Summary
When a film receives many negative reviews, it’s only a matter of time before the actors provide their own critiques. The criticisms of their work vary, buta common critique shared by actors deals with problems surrounding the films' script. Actors such as Colin Farrell and Ryan Reynolds have reflected on films they starred in and criticized the prioritization made for visual elements of the film, eliminating any substance within the stories.
However, acclaimed films aren’t safe from critiques by their stars either.The HelpandStar Warsaren’t loathed by audiences, but Viola Davis and Alec Guinness have made their negative feelings towards the respective films known. Similarly, actors such asEddie Murphy and Chris Hemsworth have expressed negative feelings towards some of their most beloved and well-known characters. The two actors are just some of the latest to be candid about their work.
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15Colin Farrell (Miami Vice)
Visuals Were Regrettably Prioritized Over A Compelling Story
Retrospective reviews of Michael Mann’sMiami Viceare a bit more forgiving of the film’s script as it has grown a cult following over the years. Starring Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx, Miami Vice is an adaptation of the popular TV series from the ’80s. Upon its release,Miami Vicedidn’t sit well with critics because it focused heavily on stylistic choices rather than the story.
Farrell has similar critiques and stated his regrets about the film, saying, “Miami Vice? I didn’t like it so much — I thought it was style over substance and I accept a good bit of the responsibility.” (viaMiami New Times). On the serious tone inMiami Vice, Farrell has said, “I think we missed an opportunity to have a friendship that also had some elements of fun.”
14Sally Field (The Amazing Spider-Man)
She Dislikes The Lack Of Depth In Her Role
Although Aunt May is an important figure inSpider-Manfilms, the focus is not on her. Aunt May has a supportive role in both the script and Peter Parker’s life.The sidelining of the character is why Sally Field isn’t entirely fond of her time working onThe Amazing Spider-Manand its sequel. Inan interview with Howard Stern, Field says the character is difficult to make three-dimensional, and she only took part in the films as a favor to her friend who worked as a producer.
Field mentions she had a great time creating a relationship between Aunt May andAndrew Garfield’s Peter, but as her character, Field bluntly states,“You work it as much as you can, but you can’t put 10 pounds of s*** in a five-pound bag.”
Sally Field also played Mary Todd Lincoln inLincoln(2012), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
13Sandra Bullock (Speed 2: Cruise Control)
She Wishes She Hadn’t Signed On For The Disliked Sequel
WhilepromotingThe Lost Cityin 2022,Sandra Bullock shared that she’s still embarrassed to have been inSpeed 2: Cruise Control. The film is a sequel to 1994’sSpeed, in which Bullock starred alongside Keanu Reeves. The original film was a great success with critics and audiences, but the sequel was widely panned by all.Speed 2’s lack of success is just one of the reasons Bullock has regrets about starring in the film.
The plot ofSpeed 2doesn’t make sense to Bullockand acknowledging that fans of the original have yet to turn around on the sequel, she says, “That’s one that I wished I hadn’t done.”
12Halle Berry (Catwoman)
She Criticized The Film While Accepting A Razzie For Her Performance
Playing the title character inCatwoman,Halle Berry won a Razzie Awardfor Worst Actress.In her acceptance speech, Berry gave a shoutout to Warner Bros., saying, “Thank you for putting me in a piece of s***, God-awful movie. It was just what my career needed, you know? I was at the top, and Catwoman just plummeted me to the bottom!” The comments were made playfully as Berry accepted her Razzie with her Academy Award in hand for the filmMonster’s Ball.
DID YOU KNOW:Catwomanhad a tumultuous production history, with 28 screenwriters involved, and several actresses considered for the role before Halle Berry was cast.
Berry doesn’t have strong negative feelings towardsCatwoman, but she is aware of its flaws.Recently,Berry spoke withEntertainment Weekly, reflecting on the backlash of the film and the stain it left on her career in particular.
11Channing Tatum (G.I. Joe: The Rise Of Cobra)
He Passed On The Film Before Starring As The Lead
Growing up, Channing Tatum was a big fan of G.I. Joe. When he got the call to star in the action film based on the toy line, Tatum was initially excited. It wasn’t until he read the script and learned he’d be the lead ofG.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobrathat his negative feelings towards the film began to take shape (viaVariety).
It wasn’t until he read the script and learned he’d be the lead ofG.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobrathat his negative feelings towards the film began to take shape.
Tatum declined to star inG.I. Joeseven timesbut was eventually made to portray the protagonist due to a contract. Recently,Tatum confessed toVanity Fairthat it was his choice to have his character return in the sequel with a short-lived appearance, and it’s a decision he doesn’t regret.
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10Dakota Johnson (Madame Web)
Superhero Roles Aren’t Her First Choice Anymore After Madame Web
Audiences and critics agree thatMadame Webis a clunky superhero film with many technical and storytelling errors.Dakota Johnson portrays the titular character and during press junkets, she made subtle comments about the film’s changing script.
Inan interview withBustle, Johnson further explains her feelings towardMadame Web, saying, “I had never done anything like it before. I probably will never do anything like it again because I don’t make sense in that world.” Johnson has made it clear in interviews thatthe project she signed up for was not whatMadame Webended up being. Due to the drastic changes made and the poor final result, Johnson understands the critical backlash to the film.
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9Katherine Heigl (Knocked Up)
The Women In The Film Were Painted In Poor Light Compared To The Men
In the late 2000s, Katherine Heigl made comments about her experience working on Judd Apatow’sKnocked Up. Discussing the film withVanity Fair,Heigl describes the comedy film as “a little sexist,“further explaining, “It paints the women as shrews, as humorless and uptight, and it paints the men as lovable, goofy, fun-loving guys.”
The depiction of her character was difficult to work through, but Heigl made it clear she enjoyed her time on set. Still, her comments, in addition to those about her time onGrey’s Anatomy, gave Heigl the unfair reputation of being difficult to work with. Recently, Heigl has earned praise for speaking up, andshe remains justified in her comments about her character inKnocked Up(viaTODAY).
8George Clooney (Batman & Robin)
He’s Repeatedly Apologized For His Part In The Franchise
Batman & Robinis known to many as the least popularBatmanmovie and one of the most negatively received superhero films. Both passionate fans of the famous character and the film’s cast agree onBatman & Robin’s flaws. Despite being eager to take on the titular hero when he was offered the role,George Clooney has continuously apologized for being in the film as he feels he negatively altered the franchise.
Batman & Robinis known to many as the least popularBatmanmovie and one of the most negatively received superhero films.
Clooney dislikesBatman & Robinfor numerous reasons, includingthe poor execution of ADR and costuming.While being interviewed onThe Graham Norton Show, Clooney put his feelings plainly, saying, “I thought, at the time, this was going to be a very good career move. It wasn’t.”
7Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern)
The Titular Character Was A Second Thought
Recently, Ryan Reynolds found great success and comfort in theDeadpoolfilms. Reynolds' acting skills complement the writing and characterization of Deadpool on-screen and is well received by fans. However, that isn’t the case for the 2011 filmGreen Lantern, in which Reynolds plays the hero.
When reflecting on his time working on the film,Reynolds admits more thought went into the film’s special effects, rather than the development of the title character. Reynolds says filmingGreen Lanternwas fun, but the feelings that stemmed after the premiere are ones he doesn’t want to revisit. Reynolds says, “Sitting in that premiere, watching that, oh my God. It’s tough.” (viaVariety).
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6Robert Pattinson (Twilight)
He Found The Films Ridiculous And Didn’t Understand The Fanfare
Robert Pattinson is famously known for his dislike ofThe Twilight Sagafilm series. Compilations can be found online of Pattinson making note of his character’s creepy behavior, plot holes within the films, and his confusion as to how they garnered such a passionate fan base (viaInStyle). While promoting the fourth installment in 2011 withMoviefone,Pattinson joked he would “mindlessly hate” the films if he weren’t part of them.
Much of what Pattinson points out aligns with theharsh realities ofTwilightyears later, which highlight what many devoted fans might’ve ignored during the height of the film series. However,distance from theTwilightcraze has allowed Pattinson to look back on his experience positively,appreciating the soundtracks of the films and younger audiences’ connection to their stories (viaUSA Today).
