A wise man once asked, "Who watches the watchmen?" Well, the same goes for critics. From classic parodies to beloved sequels, here are movies that Rotten Tomatoes critics were totally wrong about.
Category
😹
FunTranscript
00:00A wise man once asked, who watches The Watchmen? Well, the same goes for critics. From classic
00:06parodies to beloved sequels, here are movies that Rotten Tomatoes critics were totally
00:11wrong about.
00:12Nicolas Cage loves to act. It's as simple as that. He pours every ounce of his soul
00:17into his roles, no matter what caliber of script is tossed onto his desk. Whether it
00:21be an Oscar-winning performance in The Existential Heartbreaker Leaving Las Vegas, or a zany
00:27turn as a literary agent who believes he's becoming a vampire in the black comedy Vampire's
00:31Kiss.
00:32I'm a vampire! I'm a vampire! I'm a vampire! I'm a vampire! I'm a vampire!
00:40And don't forget big-budget blockbusters with over-the-top plots like 2004's National Treasure.
00:46He definitely goes all-in on these ventures, too, and that's the main reason this one is
00:51worth your time.
00:52The film follows Ben, a noted historian and treasure hunter who sets out to discover a
00:57hidden secret at the heart of the United States. It also involves a healthy dose of conspiracy,
01:02as both the Templars and the Freemasons have roles to play, while a certain super-important
01:07American document is a central part of the plot.
01:11I'm going to steal the Declaration of Independence.
01:14It's these sillier elements that ensure National Treasure was never going to be a critical
01:19darling, as the story is way too outlandish. In fact, most reviews commented on the unbelievable
01:24narrative as a major negative, but it's also the kind of wacky fun that makes for great
01:28escapism in a similar way to Night at the Museum or The Mummy. And though the plot is
01:33unbelievable, that doesn't mean the script itself is bad. In fact, structurally speaking,
01:39it's very well put together. Throw in a stellar cast that includes Diane Kruger, John Voight,
01:45Sean Bean, and Harvey Keitel, and National Treasure is a great way to spend a couple
01:49of hours, especially if you go into it not expecting to have to think too hard about
01:53what's actually going on.
01:55Based on the Chris Van Allsburg novel of the same name, Jumanji met with a mixed reception
02:00when it hit cinema screens in 1995. That might be surprising to some people, as the movie
02:05is often regarded as a classic of the 1990s, and the franchise has continued to grow with
02:09two recent sequels, starring the likes of Dwayne Johnson and Jack Black. The original
02:14story finds Robin Williams caught up in a mystical board game which brings hazards from
02:18the jungle world into real life.
02:20Run! It's a S.T.M.P.
02:24In many ways, Jumanji is the ultimate comfort movie. Its dated special effects are more
02:29charming than disruptive, and Robin Williams gives an on-brand, touching performance that
02:34makes us all miss him just as much as some of his higher-rated films do.
02:38God bless you.
02:39In fact, everyone in Jumanji adds to the magic of the film — from Jonathan Hyde to David
02:44Alan Greer and a young Kirsten Dunst. Throw in a great musical score and a script with
02:49solid pacing, and you've got yourself one of those movies you can turn on any time you
02:53feel the urge to unplug from our current dystopia and remember simpler times and better movies.
03:00Sequels are a dangerous game, especially when the original is way better than it has the
03:04right to be. Capturing that magic twice is unlikely, and this is certainly the case with
03:102001's The Mummy Returns.
03:12What'd you do this time?
03:14I haven't done anything to anybody!
03:17However, just because it pales in comparison to the original doesn't mean it deserves to
03:21be excluded from your DVD collection. Here's how — sure, it certainly has some pretty
03:25clunky dialogue and isn't nearly as memorable as the first installment, aside from one particularly
03:31stellar action sequence.
03:33Oh, I hate mummies.
03:36A lot of people will also remember the awful CGI for Dwayne Johnson's Scorpion King character,
03:41but let's get real for a second. Sometimes, bad special effects age like fine wine and
03:46make us laugh and reminisce rather than scoff. This is definitely the case with The Rock's
03:51computer-generated appearance, and in the end, it's infinitely more enduring than similar
03:56scenes of the same technical caliber that pop up in other less-than-stellar sequels
04:01to beloved franchise favorites. And don't forget about the genuine chemistry between
04:05Brendan Fraser's Rick O'Connell and Rachel Weisz's Evelyn Carnahan — something that's
04:09sorely missing from so many modern blockbusters. Take these sentiments into account, and The
04:14Mummy Returns is actually a hell of a lot of fun.
04:18Looking back on Jim Carrey's career now, it's fair to say that the Cable Guy doesn't stand
04:22out as a strange entry in his extensive filmography. He's played a wide variety of characters in
04:27a wide variety of movies, from absolute buffoons like Lloyd in Dumb and Dumber to the sensitive
04:32and flawed Joel in the Oscar-winning 2004 masterpiece Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless
04:36Mind.
04:37"...why do I fall in love with every woman I see who shows me the least bit of attention?"
04:43However, context is important. Transport yourself back to 1996, and imagine experiencing Carrey's
04:49role as Chip Douglas and not having much to compare it to besides movies like Ace Ventura,
04:53The Mask, or the cringetastic Batman Forever. Besides criticizing the heavy-handed observations
04:59about Gen X's obsession with television, this is what critics and fans alike fixated on
05:03at the time of its release. People just weren't ready to see Jim Carrey be anything other
05:07than a lovable goofball. Granted, he's still plenty of a goofball in the film, but the
05:11silliness of his character is often overshadowed by the darkness that drives his increasingly
05:16disturbing behavior. And ultimately, it's this characterization of the frightening yet
05:21bizarrely likable Chip that allows Carrey's talents to shine through and create a truly
05:25memorable performance that helps earn the movie a place on this list.
05:29On top of that, the film is filled with iconically hilarious moments that would make anybody
05:33laugh and plenty of well-placed pop culture references, including a Star Trek-inspired
05:38fight scene complete with medieval armor.
05:41"...The name is Spark. If we don't battle to the death, they will kill us both."
05:48Parodies are some of the hardest types of comedy to get right, and they often aren't
05:52appreciated in their own time. Spaceballs found that out firsthand when it was released
05:57in 1987. Meant to be a spoof of the original Star Wars trilogy and various other sci-fi
06:02series, the Mel Brooks movie failed to impress critics. It also failed to inspire audiences
06:06at the box office, just about making back its budget with takings of $38 million. However,
06:12in the intervening years, Spaceballs has become a cult classic and a comedy favorite, as well
06:17as being arguably Mel Brooks' most popular release. It contains a wide array of excellent
06:23sight gags, including the sandy desert being combed, and quotes that will never expire.
06:28"...Sir, we've never gone that fast before. I don't know if this ship can take us."
06:32"...What's the matter, Colonel Sanders? Chicken?"
06:35In terms of casting, the infectious chemistry between Bill Pullman and John Candy gives
06:40the film a heartwarming sense of camaraderie. And of course, Rick Moranis puts in one of
06:45the best performances of his career as the comical Dark Helmet.
06:49"...The ring! I can't believe you fell for the oldest trick in the book! What a goof!"
06:57Critics weren't all that fond of Taken when it was first released back in 2008. The Liam
07:01Neeson action film sees a former Special Forces soldier embark on a mission to locate his
07:06missing daughter and her friend after they're kidnapped by traffickers while vacationing
07:09in France.
07:10"...I will look for you. I will find you. And I will kill you."
07:17Like many thrillers, Taken doesn't focus on the overarching narrative as much as it does
07:21the action. The plot is simple and, ultimately, unlikely. Some also criticize the acting in
07:26the film, but it's obvious that the filmmakers weren't pining for an award at the Cannes
07:29Film Festival. It doesn't pretend to be something it's not, and that's what so many critics
07:34and regular moviegoers alike get wrong when they're cooking up their hot takes. We should
07:39be thankful when action movies aren't riddled with half-baked political messages or pseudo-intellectual
07:44musings that stifle the pacing. Sometimes, it's perfectly acceptable to just sit back,
07:50eat too much popcorn, and let Liam Neeson be a badass for an hour and a half.
07:55There are only a few films that successfully blend live-action and animation in a satisfying
08:00way. Most would agree that Who Framed Roger Rabbit is the prime example of a movie where
08:04they actually managed to nail this difficult blend. Space Jam is undoubtedly another instance,
08:10even if it didn't resonate with critics when it arrived in cinemas in 1996. The film features
08:14Michael Jordan and the cast of the Looney Tunes in a tale where they must defeat a team
08:18of aliens who intend on enslaving them and using them as attractions for their amusement
08:22park, Moron Mountain, in a game of basketball.
08:26Yeah, it's a silly plot, and the acting is atrocious, but that's not what matters. It's
08:36Jordan's genial nature and energy that give the movie a lighthearted authenticity that
08:41transcends space and time.
08:44Seeing all of our favorite cartoon characters come to life in the real world, alongside
08:48possibly the most beloved sports star of all time, will always be enduring, no matter what
08:53decade we find ourselves in.
08:56Equilibrium has one of the biggest gaps in audience and critic scores on Rotten Tomatoes,
09:00with its poor review ratings in direct opposition to the high marks given by viewers. Many reviews
09:05were scathing, suggesting it was derivative and void of any originality. If you've only
09:10seen trailers for the 2002 film, no one would blame you for agreeing with them. Watching
09:15a black trench coat-wearing Christian Bale bust through doors with a pistol in each hand
09:18and use martial arts to dominate anyone who stands in his way in a bleak dystopian future?
09:23It sure looks a lot like another much more critically acclaimed movie that came out a
09:27few years prior.
09:28I don't believe it.
09:31However, if you watch the movie in its entirety, you'll realize how different it actually is
09:36under the surface. In a world scarred by a nuclear World War III, the human population
09:40in Libria is kept under control by a totalitarian government and a drug that suppresses emotion.
09:45Christian Bale portrays Preston, a cleric tasked with executing those who dare to feel.
09:50He slowly begins to rebel against the government as the film progresses, and his journey from
09:55hardline enforcer to revolutionary is a joy to see unfold.
10:00I'm coming.
10:05Coming two years after the incredibly successful Home Alone was released, Home Alone 2 Lost
10:10in New York was an inevitable sequel. Although its predecessor was not a massive hit with
10:15critics, it made so much money at the box office that it was obvious a second film would
10:20The sequel fared even worse, with reviews disparaging the way it was apparently completely
10:25derivative of the original 1990 movie. They're not wrong — it really does recycle pretty
10:30much every component. Kevin ends up on his own, he uses his resourcefulness to thwart
10:34Harry and Marv, he's reminded of the true meaning of Christmas by being forced to interact
10:39with a scary stranger who ends up being one of the sweetest people ever.
10:43But consider this — there's something to be said about sequels that bring back every
10:47actor from the original film. In fact, the entire creative team, including director Chris
10:52Columbus and writer John Hughes, all returned for the movie. This makes it feel like a believable,
10:57heartfelt continuation, not just a brainless cash grab initiated by indifferent producers.
11:03And besides all that, who can deny that it never gets old watching Harry and Marv face
11:08off against elaborate booby traps that are quite a bit more catastrophic and demented
11:12than those in the original?
11:15It might be hard to find people who are willing to admit they don't like Hook, but that wasn't
11:21always the case. What's now considered a classic adventure film for the whole family was once
11:25lambasted by critics and seen as something of a financial failure, despite bringing in
11:30more than $300 million at the box office. Even director Steven Spielberg has expressed
11:35his disappointment with the film.
11:39Most of the criticism was concentrated on the lack of original ideas to differentiate
11:43this from a standard retelling of the Peter Pan story. Others were of the opinion that
11:47the plot was weak, arguing that the script drags a bit in the middle.
11:50Even if you agree with those criticisms, there's still so much to like about Hook, especially
11:54the acting. Robin Williams lends his enduring passion to the character of Peter, cultivating
11:59a very human version of him that elevates what could have easily been a flaccid, two-dimensional
12:04performance in a lesser actor's hands. The same can be said for Dustin Hoffman, whose
12:08Captain Hook is simultaneously likable and memorably villainous.
12:13And who didn't believe I could do it? Who doubted me?
12:18Julia Roberts shines, both literally and figuratively, as Tinkerbell.
12:24You are embarrassing me!
12:26Even Glenn Close has an unlikely and uncredited cameo as the unfortunate pirate who ends up
12:31in the dreaded Boo Box.
12:33The Boo Box!
12:34No! No!
12:35The Boo Box!
12:36No!
12:37Beyond the performances, the film looks great on a technical level, with impressive sets
12:44and special effects. Everything from Captain Hook's ship to the Lost Boys' colorful, imaginary
12:49feast is a cinematic sight to behold. John Williams' score is also often considered to
12:55be some of his best work as well.
12:57The Mighty Ducks was never likely to be the type of film that would go down well with
13:01It's a feel-good story that features every trope you'd expect from a sports film. Whether
13:05it's the underdog team or the down-on-his-luck reluctant coach, this 1992 comedy-drama does
13:11little on the way of innovating the genre.
13:13So what?
13:14That's a weak reason to discard a movie, especially one that's meant primarily for kids. They
13:19aren't sitting down with their families to search for evidence that the filmmakers are
13:23being derivative or lazy. They aren't analyzing character arcs or story beats. They're laughing
13:27at Goldberg when he farts in the limo.
13:30Goldberg!
13:31It wasn't me, all right?
13:34They're laughing at the players as they struggle to pass eggs back and forth to each other
13:38on the ice. They're rooting for Charlie as he takes the same game-deciding penalty shot
13:42that coach Gordon Bombay missed when he was a kid. They're vicariously experiencing a
13:46meaningful victory that comes as the result of good sportsmanship and dedication. These
13:51are the types of movies kids should be enjoying when they're still a ways off from adulthood.
13:56Ultimately, the critical response to The Mighty Ducks is an example of reviewers not
14:00considering the intended audience. The script is competent, the characters are memorable,
14:05and it's as rewatchable as any other classic of the genre. And it's obvious that a whole
14:09bunch of people really enjoyed it at the time and still do, as the franchise has since expanded
14:13into multiple movies, a television series on Disney+, and even a real-life NHL hockey
14:19team.
14:20Comedy films often face a tough time with critics and very rarely get universal acclaim
14:25when they're released. Even some of the best comedies don't make an impression with reviewers
14:29despite being hugely popular with audiences. Step Brothers is a great example of this.
14:34It missed out on a Fresh rating, even though it's widely considered to be one of the best
14:38comedy movies of the last two decades. The plot revolves around two 40-year-old men,
14:44Brennan and Dale, who still live at home and are forced to coexist with each other after
14:48their respective single parents get married. Increasing levels of hilarity and debauchery
14:52ensue, with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly's characters showcasing legendary acts of immaturity
14:57as they try to drive each other out of the house. They eventually become inseparable,
15:01but their outlandishly childish natures remain for the majority of the film. It's hilarious,
15:07touching, and endlessly quotable.
15:09If you were a chick, who's the one guy you'd sleep with?
15:12John Samos.
15:13What? Did we just become best friends?
15:16Yep!
15:17Famed film critic Roger Ebert was not amused by the movie whatsoever, giving it one out
15:22of five stars, and writing,
15:23"'When did comedies get so mean?' Step Brothers has a premise that might have produced a good
15:27time at the movies, but when I left, I felt a little unclean."
15:30Of course, this is coming from a guy who thought that the only funny part of Dumb and Dumber
15:35was the blind kid being given a dead parakeet.
15:38It's difficult to see what's not to like about Reign of Fire. It features a post-apocalyptic
15:43modern world where dragons have awoken from millions of years of hibernation to wipe out
15:47almost all of humanity. With civilization collapsed, due in part to humanity's poor
15:51decision to use nuclear weapons to try and eliminate the dragons, hope is pinned on the
15:55few survivors scattered across the planet. They plot to kill the dragon leader and save
16:00themselves from certain extinction. And if you don't think that sounds rad, you're lying
16:04to yourself.
16:05The movie ended as a critical and commercial failure, grossing just $80 million against
16:11a budget of $60 million. Even its audience score sits at a rather low 49 percent. However,
16:17those willing to give this science-fantasy film a chance might be pleasantly surprised.
16:22The world of the film is fully realized and believable, its grittiness almost tangible.
16:28Christian Bale's Quinn and Matthew McConaughey's Denton are both compelling characters with
16:32conflicting ideologies that build a convincing tension throughout its 102-minute runtime.
16:37And honestly, the CGI dragons actually look pretty amazing, considering how aged the movie
16:41is. Even more amazing is the fact that the CGI isn't overused, which is something to
16:46be celebrated in and of itself.
16:49Ask any fan of Die Hard to rank every film in the series, and Die Hard with a Vengeance
16:54is unlikely to be anywhere near the bottom. In fact, the general consensus puts the third
16:58film right at the top of the pile, beaten out only by the original 1988 movie.
17:04Yet, it's one of the worst-reviewed entries of the franchise. In many ways, this third
17:11film is completely different than what came before it. John McClane has seen a dramatic
17:16fall from grace, kicked off the police force. He's now living a disgraced life as an alcoholic.
17:21It's almost like he's just the washed-up shell of who he might have been if he'd never won
17:25Hollyback and bested Hans Gruber at the top of Nakatomi Plaza, or thwarted the renegade
17:30soldiers at Dulles International Airport.
17:32All in all, though, these changes work out in the end. The banter and chemistry between
17:36Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson is second to none, and results in some perfect comedy
17:41moments.
17:42Are you aiming for these people?
17:45No. Maybe they're mine.
17:48Jeremy Irons' villainous character Simon is another highlight, as is the bizarre Simon
17:52Says game he plays that has McClane going all over New York to stop bombs from exploding
17:57in the city. We eventually learn that Simon is Hans Gruber's brother, which creates a
18:01legitimate connection to the first film and subverts the previous trope that McClane is
18:06just a coincidental hero who continually happens to be in the right place at the right time.
18:11Unlike typical Disney princess movies that are fully animated, The Princess Diaries is
18:15a coming-of-age comedy that is entirely live-action. Featuring the talents of Anne Hathaway and
18:20Julie Andrews, it's based on Meg Cabot's novel of the same name and follows a young girl
18:24living in the U.S. who suddenly discovers that she is the heir to a European kingdom.
18:29Me? A princess? Shut up!
18:34Tutored in how to act as a royal by her grandmother, she must ultimately decide whether she wants
18:39to become a queen or renounce the throne. Critics were initially underwhelmed with the
18:442001 film, feeling it was lacking in story and trying to be too many things at once.
18:48But there's a good selection of genuinely funny moments, and the film is constantly
18:52endearing, with standout performances from both Andrews and Hathaway.
18:56The film never comes across as overly preachy, either. Yeah, it's full of moral lessons,
19:01but it doesn't shove them in your face, letting them come out naturally as the action unfolds.
19:06As a clean and harmless film, it makes great family viewing and serves as yet another example
19:12of a movie that you can just turn on and enjoy even if it's already half over.