8) Catwoman (2004)
Considered to be one of the worst movies ever, Catwoman is perhaps the most deserving of the title “biggest comic book flop of all-time.” With its horrific acting, inane characterizations and sexist viewpoints, the Pitof directed film all but ensures not to trust one name directors (we’re looking at you, too, McG).
The movie is widely seen as a career killer for Halle Berry, too, while she herself contends that she’s part of the Oscar curse. In any case, her casting in Catwoman certainly did not help the actress continue her impressive rise to fame, with Berry finding herself with fewer and fewer roles in critically acclaimed films in recent years.
It’s a sad state of affairs when the first African American woman to win a Best Actress Oscar is reduced to starring in hackneyed television dramas and poorly produced movies. Perhaps one day the world will remember how powerful her performances can be while also keeping in mind that everyone goes through career ups and downs.
9) Elektra (2005)
Most studios believe that spinoffs are an easy cash cow. They believe that the audience is primed, as the character and plot have already been introduced by a previous film’s narrative. But unfortunately, even with audience fanfare and expectation, most spinoffs are shadows of their former filmic selves, seldom achieving the critical or commercial success of the original.
It appears that the Daredevil spinoff Elektra certainly fits in that category of poorly made films, lazily exploring the narrative of a female protagonist superhero. After the horrific reception of Catwoman, many believed that perhaps Elektra could rescue the idea that women can be kickass heroes, too. But unfortunately, thanks to the poor direction from Rob Bowman (who has still not returned to feature films), a muddled script from three (yes, three) screenwriters and uncomfortably languid pacing, Elektra further propelled the idea that investing in a female-led superhero movie was a dangerous idea.
Thankfully, it appears that Patty Jenkins’ upcoming Wonder Woman is set to undo that precedent by having a stellar cast, well-thought out plot and carefully curated characterization. If the first wave of reviews are to be believed, then it seems that Jenkins and star Gal Gadot will be able to undo the damage done by films like Catwoman and Elektra.