The 2010s were a remarkable decade for cinematic dramas, characterized by a plethora of exceptional films that not only entertained but also provoked thought and examined intricate themes through the lens of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Iconic biopics like The Social Network and The Wolf of Wall Street stood alongside gripping original narratives such as Parasite and Manchester by the Sea, showcasing the versatility and depth of the genre. However, this decade also produced a significant number of subpar drama films that fell short of audience expectations, leaving a bitter taste amidst the memorable entries.

A mediocre drama film can be particularly disappointing, especially when compared to the enjoyment often found in poorly executed action or horror movies. While genres like action and horror can provide a level of entertainment even in their worst forms, dramas that misfire often lack any redeeming qualities. It’s disheartening to witness films that aspire to tell profound stories but ultimately fail to engage or resonate with viewers. Many of these forgettable dramas have faded into obscurity, with a few earning notoriety for their lack of quality and impact.

10 ‘All Eyez on Me’ (2017)

Discover the Directorial Vision of Benny Boom

In the 2010s, the musician biopic genre saw a resurgence, fueled by the success of films such as Straight Outta Compton and Bohemian Rhapsody. Unfortunately, one of the more disappointing entries in this wave is All Eyez on Me, which attempts to chronicle the life of Tupac Shakur, a legendary figure in the hip-hop community. The film covers his incredible ascent to fame, his controversial imprisonment, and his time at Death Row Records, ultimately portraying him as a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond his untimely death.

Right from the opening scenes of All Eyez on Me, it becomes evident that the filmmakers lacked genuine passion for accurately depicting Shakur’s life and legacy. Instead, the film appears to be an opportunistic cash grab, capitalizing on the popularity of the musician biopic trend without offering anything substantive. The result is a portrayal that fails to capture the true significance of Shakur’s contributions to the music industry and American culture, ultimately rendering it one of the most disappointing biopics of the decade.

All Eyez on Me

Release Date

June 12, 2017

Director

Benny Boom

Cast

Danai Gurira , Keith Robinson , Annie Ilonzeh , Grace Gibson , Rayan Lawrence , Kat Graham , Cory Hardrict , Jamal Woolard , Demetrius Shipp Jr. , Lauren Cohan , Dominic L. Santana

Runtime

139 minutes

9 ‘Beastly’ (2011)

Experience Daniel Barnz’s Unique Direction

In a misguided attempt to reinterpret the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, Beastly presents a tone-deaf and gothic version that strays far from the enchanting nature of the original story. The narrative follows Kyle Kingson, an arrogant student whose privileged life takes a turn for the worse after he bullies a woman who turns out to be a witch. As punishment, he is cursed to live in a hideous form until he can find someone who loves him despite his appearance by the next spring.

Although Beastly positions itself as a more mature retelling of a beloved fairy tale, it ultimately comes across as unintentionally comedic and cartoonish, overshadowing the serious themes it aims to convey. The design of the “beast” is absurdly exaggerated, and peculiar choices, such as casting Neil Patrick Harris as a blind character reminiscent of Lumiere, contribute to the film’s overall failure to resonate. This adaptation serves as a prime example of how not to handle a classic story.

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Release Date

January 21, 2011

Director

Daniel Barnz

Runtime

95 minutes

8 ‘Jem and the Holograms’ (2015)

Unleashing the Vision of Jon M. Chu

This live-action adaptation of an obscure 1980s animated series, Jem and the Holograms, takes the limited fondness for the original and drains it of any charm or uniqueness, resulting in a bland and formulaic drama. The plot follows a small-town girl who rises to fame after a viral video of her singing catapults her into the limelight. Alongside her sisters, she embarks on a whirlwind journey to stardom, grappling with the trials and tribulations that accompany sudden fame.

Despite Jon M. Chu‘s adeptness at creating visually engaging and stylish music-centric films, Jem and the Holograms lacks the director’s signature flair. The movie suffers from clichéd characters, underwhelming CGI effects, and a repetitive narrative that fails to engage or captivate audiences. Not only does it do a disservice to the original cartoon, but it also lacks any redeeming qualities that could make it enjoyable as a standalone film.

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