Sorta Based on a True Story

I was looking at Cracked.com today for the first time, and discovered some of their posts interesting. One I found particularly appropriate to post here: "7 Movies Based on a True Story (That are Complete Bullshit)" by Jeff Kelly. The top picks?

#7 - The Pursuit of Happyness
#6 - 21
#5 - Lean on Me
#4 - Rudy
#3 - Victory (AKA Escape to Victory)
#2 - Good Morning, Vietnam
#1 - The Hurricane

These movies really were based on true stories, but Hollywood gave them a certain fictional twist to ensure their appeal to the masses. As if they are saying moviegoers aren't smart, strong enough, or even willing to watch a 'real-life' story from beginning to end, Hollywood has to implement changes that almost sensationalize any film today that comes remotely close to 'the harsh truth.'

Of course the common person is only looking to have a good time with a film, but who is to say that real-life events taken strictly from facts can't be enjoyed by the American public? I'm probably a bit biased with my journalism education, and I suppose strict fact in movies would fall into the 'documentary' genre in any case. Nonetheless, I do find it a bit misleading if movies claim to be 'Based on a True Story,' when, in truth, they mean 'Sorta Based on a True story.'

Movie Review in Brief:
The only movies I have actually seen on this list are "21" and "Rudy." I actually watched "21" at my first ever drive-in movie, and it did not live up to my expectations. Perhaps the fact that it was raining at the time didn't help either. Before I saw the film, I found the story compelling since I knew it was 'based on true story' of a young man who cashed in on a card-counting stint in Vegas. Ultimately, I thought they could have done so much more with the film. It was mediocre at best, and maybe best summarized with Kevin Spacey's disappointing performance. At least two people who were with me at the time, actually fell asleep.