17 Times Talented Actors Totally Phoned It In

17 Times Talented Actors Phoned It In

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most uninspired, lackluster, and/or boring performances from otherwise great stars.

#17: Glenn Close

“Guardians of the Galaxy” (2014)

As Irani Rael, this thespian entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe for the first time. It was unlike many of the dramatic roles Glenn Close honed on stage and film. Sharing screentime with Rocket Raccoon and Star-Lord, she’s given a basic supporting part. Close even admitted that the project would give her some breathing room to make more personal films with smaller budgets than the MCU. We respect her openness about the subject, while also acknowledging she’s not winning any award for this appearance. She’s basically there to dish out some exposition, tell everyone “good job,” and disappear.

#16: Daniel Day-Lewis

“Nine” (2009)

A musical adaptation of the film “8 ½” might sound fun, but the result doesn’t quite work. It’s all glitz, glam, and not much else. Daniel Day-Lewis acts his way through a rare hiccup in his esteemed career. Playing an Italian director, the performer works with a less interesting accent than we expect from him. Guido Contini is swarmed by musical numbers and the many women that mean something to him. This leaves little room for Day-Lewis to work his magic, with this experience ringing hollow. He certainly takes a chance appearing in this kind of production, but it’s far from grade-A material. It’s strange to think that plenty of other stars could’ve taken the lead role without much difference in the overall film.

#15: Brad Pitt

“Bullet Train” (2022)

In this frenetic action film, Brad Pitt doesn’t have much to do other than fight. This makes “Bullet Train” more of a fun series of brawls and not much else. Pitt’s character Ladybug is given a few quirks, but the actor isn’t here to be much more than a recognizable face. Other parts have tested the star’s ability to either use his star persona or disappear into a role. This particular movie doesn’t afford him a chance to do much of either. A plot about rival assassins and a briefcase starts to fade over time, leaving a few familiar faces to hit each other. You’d be better off revisiting “Moneyball” or “Once Upon in Time Hollywood” for deeper work.

#14: Mark Hamill

“The Long Walk” (2025)

We all love Mark Hamill from his days in “Star Wars.” The original trilogy made him an icon, but that doesn’t mean he’s awesome in everything. “The Long Walk” gives him a chance to play the opposite of Luke Skywalker in a Stephen King tale. His military officer seems more like a caricature than a believable guy. For most of the movie, he only has to say his lines from a vehicle with a gruff voice. It feels like a performance that might’ve benefited from another visual medium. As an acclaimed voice actor, Hamill is better suited to outrageous characters like Joker. This role feels like an awkward mix between a hokey villain and a retread of his other voice-acting.

#13: Harrison Ford

“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” (2023)

When “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” came out, people were likely worried that Harrison Ford was too old to play this archaeologist. “Dial of Destiny” put those cautious viewers to the test once more. In what might be the last entry in the series, the film spends part of the first act with a younger, CGI-altered Indiana Jones. This uncanny valley experiment tests your patience before jumping to a much older version of the hero. Even with his unmistakable charm, Ford can’t avoid the age question throughout the fifth installment of this franchise. Most of the emotion has already been squeezed out of this character and the sentimental moments feel forced. By the time the heroes travel to 214 BC, we’ve just about had enough.

#12: Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot

“Red Notice” (2021)

Say what you want about their individual careers, but these three only seem interested in a paycheck in “Red Notice.” Dwayne Johnson should be in more exciting action films that push his physical body to the limit, while Ryan Reynolds is better suited for “Deadpool.” They end up trying to mash up their styles in this lifeless comedy adventure. Gal Gadot plays the third lead, bringing nothing to the film as the enigmatic Sarah Black. All the twists feel like missed opportunities to win back the audience and none of the performers sell these moments in any meaningful way. Maybe the three high-profile stars are better utilized in their own respective projects.

#11: Charles Bronson

“Death Wish V: The Face of Death” (1994)

Long after he started to look old, Charles Bronson kept making “Death Wish” movies. The final entry in the series was beyond unnecessary and embarrassing to watch. Take your pick for which sequel is the worst, but this one feels lifeless without a younger Bronson. His character is not convincing as a badass anymore, with the actor slowly working his way through criminals. The vigilante defies his witness-protection status to become the most unlikely one-man wrecking crew. “The Face of Death” should be about an intimidating hero, not a man that should’ve retired years before.

#10: Christopher Walken

“The Country Bears” (2002)

For younger viewers, they might not realize that Christopher Walken is an Oscar-winning dramatic actor. His later work on “SNL” and in b-movies makes him seem like an offbeat comedic icon. “The Country Bears” finds him in a kids movie, playing the villain deadset on ruining the title band. His line readings are so outrageous that you can’t help but laugh. Is he a genius or is he in over his head? The man is nothing if not entertaining, playing Reed Thimple as a banker that wants his revenge. Walken even has to play his armpit at one point, sinking to a low point that’s not quantifiable.

#9: Meryl Streep

“Don’t Look Up” (2021)

During the pandemic, some people didn’t love watching an apocalyptic movie while stuck at home. “Don’t Look Up” came with mixed reactions and a huge, all-star cast. Meryl Streep plays a president that takes scientists for granted before abandoning the earth. She doesn’t have to do much in this movie, with the satire being pretty obvious before she even arrives. Streep doesn’t employ any major acting decisions, voices, or mannerisms to make this commander-in-chief notable. In reality, she takes the thankless role of a vapid politician. Consumed by the larger cast and spectacle, you almost forget that the prestigious performer is there.

#8: Gary Oldman

“Tiptoes” (2002)

If you haven’t seen this film, you’re probably better off avoiding it. It’s a movie that likely couldn’t get made today anyhow. “Tiptoes” follows what happens when a woman realizes that her partner’s family is not what she expected. Gary Oldman plays a little person in a role that’s a physical transformation for the actor. While he’s usually engaging in his work, Oldman can’t make this work no matter how hard he tries. It’s such a misguided decision on top of some strange melodramatic touches. The performer later mentioned needing a job after his divorce and other problems, explaining at least part of his bizarre turn.

#7: Sean Connery

“Never Say Never Again” (1983)

Over a decade after his last James Bond appearance, Sean Connery returned to the role in “Never Say Never Again.” Many people don’t consider this to be canon considering that it wasn’t shepherded by franchise regulars Eon Productions. This 1983 adventure saw the Scottish star in a particularly boring and unofficial 007 entry. This is mostly a rehash of the movie “Thunderball,” with the performer leaving much to be desired in a disappointing and dated entry. It’s now relegated to being a footnote in the long history of Bond films. Given the man’s age and uninspired performance, he made the correct choice in retiring from the iconic role.

#6: Roger Moore

“A View to a Kill” (1985)

Even though he was well into his 50s, Roger Moore played James Bond until 1985. He’d been playing the role since the 1970s, spending his last few efforts with some obvious changes to his stamina. He also kept the part as his leading ladies got younger and younger. This led to strange encounters that turned the role into something more uncomfortable than suave. He also had to appear as a swift secret agent in ridiculous action scenes. The convoluted plot and general vibe of “A View to a Kill” didn’t help either, ranking among the series worst. Moore called it quits after realizing he was getting to be too old for his co-stars.

#5: Marlon Brando

“The Island of Dr. Moreau” (1996)

He’s made both memorable and insane choices throughout his illustrious career. In this film, Marlon Brando has to play opposite a number of creatures and utter dialogue that’s a far cry from Tennessee Williams. The troubled production became something of an infamous experience for all involved and the film didn’t connect with almost anyone. You’ll probably find yourself laughing, if not questioning your sanity while watching Brando’s work. The movie makes you wonder how such a talented and influential performer ends up wearing this kind of wardrobe. “The Island of Dr. Moreau” is yet another notch on the man’s eccentric belt of diverse projects.

#4: Everyone

“Cats” (2019)

Not long after it hit theaters, this movie became an instant punchline. The bizarre CGI did the cast no favors along with some odd performances from otherwise great actors. You started to wonder if everyone thought they were a part of a much different movie, with the final result leaving everyone confused. Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, and Idris Elba are unable to save this disaster. Everyone feels out of step and miscast, with even supporting roles from Taylor Swift wasted by poor direction. It’s fair to say that neither the music nor the inventive visuals could save this artistic misfire. The stars and the larger ensemble probably want this one buried.

#3: Michael Caine

“Jaws: The Revenge” (1987)

Hoagie Newcombe is certainly among Michael Caine’s weakest roles. The fourth “Jaws” movie doesn’t have a good reputation and neither does this actor’s performance in it. As the airplane pilot, this character flies, dances, and avoids the shark in a climactic moment. The performer remarked that he hadn’t seen the movie, but he was able to buy his mother a house with his salary. It sounds like Caine still knows how uninspired and hacky this thriller can be. “The Revenge” features an absurd plot that drags its entire cast to the bottom of the sea. Not even this legend can avoid the riptide, with dollar signs in his eyes and wild script.

#2: Mark Wahlberg

“The Happening” (2008)

M. Night Shyamalan impressed people with “The Sixth Sense” and disappointed them with “The Happening.” The latter project involved a misguided script about toxins with deadly consequences for humanity. Leading the cast, Mark Wahlberg seems completely confused to be there. He plays a science teacher that’s ill-equipped for the moment. Wahlberg acts as if he’s reacting to the story in real time, leading to some of his goofiest expressions and reactions. His hero also talks to plants at one point. Shyamalan lets the star give one of his strangest performances, setting him up for failure as the bizarre sci-fi story unfolds.

#1: Al Pacino

“Jack and Jill” (2011)

This man was in “The Godfather” and “Dog Day Afternoon,” but he played himself in “Jack and Jill.” This toxic entry in the Adam Sandler canon tries to be subversive, but suffers under the wrath of the title roles and a confused Al Pacino. The latter plays a theater-obsessed version of himself. Not only that, he falls for Jill and causes even more trouble in this inexplicable plot. The Oscar-winner seems so over-qualified for this project that he ends up stumbling with the lesser script. We can’t forget the Dunkin’ commercial either to bring this odd performance home. He brought a certain dedication to this work, but he also admitted that he desperately needed money.

Did we forget another performer that gave a tired performance? Let us know in the comments below.