Still, it's an example of an exceptional movie that hasn't achieved the level of success it deserves. Like "Munich," "Bridge of Spies" is another brilliant thriller from Spielberg. It was recognized by the Academy with six Oscar nominations, so calling it "underrated" might seem odd. The film gets its name from the bridge which connects Potsdam with Berlin, a preferred spot for prisoner swaps during the Cold War. Donovan then works with the CIA, the organization he rebuffed during the trial, to ensure the exchange takes place on Glienicke Bridge. He argues that the death penalty should be avoided in favor of a future prisoner exchange, and that's precisely what happens after Gary Powers' U-2 is shot down over the USSR in 1960. The spy in question, Rudolf Abel, was arrested in 1957, and Donovan does his best to prove his client's innocence but fails. Ultimately, it's an entertaining film people should see without comparing it to its predecessor. It easily outshines the more recent adaptation of Richard Condon's 1959 novel, and that's unlikely to change anytime soon. The original film is widely considered to be one of the best political thrillers ever made, and it has the award nominations to back that up. The main reason "The Manchurian Candidate" is underrated is its predecessor. Still, despite the critical acclaim it has received, it doesn't get the attention it deserves. It's easily one of Washington's best thrillers. The 2004 film features an all-star cast (like its predecessor), including Meryl Streep, Anthony Mackie, Jeffrey Wright, and many others. Still, the overall plot and mechanics of the conspiracy remain pretty much the same. The new "Manchurian Candidate" was updated to better fit with modern times, as Roger Ebert reflected in his review. If the film's plot seems familiar, that's because it's a remake of the 1962 film of the same name. Still, there has been talk of a sequel, with most of the original cast and crew voicing an interest in the project (via CinemaBlend) - not that the many recent controversies surrounding Hammer don't complicate matters further. The film didn't make a ton of cash, seemingly ensuring there wouldn't be a follow-up. Had that happened, more people would have gone to see what amounts to an incredibly entertaining movie. While that makes sense, "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." should have been marketed better. Add to that the additional 22 years of development, and you're going to end up with an adaptation that doesn't exactly have a dedicated fan base running to theaters. When development began, the television series that inspired it had been off the air for 25 years. It was being worked on in the early '90s and had numerous talents attached to it over the years. "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." is a movie that languished in development hell for years before finally reaching the silver screen (per Den of Geek). Interestingly, the franchise is on tap for a reboot, though it's been in the works for a long time (per The Hollywood Reporter). Each is brilliantly portrayed, and while "The Saint" has its fans, it's an underrated movie that should have fared better with critics upon release. Kilmer shifts through a dozen disguises in the movie, giving him the opportunity to play 12 different characters. "The Saint" has not been universally beloved by critics despite the charisma of its star. There were also multiple television series (including one with future 007 Roger Moore) and a radio show starring none other than Vincent Price. Kilmer's adaptation wasn't the first film centered around the character, as he'd been the subject of numerous films throughout the mid-20th century. In fact, the character of Simon Templar first appeared in the 1920s via Leslie Charteris' book series. When it was made, the television series it was based upon had been off the air for decades. The film was commercially successful, but not to a level most studios would prefer.
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