While the summer of 2024 saw a resurgence in movie theater attendance, not every film enjoyed a triumphant run. In fact, a few films stand out as particularly disappointing releases. From lackluster performances to baffling choices, these five movies earned their spot on the list of the worst summer 2024 releases.
5. Tarot:
‘Tarot’ was a horror film that attempted to capitalize on the ‘Final Destination’ formula, but failed to deliver on either the scares or the intrigue. The film follows a group of friends who find themselves haunted by figures from a cursed Tarot deck. Unfortunately, the movie lacks the energy to be genuinely terrifying and its attempts at horror are often comically inept. While it managed to make more money than the films at the top of this list, its low-budget feel and lack of originality make it a prime candidate for this list.
4. Harold and the Purple Crayon:
Zachary Levi, known for his role in the ‘Shazam!’ franchise, unfortunately seems to be experiencing a run of bad luck. ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon’ is a disappointing adaptation of the beloved children’s book, failing to capture the charm and imagination of the source material. Levi’s portrayal of Harold, a man-child who enters the real world, feels tired and lacks the charisma required to make the story work. The film lacks the charm and originality needed to make it a success.
3. Poolman:
‘Poolman’ marks a curious misstep for Chris Pine, who not only stars in this film but also co-wrote and directed it. The film seems to be a mishmash of inspirations, drawing from the Coen brothers’ ‘The Big Lebowski’ and Roman Polanski’s ‘Chinatown,’ yet failing to deliver on either front. Pine’s character, Darren Barrenman, is a seemingly environmentally conscious version of Jeff Bridges’ ‘The Dude’ who stumbles into a land and water scandal. While the story itself isn’t entirely original, the execution lacks the wit and depth needed to make it worthwhile.
2. Borderlands:
‘Borderlands’ is a film adaptation of the popular video game series, and it sadly fails to capture the essence of the original. The film struggles with a disjointed narrative and an uninspired tone, despite boasting a strong cast including Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jamie Lee Curtis. While Jack Black shines in a few scenes as Claptrap, the film falls flat overall. The film could have potentially worked as an R-rated movie, as originally intended, but its PG-13 rating resulted in a watered-down and uninspired product. It feels like a cheap imitation of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy,’ especially given the release of ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ just a year prior. The lack of originality and the film’s overall failure to live up to expectations make it a major box office disappointment.
1. The Crow:
‘The Crow’ is a disastrous reboot of the 1994 cult classic, and it manages to completely miss the mark. It seems as though the filmmakers forgot what made the original so compelling. Bill Skarsgård, known for his chilling portrayal of Pennywise in ‘IT,’ fails to capture the menacing charisma of Brandon Lee’s iconic character. The film also suffers from an uninspired script and direction, resulting in a soulless and unoriginal movie that lacks the darkness and originality of the original. The original ‘The Crow’ offered a powerful blend of revenge and gothic imagery, but this reboot lacks any genuine depth or emotional weight. Instead of a supernatural avenger, the film presents a tired, uninspired version of the character and a generic story that pales in comparison to the original. The reboot of ‘The Crow’ serves as a reminder that not all franchises need to be rebooted, and that sometimes it’s better to let a classic stand on its own merits.
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