close, Sarah Jessica Parker, Pierce Brosnan, Jack Black, Natalie Portman, Martin Short, Michael J. Fox, Danny Devito, and (yes) Tom Jones, the film actually turned out to be unimpressive to critics, who figured it too over-the-top to be interesting.

The film followed the invasion of Earth by creatures from Mars who shout 'ACK! ACK! ACK!" and have an odd tendency to explode when they hear really bad music.