10 A24 Movies That Don’t Deserve the Hype: Controversial Picks!

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Over the past ten years, it has gained recognition for creating independent films and series that frequently earn critical praise. Several of its productions have been recognized with award nominations and feature the talents of well-established actors and directors in Hollywood.

As a film aficionado, I’ve got to share my honest thoughts: Some of the company’s blockbusters haven’t quite lived up to their buzz. The scripts were hurried, the acting was underutilized, and more. This piece aims to scrutinize ten films that didn’t fully deliver on their potential – and be warned, some of these choices might stir up a bit of controversy.

2017, Streaming on Max

Kicking off with an unconventional selection! “Lady Bird” is widely acclaimed as one of the greatest films ever made, showcasing the exceptional skill of director Greta Gerwig in cinema. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has received a 99% approval rating from critics and a 79% rating from audiences. The movie delves into the turbulent bond between a high school girl attending a Catholic school and her mother.

In a slightly rephrased manner: Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf deliver strong performances in their roles, but the emotional turmoil portrayed by Ronan’s character, Lady Bird, seems more like a caricature of adolescence than a true depiction of teenage life. This gives the acting a somewhat insincere feel. Additionally, the casting of Timothée Chalamet as the charming rebel raises some eyebrows.

The actresses do a good job with their roles, but Lady Bird’s struggles feel more like a parody of teenage life than a real portrayal. This makes the acting feel fake at times. Also, the choice to cast Timothée Chalamet as the rebellious character is debatable.

2024, Streaming on Max

Switching gears from one debatable selection to another, the inclusion of “We Live in Time” on this list doesn’t imply any criticism towards Andrew Garfield or the performer portraying his role. Both actors delivered exceptionally well, injecting the film with heart and chemistry that was truly captivating. However, it’s important to note that the film’s tragic romance seems to be marred by its script rather than the director, John Crowley’s, abilities.

Viewed impartially, their relationship can be seen as tainted, as one partner is often deceived while the other struggles with the knowledge that her time in this world is limited. Undeniably, they share a deep love for each other, but the notion that love solves everything seems oversimplified given the complex emotional landscape portrayed. A more authentic exploration of their journey through difficult times might have been preferable, with honesty and openness at its core from the outset.

2022, Currently Available to Rent

It’s not an exaggeration to note that he has played a significant role in directing and writing some of the most remarkable films from the past few decades, such as “28 Days Later”, “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation”. However, with his latest work, “Men”, it appears that he may have strayed from his focus. He seems to have a unique concept but fails to fully realize its potential.

The movie centers around a woman seeking solace in a picturesque countryside manor after her partner’s passing. However, the tranquility of the setting becomes unsettling as she encounters near-identical men from the town and is haunted by a menacing entity. Kudos to Garland for his bold approach. Regrettably, the film’s main theme remains elusive, even to those keen on exploring its deeper layers.

2013, Streaming on Max

A24’s earlier production, “The Bling Ring,” draws upon actual events. In this movie, teenagers monitor celebrities to burglarize their homes, initially reveling in the stolen goods until their actions eventually catch up with them. Since it’s a true story, the film seems almost fantastical, bordering on unbelievability. However, Sofia Coppola’s portrayal of reality doesn’t quite strike the right balance.

Instead of delving into the deeper significance or exploring why a gang of teenagers prefer a criminal lifestyle, the movie “The Bling Ring” barely scratches the surface. Additionally, Emma Watson’s accent in this film was found lacking by many viewers. The response to this production was mixed, with audiences on Rotten Tomatoes rating it just 33%.

2014, Currently Available to Rent

A movie with a noticeable gap between professional critic ratings and viewer ratings is Noah Baumbach’s “While We’re Young“. Critics find it “unflinchingly genuine”, but they believe that, like “The Bling Ring“, it shares the same surface-level issues. Fundamentally, this film explores the themes of growth, aging, and embracing each life stage. However, the characters sometimes fail to effectively convey these ideas.

Instead of being believable or outlandishly funny, the characters seem to challenge logic, leaving viewers questioning rather than accepting their shortcomings. Most jokes miss the mark, and viewers are left puzzled about the reason behind this 97-minute production that presents itself as a dramatic piece.

2015, Currently Available to Rent

In “The VVitch,” first-time director Robert Eggers largely delivers with his full-length debut. The film’s gripping quality is significantly contributed by the performances of Ralph Ineson and Kate Dickie, which quickly draw viewers in. However, despite an intriguing start, the horror genre’s promise seems to dissipate as the story nears its end.

In a different version, the criticism on women’s portrayal and the risks of extreme religious beliefs might have been more powerful in “The Witch” if Thomasin’s mysterious communicator had just been an ordinary goat instead of the devil in disguise.

2021, Streaming on Tubi, Pluto TV, PLEX and Xumo Play

In an engaging plotline, a movie titled Lamb presents a thought-provoking story: a childless Icelandic pair finds themselves in uncharted territory when a ewe delivers a creature part lamb, part human. This unexpected development sparks their interest in parenthood, but the ensuing events carry unexpected repercussions. As the film unfolds, viewers are left guessing about the outcome, as it becomes evident that nature will challenge this newly created imbalance.

Although Lamb may be more straightforward compared to other films in the list, it leaves viewers yearning for a sense of balance between despair and optimism as it lacks resolution that some audiences prefer. On Rotten Tomatoes, some viewers find it monotonous, while others admire its unique decisions.

2015, Streaming on Tubi, Pluto TV, Prime Video, PLEX and Xumo Play

The key factor behind the movie “Into the Forest” lies primarily with Ellen Page and Evan Rachel Wood, who portray sisters within the film. Yet, their relationship appears strained from the outset, exhibiting less sibling warmth than necessary mutual reliance. Frequently, they display questionable choices in response to adversity, opting to stay together despite situations that would typically demand more logical actions.

As a movie enthusiast, I recently watched “Into the Forest” and found myself divided in my opinion. On one hand, the acting performances were commendable, earning the film a respectable 76% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. However, audience reactions tell a different story, with an average rating of just 43%. One viewer went as far as to question the sanity of anyone who gave this movie more than two stars.

The film’s unique approach to the apocalypse, focusing intensely on personal experiences, left me pondering the greater implications of a world-altering blackout. While it offers an intriguing perspective, I couldn’t help but wonder if the larger ramifications of such a catastrophic event were lost amidst the intimate narrative.

2022, Currently Available to Rent

Bodies Bodies Bodies, marketed as a generational satire with a humorous take on how younger generations might react to a potential murder scenario, delivers just that. However, after roughly an hour, the deliberately over-the-top script may grow tiresome for some viewers. Moreover, some critics might argue that the climactic twist is predictable.

Viewers who enjoy the movie appear to appreciate how it tackles contemporary issues head-on. However, it’s not for everyone, as it often comes across as a trendy Gen Z artifact without a clear, unifying theme, seeming more like a stylistic statement than a classic mystery/thriller destined for the annals of history.

2021, Currently Available to Rent

In a reimagining of a 14th-century Arthurian legend, boasting a star-studded cast, held immense promise for being visually stunning. However, one could argue that the production feels more like an American interpretation of a classic British narrative, rather than a faithful adaptation. This may sound peculiar, but it accurately describes the overall feel of the film.

This movie, directed by Lowery, deviates from some strong aspects of the original poem, prioritizing stunning visuals and action over an iconic narrative. Consequently, the plot becomes thinner and less impactful emotionally. For those primarily seeking an exciting journey, the film may suffice. However, for those desiring a faithful adaptation that preserves the essence of Arthurian legend, it falls short significantly. Fans of Lowery might find greater fulfillment with “A Ghost Story“, while aficionados of King Arthur should consider other adaptations instead.

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2025-04-25 00:36