As a film enthusiast with over three decades of watching movies under my belt, I must say that these action scenes truly stand out amongst the rest. The train chase scene from “The Lone Ranger” is a classic example of how a well-executed stunt sequence can elevate an already thrilling story. The iconic tune accompanying the scene adds an extra layer of excitement that’s hard to forget.
It’s rare for anyone to intentionally produce a poor movie, but unfortunately, some films turn out to be incredibly disappointing. The issues could lie in the storyline, dialogue, acting, or the overall management of the production. Sometimes, it’s a mix of all these factors that make a film nearly impossible to watch. Ideally, these components should seamlessly blend together, forming what we hope is a captivating masterpiece. However, in the case of bad movies, these elements just don’t mesh well, resulting in a disjointed and unimpressive product that both critics and viewers find hard to stomach.
Occasionally, even a film that’s downright dreadful may contain a single scene worth appreciating. A moment of genius, a striking detail that shines amidst the disarray of the rest. These scenes could last anywhere from two minutes to forty, but they’re the ones you remember fondly years later, despite how badly the movie itself was received. Now, let’s explore — without actually viewing — ten movies that were panned by critics, yet contain one stunning scene that might momentarily make you forget just how terrible the rest of the film was.
10 Therapy Session
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
In terms of its groundbreaking visual effects and distinct dystopian plotline, The Matrix stands as one of the most innovative films ever made. In this film, the world we interact with daily is merely a computer-generated illusion, and we’re all unknowingly imprisoned within it. The unprecedented success of The Matrix spawned a trilogy. However, 18 years later, we received a sequel that no one anticipated or requested. Despite receiving a 63% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the 2021 release titled The Matrix Resurrections was a commercial flop.
In an unexpected twist for any die-hard Matrix fan like myself, the most captivating moment in The Matrix Resurrections isn’t found in its high-octane action sequences. Instead, it’s the introspective conversation between Neo and his therapist, played by the talented Neil Patrick Harris. This character, known as The Analyst, subtly challenges Neo’s perception of reality, suggesting that his role as a video game designer has blurred the lines between the virtual world and the real one. As a disturbed video game architect became increasingly clear, it was hard not to be hooked.
The film titled “The Matrix Resurrections” aimed to carry on the previous narrative, yet it felt awkward as familiar characters were given fresh personas. Critically, it seemed to swap Neo (Keanu Reeves) with Trinity (Carrie-Amme Moss), and it was deeply noticed by fans that many iconic actors were absent. To many viewers, “The Matrix Resurrections” felt like a pale imitation of the original “Matrix.
9 Duel of the Fates
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
1999 marked a significant moment in cinematic history with the release of “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.” This was the first new Star Wars film since thirteen years had passed. Keep in mind, streaming services like Disney+ didn’t exist yet, so there wasn’t a constant flow of new Star Wars content being pushed out. The anticipation among fans was palpable when George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, announced he would be making a prequel trilogy.
A large number of both fans and reviewers felt let down by the film, “The Phantom Menace.” The screenplay was criticized as uninspired, the characters were perceived as juvenile, it featured questionable racial stereotypes, and it heavily focused on politics. Although there are some people who adore this movie, the general consensus is that “The Phantom Menace” is not a well-made film. This is evident in its poor rating of 52% from critics and 59% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Phantom Menace did have some positives. And its biggest one by far is the 2 vs 1 lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Maul. Who can forget that epic score from John Williams, Duel of the Fates? As soon as Duel of the Fates begins playing — and Darth Maul appears, reveals his crown of horns for the first time, and whips out his double-bladed lightsaber — we know that we’re in for a treat. This battle ramped up the choreography, churning out a lightsaber duel that’s more epic than anything we had seen before. To this day, this remains one of the best lightsaber duels in the Star Wars galaxy.
8 Creation
Noah (2014)
The film “Noah” is named after its central character and lives up to the name, presenting the well-known biblical tale of Noah’s Ark in grand fashion under the direction of Darren Aronofsky. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast featuring Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, and Anthony Hopkins. Critics generally praised “Noah,” giving it a 75% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences had mixed feelings about the film. Despite earning a good amount at the box office, it received only 41% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, with some criticizing its limited representation and environmentalist themes.
One scene in particular has left a lasting impression on movie viewers since its release. In this scene, as Noah narrates the biblical tale of creation, we are presented with an engaging sequence depicting the genesis of the universe. We observe the birth of the universe, along with galaxies, stars, and planets emerging from the cosmic dust. Life unfolds before our eyes, starting from single-cell organisms in the ocean, moving on to fish, then land-dwelling mammals. The fall of Adam and Eve, the first murder, and subsequent centuries of violence are also portrayed. This visually captivating montage is characteristic of a talented director like Aronofsky.
7 “Just when I thought I Was Out…”
The Godfather Part III (1990)
The closing chapter of the epic saga known as “The Godfather” was unfortunately a lackluster effort, often seen as unwanted and unnecessary, particularly following the flawless conclusion of “The Godfather: Part II”. Despite garnering 66% and 68% ratings from critics and audiences on Rotten Tomatoes respectively, many viewers agree that “The Godfather Part III” falls short, especially in comparison to its predecessors. Notable cast members returning for the film included Al Pacino as Michael Corleone, Diane Keaton as Kay Adams, and Talia Shire as Connie Corleone.
This film contains several captivating moments. One such instance is when Michael convenes with the leaders of various criminal organizations in a hotel conference room, which is truly remarkable.
The situation appears smooth-sailing until you notice the noise of an incoming helicopter blades. The helicopter descends onto the conference room and starts firing, causing numerous mobsters to lose their lives. Not long after, Michael is in a family meeting to discuss the recent events when he snarls, “Even when I thought I had escaped… they drag me back in.” This quote is famously known from The Godfather Part III, and it has since become a memorable scene.
6 Underwater World
Waterworld (1995)
The well-known movie “Waterworld,” starring Kevin Costner, is a story set in a far-off future where the polar ice caps have disappeared, causing Earth to be flooded. With an enormous budget of $175 million, it was the most costly film produced at that time. Due to its high production costs and poor critical reception, “Waterworld” flopped at the box office. It currently has a rating of 47% rotten on Rotten Tomatoes.
The idea underlying the movie Waterworld is intriguing, and one specific moment powerfully illustrates this theme. In this instance, the character portrayed by Costner constructs a homemade submersible to plunge deep into the ocean. This scene offers a tantalizing peek at an underwater landscape, where towering skyscrapers are submerged beneath the waves. We catch a glimpse of the remnants of human civilization, the haunting remains of Denver, Colorado. It’s a fascinating yet unsettling sight that serves as a stark reminder of our current environmental challenges and potential future consequences if we fail to act promptly to address them.
5 War Montage
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Enthusiasts were overjoyed when they learned that Wolverine, widely regarded as the top and most beloved character from the X-Men series, would be headlining his own film, with Hugh Jackman portraying the iconic mutant. The movie, titled X-Men Origins: Wolverine, began on a strong note. It opens with an exciting war montage depicting Logan (Jackman) and his future adversary, Sabertooth (Liev Schreiber), battling in significant American conflicts, tracing back to the Civil War.
As a film enthusiast, I must say, that montage had us all buzzing with anticipation! But alas, it seemed like the only scene worth savoring in X-Men Origins: Wolverine. The rest of the movie was disappointingly predictable and clichéd, unfortunately earning it a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
4 The Golden Gate Bridge Brawl
A View to a Kill (1985)
Over the years, numerous James Bond films have been produced by Hollywood, and while some are exceptional, others sadly don’t measure up. “A View to a Kill,” unfortunately, belongs to the latter group, receiving a disappointing 37% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – making it one of the lowest-rated movies in the Bond franchise. Critics found its excessive, comic-book-like scenes fitting for Christopher Walken’s eccentric villain, but overall, the film fell flat.
007 films typically include a thrilling climactic battle between Bond and the antagonist, and despite its flaws, A View to a Kill delivers on this aspect. In this instance, Bond (played by Roger Moore) is clinging for survival as Max Zorin’s (Walken) airship sails over San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Remarkably, Bond manages to secure the airship to the bridge without it being destroyed.
Here’s what follows: A tense, nerve-wracking fight unfolds on the slender cables of the Golden Gate Bridge, perched dramatically above the Pacific Ocean. Zorin’s demise is somewhat peculiar; he gives off an awkward laugh at a moment when one of his men addresses him, which seems out of place and comic in nature. However, it’s an exciting sequence in a film that overall leaves much to be desired.
3 Final Train Chase Scene
The Lone Ranger (2013)
In 2013, Disney endeavored to resurrect the masked cowboy character, the Lone Ranger, on the big screen, but the project ended up being a significant flop instead.
In this sequence, two trains travel side by side, carrying both heroes and villains. The stirring tune of “William Tell Overture” by Gioachino Rossini (more commonly known as the Lone Ranger theme) echoes dramatically in the background. As we watch, the lone masked hero leaps from building to building and then onto the moving trains, all while his steed gallops along. A flurry of gunfire and fierce combat unfold in this thrilling scene that is destined to leave an impression.
2 Pearl Harbor Attack
Pearl Harbor (2001)
It was inevitable that Hollywood would eventually produce a film about Pearl Harbor, one of the most heart-wrenching episodes in American history, with potential for cinematic greatness akin to other historical films such as Titanic or Saving Private Ryan. However, instead of creating an epic masterpiece, the 2001 film Pearl Harbor found itself under the direction of action movie director Michael Bay, who shifted the focus towards a romantic triangle in the narrative.
The movie entitled “Pearl Harbor” boasts an impressive ensemble featuring stars such as Ben Affleck, Kate Beckinsale, and Josh Hartnett. Despite not being panned by audiences (boasting a 66% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes), the film was heavily criticized by critics like Roger Ebert, who found its romantic scenes dull and dialogue unrealistic, leading to a dismal 24% rating from them.
But amid this mess lies the centerpiece of the film: the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It’s what we’ve all come to see, a 40-minute explosive scene that captures the horrors of the infamous Japanese bombing. We see battleships bursting into flames and brave soldiers screaming for their lives, clutching the hands of their brethren as they drown in the Pacific Ocean. This devastating scene is sure to tug at your heartstrings, no matter how much you might hate Pearl Harbor.
1 Ambulance Pursuit
Madame Web (2024)
In a rather disappointing turn of events for 2024 cinema, the film “Madame Web,” scoring merely 11% on Rotten Tomatoes, is now widely recognized as one of the year’s least successful movies. This production focuses on the origin story of Madame Webb (played by Johnson), a character who sets out to protect three upcoming Spider-Women from a sinister-looking Spider-Man who intends to hunt them down and eliminate them. Regrettably, this is yet another lackluster superhero origin tale, adding to the growing list of Spider-Man associated films produced by Sony, seemingly in a bid to capitalize on their Spider-Man franchise. Despite boasting A-list stars like Dakota Johnson and Sydney Sweeney, “Madame Web” has failed to escape its barrage of negative reviews.
But even the abysmal Madame Web has at least one good scene. Here, evil Spider-Man has the future Spider-Women cornered. But at the last second, Madame Webb comes crashing through a billboard in a blaring ambulance and absolutely pummels evil Spider-Man. An action-packed ambulance pursuit then ensues, as evil Spider-Man chases after his targets. It’s a pretty cool scene that almost makes you forget how bad this movie really is. Almost.
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2024-10-11 02:02