I tend to go with something along the lines of, “Oh my god, I love [movie]. It’s pretty polarizing/It’s definitely not for everyone, though.” So far seems to set reasonable expectations and I’ve introduced a fair number of people to some movies they otherwise never would have seen and ended up really enjoying.
I’ve found the problem with this is people over-hyping it. Just casually suggest it with one or two reasons why you like it.
Or do what I do, and downplay it. Sure, nobody ever takes my “suggestions”, but at least they’re never disappointed!
Hey man, lemme tell you about this game Portal: someone belittles you while you shoot a gun that doesn’t even kill people.
Buddy, have you ever seen The Princess Bride? It’s about a guy who reads a book to his grandson.
I tend to go with something along the lines of, “Oh my god, I love [movie]. It’s pretty polarizing/It’s definitely not for everyone, though.” So far seems to set reasonable expectations and I’ve introduced a fair number of people to some movies they otherwise never would have seen and ended up really enjoying.