Let’s take a stroll down the film archives and rediscover those movies that once felt iconic but, today, might just have you scratching your head or covering your eyes. These are the films that, for various reasons, will make you wince, wonder, and whisper, “What were they thinking?”
Twilight
Ah, the tale of a teen girl torn between a vampire and a werewolf. With a dreary Washington backdrop and passionate teenage love, it’s gripping. But Edward sparkling in the sunlight? That’s a unique take on vampires. And Bella’s continuous empty stare? It’s hard not to chuckle at the overdramaticness of this movie.
Tropic Thunder
A dark comedy about actors filming a war movie, this one pushed boundaries. Even then, Robert Downey Jr.’s “pigmentation alteration” to portray an African-American soldier was controversial. Today, it’s a full-on facepalm.
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
There’s Anakin Skywalker’s disdain for sand amid intergalactic politics and budding romances. “It’s coarse and rough and irritating,” he whines. While the film delivers on space action, this attempt at deep romantic dialogue is more of a shallow wading pool than a deep sea.
Pretty Woman
Julia Roberts dazzles as Vivian, a spirited woman from the streets, romanced by a wealthy businessman. However, the movie’s full of contrasts, like high-end shopping and opera, juxtaposed with that hat montage. And those hats are more likely to make someone laugh than for someone to think they’re high fashion!
Requiem for a Dream
A deep dive into the despairing world of addiction, this film is raw and real. That said, the sentient, menacing fridge chasing a character feels more out of a low-budget horror flick than a deep drama.
A Clockwork Orange
In a dystopian future, we follow delinquent Alex and his band of “droogs.” There’s ultra-violence and ‘milk-plus.’ Its disturbing content aside, the film’s over-the-top sequences and bizarre vocabulary sometimes make it hard to take seriously.
American Beauty
A middle-aged man’s existential crisis takes center stage as he becomes obsessed with his daughter’s friend. And then there’s the symbolic plastic bag, gracefully dancing in the wind. It is a poignant attempt, but it raises the question, “Is it deep or just a bag?” And let’s not forget the allegations against Kevin Spacey.
Joker
In this grim portrayal of Gotham, we watch Arthur’s descent into the Joker. Joaquin Phoenix’s unsettling dance sequences and shocking TV appearance are designed to disturb. But are they profound or just profoundly uncomfortable?
Gone With the Wind
Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, “Gone With the Wind” paints a lavish picture of the Old South, dripping with magnolias, grand balls, and Scarlett O’Hara’s fiery spirit. However, its portrayal of racial dynamics feels outdated by today’s standards, making several scenes cringe-inducing.
Ghost
In “Ghost,” the supernatural bond of love refuses to be broken by the cold hand of death. While the film’s emotional depth tugs at the heartstrings, the infamous pottery scene, meant to symbolize sensuality and connection, has often been parodied countless times. It’s difficult to watch without a chuckle!
Die Hard
“Die Hard” is a Christmas movie…but not in the way you’d think. But during the gunfights and iconic lines, Bruce Willis’s seemingly-constant wet tank top steals the show in a distracting way. It becomes an unexpected, sweaty centerpiece in an otherwise tension-filled thriller.
Forrest Gump
Tracing the unexpected adventures of Forrest Gump, a kind-hearted man with limited intelligence, this film showcases how a single life can cross with significant historical events. Yet, his relentless cross-country run often feels more comical than serious, especially as the beard gets bushier and the journey seems more aimless.
Pocahontas
The vibrant hues of the New World come alive in this animated retelling of the tale of Pocahontas, a Native American woman who forms a bond with English settler John Smith. However, simplifying the complex narratives surrounding the Native Americans and settlers, it reduces rich histories into small bites. It’s not accurate by any means.
The Greatest Showman
In a world bursting with color, song, and dazzling performances, “The Greatest Showman” brings the larger-than-life tale of P.T. Barnum to the silver screen. However, there’s an oddly out-of-sync scene of Barnum dancing on a bar. This moment, which seems to aim for inspiration, somehow feels melodramatic.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Holly Golightly, played by the mesmerizing Audrey Hepburn, defines New York fashion in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” However, the film has its jarring elements, notably Mickey Rooney’s portrayal of Mr. Yunioshi. This exaggerated character reminds us of Hollywood’s past racial insensitivity.
Avatar
Diving into Pandora’s lush, alien world, “Avatar” plunges viewers into an epic tale of love, colonization, and rebellion. But the film’s beauty and messaging are sometimes overshadowed by certain lines of dialogue, particularly the often-repeated “I see you.” Sometimes, it lands more as a clichéd catchphrase.
Saw
“Saw” presents a macabre game where survival hinges on grisly choices. While the film set a new bar for horror movies, the moral issues posed sometimes come off as setups for gore rather than genuine ethical dilemmas. And the shock value has led to some people calling this film an example of “torture p*rn.”
Fifty Shades of Grey
A dive into the secretive world of BDSM and a complicated romance, “Fifty Shades of Grey” sets screens ablaze with its sultry scenes. Yet, for all its intensity, certain scenes seem unintentionally humorous. Lines like “I’m fifty shades of messed up” make it difficult to keep a straight face during the film’s more ‘intense’ moments.
