Alas, not every movie can be a masterpiece, least of all during the first half of a year. With the summer blockbuster season winding down, I thought this would be as good a time as any to share my picks for the worst films released during the first six months of 2011. I’ve included links to my full reviews when they’re available, so feel free to check out my full thoughts and opinions on each one.
As was the case with my best of selections, some of my picks will likely wind up on my year-end list. Considering how terrible this lot was, I’m almost afraid of what others might join them…Check out my companion ‘Best Of’ list right HERE!
1. Transformers: Dark of the Moon
It’s astounding to me that these movies are still being made. It’s even more astounding that they started making them in the first place. Full review right HERE!
2. Bad Teacher
It isn’t often I come across a character so reprehensible that I actually wish him or her dead. Cameron Diaz plays someone very much like that. Full review right HERE!
3. Your Highness
I cannot think of a comedy this year that made less of an effort to be funny. James Franco, usually a reliable actor, gives one of the year’s worst performances. Full review right HERE!
4. A Serbian Film
I refuse to be part of a world where pornographic necrophilia and the raping of newborns qualify as “symbolism.” Full review right HERE!
5. The Butcher, the Chef, and the Swordsman
One of the most incompetent martial arts films I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure anyone knew what they were doing when making this one. Full review right HERE!
6. Just Go with It
Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston have made their share of bad movies, but the real kicker is Nicole Kidman, who’s usually capable of much better choices. Full review right HERE!
7. Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son
Martin Lawrence once again dons a fat suit and an old lady’s dress in a comedy so contrived that’s not just unfunny, it’s painful. Full review right HERE!
8. Atlas Shrugged: Part I
A movie made with just about no audience in mind, not even believers of Ayn Rand’s original novel. I can’t remember the last time a movie has been this unendurably boring. Full review right HERE!
9. Black Death
Some movies go too far in their efforts to push an agenda on audiences. By espousing hatred and violence on both ends of the religious spectrum, this one does exactly that. Full review right HERE!
10. Burning Palms
An anthology film made up of five separate stories, each so venomous and depressing that it suggests anger and hatred on the part of writer/director Christopher Landon. Full review right HERE!