Some bad movies it simply cannot be saved by great effects. Whether CGI or practical, visual effects are considered good when they are eye-catching, realistic, or simply eye-catching.
Many terrible films have brilliant effects. However, this doesn’t make up for the lack of creative storytelling, intriguing characters, or logic. Even if a film looks great, it doesn’t always convince audiences that it’s worth watching.
10
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
Transformers: Age of Extinction It has incredible cinematography. For example, several scenes that feature expansive landscapes are beautiful, and those that also include Autobots are even more impressive. The insertion of large-scale robots into picturesque shots is well done and looks relatively natural.
However, the film lacks characterization. Figures like Tessa and Shane are quite one-dimensional and are not developed beyond their initial archetypes. Previous characters are also missing and therefore the film misses the opportunity to include more Transformers backstory of previous installments.
9
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
The Matrix Resurrections’ the visual effects are mesmerizing, especially the color grading, which affects the overall tone of the film. It updates your bullet time shots from the previous one Headquarters films, although it doesn’t compare to the original. The scene where Neo wakes up highlights how detailed its setting is, with great science fiction images.
There are multiple harsh realities of The Matrix Resurrectionshowever. The story is disjointed and underdeveloped, and although some parts have potential, they are not sufficiently developed. The action scenes are well framed, but the content is quite lackluster and not as exciting as in previous titles.
8
The Void (2016)
Canadian monster film The Void is often praised for its use of practical effects, reminiscent of trends from the 70s and 80s, but with a modern application. For example, it’s incredibly gory when Nurse Beverly stabs the patient in the eyes, but it’s even scarier when she turns around to show her peeling face.
The cast’s performances aren’t the strongest in The Void, although the poorly written script doesn’t help them either. The pace of the plot is slow and the payoff is anticlimactic, which is a shame for a film with Lovecraftian influences.
7
The Cell (2000)
The cell It looks like art, which makes sense considering that real works inspire many scenes. Moments like Carl’s torture establish a particular aesthetic, and this artistic style is an intriguing choice for a psychological horror film. The setting and costumes are also especially strong.
The cell is disappointed with his cast. While Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Lopez aren’t terrible, they aren’t suited for this type of movie. There is a lack of plot and, in fact, it seems The cell It was created for artistic and not cinematographic purposes only.
6
TRON: Legacy (2010)
Opinions about TRON: LegacyThe effects of are split, but are generally solid. The racing scene in Light Cycle is especially good, and the technological lighting and cinematography surprisingly encapsulate the charm of the original film. The product design is fantastic, but it unfortunately overshadows other important factors.
Comments from TRON: Legacy are mixed and still widely debated to this day. However, a common consensus is that it’s difficult to connect with the characters, except Michael Sheen’s Beaver. The plot is also considered too action-packed and misses many chances for proper human interactions.
5
Sucker Punch (2011)
Zack Snyder Great goal is often celebrated for its fantastical sequences and fight scenes. The cinematography makes these moments even more tense and emotional in the three versions of Great goalbut the visuals don’t make up for the film’s clichés.
The representation of women sometimes borders on misogynistic, and despite having a complicated plot, the execution is somewhat boring. Babydoll crosses paths with dragons, orcs, and even World War I soldiers, but her journey of self-empowerment is uneventful. However, many think Great goal a guilty pleasure watch nonetheless.
4
Passengers (2016)
Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence film Passengers uses some fabulous CGI to represent Earth’s atmosphere and the infinity of space. Jim waking up in the Avalon fantastically highlights the great quality of the setting especially. The film is undoubtedly a spectacle, but unfortunately there are some disappointments.
Pratt and Lawrence’s chemistry could be better. Their romance sometimes progresses awkwardly, and when they appear on screen together, it feels like the film’s pacing stops abruptly. More, Passengers‘The controversial ending is disappointing, feels rushed and ignores important details.
3
10,000 BC (2008)
Roland Emmerich’s film 10,000 BC Breathtakingly brings the mammoths to life, but the beautiful representation of the extinct animal is its only positive feature. Unfortunately, 10,000 BC it forgets to focus on things like historical accuracy, story coherence, and even basic logic.
The idea that humans are training animals to build pyramids is wild and overly far-fetched, which takes away from the film’s attempt at a dramatic tone. The two main characters are also poorly formed; Evolet’s only notable quality is that she has blue eyes and D’Leh’s dialogue is strange.
2
Cool as Ice (1991)
No one ever waited Cool as ice be a masterpiece, but the work of Schindler’s List and Saving Private Ryan cinematographer Janusz KamiÅ„ski is unexpected. Johnny and Kathy’s kiss at the construction site is beautiful, especially when the camera pans to show the incredible landscape behind them.
Cool as ice It’s pure cheese. There are a lot of montages, which makes the story complicated, and Vanilla Ice’s performance proves that he should stick to rapping. The film is unintentionally funny, but mostly because the audience laughs through pain.
1
The Golden Compass (2007)
The Golden Compass does an excellent job of recreating Philip Pullman’s magical worlds for the cinema and deserves the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. The bear fight scene specifically demonstrates how powerful its CGI is, and the animals are very realistic.
Despite a huge budget and a star-studded cast, The Golden Compass fails to follow its source material correctly. The tragic climax of the first title is nowhere to be found, one of several important events missing. However, the moments reproduced in Philip Pullman’s books are poorly paced and rushed.