10 Popular Movies That Aren't As Good As You Remember

Popular is a difficult word when it comes to describing films. Often times, something gets a negative connotation because it is popular. Appealing to a wide range of audiences and connecting with them is nothing to be ashamed of. Liking or disliking a particular film has no morality associated with it, and there is often a reason why so many viewers feel seen by a project and become involved in it. However, there are many films that were theatrical successes that became mythologized by culture that did not meet the standard defined by its popularity.

Criticizing these films does not mean saying that they are not good. They are, and even though their initial luster has faded over the years since their debut, that doesn't make them any less fun to watch. It's easy to say that the biggest box office bombs of all time deserve hate and are low quality. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that blockbusters like the summer's highest-grossing films will be infinitely better in quality and content. It can be frustrating to see films that tell better stories get forgotten. because the marketing budget for another project was larger.

10

Too Bad (2007)

Directed by Greg Mottola

It's been almost twenty years since the film that catapulted Michael Cera, Jonah Hill and Emma Stone to greater levels of fame was released. Easily one of Michael Cera's best films, there are some hidden nuances in Michael Cera's silly comedy. Very badbut it's not as complex as the public might remember. Some of the sass seems a little dated today, and while it's not the film's fault, many of the jokes are so famous that they've entered meme territory, making it difficult to laugh along with the film rather than at it.

There is no doubt that Very bad will always be a reference in the high school film genre, as countless films copied its format and tried to recapture the magic of the project. Lately, any high school-set movie about two friends is described as the “blank” version of Very bad. However, there have been films about the difficult transition from high school to college long before Very badand many of them have interesting things to say.

9

Gravity (2013)

Directed by Alfonso Cuarón

Alfonso Cuarón is one of the most engaging directors of the 21st century, and many of his films have been acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. His most polarizing project to date, Gravitytakes science fiction to another level and pushes Sandra Bullock to her limits as the protagonist, Ryan. For almost the entire runtime, Ryan is alone, trying to get back to Earth after what should be a safe spacewalk, except everything that could go wrong does go wrong.

One of the biggest resistances against Gravity it's the fact that it's not scientifically accurate at all. For some science fiction fans, this is not a problem, as Gravity is formatted similarly to a rebirth metaphor, and the film hits its emotional beats. Visually, it's hard to argue that Gravity accomplishes a lot, but at the same time, this allows the film to have a lighter story, with just a few major plot movements. Regardless, the space adventure of Gravity maintains its propulsion.

8

Crazy, stupid, love. (2011)

Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa

It's largely thanks to the incredible star power showcased in Crazy, stupid, love. that the film was elevated from the typical popularity of a mid-budget romantic comedy to a cult classic. One of the many films Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling worked on together Crazy, stupid, love. makes good use of their chemistry, and their emerging romance in the film is one of the best narrative arcs. However, the central drive of Steve Carell's Cal to rediscover himself after his wife leaves him isn't the most convincing.

While it's a fun film to revisit, Crazy, stupid, love. isn't really any better than a typical romantic comedy, following the same repetitive beats that are tried and true in the genre. Overall, it was the performances that kept the film from falling into obscurity, and this is a vital part of the production. However, the script is on par with any other rom-com set from the 2010s, which is fun in itself.

7

The Goonies (1985)

Directed by Richard Donner

One of the most nostalgic films of the 1980s, The Goonies is a classic addition to the children's adventure genre and it has the hallmarks of a Steven Spielberg film, as it contributed heavily to the development of the story. The large group of young people has charming chemistry, and any coming-of-age film will connect with people who have already experienced adolescence. Although it does not go beyond limits, that is not the objective of a film like The Goonies.

Ultimately, The Goonies it's a little more campy, cheesy, and low-budget than the childhood veneer might lead viewers to remember. Some of the child actors' performances are not tremendous, and this takes the audience away from the dramatic moments. Over the years, The Goonies has been compared to a rollercoaster ride the way it confuses you a little and is a lot of laughs.

6

Forrest Gump (1994)

Directed by Robert Zemeckis

Forest Gump may be director Robert Zemeckis and star Tom Hanks' most successful project. Playing Forrest is the role most audiences will likely remember Hanks from, as it set him on the path to playing iconic, feel-good films that are often watched around the holidays. In the years since it was released, the critical opinion of Forest Gump has fluctuated a lot, with many people arguing that he didn't deserve some of his many accolades.

When compared to the original book, it is clear that Forest Gump was never intended to be a historical film or even a character study but a tribute to American mythology. The book is much more interrogative and critical of key moments in American history and uses Forrest more as a comical figure representing America rather than a tragically heroic figure. Despite all its pitfalls, Forest Gump It's a well-crafted story that hits all the marks of a blockbuster.

5

Les Miserables (2012)

Directed by Tom Hooper

The musical adaptation of the 2012 film by Les Misérables is an updated version of Victor Hugo's sweeping epic, starring Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe as Jean Valjean and Javert. While each actor gives their all Les Misérablessome of the performances were panned by critics, such as Crowe's, as he is not a traditional musical theater actor. Many of the actors cast in the film were chosen for their star power rather than their singing or dancing abilities, which can be difficult with such a challenging musical that borders on opera.

Although there is no doubt that the source material and the stage musical are dramatic and intense works, the 2012 film treats the story more like an action-packed blockbuster. Many of the moments of quiet tragedy are undermined by the script's more bombastic moments. Critical reception has been mixed since its first release, but that hasn't stopped Les Misérables to become a classic of 21st century musicals. It is thanks to the inherent strength of story and its timeless nature that this is possible.

4

The Blind Side (2009)

Directed by John Lee Hancock

It is almost universally accepted that The blind side It has aged horribly since 2009, even though the film was nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. Bullock gives it her all as the nasty Leigh Anne Tuohy, but even she can't save her The blind side. However, the film's quality did not affect its box office success, as the film was a hit with audiences and is frequently rerun on network television to this day.

There's no hiding the fact that The blind side expands the truth of the original story and perpetuates racial stereotypes and white savior narratives. The blind side relies on its moving story and built-in tension to move the story forward, although real-life narratives are rarely dramatic enough to propel a film script. Although Michael, played by Quinton Aaron, is the protagonist, the film does not focus on him and his development as it should.

3

True Love (2003)

Directed by Richard Curtis

There is no shortage of speeches surrounding the Christmas romantic comedy True love, as he is almost equally loved and despised. Of course, the best thing to do is to let go and enjoy the moments of fun and silliness of True loveBut that doesn't mean the film shouldn't be criticized. Launched in 2003, True love It is of its time, perpetuating gender stereotypes and promoting relationships that can easily be considered harmful. It's important to remember that these are defects of most romantic comedies from the early 2000s and 1990s.

There are many aspects True love that bring tears to the eyes and remind the audience what the holidays are all about, but that doesn't change the fact that there are questionable moments as well. It doesn't help that in the wake of True lovesuccess, a wave of imitators, such as Valentine's Day and New Year's EveThey weren't that iconic. While True love Could afford to cut a story or two, there's so much charm.

2

Ted (2012)

Directed by Seth MacFarlane

Seth MacFarlane Ted stars Mark Wahlberg as John and MacFarlane himself as the stuffed animal that comes to life Ted. A raunchy adult comedy, Ted has a surprising sensitivity and includes genuine romance and touching moments. The film was so successful that it launched an entire franchise, like the recent Ted TV program, which only increased interest in films. Touching on John's failure to launch, Ted struggles to balance the joys of childhood with the responsibilities of adulthood.

Some of the criticism surrounding Ted it revolves around more “awkward” and crude humor, but this fills an important niche in comedy, even if it’s not for everyone. However Ted retreads territory that was explored, probably better, in many previous films, the fantasy element lends some intrigue. The unique hilarious jokes in Ted do a lot to make up for the story's weaker moments. Without MacFarlane's voice as Ted, the entire premise wouldn't be as strong.

1

Salt Burning (2023)

Directed by Esmeralda Fennell

A film full of style and little substance, Salt burn did not live up to high expectations defined by the cast and trailers. For a film that billed itself as a grotesque psychosexual thriller, Salt burn it barely overstepped its bounds and failed in its attempt to be a critique of class stratification. Barry Keoghan and Jacob Elordi have incredible chemistry and cut intense figures on screen, but the gorgeous visuals of Salt burn​​​​​​​do not compensate for the lack of a script.

Emerald Fennell's other film, Promising Young Womanit also poorly subverted expectations, leaving many audiences confused and dissatisfied. When it was released on streaming, Salt burn shot to fame, reaching different niches of the internet and creating an incredible project to capture clips for a thirty second video edit. Because it is such a recent film, the jury is still out on how Salt burn It will get old, but it will be interesting.