David Bridges
As the annual Razzies approach, film critics and commentators eagerly unleash their critiques, targeting the films that struggled to capture the audience’s attention. This year, the notorious Razzies will shine a spotlight on Madame Web and Joker: Folie à Deux, two movies that, while not box office sensations, possess intriguing cult followings. Despite their lackluster commercial performance, they have sparked lively discussions within film circles. Notably, Quentin Tarantino has suggested that Joker 2 serves as a bold critique of both its fanbase and the film industry, particularly those who failed to appreciate the original Joker. Lady Gaga’s standout performance is noteworthy, although her character could have benefited from additional musical numbers, perhaps even the songs that were omitted, which might resurface on her upcoming Prince-inspired Batman companion album featuring (Har)Lee Quinn.
In the midst of less favorable genre films, such as Borderlands from Eli Roth, Atlas starring Jennifer Lopez, and the reboot of The Crow featuring Bill Skarsgård, we still find value in Madame Web. The character’s backstory is compelling, marked by the tragic loss of her mother during spider research in the Amazon, which adds depth to the narrative. Conversely, the upcoming Mufasa: The Lion King film is receiving significant backlash and criticism from fans and critics alike, highlighting the contrasting reception of these titles.
Here’s the complete list of nominees as shared by Deadline, showcasing the films and performances that are in contention for the dubious honors:
Worst Picture
Borderlands
Joker: Folie à Deux
Madame Web
Megalopolis
Reagan
Actor Nominations
Jack Black / Dear Santa
Zachary Levi / Harold and the Purple Crayon
Joaquin Phoenix / Joker: Folie à Deux
Dennis Quaid / Reagan
Jerry Seinfeld / Unfrosted
Actress Nominations
Cate Blanchett / Borderlands
Lady Gaga / Joker: Folie à Deux
Bryce Dallas Howard / Argylle
Dakota Johnson / Madame Web
Jennifer Lopez / Atlas
Supporting Actor Nominations
Jack Black (Voice Only) / Borderlands
Kevin Hart / Borderlands
Shia LaBeouf / (in drag) / Megalopolis
Tahar Rahim / Madame Web
Jon Voight / Megalopolis, Reagan, Shadow Land & Strangers
Supporting Actress Nominations
Ariana DeBose / Argylle & Kraven the Hunter
Leslie Anne Down (as Margaret Thatcher) / Reagan
Emma Roberts / Madame Web
Amy Schumer / Unfrosted
FKA twigs / The Crow
Director Nominations
S.J. Clarkson / Madame Web
Francis Ford Coppola / Megalopolis
Todd Phillips / Joker: Folie à Deux
Eli Roth / Borderlands
Jerry Seinfeld / Unfrosted
Screen Combo Nominations
Any Two Obnoxious Characters (But Especially Jack Black) / Borderlands
Any Two Unfunny “Comedic Actors” / Unfrosted
The Entire Cast of Megalopolis
Joaquin Phoenix & Lady Gaga / Joker: Folie à Deux
Dennis Quaid & Penelope Ann Miller (as “Ronnie and Nancy”) in Reagan
Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off, or Sequel Nominations
The Crow
Joker: Folie à Deux
Kraven the Hunter
Mufasa: The Lion King
Rebel Moon 2: The Scargiver
Screenplay Nominations
Joker: Folie à Deux
Kraven the Hunter
Madame Web
Megalopolis
Reagan
Do you believe any of the films listed above deserve their nominations? Or do you think there are others that should have made the cut? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Daniel Mercer
