In the wake of the pandemic and with Hollywood box office numbers on the rise, it seems fitting to revisit a cherished cinematic tradition: critiquing films that didn’t quite hit the mark. As a seasoned film critic, I evaluate movies using a four-star scale, where only a select few achieve perfection or complete failure. While praising excellent films is rewarding, there’s also joy in dissecting those that fall flat. Here, we delve into ten films from the past decade that earned a resounding zero stars, showcasing their missteps and moments of unintentional hilarity.
The year 2015 saw several notable flops, including "Aloha," where Bradley Cooper's character attempts to juggle two romantic interests while inadvertently blowing up a satellite. Similarly, Angelina Jolie’s directorial effort, "By the Sea," felt more like a prolonged perfume advertisement than an engaging narrative. Meanwhile, the Wachowskis’ "Jupiter Ascending" stretched viewers' patience with its 127-minute runtime devoid of compelling ideas.
Moving forward, "Fifty Shades Darker" continued the trend of underwhelming sequels, proving that even an abundance of props couldn't salvage its awkward dialogue. In contrast, "Underwater" failed to deliver on its premise, offering little excitement beyond its ominous soundtrack. The battle between Godzilla and Kong in 2021 similarly disappointed, not due to lack of CGI but because of insufferable human characters overshadowing the spectacle.
More recent entries include Michael Bay's chaotic "Ambulance," which, despite its flaws, might be worth watching for its unintentional humor. Dwayne Johnson's "Black Adam" struggled with coherence, leaving audiences unsure whether he was hero or villain. On another front, Marvel's "The Marvels" underperformed at the box office, suggesting fans crave substance over style. Finally, capping off this list is "Joker: Folie à Deux," a musical misstep starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, leaving critics questioning its very existence.
From romantic misfires to superhero stumbles, these films remind us that sometimes the most entertaining part of cinema lies in its failures. Each one offers a lesson in what not to do, making them fascinating case studies for aspiring filmmakers and cinephiles alike.