British impresario Malcolm McLarens headstone reads, Better a spectacular failure, than a benign success.
Or maybe I just think theyre good.
(Its my list, after all.
It wasthe internets favorite movie for more than a decade, after all.
Consider it mentioned.)
It’s the best bad movie sinceCats.
Which is all a shame.
Sure, said emotional state is omnipresent anxiety.
But what a picture!
It got lost in the shuffle in theaters,grossing less than $70 million worldwide.
A bummerit’s a bedtime story that will invade your dreams, well worth experiencing.
But whereNapoleonandGods of Egyptmay have deserved their middling takes, the failure of 2021’sThe Last Duelwas a crying shame.
Because it’s fun to watch.
Cats(2019)
Catsis the last film I saw in theaters before the pandemic.
Im not ashamed of it.
Its just something I have to live with.
Switch language tracks, pop on the subtitles (or dont bother), and enjoy.
Starring Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer (problematic!
John Carter(2012)
John Carters failure seems one of timing.
Even by pandemic standards, though, the fourth (but not final?)
But this 2006 flop from celebrated director Alfonso Cuaron is some kind of feel-bad masterpiece.
In a depressing way.
If youre asking yourself why, the answer is pretty simple:Vin Diesel is a huge nerd.
I mean, Judy Dench, again.
(Kids who grew up with itseem to agree.)
Animation essentially abandoned its feature-length ambitions in the wake of its release.
But its also far better than its reputation as the nadir of the beloved felt creations storied career.
Waterworld(1995)
What ifMad Max, but on the ocean?
But watched today, it’s more an endearing throwback (fishing pun not intended).
Sure, the plot is nigh-incomprehensible nonsensebut thestyle.
Sure, it’s a downerbut what a downer it is.
Let me put it this way: It doesn’thave a cult followingbecause it’s “good.”
Your mileage may vary.
Where to stream:Prime Video, Tubi, Pluto TV, Freevee,digital rental
