Not every film hits the mark. Making movies is tough, and there are plenty of things that can go wrong behind the scenes. It’s just the way things go in the industry. However, there are some forgettable movies that are saved by outstanding performances. Every now and then, an actor steps up and does something remarkable, making sure that the whole experience isn’t a complete waste of time and space.
Now, this doesn’t mean that these performers will win prestigious awards like the Oscars or Golden Globes. But they do manage to bring the material to a higher level and deserve some recognition for their efforts. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the best performances from lackluster movies, ranging from Margot Robbie’s incredible portrayal in Suicide Squad to Raul Julia’s mesmerizing role in Street Fighter. And don’t forget to share your favorites with us!
1. Willem Dafoe In ‘The Boondock Saints’
The Boondock Saints has become a cult classic these days, but it didn’t receive a warm welcome when it first came out. Some fans and critics thought that the film had too much unnecessary violence. The story revolves around two Irish Catholic twin brothers who take matters into their own hands and become vigilantes to combat the crime plaguing their streets. While these complaints may seem out of place given the subject matter, concerns about the movie’s overall quality still hold weight.
Putting those issues aside, it’s hard to deny the brilliance of Willem Dafoe’s performance as Paul Smecker. His portrayal of the FBI special agent, who is determined to solve the murders, is absolutely captivating. Smecker possesses a sixth sense for cracking cases, but at the same time, he showcases an over-the-top personality that isn’t afraid to embrace eccentricity when the situation calls for it.
2. Tim Curry In ‘Legend’
An epic fantasy film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Tom Cruise, Mia Sara, and Tim Curry? Count us in! However, not everything that appears shiny and promising turns out to be as good as it seems, as demonstrated by the trope-heavy Legend. It didn’t quite reach the same level as other great ’80s fantasies like Labyrinth or The NeverEnding Story.
Nevertheless, there’s no denying that Tim Curry delivers a standout performance as the Lord of Darkness. His impeccable makeup and costume bring the character to life, and Curry’s portrayal of the villainous role truly captivates the audience. It’s a shame that the film didn’t showcase more of his talent, allowing him to fully embrace his signature blend of mischief and malevolence.
3. Raul Julia In ‘Street Fighter’
The Street Fighter video games revolve around a simple premise: characters from different parts of the world engage in combat, with M. Bison serving as the ultimate adversary. In the live-action Street Fighter movie by Steven E. de Souza, an attempt is made to incorporate a G.I. Joe-style storyline. However, it ultimately devolves into a series of fights and Guile, played by Jean-Claude Van Damme, delivering witty remarks.
Despite the film’s shortcomings, Raul Julia delivers a standout performance as Bison. He skillfully balances moments of menacing seriousness with a touch of campiness, knowing exactly when to embrace it. In every scene, Julia commands attention and reaches a peak with the unforgettable line: “For you, the day Bison graced your village was the most important day of your life. But for me, it was Tuesday.”
4. Margot Robbie In ‘Suicide Squad’
Warner Bros. has a reputation for their interference in movie productions, and they really showed it with David Ayer’s Suicide Squad. Originally, the film was supposed to have a darker and edgier tone to match Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. However, due to the negative reviews of the latter, the executives took control and the end result was a movie with conflicting tones and strange editing choices.
But, if you can overlook the messy storyline and Jared Leto’s controversial portrayal of the Joker, there’s one shining star in the midst – Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. She truly captures the manic energy of the Clown Princess of Crime and gives it her all. She even wields a baseball bat, swinging for the fences. Robbie’s performance as Quinn is so beloved that she has reprised the role not just once, but twice.
5. Philip Seymour Hoffman In ‘Along Came Polly’
Along Came Polly is a pretty safe movie, just like its main character Reuben Feffer (played by Ben Stiller), who needs to learn a lesson about taking risks when it comes to matters of the heart. It’s quite predictable and you can easily guess who Reuben will end up with by the end.
But amidst the typical rom-com characters, there is one that stands out – Sandy Lyle, played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. Unlike Reuben, Sandy doesn’t have his life together. He’s a former teen idol and struggling actor, bringing chaos and excitement to the story with his outrageous lines and unfiltered moments. Let it rain, baby!
6. William Fichtner In ‘Drive Angry’
Drive Angry is one of those quintessential Nicolas Cage films that truly embodies his unique style. In the movie, Cage plays the role of John Milton, a man who manages to escape from Hell by stealing the devil’s gun. His mission? To take down a cult leader who brutally murdered his daughter and now plans to sacrifice his own granddaughter. It’s a pretty intense setup, but unfortunately, Drive Angry falls a bit short of being extraordinary for most of its duration.
However, amidst all the craziness that comes with having an unleashed Nicolas Cage, there is one actor who manages to steal the spotlight. William Fichtner, in his portrayal of The Accountant, Satan’s right-hand man, delivers an outstanding performance that truly stands out. Fichtner perfectly strikes a balance between the gritty demeanor of characters from The Sopranos and the enigmatic charm of Lucifer himself, creating a devilishly delightful character.
7. Octavia Spencer In ‘Ma’
Teenagers in horror movies never have a good time. The group of teens who befriend Sue Ann, also known as Ma, in the movie Ma, are no exception. In the end, Sue Ann completely loses control and seeks revenge on them, just because she can. Despite the intriguing setup, Ma fails to live up to its full potential as it falls into the predictable clichés of a horror movie.
However, let’s not take anything away from Octavia Spencer’s outstanding performance as Sue Ann. This role is quite different for Spencer, and she fully immerses herself in the sinister nature of her character. It’s hard not to be captivated – and terrified – by her in this role.
8. Chris Pine In ‘Smokin’ Aces’
Smokin’ Aces is like a Guy Ritchie film, but it’s actually directed by Joe Carnahan. The movie brings together a bunch of different characters who get caught up in a bounty hunt for Buddy Aces, a magician turned informant.
Now, there are a lot of characters in this movie, and that’s probably the biggest issue. But hey, it does have some big-name stars like Ryan Reynolds and Ben Affleck. However, it’s Chris Pine who really steals the show in one of his earlier roles. Pine plays Darwin Tremor, a wild and racist redneck who would literally burn down a whole town just to cook a steak. Yeah, he’s a despicable character, but Pine absolutely nails it.
9. Sam Rockwell In ‘Iron Man 2’
In the Iron Man trilogy, it’s widely agreed that Iron Man 2 is the weakest of the bunch. It’s not necessarily a terrible film, but it falls into the realm of generic superhero content. Tony Stark finds himself facing off against Ivan Vanko, who feels wronged by the Starks for profiting off his father’s brilliance many years ago. Welcome to the world of corporate America, my friend!
Luckily, Sam Rockwell’s portrayal of Justin Hammer adds some much-needed flavor to the story. Hammer is a total slimeball, but he’s a joy to watch on screen. Seriously, the guy can dance! It’s quite satisfying to see him get his comeuppance by the end of the film.
10. Michael Sheen In ‘Tron: Legacy’
Tron: Legacy makes a sincere effort to build on the success of its predecessor, the 1982 film Tron. While the incredible Daft Punk score and improved visual effects are definitely highlights, the film seems to prioritize the flashy spectacle over the heart and soul of the story. And let’s not forget the not-so-successful de-aging of Jeff Bridges.
However, amidst these shortcomings, one actor truly stands out and receives immense praise for their role – Michael Sheen. Playing the character Castor, a supermodel program with a blend of David Bowie and Frank-N-Furter vibes, Sheen delivers his most charismatic and flamboyant performance to date. Whenever he struts on screen, Sheen single-handedly elevates Tron: Legacy and brings the good times rolling. Perhaps a movie solely focused on his character would be a captivating addition to Hollywood’s lineup?
