In my humble opinion as a film enthusiast, the dichotomy between brilliance and mediocrity is what truly brings out the best in cinematic masterpieces. It’s a well-worn trope, yet it holds an undeniable truth – one can’t fully savor the exceptional without first experiencing the less than stellar. A film that falls flat on its face provides the perfect contrast to elevate a truly remarkable piece of artistry.
Ponder on this as an exploration of viewpoints. It’s important to note that none of the following 20 films, our selections for the 20 most disappointing movies from the past two decades, were intentionally created to be poor. Yet, they ended up that way, despite the dedication and goodwill put into them by their creators. Crafting a story, assembling a cast, and guiding a production are all challenging tasks. Cinema is difficult.
At least one filmmaker on the list allegedly took advantage of a tax break that allowed investors to pay taxes only on profitable films, creating an odd financial incentive for a movie to fail instead of succeed. In other words, there might be instances where someone intentionally produces a poor-quality film, although it’s more common for a movie’s quality to take a back seat to factors such as international sales. However, such cases are relatively uncommon.
If you’re considering utilizing this list to plan your friends’ upcoming Bad Movie Night, bear in mind: A few of the movies on the list aren’t so-bad-they’re-good; they’re simply terrible. For instance, the film produced by the tax loophole guy is quite a struggle to get through. Approach with care and remember: There can be no good without bad, but sometimes it’s more enjoyable to watch a genuinely good movie rather than compare the two.
The 20 Worst Movies of the Last 20 Years (2005-2024)
20. Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009)
15 years following the initial “Street Fighter” movie starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, there was essentially a re-make. Contrary to its title, it lacked legends and minimal street fighting. However, it did feature Chris Klein delivering one of the worst performances ever as Charlie Nash. He hardly resembled the “Street Fighter” character with the same name, instead focusing on preening, mugging, and snarling at the camera. It’s a spectacle truly worth seeing.
19. The Happytime Murders (2018)
Brian Henson’s adult-oriented puppet comedy, “The Happytime Murders,” is filled with crude humor that appeals to a mature audience, primarily due to the novelty of seeing puppets in an edgy comedic setting, particularly one replete with sex jokes. If you ever find yourself at a trivia night and the question is “Which movie features Melissa McCarthy biting a puppet’s penis?” or “In which film does Joel McHale mimic a scene from ‘Basic Instinct’ by staring at a puppet’s vagina?”, the answer to both would be “The Happytime Murders.” The only individual who manages to maintain her dignity throughout this production is Maya Rudolph. She delivers a rice pilaf joke with such finesse that she truly deserves the title of hero.
18. The Book of Henry (2017)
In simpler terms, director Colin Trevorrow’s follow-up to “Jurassic World” is the unusual and confusing flop titled “The Book of Henry”. This movie uniquely blends magical realism with themes of child abuse. It can also be interpreted as a modern retelling of the life of Christ, where a powerful entity sacrifices himself so that his troubled mother can avenge a victimized stepdaughter. Simultaneously, it serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of indifference, using an intelligent deceased child teaching his mother assassination skills from beyond the grave to convey this message. Yes, these events indeed unfold in “The Book of Henry”.
17. Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
In the movie “Space Jam: A New Legacy”, Warner Bros. portrayed itself as a heartless conglomerate of intellectual properties managed by a sinister algorithm, essentially taking a cinematic jab at itself in an Oscar-worthy fashion. The overall film was so weak and unfunny that it made the original “Space Jam” feel like a masterpiece such as “2001: A Space Odyssey”. LeBron James is not a bad actor, but his performance pales in comparison to Michael Jordan’s in the original film. However, almost everything else about “A New Legacy” was cringe-worthy from start to finish. The movie seems to lack understanding of what makes Looney Tunes appealing, and Bugs Bunny, in particular, is transformed into a whiny, dejected character. My suggestion: Instead, watch some classic Looney Tunes cartoons on Max. Even a random short will provide more laughter than this entire two-hour movie. Plus, the animation quality is superior.
16. Basic Instinct 2 (2006)
Sharon Stone’s talent for making even mundane lines sound sensual borders on extraordinary, yet the film “Basic Instinct 2” fails to impress overall. Stone (or rather, overplays) her character in a way that overshadows David Morrissey’s male lead, who appears to be no match for her. The reason for her interest in him remains unclear, unless she perceives him as an easy target and decides to toy with him like a praying mantis does its prey for amusement.
In the film, Stone’s character Catherine seems to be enjoying herself playing with her food, but Morrissey’s psychiatrist is so weak that there’s little entertainment in her tormenting him because there’s no suspense about the outcome. It’s like watching the 1992 Dream Team dominate a group of children from a local recreational center. Catherine is supposed to be addicted to risk, but she takes none when confronting this underdog.
15. Dirty Grandpa (2016)
In a different phrasing: The movie “Dirty Grandpa” shares a similar comedic approach with “The Happytime Murders”, where they both rely on the contrast between something perceived as pure or innocent (puppets, grandpas) and explicit content. If hearing Robert De Niro utter words like “smegma” brings laughter to you, then this film will be amusing for you. However, if not, you might find it disappointing. It’s worth noting that the title certainly fits the movie well.
14. Marmaduke (2022)
In my opinion, there’s hardly any animated movie that is as visually unappealing and downright ugly as “Marmaduke”. I hope I never have to lay eyes on anything as bad. It seems like it was hastily produced as part of a shady business deal or one of those odd arrangements where the producers are forced to create something, anything, by a certain deadline.
Strangely enough, this movie boasts some well-known and genuinely funny actors such as J.K. Simmons, David Koechner, and Pete Davidson. It’s hard to believe they didn’t read the script or weren’t shown the hideous characters they were expected to voice. Perhaps they were promised something extravagant in return for their participation, like a private island getaway? I can’t help but wonder how this happened. “Marmaduke” is nothing short of trash. It’s so bad that I wouldn’t even force it upon the kids who used to tease me on the school bus by making up songs about my nose-picking – which, in retrospect, was more creative than anything in “Marmaduke”.
13. Madame Web (2024)
The film “Madame Web” evokes a sense of nostalgia for the era preceding Marvel Studios, where adaptations of Marvel characters appeared somewhat hesitant about their comic book origins. This sentiment extends to Dakota Johnson, who portrays the title character. Despite being officially known as Cassie Webb, no one in the movie refers to her as “Madame Web.” She also never dons a superhero costume and instead gives off an air of awkwardness throughout the film. Given the situation, it’s understandable that everyone seems a bit embarrassed about their roles. If you were to watch this with Kevin Feige, it might make for an entertaining experience. However, it’s hard not to compare it unfavorably to “The Amazing Spider-Man” or even “Spider-Man 2.”
12. Meet the Spartans (2008)
Over the past 20 years, one of the saddest developments in cinema has been the surge of spoof films, primarily triggered by the financial triumph of the Scary Movie series. Many of these alleged comedies were either written or directed by former Scary Movie team members Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer. Their concept of humor was to reenact scenes from popular movies, especially 300 in the case of Meet the Spartans, although it also contained unrelated jokes from films like Shrek, Spider-Man 3, and Happy Feet – featuring lookalikes and people getting hit in the groin.
If there was any humor at all (and there wasn’t), most of the jokes were so specific to late 2000s pop culture, with jabs taken at figures like Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton, that today they appear as outdated as an artifact from ancient Greece. I cannot stress enough how crucial it is you avoid watching Meet the Spartans.
11. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
The title itself seems to hint at everything this film encompasses. Is it an X-Men movie, a Wolverine solo adventure, or an origin story? Why not combine them all? Unfortunately, if director Gavin Hood had chosen to focus on one element, there might have been a chance for a decent film. However, the decision to blend multiple X-Men and Wolverine narratives likely doomed the movie from the start. Lines like “We didn’t sign up for this” (spoken by Hugh Jackman as Logan) in X-Men Origins not only move the plot forward but also serve as a witty critique of the movie itself. Other examples include “We’ve done enough!”, “You look like a man about to do something terrible,” and my personal favorite, “Wake me when it’s over.
10. Daddy Day Camp (2007)
It appears that none of the main cast members from “Daddy Day Care” were interested in reprising their roles for this unanticipated follow-up. Instead, Cuba Gooding Jr., Paul Rae, Josh McLerran, and Tamala Jones stepped into the roles originally played by Eddie Murphy, Jeff Garlin, Steve Zahn, and Regina King. Notably, director Steve Carr was also absent from this production.
Originally, “Daddy Day Care” revolved around Murphy and Garlin learning to manage a day care center. In the sequel, they shift their focus to running a camp, which, given their now refined childcare abilities, should have been a sure success. However, as it’s a sequel, everything goes awry once more, mirroring the fate of the film itself.
9. Elektra (2005)
The years leading up to the Marvel Cinematic Universe were a rather dismal era for Marvel enthusiasts. Following the initial successes of the X-Men and Spider-Man franchises, studios grew increasingly greedy and started producing Marvel adaptations with little regard for the care or quality that characterized their early examples.
The most notorious of these productions was Elektra, featuring Jennifer Garner reprising her role from Daredevil as an assassin who meticulously cleans her floorboards to eliminate any trace of DNA, while simultaneously being so haphazard in her job that she socializes with neighbors during assignments without realizing they are the ones she is supposed to be targeting.
To make matters worse, Elektra’s resurrection in Daredevil granted her the power to predict the future and even manipulate time when needed, effectively making her an immortal deity. One would think that such godlike abilities would be used more wisely, but naturally, she chose to spend her time traveling through time to stab ninjas. If you could travel through time, wouldn’t you do the same?
8. Norbit (2007)
Audiences often find delight when Eddie Murphy portrays several characters within a single movie using intricate prosthetic makeup. Despite unfavorable critic reviews, the 2007 film Norbit still managed to gross nearly $160 million worldwide against a production budget of $60 million.
However, this doesn’t imply it’s a quality film. In this instance, Murphy’s ability to morph physically (alongside Rick Baker’s remarkable makeup effects) are utilized in a story that is filled with anger. The tale revolves around a meek man who marries a domineering woman, both portrayed by Murphy, who treats her husband more like an abused servant than a spouse. Murphy’s portrayal of the vindictive and violent Rasputia is technically proficient – yet it also presents a cruel caricature of a shrew, with numerous jokes centered around her weight. The film’s most disheartening aspect is that Murphy also plays Mr. Wong, a harsh Chinese man who runs an orphanage and speaks with a heavy stereotypical accent. In summary, the movie is quite disappointing.
7. The Emoji Movie (2017)
Imagine crafting an engaging film about the intricacies of smartphone culture or even emojis, but it would necessitate a script brimming with witty satire and biting commentary, far more so than what was presented in ‘The Emoji Movie’. Despite its faintly optimistic message encouraging acceptance of differences, this production unfortunately lives up to expectations: It’s essentially an overt advertisement for a tech company that profits from selling millions of smartphones annually. The film subtly implies that owning a cell phone will enhance popularity and make you irresistible to girls. Yuck.
6. Artemis Fowl (2020)
Initially, during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic around 65 years ago, Disney postponed all its 2020 blockbuster films except for “Artemis Fowl”, which they released directly on Disney+. In retrospect, this was a clear warning sign. This film adaptation of the popular young adult book series condenses approximately ten novels’ worth of content into just 90 minutes, resulting in a confusing and almost unbearable viewing experience. If you can decipher how Josh Gad’s character transitioned from burglarizing Artemis Fowl’s home to joining forces with him to stop another character without any dialogue shared between them, then you are more intelligent than I. It requires a particularly unique level of bad streaming content to make viewers feel cheated even when they haven’t paid anything beyond their subscription fee, but “Artemis Fowl” managed to achieve this feat.
5. Son of the Mask (2005)
There are hardly any movies sadder than a sequel to a Jim Carrey film that doesn’t star Jim Carrey himself. The charm of the original ‘Mask’ lay in the magic mask, which enabled Carrey to express his unbridled spirit, as well as his talent for impressions and voices. In ‘Son of the Mask’, Jamie Kennedy’s character barely wears the mask (his dog does it more oddly for some reason), and when he does, he is as stiff as a wooden plank – even though his character is an unfulfilled cartoonist to mimic Carrey’s portrayal of The Mask. It seems they’ve added another actor’s voice to make him sound like the original character.
In the second act, and I am not joking, the plot revolves around Kennedy’s dog being envious of the family’s new baby, so the dog intentionally dons the mask to harm the infant. Yes, a jealous-dog subplot! Rest assured, the baby is safe; he was born with mask powers. Believe me: Nothing in your life can prepare you for the sight of this horrid CGI baby urinating and vomiting on Jamie Kennedy. This movie should have been thrown into the sea like the mask at the end of ‘The Mask’.
4. Alone in the Dark (2005)
Uwe Boll gained notoriety as one of the decade’s most criticized directors, primarily known for his video game adaptations, which were financially successful thanks to a German tax loophole. To visualize this, think of the characters from Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” as gamers, and you’ll get an idea of Boll’s situation.
In one of Boll’s many disastrous films from the 2000s, Tara Reid plays a brilliant archaeologist alongside Christian Slater as a detective investigating supernatural events. However, due to its confusion-inducing plot, I can’t share much more about it. Even the opening title crawl, which is overly lengthy and complex, makes “Alone in the Dark” even harder to understand than it already was. (The crawl lasts a full 90 seconds.) It’s worth mentioning that “Alone in the Dark” ranked as the worst video game movie ever made, so its placement on this list is particularly significant.
3. Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey (2023)
This low-budget horror film, inspired by A.A. Milne’s classic book which has recently entered the public domain, serves neither as an effective slasher nor a satire of children’s literature. Interestingly, it succeeds, albeit perversely, in making a strong point against the idea of a public domain. If strict copyright laws keep trash like this from being produced and exposed to unwitting audiences… perhaps it isn’t all that bad? In essence, “Blood and Honey” is an unbearable heap of rubbish.
2. Dolittle (2020)
In the style of Tim Burton’s Batman, where a street doctor botches Jack Napier’s face reconstruction and creates the Joker, Dolittle is a film adaptation that’s a chaotic, disjointed mess. It seems to have been cobbled together from discarded scenes and re-shoots of what was initially a more serious project. What began as a potentially somber tale transformed into a cinematic Frankenstein’s monster filled with toilet humor, animal puns, subpar CGI, and Robert Downey Jr.’s performance that outdoes Captain Jack Sparrow’s reserved demeanor.
1. Disaster Movie (2008)
The title “Disaster Movie” is misleading as neither the term ‘disaster’ nor ‘movie’ accurately describe this production. The films parodied by writers/directors Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer were not typical disaster movies, but rather included titles such as 10,000 B.C., Hancock, Jumper, Enchanted, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Beowulf, and The Love Guru. This production, at best, meets a very loose definition of a movie, with only a few characters and an almost nonexistent storyline. It relies heavily on poor celebrity impressions, with actors having to loudly introduce them on screen.
In all honesty, it’s one of the saddest imitations of a film I have ever encountered. After witnessing a man fight a poorly made Kung Fu Panda costume-clad stuntman, my initial anger turned into genuine sympathy – for those who participated in this project, but more so for anyone foolish enough to pay for the ticket.
The 20 Best Movies of the Last 20 Years (2005-2024)
20. The Master (2012)
2012 saw intense discussions about Paul Thomas Anderson’s remarkable film, “The Master,” focusing on its striking resemblances to L. Ron Hubbard and Scientology. Some critics and viewers found the movie’s core message ambiguous. Is Lancaster Dodd, portrayed by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, a spiritual guide or a fraud? How can he reconcile his teachings with Freddie Quell’s primal instincts, which contradict the fundamental principles of Dodd’s beliefs? Upon recent rewatching, I found “The Master” to be as much a complex tale of love as Anderson’s “Phantom Thread,” and was particularly moved by its narrative about a man who professes to erase past-life traumas, yet struggles to help his most devoted disciple overcome the trauma he faces in this very life.
19. The Favourite (2018)
18. Holy Motors (2012)
Leos Carax’s ‘Holy Motors’ is an extraordinary cinematic experience, like a vivid dream you have without falling asleep. It’s a burst of raw, unrestrained subconscious (or perhaps superconscious) thoughts, and serves as a poignant and wistful tribute to the art of cinema, acting, and life itself. Denis Lavant delivers 11 stellar performances in this film, playing a character named Oscar, who journeys through Paris in a limousine, seamlessly shifting roles from a motion-capture artist to a gangster, and even a beggar. The specifics of Oscar’s job are left unexplained, but it’s clear that ‘Holy Motors’ is a thought-provoking commentary on the enduring enchantment and unrealized possibilities of cinema, even in an era where traditional moviegoing experiences are dwindling and new models of distribution are threatened by piracy and emerging cultural media.
17. The Fabelmans (2022)
The standout feature of “The Fabelmans” lies in the fact that, seven decades after the real-life incidents depicted in its opening scene, it’s evident that Steven Spielberg still harbors the same enchantment for cinema as young Sammy Fabelman, the boy who gets captivated by “The Greatest Show on Earth” and becomes fixated on replicating the scenes he witnesses at home. Over the years, Spielberg has mastered the art of using visuals and sound to evoke emotions such as joy, empathy, fear, and understanding. Yet, his initial motivation remains unchanged.
In the context of “The Fabelmans”, the ‘why’ is to narrate his personal journey, revealing both the bright and dark aspects of cinema and life itself. Cinema serves as a means for Sammy to confront his anxiety and loneliness, yet it also pushes him further into isolation, both at home and in school. His budding interest in directing provides a link to his artistic mother (superbly portrayed by Michelle Williams), but it also risks exposing her deepest secrets. Now, decades later, his cinematic skills have enabled him to bring this compelling tale to life – a story brimming with life, love, joy, and sadness, much like all great films.
16. Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar (2021)
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo have delivered their highly anticipated sequel to the hit comedy “Bridesmaids” with the hilarious film “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar”. In this production, they play two friends living a quiet life in Soft Rock, Nebraska who lose their jobs at Jennifer Convertibles. With no other options, they decide to splurge their severance on a luxurious trip to Florida.
While there, they become smitten with an intriguing stranger (Jamie Dornan) who is part of a scheme to ruin the town using genetically-modified killer mosquitoes. Yes, you guessed it – the classic trope!
Wiig and Mumolo shine in their leading roles, exploring topics such as Tommy Bahama fashion and the enchantment of the name Trish. The script is packed with quotes that will endure until the day of the killer mosquito apocalypse. In these challenging times, “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” arrived like a pair of glittering culottes, serving as a shining beacon guiding us out of the darkness.
15. Inside Out (2015)
Prior to holding the position of Pixar’s chief creative officer, Pete Docter was known as the company’s brilliant mind. He contributed to the scripts for Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and WALL-E, and directed three of the studio’s most successful films: Monsters, Inc., Up, and Inside Out. The latter is an exceptionally creative tale about the inner workings of an 11-year-old girl named Riley. When her family moves from Minnesota to San Francisco, her life experiences a significant upheaval, leading to a struggle within her brain between personified emotions. The visual design of Riley’s mindscape is continuously imaginative, offering intrigue in every scene and shot. Above all, Inside Out stands out as one of the most insightful films ever made on the significance of sadness and grief in our lives.
14. The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters (2007)
The game “Donkey Kong” can be seen as an apt representation of life’s challenges. It’s notoriously tough and often frustrating. Victory is elusive, even to skilled players. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you’re thwarted by obstacles hurled by a cruel gorilla who’s stolen your love. Despite any successes, you ultimately meet with failure – death in this case. There’s no ultimate triumph, only an ending. And let’s not forget about the tricky businessman with a mullet who adds another layer of complexity to the game. In essence, “The King of Kong” is more than just a film about two men vying for the title of best “Donkey Kong” player; it’s a reflection on life itself.
13. The Prestige (2006)
12. The Social Network (2010)
The question of whether director David Fincher and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin accurately depicted the beginnings of Facebook is open to interpretation. However, it’s undeniable that they effectively portrayed a specific type of individual, as exemplified by Jesse Eisenberg’s Mark Zuckerberg: Intelligent, angry, self-important, and yearning for love and validation. (Fincher’s choice to make a movie about Facebook in 2010 may have puzzled many at the time, but it’s now apparent that it served as a spiritual successor to Fight Club, another tale of a disillusioned man who finds that unleashing his anger on society has unforeseen results.) The crucial aspect of this entire film lies in the casting of Justin Timberlake, a real-life music star, as Napster founder (and early Facebook executive) Sean Parker, who serves as Mark Zuckerberg’s equivalent to Tyler Durden. Timberlake bears such a resemblance to Eisenberg (even down to the curly hair) that they could almost be brothers – if one had won the genetic lottery and the other rolled double snakes. That’s who Mark aspires to be, and he comes so close.
11. Nickel Boys (2024)
In this line of work, I often come across many good and exceptional films. However, it’s rare to encounter one that feels refreshingly unique, a film that pushes the boundaries of its medium into unexplored territory. Fortunately, a movie like “Nickel Boys” has finally arrived. It is original, bold, and carries a distinct perspective – or in this case, two perspectives.
This is due to the daring choice made by co-screenwriter and director RaMell Ross, who mostly filmed his adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel using point-of-view shots from the viewpoints of its primary characters. The brilliant POV camerawork of Ross and cinematographer Jomo Fray allows viewers to immerse themselves in the minds and experiences of two young men trying to survive at a Florida reform school during the 1960s. (I can’t help but wonder why Fray wasn’t nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography.) If executed poorly, this technique could become a bothersome gimmick. However, in Ross’ hands, it feels like you have genuinely witnessed the world from a new perspective, and perhaps even caught a glimpse of the future of cinema as well.
10. Past Lives (2023)
As a passionate movie reviewer, I’d say this poignant and emotional drama delves into the unseen forces that govern our lives – let’s call them fate, destiny, or simply in-yun. These mysterious forces bring people together yet keep them apart, much like magnets that attract and repel based on the immutable laws of physics. The story revolves around two characters, Nora (Greta Lee), a writer, and Hae Sung (Teo Yoo), an engineer. Despite their inability to stay together, they share such a profound connection that they find it difficult to be apart. Their paths cross multiple times – as children, students, and adults – with the world around them constantly changing, but their central bond remains constant, even when Nora is married to Arthur (John Magaro) the third time they meet. The question then arises: will Nora stay with her husband or will she choose Hae Sung? The heartrending conclusion of this subtle love triangle leaves a lasting impact, prompting you to ponder over the decisions and events that have shaped your own life, even if their significance only becomes clear in retrospect.
9. Boyhood (2014)
For around a dozen years, Richard Linklater and a small team worked secretly for several days each year to film the lives of a boy (Ellar Coltrane), his mother (Patricia Arquette), and his sister (Lorelei Linklater). Although some might consider this film as Linklater’s personal endeavor, it ultimately became an extraordinary chronicle – or a collection of such chronicles – capturing the essence of American life during the early 21st century. It portrays the love, heartache, and sacrifices experienced by one family in a deeply moving way. The unique aspect of this film is its special bond with time: as we witness the actors growing older on screen, it adds an extra layer of sentimentality to certain scenes, and enriches the emotional depth of others. In the final scene, when Arquette reflects on her life, she speaks from a place informed by a dozen years of genuine experiences – joy and pain alike. Roger Ebert, a renowned film critic who passed away, once said that “we live in a box of space and time. Movies are windows in its walls.” I believe that no movie has ever opened those windows as widely as Boyhood.
8. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
The film “Mad Max: Fury Road” stands out as the best car chase movie of our time, and it’s clear why. However, what makes “Fury Road” truly exceptional is its spiritual and even Biblical undertones. In essence, it follows a journey from the destroyed cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in search of a new paradise. This journey is led by Charlize Theron’s legendary character Imperator Furiosa, with Tom Hardy’s enigmatic Max serving as their guide through the desert. George Miller’s spectacular chaos in “Fury Road” demonstrates that action films can indeed be both exhilarating and intelligent. If anyone attempts to argue otherwise, you should confidently respond, “That’s absurd.
7. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Martin Scorsese, now over 80 years old, continues to challenge himself and his viewers, eliciting remarkable performances from actors, while delving into recurring themes that have marked many of his most acclaimed films: the allure and destructive force of wealth, the shadows and sorrow hidden within American history. The setting for this story is the “Reign of Terror” that claimed the lives of numerous members of the Osage Nation in the 1920s, following their control of oil-rich lands in Oklahoma which made them a target of their white neighbors, including one (Leonardo DiCaprio’s Ernest Burkhart) who is married to an Osage oil millionaire (Lily Gladstone’s Mollie). It seems as if I say this with each new Scorsese film, but it may be more accurate for Killers of the Flower Moon than ever: If this is his final movie, it serves as a fitting and impressive finale to an exceptional career.
6. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007)
2007 was a year filled with wonderful films, but among them, one movie stands out as particularly meaningful to me – “The Diving Bell & The Butterfly”, directed by Julian Schnabel. This film is an adaptation of Jean-Dominique Bauby’s memoir, detailing his experience with locked-in syndrome. Bauby’s story and the way Schnabel conveyed its message about embracing life to the fullest left a lasting impact on me. As I walked out of the theater, I found myself making plans to propose to my girlfriend. Thirteen years and two children later, I can confidently say that was an excellent choice. Upon rewatching it recently, I am convinced its impact remains as potent as ever.
5. Zodiac (2007)
David Fincher’s film, “Zodiac,” delves deeper than his other serial killer movies. Instead of a straightforward narrative, it serves as a journey through four decades of San Francisco history, viewed from the perspectives of three distinct individuals: a police inspector (Mark Ruffalo), who some say inspired the movie “Bullitt”; a crime reporter for the Chronicle (Robert Downey Jr.), whose articles drew the attention of the Zodiac Killer; and an amateur codebreaker and sleuth, Robert Graysmith (Jake Gyllenhaal), who remains obsessed with the case long after the killings have ceased. Remarkably, “Zodiac” excels at portraying the overwhelming grip of obsession, a theme it explores more effectively than most films. Fincher masterfully immerses viewers in this web of hints and false leads using skillful cinematography and editing techniques. By the film’s concluding scene, which circles back to its opening moments after 157 suspenseful minutes, every viewer can empathize with Robert Graysmith’s unshakeable determination.
4. Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)
As a film enthusiast, I find it fascinating how every collaboration between Joel and Ethan Coen feels like a harmonious duet. Take “Inside Llewyn Davis”, for instance – it’s their song about songs. Previously, I’ve delved into the intricacies of this masterpiece, which offers more than just a snapshot of New York’s early 1960s folk scene. It’s a poignant exploration of the heartbreaking series of misfortunes that beset an exceptionally talented musician (Oscar Isaac, in his breakthrough performance) following the demise of his partner.
It seems almost symbolic that Llewyn’s voice and guitar playing are as enchanting as they are, yet his most resonant tune is “Fare Thee Well.” There’s a certain melancholic beauty to it, but it just doesn’t echo the same poignancy when played by a single performer.
3. Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s film, “Lady Bird“, is centered around numerous pairs or duos: The protagonist goes by two names. Throughout the movie, she has two romantic interests, and two close friends. The plot unfolds across two academic semesters, each featuring its own stage production. There are two dances, two parties, two significant relationships with her two parents, and two colleges she’s applying to, as well as two churches she regularly visits. All these dualities make “Lady Bird” a deeply moving film about choice – choices that, at the protagonist’s age, each seem like life-altering decisions. In many ways, they truly are.
2. Take Shelter (2011)
For someone who has experienced their fair share of panic attacks, I confidently assert that the film “Take Shelter” is one of the most impactful films ever made on living with anxiety. The character Curtis LaForche (played by Michael Shannon), despite being a content family man, is haunted by terrifying dreams of apocalyptic storms and an unsettling feeling that disaster is imminent. Delivering an exceptional performance, Shannon’s portrayal of Curtis is compelling, with Jessica Chastain playing his supportive wife. The film masterfully depicts the vicious cycle of fear, as Curtis fears a mental breakdown – a concern exacerbated by his family history of mental illness – which in turn fuels more anxiety. While many would describe the ending as ambiguous, I see it as inevitable, as it reflects the reality that this type of anxiety cannot be vanquished. It can neither be stopped by constructing barriers, whether physical or emotional, to safeguard what is dear to us. Instead, it must be comprehended, and with the help of friends and loved ones, managed.
1. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth encounter producer Marvin Schwarz at the long-standing Musso & Frank Grill. Schwarz proposes Rick take on Italian Western roles, which leaves Rick disheartened, feeling as though his career is over. Upon leaving the restaurant, an emotional Rick collapses in tears. The camera, directed by Quentin Tarantino, lowers to the ground and pans up, revealing the Musso & Frank Grill sign towering above the dejected Rick and Cliff. Beneath the name of the restaurant on the sign, the words “Oldest in Hollywood” stand out clearly.
In this scene, Rick feels like he’s reached the end of his career, but despite his feelings, he has a few good years left. Tarantino’s film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is exceptional, showcasing clever details such as this one. It serves as a narrative about an unsettled era in America (and pop culture) and pays homage to a form of art that may be nearing its expiration date too.
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2025-06-13 19:30