8 Movies That Missed the Mark Due to Critical Errors
These films had the potential to be great, but a single misstep changed everything.
1.The Darkened Disaster of Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem
In the dark corners of filmmaking, lighting plays a crucial role in illuminating the narrative. However, the choice to cloak 'Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem' in darkness left audiences squinting to decipher the action. The film's promise of intense battles was overshadowed by the literal darkness that obscured its potential.
Background: The film's director, Colin Strause, defended the use of darkness, claiming it created a "more intense and claustrophobic" atmosphere. However, critics argued that it hindered the audience's ability to follow the action and appreciate the creature designs.
The decision to set much of the film in the dark was a misguided attempt to create a sense of suspense and tension. While darkness can be an effective tool in horror films, it proved to be a hindrance in 'Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem.' Viewers were left struggling to make out what was happening on screen, reducing the impact of the intense battles between the iconic creatures.
In addition to obscuring the action, the darkness also made it difficult to fully appreciate the intricate creature designs. The alien and predator designs are a staple of the franchise, known for their intricate details and unique characteristics. However, these impressive designs were lost in the shadows, robbing the film of its visual appeal.
Ultimately, the excessive darkness in 'Alien Vs. Predator: Requiem' missed the mark by hindering the audience's ability to fully engage with the film. While the intention may have been to create a more intense atmosphere, it ultimately left viewers squinting and struggling to decipher the action, overshadowing the potential of the film.
2.The Enigmatic Return in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise Of Skywalker
In a galaxy far, far away, the resurrection of Palpatine in 'The Rise of Skywalker' left fans questioning the mysterious survival of the Sith lord. The lack of clarity on his return felt like a lazy plot device, failing to add depth to the iconic franchise.
Background: The resurrection of Palpatine was a controversial decision that divided fans. Some argued that it cheapened the impact of his death in 'Return of the Jedi,' while others appreciated the opportunity to explore the character further.
The return of Emperor Palpatine in 'The Rise of Skywalker' was a plot twist that left many fans scratching their heads. The lack of explanation or clear reasoning behind his survival felt like a lazy plot device, doing a disservice to the intricate lore and storytelling of the Star Wars universe.
Palpatine's death in 'Return of the Jedi' was a pivotal moment in the original trilogy, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. However, his return in 'The Rise of Skywalker' cheapened the impact of that sacrifice. Without a proper explanation, it felt like a desperate attempt to inject drama and conflict into the final installment of the Skywalker saga.
Furthermore, the lack of clarity on Palpatine's return failed to add depth to the character or the overall narrative. Instead of exploring new avenues and introducing fresh challenges for the heroes, his presence felt forced and uninspired. It left fans questioning the logic and coherence of the Star Wars universe, detracting from the epic conclusion that the film aimed to achieve.
3.The Trio Trouble of Spider-Man 3
When Spider-Man faced a trio of villains in the third installment, the web-slinger found himself entangled in a cluttered narrative. With Venom, Sandman, and Harry Osborn's Goblin vying for attention, the film struggled to spin a cohesive web of storytelling.
Background: The inclusion of three villains in 'Spider-Man 3' was a result of studio pressure to include Venom, a popular character from the comics. However, the film's director, Sam Raimi, later admitted that he regretted the decision, as it made the story too cluttered.
'Spider-Man 3' was a highly anticipated film, promising an epic showdown between the web-slinger and his iconic adversaries. However, the decision to include three villains ultimately proved to be a critical error, resulting in a cluttered and convoluted narrative.
The film introduced Venom, Sandman, and Harry Osborn's Goblin as the main antagonists, each vying for attention and screen time. While individually, these villains had the potential to provide compelling storylines, their simultaneous presence overwhelmed the film and detracted from the central conflict.
The inclusion of Venom, in particular, was a result of studio pressure to include the popular character from the comics. However, this decision proved detrimental to the overall storytelling. Venom's storyline felt rushed and underdeveloped, failing to give the character the depth and complexity he deserved.
As a result of the trio of villains, 'Spider-Man 3' struggled to spin a cohesive web of storytelling. The narrative felt disjointed, with too many plotlines competing for attention. This lack of focus ultimately hindered the film's ability to fully explore the emotional journey of its characters and left audiences feeling unsatisfied.
4.The Martha Misstep in Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice
In the clash of titans, 'Batman v Superman' stumbled over a common name, Martha. The forced connection between the heroes due to their mothers' shared name lacked emotional resonance, leaving a pivotal moment feeling contrived.
Background: The "Martha" moment was intended to create an emotional connection between Batman and Superman, but it was widely criticized for being forced and unearned. The film's director, Zack Snyder, later defended the scene, claiming that it was a "humanizing moment" for the characters.
'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' promised an epic battle between two iconic superheroes, but it tripped over a common name, Martha. The forced connection between Batman and Superman, based solely on their mothers' shared name, is widely regarded as a misstep in the film's storytelling.
The pivotal moment where Batman hesitates upon learning Superman's mother's name, Martha, lacked emotional resonance and felt contrived. It seemed like a convenient plot device to abruptly shift Batman's perception of Superman, going against the build-up of their conflict throughout the film.
While the intention may have been to humanize the characters and emphasize their shared humanity, the execution fell flat. The emotional weight of the scene was lost amidst the confusion and disbelief from the audience. Instead of a powerful moment of connection, it became a meme and an object of mockery.
The Martha misstep in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice' highlighted the importance of organic character development and meaningful storytelling. The reliance on a contrived connection undermined the potential impact of the clash between these two legendary heroes.
5.The Illusion of Percival Graves in Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them
'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' hid a twist behind a facade, revealing that Percival Graves never truly existed. The deception of a captivating character like Graves undermined the film's potential for a compelling narrative arc.
Background: The twist that Percival Graves was actually Gellert Grindelwald in disguise was a major plot point in the film. However, some critics felt that the deception was too obvious and undermined the character's potential.
'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' introduced viewers to the enigmatic character of Percival Graves, portrayed by Colin Farrell. The film cleverly disguised Graves as a high-ranking Auror, working alongside protagonist Newt Scamander.
However, the twist that Graves was actually the infamous Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald in disguise fell short of delivering the desired impact. While the reveal was intended to be a shocking moment, some critics felt that the deception was too obvious, robbing the character of the mystery and intrigue that could have been.
The deception of Graves undermined the potential for a compelling narrative arc. The character had initially captured the attention and curiosity of the audience, only to be revealed as someone else entirely. This undermined the investment in the character and left viewers questioning the purpose and significance of his portrayal.
While the twist attempted to add depth and complexity to the story, it ultimately fell flat, diminishing the impact of Percival Graves as a captivating character in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.'
6.The Vice Versus the Audience in Vice
As 'Vice' delved into controversial territory, a mid-credits scene took a sharp turn by criticizing its viewers. The attempt to cleverly mock the audience detracted from the film's serious tone, diminishing its impact.
Background: The mid-credits scene in 'Vice' was a satirical commentary on the film's reception. The film's director, Adam McKay, later explained that he wanted to "challenge the audience" and make them think about their own biases.
'Vice' explored the controversial tenure of former Vice President Dick Cheney, delving into political and social issues that divided audiences. However, the film's serious tone took an unexpected detour with a mid-credits scene that aimed to mock its viewers.
The scene, which featured a focus group criticizing the film itself, was intended to be a satirical commentary on the audience's biases and preconceptions. Director Adam McKay wanted to challenge viewers and make them think about their own perspectives.
However, the attempt to cleverly mock the audience detracted from the serious tone established throughout the film. It created a jarring shift in tone, leaving viewers confused and disconnected from the overall message. Instead of fostering introspection and critical thinking, it risked alienating the audience and diminishing the impact of the film's social and political commentary.
While the intention to challenge viewers and provoke thought was noble, the execution in 'Vice' missed the mark by compromising the film's serious tone and undermining its ability to effectively engage with its audience.
7.The Dream Derailed in Jurassic Park III
The once majestic 'Jurassic Park' franchise hit a low point with a bizarre dream sequence featuring a talking dinosaur. Alan Grant's surreal encounter failed to captivate, marking a strange departure for the beloved series.
Background: The talking dinosaur dream sequence in 'Jurassic Park III' was a departure from the more grounded tone of the previous films. The film's director, Joe Johnston, later admitted that he regretted including the scene, as it "didn't fit with the rest of the movie."
'Jurassic Park III' aimed to continue the thrills and excitement of its predecessors but stumbled with a bizarre dream sequence featuring a talking dinosaur. The surreal encounter experienced by Alan Grant, the franchise's beloved protagonist, failed to captivate audiences and left them scratching their heads.
The dream sequence, which featured a fully animated talking Velociraptor, felt out of place in the established world of 'Jurassic Park.' The franchise had always focused on the awe-inspiring realism of the dinosaurs, grounded in scientific plausibility. However, this departure into a fantastical and dreamlike realm felt jarring and disconnected from the rest of the film.
Director Joe Johnston later admitted that including the dream sequence was a regrettable decision. It didn't fit with the grounded tone and scientific authenticity that the franchise had established. The scene detracted from the overall excitement and suspense of the film, leaving audiences puzzled and questioning its purpose.
The dream derailed the otherwise majestic and thrilling experience of 'Jurassic Park III,' marking a strange departure for the beloved franchise.
8.The Shattered End of Glass
In the culmination of M. Night Shyamalan's trilogy, 'Glass,' the demise of major characters fell flat. The lackluster deaths of iconic figures left the finale feeling anticlimactic, squandering the buildup to a lackluster conclusion.
Background: The deaths of major characters in 'Glass' were intended to be shocking and impactful. However, some critics felt that they were too abrupt and unearned, leaving the audience feeling unsatisfied.
'Glass' served as the culmination of M. Night Shyamalan's superhero trilogy, promising an epic showdown between the titular characters. However, the demise of major characters in the film failed to deliver the expected shock and impact, leaving the finale feeling anticlimactic.
The deaths of iconic figures like Mr. Glass and The Beast were intended to be pivotal moments, highlighting the stakes and consequences of the characters' actions. However, some critics felt that these deaths were too abrupt and unearned, robbing them of their emotional weight and significance.
The lackluster deaths left the audience feeling unsatisfied, especially after the buildup and anticipation that had been established throughout the trilogy. The finale of 'Glass' failed to deliver a satisfying conclusion, squandering the potential for a truly impactful and memorable ending.
While 'Glass' aimed to subvert expectations and provide a unique take on the superhero genre, the lackluster deaths of major characters undermined the film's ability to fully engage and captivate its audience. The shattered end left viewers feeling disappointed and questioning the journey they had embarked on.
