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Taking potshots at people can seem fun in the moment, but regrettable later. Especially when someone shoots back. For example, in choosing this list of the most overrated actors, I might at one time have chosen someone like Tobey Maguire, Mark Wahlberg or Ryan Gosling. At various points in the past, I was convinced that none of them could act a lick and they all proved me wrong. I could also shoot fish in a barrel, taking aim at people who are already down, like Freddie Prinze Jr., Ben Affleck, Chris Tucker, Paul Walker or Ryan Reynolds. Or Jennifer Hudson, whose flash-in-the-pan Oscar win will probably prove to be a hilarious mistake. History tends to sort things out into their proper places, which is why I ended up not choosing anyone from cinema's glorious past (I wrestled with Gary Cooper and Gregory Peck, but decided against them). So in choosing this final seven, I went with people who, at this moment, feel "overrated." They're all currently working, and each could use a serious career adjustment.
Most Overrated Actors
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- Public Discussion (66)
I love that they included Matthew McConaughey. I don't care what role he is in, to me he'll always be David Wooderson from Dazed and Confused...
That's what I love about these high school girls, man. I get older, they stay the same age.
- 4 votes
#1 - Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:30 PM EDTAre we using the gender-neutral definition of actors (that would include women) or
just men?
Overrated:
Will Smith
Mel Gibson
Robert Downey Jr.
Tom Cruise
Of course an argument can be made that nobody in their right mind thinks Cruise or Smith can act and yet they've been in "serious" roles.
- 1 vote
#2 - Mon Apr 23, 2007 2:57 PM EDTHow dare you insult the great Mel Gibson! Now he will have to lead an army to your location to engage in bloody violence!
Seriously, if Gibson is given halfway decent material, he can act with the best of them.
Tom Cruise is just funny. Re-watching old Cruise films from the '80s is just great knowing what we now know about him. His entire career makes so much sense!
- 2 votes
I paused as I typed Gibson because he was decent in Mad Max but I can't think of anything since then where he wasn't playing the exact same part, be it Braveheart, The Patriot, etc - i.e. I'm angry and I want to butt heads and scream a lot.
- 1 vote
I have nothing against that role of Gibson's. He even directs the same way.
I still love Christopher Walken even though he ALWAYS plays the Christopher Walken character.
They may not have a range of acting skills like a Johnny Depp, but the roles they can act in are pretty damn good.
I'd even put Will Smith into that category as long as he sticks with playing the "smooth" characters like in Hitch or Enemy of the State and stays far away from roles like The Pursuit of Happyness.
- 1 vote
And what DO we now know about Cruise?
That he's a loony toon who believes that space aliens were brought to earth, rounded up near the base of a volcano, killed with atomic bombs, and now their souls inhabit our bodies causing us all sorts of maladies. The only way to remove them is to give Scientology all of your money.
- 4 votes
Re: Cruise. Oh, that. You must separate the artist from his beliefs. Yes, Im kiddng.
re: Gibson. Here's the question I'd ask about peole like Gibson, or, lately, Al Pacino or Harrison Ford - if you play the same role in every movie are you really acting?
I mean I can go do a movie and act exactly as the zany guy I am regardless of the plot or context but am I acting or just being myself.
And yes I am suggesting Gibson is the crazy guy he plays on screen.
- 1 vote
If the role he is playing makes sense in the movie as well as seems remotely human. Gibson's acting worked perfectly in Braveheart and Lethal Weapon. The Patriot and Payback were just bad movies to begin with that know acting could save.
That's my main problem with Pacino now, is that all he does is yell in a scrappy voice. He doesn't seem human. Ford I am not sure about. The last movie I saw of his was Air Force One.
- 1 vote
Here's the question I'd ask about peole like Gibson, or, lately, Al Pacino or Harrison Ford - if you play the same role in every movie are you really acting?
That's my main problem with Pacino now, is that all he does is yell in a scrappy voice.
I am so sick of hearing people say things like that.
If you're talking about these recent movies
- Two for the Money (2005)
- The Recruit (2003)
- S1m0ne (2002)
- Any Given Sunday (1999)
- The Devil's Advocate (1997)
- City Hall (1996)
then I can understand where you're coming from, but you're missing most of the picture here.
Look at this list of performances—and these are all from the last eleven years (the post-Heat era), by the way—and then tell me that you really meant what you said:
- Shylock in The Merchant of Venice (2004)
- Roy Cohn in Angels in America (2003)
- Eli Wurman in People I Know (2002)
- Will Dormer in Insomnia (2002)
- Harry Levine in Chinese Coffee (2000)
- Lowell Bergman in The Insider (1999)
- Lefty Ruggerio in Donnie Brasco (1997)
- Erie Smith in Hughie (on Broadway) (1996)
- Richard III (and Himself) in Looking for Richard (1996)
It seems that Pacino's the kind of actor (and director) at this point who occassionally makes mainstream, I'm-Al-Pacino-so-I'm-screaming-about-things movies to pay the bills, and then does lots of smaller, quieter, more contemplative work with the leftover money. Not that all of the screaming roles aren't worthwhile. Pacino's John Milton in the last act of The Devil's Advocate is undeniably something to behold (and it's pretty much the epitome of what you two are talking about here). And not that all of the non-screaming-all-the-time movies are little-known arthouse fare, either. Donnie Brasco is a pretty frigging big deal. And The Insider and Insomnia are no small potatoes either.
If I were Pacino at this point, I'd be pretty satisfied to have that post-Heat résumé, rather than the seemingly never-ending stream of @!$%# that is De Niro's last eleven years' worth of work (Hide and Seek (2005), Meet the Fockers (2004), Godsend (2004), Analyze That (2002), City by the Sea (2002), Showtime (2002), 15 Minutes (2001), Meet the Parents (2000), Men of Honor (2000), The Adventures of Rocky & Bullwinkle (2000), Ronin (1998), Great Expectations (1998), Wag the Dog (1997), Marvin's Room (1996), The Fan (1996), &c.).
- 3 votes
Bobby Downey? Why that fellow can act up a storm and he always has coke.
- 4 votes
Yeah, Downey deserves his share of jibes, but Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang is one of my favorite movies.
- 2 votes
I nominate Robin Williams, especially in any sort of leading role. He is sometimes decent as a supporting character like in Aladdin, but as a lead, Patch Adams, Hook, or Man of the Year, eak!
I'd throw Jack Black in as poor man's Robin Williams, not bad in support, High Fidelity, but terrible in lead, School of Rock. Though of course, no one says Jack Black is a good actor.
- 2 votes
#4 - Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:33 PM EDTi enjoyed school of rock...
that one where he was like a wrestler or superhero or whatever looked terrible.
- 1 vote
For an actor to be overrated, they have to be considered good to start with, no? In that case, Jack Black is disqualified. Terrible acting, even in supporting roles.
- 1 vote
Yeah, that's why I added this Though of course, no one says Jack Black is a good actor.
I just seeded a piece that mentions two actors who are underrated: Ryan Gosling and Edward Norton I'm resisting the temptation to start a Most Underrated Actors piece.
- 2 votes
#5 - Mon Apr 23, 2007 4:00 PM EDT
In both cases the critics love them but does the public? I don't think their latest movies have done well at the box office.
So that does prompt the question of whether we are comparing our opinions to those of critics or those buying the movie tickets
- 1 vote
As of Fight Club, I think everyone actually does love Edward Norton.
- 3 votes
Fight Club, Rounders, The Italian Job, these were all relatively successful in the box office.
- 1 vote
I was thinking of Keeping the Faith and was blanking on the name of the last one he was in.
- 1 vote
Gosling was great in Half-Nelson, but I can't remember seeing him in anything else...and the notebook looked @!$%#ing terrible. He needs a few more movies under his belt to be underrated.
- 1 vote
Did you see the one where he plays a Jewish guy who was an aryan supremacist? It's one of the most stunning performances I've ever seen.
- 2 votes
I hear Gosling is pretty good in this new one, Fracture. Haven't yet seen it (is it even out yet?) but from what I see from critics he's not too shabby.
As for Norton... he's quite possibly my favorite actor. If there was a movie about my life (ignoring the fact it'd be the most boring movie ever), I'd want him to play me.
- 1 vote
I seeded something earlier - I think I provided a link too - about Gosling's new movie.
Here's the one I was talking about regarding racism, The Believer
I challenge anyone to watch that movie and NOT be impressed.
- 1 vote
I really enjoyed him in Stay, and I'd recommend that movie for anyone that enjoys David Lynch - in other words, if you love being confused and thinking you're dreaming.
Oh, and he dates that hottie of all hotties...Rachel McAdams. Let's hear it for the Canadian girls!
- 2 votes
I'd put Norton in the over-rated group. I never really buy his act, so to speak.
And as for Affleck, as much as it pains me, he was decent in 'Hollywoodland." Of course, it helped that he kept dying throughout the movie.
- 1 vote
#6 - Mon Apr 23, 2007 6:02 PM EDTPauly Shore is no Paul Reubens.
Denzel Washington has one part and he plays it every film.
Kyle MacLachan; I still want my money back for seeing "Blue Velvet" and "Dune".
Tim Allen. Why is he famous? Why? Why?
Cedric the Entertainer...His very moniker is a ironic jab.
Arnold Schwarzenegger. At least he had the sense to get out of the business and do no more harm.
Eddie Murphy. "Pluto Nash", 'nuff said? (Though I do like that little cartoon donkey.)
...and what bad acting list would be complete without Meg Ryan?
- 1 vote
#7 - Mon Apr 23, 2007 6:41 PM EDTI still want my money back for seeing "Blue Velvet"
Wha, wha, WHAT?
Blasphemy.
- 3 votes
Re: Blue Velvet,
I think it was McLachlan's blandness that provided the perfect counterpart for Dennis hopper's over the top performance: as masterfully expressed in the line "heineken! F*** that S***! Pabst Blue Ribbon!"
Come to think of it though, I've never seen Mclachlan in anything that he wasn't so bland. Maybe David Lynch's genius includes casting the perfect bad actor.
Hands down Will Smith is the most overrated actor. I saw that POS the pursuit of happyness and I was stunned that he was nominated for anything other than a razzie. The movie sucked and he just plain didn't pull off the role.
I actuall thought he was decent in Six Degrees of Separation but ever since then he has been so impressed with himself that he doesn't want to play anyone but Will Smith.
- 2 votes
#8 - Mon Apr 23, 2007 7:46 PM EDTHere's my very short list in addition to those noted above -- could have been a lot longer, but I tried to keep it short for now.
- Jim Carrey. 'Nuff said.
- Will Ferrell. Stranger Than Fiction was good enough, but this is an overall lifetime achievement sort of thing.
- Nicholas Cage. Good in a few select roles, but otherwise stale.
- 3 votes
#9 - Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:39 PM EDTI'd agree there with Jim Carrey. he doesn't act. Ever. He just mugs for the camera.
The worst was in The Truman Show a movie that was based on the idea that he had no idea he was on camera. But Jim Carrey always knows when he is on camera and always makes sure he is the center of it.
- 1 vote
I second Nicholas Cage. I can't stomach watching movies that he is in. :)
- 2 votes
NIck Cage is the worst ever! I Can't believe I had to scroll all the way down to find his name!
Can I nominate Vin Diesal, Paul Walker, and Freddie Prinze Jr.?
- 2 votes
Nicholas Cage was good in Valley Girl, and great in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Iron Ape -- Vin Diesel is one of those actors that isn't really highly regarded anyway... so I wouldn't put him down as 'overrated.' I liked him in the Riddick series, he was meh in Boiler Room, and I refuse to see The Pacifier.
I've never been a Vin Diesel fan. I watched him attempt career suicide on one of the late night talk shows once (can't remember if it was Letterman or Conan...) He rambled on and on about how much he was in to role playing games. Not the kinky kind...the Dungeons & Dragons kind. Evidently he's some sort of super nerd, highly regarded in certain nerd circles, and has even had some of his own adventures run as tournaments at various Cons. He pretty much killed his whole tough-guy, xXx image with that one interview.
Does Stephen Segal even count as an actor?
- 4 votes
#12 - Tue Apr 24, 2007 1:04 AM EDTmaybe not...
it's just nice to have those Segal movies on TBS on a rainy Saturday afternoon
No. And if you insinuate again that he is a mere actor, and not an unstoppable killing machine, you will have hell to pay.
- 2 votes
Okay, this one's liable to get me flamed (I know Newsvinies don't do that) on two counts: (1) I'm asking the opposite question: who's underrated? and (2) my selection
okay, bear with me, please, here it comes.
David Soul (you know, from Starsky & Hutch) I've only seen him in a few things, and have always been impressed to the point I've had to comment: you know this guy is really underrated.
His acting is really very good, top notch, I'd say. Characters played right on with the right emotion, and depth. The guy knows his craft. I wonder why he never made it big in films. If you have reason to scoff or dismiss, you might reonsider, check him out somewhere, somehow. He's really a substantial actor, imo.
- 2 votes
#13 - Tue Apr 24, 2007 4:50 AM EDTI am of the opinion that there is at least someone to think everyone is overrated. I would love to get paid obscene amounts of money to attempt to entertain, regardless of my talent.
Is anyone here a successful actor...? No? That would seem to imply that it's not easy.
I can't be critical of that which I do not know.
- 1 vote
#14 - Tue Apr 24, 2007 7:02 AM EDTAlright, I'll be the first to say that was ridiculous of me to say.
I was just feeling like there were too many people slagging perfectly decent actors. The majority of the world doesn't watch movies waiting for someone to slip up so they can point and laugh...they just accept it for what it is, entertainment...which is icing on the cake of life.
Last I checked entertainment wasn't a human right, geeze...just enjoy what you're given. If you can't appreciate a movie just because your mind is focused on tearing up characters and negativity, just think of all the people in the world that can't watch movies. The blind, for one. Then of course there are the nomads of Africa...I'm sure some of them would love even Waterworld.
Which of course leads me to display the greatest of all human traits:
Hypocrisy. :)
Kevin Costner sucks. For The Love of the Game was the only movie I've ever liked him in.
- 1 vote
I was lead to believe that a great actor or actress could take any role handed to them and play in convincingly. When I think of who can do that now days...Tom Hanks, John Malcovich, and Billy Bob Thorton are a few that come to mind. Having said that just about ever major Action star is not that diversified in their acting. They play the same character in every single movie they are in, for the most part. Most are very good at those characters though, probably because that is how they "act" most of the time anyway. Same with comedy stars. Most of them are probably not even presented the chance to try and diversify. I doubt if the lead in "The Departed" ever hit Vin Diesals door step. That reminds me DeCaprio is the most impressive young actor I have seen in a long time. He has one hell of a career ahead of him. If I had to pick most overrated though I would have to go with Kevin Costner. How the hell do you play Robin Hood with a mid western accent?!? Eveybody in the movie had an English accent except the leading man. He must have tried it a couple of times and just said "Screw it, I'm just going to read the lines."
- 2 votes
#15 - Tue Apr 24, 2007 10:31 AM EDTActually, every once in a while you can hear him try on the English accent. Costner is awful.
- 3 votes
To give credit where due, he did do a good job directing "Dances with Wolves".
I'll agree with that, but when you watch his movies you realize that his acting is the same boring, monotone character.
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