The world has seen plenty of negativity lately, so here’s some more. The Hollywood Reporter’s Frank Scheck took it upon himself during this year of everything terrible to add an extra dash of misery in his own special way. Going through as many films from the past 10 years as he possibly could, Scheck painstakingly compiled a list of, in his opinion,the worst moviesreleased since 2010. It’s time to honor his sacrifice.
In no particular order, the first honorary bad thing is Adam Sandler. Not any one specific film, just Adam Sandler in general. As someone who put out movies like 2011’sJack & Jilland2015’sPixels, it would be an entirely separate undertaking for any self-respecting critic like Schleck to whittle down Sandler’s cinematic pantheon to a single choice. Apparently his award-worthy performance in 2019’sUncut Gemswasn’t enough to elevate him above his more notorious work.
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Other films included an assortment of romantic comedies, such as 2012’sThis Means Warand 2010’sValentine’s Day. WhileThis Means Warearns its spot thanks to its poor casting and execution,Valentine’s Dayderives Schleck’s contempt from its sequels, apparently citing a sins of the father situation. The50 Shadesmovies receive a collective mention as well, seeing as they could technically be seen as romantic comedies in how hilarious some might see their ill-fated attempts at being romantic.
Going from the cute to the zany, 2017’sThe Emoji Moviegets blasted for its cynical cash grab status and “repellant characters”, while 2011’sCowboys and Aliensappears more genuine in its misguided passion. In keeping with the silly bits, the inclusion of 2012’sAbraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunterappears almost spiteful due more to the film’s wasted potential than any one more specific element.
Finally, three entries earn the distinction of just being bad. TheHuman Centipedetrilogy are seen as terrible by regular viewers and downright offensive by horror fans. Meanwhile, 2013’sMovie 43and 2010’sThe Last Airbendertake wasted potential to almost an art form, with interesting concepts and casts that do nothing to save the films themselves.
Frank Scheck’s list almost reads like a decade of obscure omens warning humanity of the disaster to come. Though perhaps venting frustrations about something comparatively petty like bad films could serve as some much needed catharsis. Maybe he needed it, and maybe everyone else needs it too. So go out there and criticize something. But maybe do it quietly.
