The Worst Ten Films of 2010 (#6 - #10)

Thanks to the birth of my second daughter Claire, and a reduced production schedule, I avoided a lot of bad films in 2010, so much so, that I won’t call my list the worst films of 2010, but rather the worst films I saw in 2010. With that said, these ten should still be avoided.

10) MONSTERS
MONSTERS is an awkward love story with a monster movie as its backdrop, failing to ignite much passion or sparks between its leads. The impromptu screenplay hangs the romantic leads out to dry, while the monster moments are effective, but cut short by writer-director Gareth Edwards. The monsters are frightening, but they had nothing on the interaction between Whitney Able and Scoot McNairy.

9) THE RUNAWAYS

THE RUNAWAYS is a bio-picture about controversial girl rockers, featuring Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning. The film may have seemed edgier, had it not been so boring. The on-stage performances by these young stars are convincing, but the backstage theatrics and melodrama make this Joan Jett coming-of-age production a real yawner.

8) LITTLE FOCKERS

Robert Deniro and Ben Stiller reunite for more odd encounters in LITTLE FOCKERS. Although Deniro and Stiller walk away unscathed, Jack and Greg did not, with a collection of screenwriters and director Paul Weitz forcing the characters into ludicrous and humorless situations. LITTLE FOCKERS plot involving Greg’s kids is just another excuse to drag out another series through Hollywood’s comedy remanufacturing plant.

7) COUNTRY STRONG

COUNTRY STRONG is neither strong, or very country. A weak narrative scattered amongst three country pop stars and their manager is completely hollow. The performances deliver second-rate tunes well enough, but it’s the other moments when their mouths are open that make this made-for-TV melodrama grating. Gwyneth Paltrow’s diva Kelly Canter is a new low for the actress. Despite the less than stellar screenplay, Paltrow draws no empathy for this miserable alcoholic.

6) WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS
Gordon Gecko returned from the dead, or at least from behind bars in the not-so-thrilling sequel, WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS. Michael Douglas reprises his role as Gecko, and Oliver Stone returns, but the controversial and talented director leaves his significant scripting and directing skills in the 80’s. Although money never sleeps, I nearly did gazing at the dollar signs wasted on this tedious retread.

Photos courtesy of Vertigo Films, River Road and Linson Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures and 20th Century Fox