15 Magnificent Performances That Made Terrible Movies Better

1. Suicide Squad 2016，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 726676, ID: 1386697
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While ‘Suicide Squad’ is often criticized for its muddled plot and choppy editing, Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Harley Quinn is a standout. Her energetic and captivating performance brings a much-needed spark to the film, making it enjoyable despite its flaws. Robbie’s Harley Quinn is both chaotic and endearing, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
2. Along Came Polly 2004，IMDB Rating: 6.0, IMDB Votes: 144583, ID: 0343135
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Despite its lackluster plot and predictable humor, ‘Along Came Polly’ is saved by Philip Seymour Hoffman’s hilarious performance as Sandy Lyle. His comedic timing and ability to steal every scene make this otherwise forgettable rom-com worth watching. Hoffman’s portrayal of a washed-up child star adds a layer of depth and charm that the film desperately needs.
3. The Ladykillers 2004，IMDB Rating: 6.2, IMDB Votes: 109341, ID: 0335245
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Tom Hanks’ performance in ‘The Ladykillers’ is a masterclass in character acting. Despite the film’s uneven tone and lack of coherence, Hanks’ portrayal of the eccentric Professor G.H. Dorr is both captivating and entertaining. His ability to bring humor and depth to the role elevates the film, making it a memorable watch.
4. Split 2016，IMDB Rating: 7.3, IMDB Votes: 563526, ID: 4972582
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James McAvoy’s performance in ‘Split’ is nothing short of extraordinary. His portrayal of multiple personalities is both chilling and mesmerizing, making the film a gripping experience. Despite the film’s flaws, McAvoy’s acting prowess shines through, making ‘Split’ a must-watch for his performance alone.
5. Lucy in the Sky 2019，IMDB Rating: 4.9, IMDB Votes: 8781, ID: 4682804
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Natalie Portman’s performance in ‘Lucy in the Sky’ is a tour de force. Despite the film’s disjointed narrative and lack of focus, Portman’s portrayal of astronaut Lucy Cola is compelling and emotionally resonant. Her ability to convey the character’s inner turmoil and struggle makes the film worth watching.
6. Charlie’s Angels 2019，IMDB Rating: 5.0, IMDB Votes: 80568, ID: 5033998
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Kristen Stewart’s electrifying performance in Charlie’s Angels (2019) is a beacon of charisma and wit that elevates an otherwise uneven film. Her portrayal of Sabina Wilson is both playful and fierce, making her the standout in a movie that struggles with pacing and coherence. Despite the film’s flaws, Stewart’s magnetic presence makes it an entertaining watch.
7. The Counselor 2013，IMDB Rating: 5.4, IMDB Votes: 106345, ID: 2193215
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Cameron Diaz’s audacious turn as Malkina in The Counselor (2013) is a masterclass in scene-stealing. Her chilling and seductive performance is the highlight of a film bogged down by a convoluted plot and pretentious dialogue. Diaz’s fearless portrayal adds a layer of intrigue and menace that keeps viewers engaged despite the film’s shortcomings.
8. The Book of Henry 2017，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 29643, ID: 4572792
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Naomi Watts delivers a heartfelt performance in The Book of Henry (2017), bringing depth and emotion to a film that juggles too many genres. Her portrayal of Susan Carpenter, a mother navigating a complex and tragic situation, is both touching and compelling. Watts’ performance is the emotional anchor in a movie that often feels disjointed.
9. The Beach 2000，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 255790, ID: 0163978
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Leonardo DiCaprio’s intense performance in The Beach (2000) is a testament to his talent, even in a film that falters in its execution. His portrayal of Richard, a young traveler seeking paradise, is captivating and raw. DiCaprio’s commitment to the role shines through, making the film worth watching despite its narrative flaws.
10. The Lone Ranger 2013，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 245617, ID: 1210819
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Johnny Depp’s quirky and enigmatic portrayal of Tonto in The Lone Ranger (2013) is a standout in an otherwise lackluster film. Depp’s performance brings a unique charm and depth to the character, making him the most memorable aspect of the movie. His dedication to the role adds a layer of intrigue to an otherwise forgettable film.
11. The Lovely Bones 2009，IMDB Rating: 6.6, IMDB Votes: 181182, ID: 0380510
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Despite its jarring tonal shifts and overly sentimental approach, ‘The Lovely Bones’ is elevated by Saoirse Ronan’s haunting performance as Susie Salmon. Her portrayal of a young girl watching over her family from the afterlife is both poignant and powerful, making the film’s flaws more bearable. Stanley Tucci’s chilling turn as the antagonist also adds a layer of intensity that keeps viewers engaged. While the movie struggles to balance its dark themes with its fantastical elements, Ronan’s and Tucci’s performances make it a memorable watch.
12. The Happening 2008，IMDB Rating: 5.0, IMDB Votes: 217933, ID: 0949731
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M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Happening’ is often criticized for its absurd plot and wooden performances, but Mark Wahlberg’s earnest portrayal of a science teacher trying to save his family stands out. His commitment to the role, despite the film’s many shortcomings, adds a layer of sincerity that makes the movie oddly compelling. The film’s premise may be laughable, but Wahlberg’s dedication to his character provides a glimmer of hope in an otherwise dismal narrative.
13. The Goldfinch 2019，IMDB Rating: 6.4, IMDB Votes: 27377, ID: 3864056
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Though ‘The Goldfinch’ fails to capture the depth and nuance of its source material, Ansel Elgort’s performance as the older Theo Decker is a highlight. His portrayal of a young man grappling with grief and loss is heartfelt and genuine, even if the film’s pacing and structure leave much to be desired. Elgort’s ability to convey Theo’s inner turmoil adds a layer of emotional resonance that makes the film’s flaws more forgivable.
14. The Great Wall 2016，IMDB Rating: 5.9, IMDB Votes: 149433, ID: 2034800
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While ‘The Great Wall’ is often dismissed as a visually stunning but ultimately hollow blockbuster, Matt Damon’s performance as the mercenary William Garin brings a surprising amount of depth to the film. His portrayal of a man caught between two worlds adds a layer of complexity to the otherwise straightforward narrative. Despite the film’s many flaws, Damon’s commitment to his role makes it an entertaining watch.
15. The Snowman 2017，IMDB Rating: 5.2, IMDB Votes: 72760, ID: 1758810
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Despite its convoluted plot and lackluster execution, ‘The Snowman’ features a standout performance by Michael Fassbender as detective Harry Hole. Fassbender’s portrayal of a troubled detective on the hunt for a serial killer is both intense and compelling, making the film’s shortcomings more tolerable. His dedication to the role adds a layer of intrigue that keeps viewers invested, even as the story falls apart.