Ian McDairmid is mostly consistently good in the awful Star Wars prequels. Yes, he's chewing the scenery, yes...he's basically camping it up as a Hammer Horror villain and yes his "Power...UNLIMITED POWAH!!!!" scene is just painful, but he's very watchable and delivers a better performance than any of the rest of the cast.
I personally have only sat through the original trilogy, which I absolutely hated. But Ian McDairmid’s few precious moments onscreen in episode six almost made the whole thing worthwhile.
And the story behind him taking that role brings a tear to even this cruel bastard. I can't watch that without remembering it's his goodbye performance to his children. The only Gomez Adams there will ever be for me.
Julian Sands probably deserves a lifetime achievement award for good acting in bad movies. It's practically all he does. I can't agree with the Tron sequel, by the way - I enjoyed it a lot.
"Wimbeldon" with Bettany is a quite good film for it's genre. The best actor in bad films is Peter Cushing, who always gave it all in serious interpretations in silly films, like all the weird dracula films, many starring cristopher lee
Worst performances in great movies: Keanu Reeves in both Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Point Break. Love Keanu...but he is beyond awful in both of those films.
I don't think Love Actually is a bad movie at all, I love it and have seen it more than once. Troy is far from terrible either, liked it a lot more the 2nd time I saw it!
I love tron legacy, yet I find Michael sheen totally over the top, is it a great movie? No, is it visually stunning? Absolutely, and the soundtrack is fantastic Its just a shame the plot is lame
Best performance in a bad movie; Mark Strong in Revolver Worst performance in a good movie; Mark Hamill in A new hope and Diane Keaton in Godfather 1......Although they both redeem themselves in the following movies.
There are far far too many bad performances in so many great films but one that comes screaming to the fore for me is Andie MacDowell's excruciating performance in Robert Altman's Shortcuts. Anyone remember her confrontation with Lyle Lovett's chef? "You, you....basturrd" I always have to fast forward through that bit. How on Earth did she get that part?
Although I loved Ryan O'Neal's understated performance in Walter Hill's "The Driver", I thought he was bland & hopelessly miscast in "Barry Lyndon", my favourite Stanley Kubrick film. I'm genuinely shocked Malcolm McDowell wasn't cast as the lead. Sure he's best known for shocking roles in films like "A Clockwork Orange" and "Caligula, but watch McDowell's comparatively reserved performance as HG Wells in Nicholas Meyer's "Time After Time" for a hint of what might have been.
best performer bad movie: Daniel Day Lewis - gangs of new york, the man carries the film which only really has his performance and the set/costume design going for it. or jim carrey in the Grinch, again his performance is the only good thing about the film cant think of a bad performance in a good movie which stands out atm
That's why he was perfect. He was playing a guy who'd spent his whole life essentially dreaming, then waking up to reality. His dopiness is entirely fitting.
2:18 I never realised it before but Paul Bettany looks a hell of a lot like Robert Webb. There's a comedy sketch in there somewhere. Perhaps an episode of Peep Show involving a long lost brother or twin?
@DarkProf1 Couldn't agree more. 'The Matrix' and 'Much Ado about Nothing' represent the ultimate polar opposites of casting decisions. What was Kenneth Branagh thinking giving Keanu Reeves a role requiring acting?
To me the mark of a great actor is transforming trashy into something meaningful through the sheer power of performance. I cite Henry Fonda in “The Swarm”. Not only is it a stinker of a film, but Fonda is only in it for about 5 minutes and really doesn’t have much to work with. In his hands the statement “This feels bad” as he’s dying becomes compelling viewing and he gives 100% total commitment to a piece of Irwin Allen schlock.
Gary Oldman in The Darkest Hour. It’s as if every ounce of energy that went into making the movie was sucked up by Gary Oldman, and as result he put in a fantastic performance, but everything else seemed a bit limp.
The appropriately named Stephen Lack in David Cronenberg's SCANNERS. His acting is so awkwardly stilted, it's as if the original lead actor dropped out at the last minute and Cronenberg just dragged some hobo off the street to replace him. Despite this, the film is a masterpiece of body horror thanks to the gruesome special effects, a career defining performance by Michael Ironside, and David Cronenberg's deft direction.
@TankMacnamara81 Hold the bus a minute!! While I agree with nearly all your choices there I have to ask if you're taking the piss with the inclusion of Margot Kidder as one of the worst? She was fuckin deadly as Lois Lane and I doubt any other actress will ever bring the ballsyness to that character again.
@KotowTV I totally agree. Infact I'll go the opposite of what was said in this video and say the the WORST thing about it was Michael Sheen's preposterous hamming..
Bill Nighy plays exactly the same character in every film he makes, and that character is Bill Nighy. he has built a whole career on being charismatic enough to saunter onto any film set, mumble his lines, do that thing he does with his mouth, then bugger off. nice work if you can get it. Name me one film where he doesn't play himself.
NO WAY, Nicolas cage was fantastic in Kick-Ass. He basically created everything that was awesome about Big Daddy, without Cage BD would have just been a punisher rip-off.
Edward Furlong (John Connor) in Terminator 2, mostly for his voice. I know it's not a great reason to dislike a performance, but I've never been able to get over how annoying it is.
@bodieofci5 Totally agree with ye but I could totally forgive her because of the "must you?" retort in Bronco Billy. Two words in a so so comedy that still kill me everytime I see it
I must say, I adore Joe Pesci, but I thought he was quite poor in JFK (one of my favourite films). I saw the film after reading several books on the assassination and therefore, went in expecting a more quiet, somber portrayal of David Ferrie. However, I thought that Pesci brought too much of his “DeVitoness” to the role. Rather than the “sad clown” reputation of which the real Ferrie was known for.
Walken has also been an AWFUL actor in awful movies - when he's giving his A-Game he's hard to touch, but he's done a LOT of check-cashing parts over the last few decades.
Has to be Gwyneth Paltrow in Shakespeare In Love! Fortunately the movie is THAT good that even her unwavering awfulness won't stop me watching it again and again.
Julian Sands?! Noo!! How dare you say that! I loved him in Tale of a Vampire. One of my all-time fave movies! And yes, Laura Dern is wonderful. I thought worst performance in a great film: Anthony Hopkins in Bram Stoker's Dracula and Tom Cruise in Interview with a Vampire. I started yelling at the TV both times.
Bill Cosby in Leonard Part 6, an 80's movie performance thats so bad he publicly told people not to waste their money on it and not suprisingly putting the blame on the director, he has since added Golden Globes and Emmys to the Razzie he got for that performance( I salute you :)
Michael Madsen in Sin City. He reads his lines like he read the script once did one crappy take and then went home assuming that they were going to cut him out of the film anyway. They didn't. Shame.
@QuatermassMan And what makes it even worse is that movie around that steaming pile of middle fingers to the audience is the talent surrounding him: Director Blake Edwards, writers Truman Capote and George Axelrod, and Audrey, my love. But Mickey as Mr. Yunioshi is a blemish you can't ignore.
I liked Nic Cage's character in Kick-Ass too, but given the mountain of evidence stacked against him, I don't put that down to Cage's wonderful acting talent or intellect, but think he and the role simply worked together.
Got to be Denzel Washington in John Q. One of the worst films I've ever seen, but I feel it's Washington's best performance. Even more impressive considering what a turnip the film is.
@TankMacnamara81 Ha Ha! Its a matter of taste at the end of the day. I like the chain smoking quality of her voice, it gives her that extra bit of sass. I'm also biased as I'm extremely attracted to her ha ha! Now Kate Bosworth was a TERRIBLE choice for Lois in that last Superman abortion. I
@HotDogMarchant Yes, I hate that kid! The terminator was one of Hollywood's most terrifying creations and in the sequel he's teaching Arnie 'cool' language and high 5s. Infuriating.
@skinwalkerxxx I completely agree with the first part. But still, I like his films somehow very much. I think you can feel a sort of love for moviemaking.
Worst performance in best film? First comes to mind.... Marion Cotillard in The Dark Knight Rises Also... Marion Cotillard in Inception. then there's Marion Cotillard in.... naaaah, just kidding! I've nothing against her in particular but boy, was she bad in those!!
Who else thought Mark was playing drums from the thumbnail?
Yes! Wtf
At first I thought maybe he was playing the theremin or the zither lol
Can't believe Stanley Tucci isn't on this list. He's been in some right shockers but is always a delight! If he's in it, I'll watch it.
Charles Dance as Benedict in Last Action Hero
Bad acting in a great movie? Keanu Reeves as Jonathan Harker in Francis Ford Coppola's brilliant interpretation of 'Dracula'.
Also K Reeves in Dangerous Liaisions ....
Also any performer in Kubricks film not called Sellers
Possibly the worst acting I've ever seen. It was like watching a spoon.
Ian McDairmid is mostly consistently good in the awful Star Wars prequels. Yes, he's chewing the scenery, yes...he's basically camping it up as a Hammer Horror villain and yes his "Power...UNLIMITED POWAH!!!!" scene is just painful, but he's very watchable and delivers a better performance than any of the rest of the cast.
I personally have only sat through the original trilogy, which I absolutely hated. But Ian McDairmid’s few precious moments onscreen in episode six almost made the whole thing worthwhile.
Oh! Alan Rickman in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Electrifying performance in a bland boring film.
No! PoT is great.
Paul bettanys voice control in the firesale scene of Margin Call OMG
Raul Julia is absolutely brilliant in Street Fighter. Disappointed he didn't get a mention.
And the story behind him taking that role brings a tear to even this cruel bastard.
I can't watch that without remembering it's his goodbye performance to his children.
The only Gomez Adams there will ever be for me.
OF COURSE!!!!
RIP Peter O' Toole. :(
I Like "The Godfather, Part III" As Well. Underrated.
Watch Leaving Las Vegas and tell me Cage is a bad actor.
I would love a list of Kermode's favorite commentary tracks.
Pete Postlethwaite is an amazing actor.
Agreed. Tarantino in Django Unchained. Horrible performance! Loved the film.
Keanu Reeves in Dangerous Liaisons (or anything for that matter).
Really agree with Dr.Kermode on Godfather III.
Brad Dourif has been in A LOT of crappy films and yet unfailingly gives great performances.
Death Machine for example.
Exorcist 3
Eric Bogosian's performance in Under Siege 2 is fabulous. Why is he not in more films?
He’s absolutely incredible in Uncut Gems, he plays the very particular relationship with Howie note-perfectly
Julian Sands probably deserves a lifetime achievement award for good acting in bad movies. It's practically all he does. I can't agree with the Tron sequel, by the way - I enjoyed it a lot.
You mean bad acting in good movies?
"Wimbeldon" with Bettany is a quite good film for it's genre. The best actor in bad films is Peter Cushing, who always gave it all in serious interpretations in silly films, like all the weird dracula films, many starring cristopher lee
I've watched Alien: Covenant more times than I should just for Fassbenders performance.
He's another who's lost most of the decade to movies and franchises which don't deserve him.
Worst performance in a good movie, Keanu Reeves in Kenneth Branagh's "Much Ado About Nothing."
Worst performances in great movies: Keanu Reeves in both Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Point Break. Love Keanu...but he is beyond awful in both of those films.
I don't think Love Actually is a bad movie at all, I love it and have seen it more than once. Troy is far from terrible either, liked it a lot more the 2nd time I saw it!
Why did everyone forget about Klaus Kinski and most of his 135 movies?
Warwick Davis in Leprechaun 4: In Space... come on... :)
Gary Oldman is amazing in every film. Even in the Robocop remake he was amazing
Mickey Rooney in Breakfast at Tiffany's if someones not already mentioned it.
Best performance in a bad movie: Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot
Worst performance in a good movie: Quentin Tarantino in Django Unchained
Breaking The Waves is incredible.
Mike Myers in Inglorious Basterds - almost turned the film into a farce.
I love tron legacy, yet I find Michael sheen totally over the top, is it a great movie? No, is it visually stunning? Absolutely, and the soundtrack is fantastic
Its just a shame the plot is lame
Best performance in a bad movie; Mark Strong in Revolver
Worst performance in a good movie; Mark Hamill in A new hope and Diane Keaton in Godfather 1......Although they both redeem themselves in the following movies.
There are far far too many bad performances in so many great films but one that comes screaming to the fore for me is Andie MacDowell's excruciating performance in Robert Altman's Shortcuts. Anyone remember her confrontation with Lyle Lovett's chef? "You, you....basturrd" I always have to fast forward through that bit. How on Earth did she get that part?
Although I loved Ryan O'Neal's understated performance in Walter Hill's "The Driver", I thought he was bland & hopelessly miscast in "Barry Lyndon", my favourite Stanley Kubrick film. I'm genuinely shocked Malcolm McDowell wasn't cast as the lead. Sure he's best known for shocking roles in films like "A Clockwork Orange" and "Caligula, but watch McDowell's comparatively reserved performance as HG Wells in Nicholas Meyer's "Time After Time" for a hint of what might have been.
I was absolutely blown away by Cage in Adaption
best performer bad movie: Daniel Day Lewis - gangs of new york, the man carries the film which only really has his performance and the set/costume design going for it.
or jim carrey in the Grinch, again his performance is the only good thing about the film
cant think of a bad performance in a good movie which stands out atm
3.41-3.46 Maybe it's because he co-wrote the script.
Keanu Reaves In Dracula!
That's the largest hi hat I've ever seen
That's why he was perfect. He was playing a guy who'd spent his whole life essentially dreaming, then waking up to reality. His dopiness is entirely fitting.
2:18 I never realised it before but Paul Bettany looks a hell of a lot like Robert Webb. There's a comedy sketch in there somewhere. Perhaps an episode of Peep Show involving a long lost brother or twin?
@DarkProf1 Couldn't agree more. 'The Matrix' and 'Much Ado about Nothing' represent the ultimate polar opposites of casting decisions. What was Kenneth Branagh thinking giving Keanu Reeves a role requiring acting?
Love actually, Bill Nighty gave it some great edge with his occasional acid insults as the rock star
Best performance in bad films: How about Michael Gough in Batman Forever and Batman & Robin?
The godfather 3 is a good movie it’s just seen as a bad movie because it’s always compared to 2 of the best movies ever
Matthew “Mahogany”
I know it's not the most popular film but Tron: Legacy is hardly a clunker.
Decent film with a truly incredible soundtrack.
To me the mark of a great actor is transforming trashy into something meaningful through the sheer power of performance. I cite Henry Fonda in “The Swarm”. Not only is it a stinker of a film, but Fonda is only in it for about 5 minutes and really doesn’t have much to work with. In his hands the statement “This feels bad” as he’s dying becomes compelling viewing and he gives 100% total commitment to a piece of Irwin Allen schlock.
Jim Caviezel in The Thin Red Line and Matthew Modine in Full Metal Jacket!
Daniel Radcliffe in all the Harry Potter films,and I do mean all the films.
Sean Connery's cameo in Highlander 2, best performance in a rubbish film.
Anthony Hopkins in Magic
Gary Oldman in The Darkest Hour. It’s as if every ounce of energy that went into making the movie was sucked up by Gary Oldman, and as result he put in a fantastic performance, but everything else seemed a bit limp.
love actually is one of my favorite romantic comedies
The appropriately named Stephen Lack in David Cronenberg's SCANNERS. His acting is so awkwardly stilted, it's as if the original lead actor dropped out at the last minute and Cronenberg just dragged some hobo off the street to replace him. Despite this, the film is a masterpiece of body horror thanks to the gruesome special effects, a career defining performance by Michael Ironside, and David Cronenberg's deft direction.
@TankMacnamara81 Hold the bus a minute!! While I agree with nearly all your choices there I have to ask if you're taking the piss with the inclusion of Margot Kidder as one of the worst? She was fuckin deadly as Lois Lane and I doubt any other actress will ever bring the ballsyness to that character again.
@KotowTV I totally agree. Infact I'll go the opposite of what was said in this video and say the the WORST thing about it was Michael Sheen's preposterous hamming..
Bill Nighy plays exactly the same character in every film he makes, and that character is Bill Nighy. he has built a whole career on being charismatic enough to saunter onto any film set, mumble his lines, do that thing he does with his mouth, then bugger off. nice work if you can get it. Name me one film where he doesn't play himself.
How about Sofia Copula in GODFATHER 3?
Raul Julia, Street Fighter The Movie
Raul Julia in Street Fighter.
Brilliant performance.
NO WAY, Nicolas cage was fantastic in Kick-Ass. He basically created everything that was awesome about Big Daddy, without Cage BD would have just been a punisher rip-off.
The pub table with the ridiculous lamp on it in Kerrmode Uncut
Edward Furlong (John Connor) in Terminator 2, mostly for his voice. I know it's not a great reason to dislike a performance, but I've never been able to get over how annoying it is.
@bodieofci5 Totally agree with ye but I could totally forgive her because of the "must you?" retort in Bronco Billy. Two words in a so so comedy that still kill me everytime I see it
I must say, I adore Joe Pesci, but I thought he was quite poor in JFK (one of my favourite films). I saw the film after reading several books on the assassination and therefore, went in expecting a more quiet, somber portrayal of David Ferrie. However, I thought that Pesci brought too much of his “DeVitoness” to the role. Rather than the “sad clown” reputation of which the real Ferrie was known for.
Ralph Fiennes in A Bigger Splash, not that that was a bad movie, but the film died when he died.
i actually thought order of the phoenix was the worst one. haven't read the books and as a result, had no idea what was going on
Walken has also been an AWFUL actor in awful movies - when he's giving his A-Game he's hard to touch, but he's done a LOT of check-cashing parts over the last few decades.
Sam J. Jones in "Flash Gordon." It's a damn shame Kurt Russell turned down the role.
Has to be Gwyneth Paltrow in Shakespeare In Love! Fortunately the movie is THAT good that even her unwavering awfulness won't stop me watching it again and again.
Katie Holmes in Batman Begins
John Heard in CHUD and Frank Langella in Masters of the Universe.
Looking for the folow up vlog about bad acting in good films. Did it ever happen?
Julian Sands?! Noo!! How dare you say that! I loved him in Tale of a Vampire. One of my all-time fave movies! And yes, Laura Dern is wonderful.
I thought worst performance in a great film: Anthony Hopkins in Bram Stoker's Dracula and Tom Cruise in Interview with a Vampire. I started yelling at the TV both times.
Sophia Coppola - The Godfather Part 3
From the thumbnail I thought Mark was playing a giant drum. I'm very disappointed.
i quite liked Paul Bettany in Priest, underrated movie imo.
Bill Cosby in Leonard Part 6, an 80's movie performance thats so bad he publicly told people not to waste their money on it and not suprisingly putting the blame on the director, he has since added Golden Globes and Emmys to the Razzie he got for that performance( I salute you :)
did we ever get a vlog about great film but crap acting?
Michael Madsen in Sin City. He reads his lines like he read the script once did one crappy take and then went home assuming that they were going to cut him out of the film anyway. They didn't. Shame.
@QuatermassMan And what makes it even worse is that movie around that steaming pile of middle fingers to the audience is the talent surrounding him: Director Blake Edwards, writers Truman Capote and George Axelrod, and Audrey, my love. But Mickey as Mr. Yunioshi is a blemish you can't ignore.
I liked Nic Cage's character in Kick-Ass too, but given the mountain of evidence stacked against him, I don't put that down to Cage's wonderful acting talent or intellect, but think he and the role simply worked together.
Julian Sands in any movie
Worst actress in the best movie: katie holmes in batman begins
Riki Takeuchi in Battle Royale II: Requiem
Godfather 3 is not the stinker everyone makes it out to be, just to much expectation due to the first two films.
I like Mark's coat.
Worst performance in a great film? Diane Keaton in The Godfather. I can't believe she got away with it.
Got to be Denzel Washington in John Q. One of the worst films I've ever seen, but I feel it's Washington's best performance. Even more impressive considering what a turnip the film is.
@TankMacnamara81 Ha Ha! Its a matter of taste at the end of the day. I like the chain smoking quality of her voice, it gives her that extra bit of sass. I'm also biased as I'm extremely attracted to her ha ha! Now Kate Bosworth was a TERRIBLE choice for Lois in that last Superman abortion. I
No Eva Green? Astonishing actress in a few bad projects.
Not a real stinker of a movie, just OK, but Paul Giamattis performance in Ironclad(2011) is amazing.
Great pick.
Worst performance in best movie: Keanu Reeves in Coppola's Dracula
@Nopperabou Because a film is about more than just the actors?
@HotDogMarchant Yes, I hate that kid! The terminator was one of Hollywood's most terrifying creations and in the sequel he's teaching Arnie 'cool' language and high 5s. Infuriating.
@skinwalkerxxx I completely agree with the first part. But still, I like his films somehow very much. I think you can feel a sort of love for moviemaking.
Worst performance in best film?
First comes to mind.... Marion Cotillard in The Dark Knight Rises
Also... Marion Cotillard in Inception.
then there's Marion Cotillard in.... naaaah, just kidding! I've nothing against her in particular but boy, was she bad in those!!
From the trailer it looked like Shia LaBeouf was far better than he had any right to be in that war movie which received terrible reviews.