In 1990, the silver screen served up a smorgasbord of cinematic cringe. From laughable plots to cringe-inducing performances, these 16 films are the poster children for “so bad, they’re good.” Get ready for a cringe-worthy walk down the memory lane of bad movies from 1990.
1. The Neverending Story II
“The Neverending Story” was charming, endearing, and a cult classic. This sequel isn’t any of that. It rehashes many elements from the first film without adding anything substantially new or engaging. The plot lacks depth and fails to evoke the same sense of wonder that made the original a classic. While the original film featured groundbreaking practical effects and puppetry, the sequel relies more on dated and unconvincing visual effects that detract from the overall immersion in the fantasy world of Fantasia.
2. Funny About Love
One of the film’s major shortcomings is its clichéd and predictable plot. It revolves around a struggling cartoonist, played by Gene Wilder, who embarks on a quest to become a father after his wife, played by Christine Lahti, expresses a desire to have a child. The narrative unfolds in a formulaic manner, with little deviation from the usual romantic comedy cliches. The result is that there is nothing funny about “Funny About Love”.
3. Madhouse
A primary issue with “Madhouse” is its reliance on tired and overused comedic tropes. The humor often feels forced, relying on exaggerated physical comedy and slapstick moments that do little to engage the audience’s intellect or sense of humor. A reviewer is left lamenting “This was just over the top… Plus the crap kid and the cat killings! Just WHY?”
4. The Bonfire of the Vanities
This movie, which satirizes the excesses and shallowness of 1980s New York City’s elite, struggles to strike the right balance between dark comedy and social commentary. As a result, it veers uncomfortably between moments of biting satire and awkward attempts at humor, leaving the viewer uncertain about how to interpret the story. The film meanders through its convoluted plot, often losing sight of its central message. This results in a film that feels disjointed and unfocused, making it challenging for viewers to remain engaged.
5. Loose Cannons
A big problem with “Loose Cannons” is its reliance on crude and tasteless humor. The film’s primary comedic device revolves around the investigation of a murder involving a group of drag queens. While there’s potential for comedy in this premise, the film often resorts to cheap and offensive jokes that rely on gender stereotypes and outdated humor. “Loose Cannons” features a convoluted plot that becomes increasingly implausible as the film progresses. While comedies often require a suspension of disbelief, the film’s over-the-top plot twists and contrivances strain credibility.
6. Another 48 Hours
The film essentially recycles the plot of the first movie, with Nick Nolte’s character, Jack Cates, teaming up with Eddie Murphy’s Reggie Hammond once again to solve a crime. This lack of originality is immediately evident and leaves viewers feeling like they’ve seen it all before. The chemistry between Nolte and Murphy, which was a highlight of the first film, doesn’t shine as brightly in this sequel. Their banter and interactions feel forced and lack the spontaneity and freshness that made their pairing enjoyable in the original. You’ll be left muttering “That’s another hour and thirty-five minutes I’m not going to get back after watching this junk.”
7. Far Out Man
The film follows the misadventures of Far Out Man, played by Tommy Chong himself, as he embarks on a road trip through a psychedelic landscape. However, the narrative lacks focus and purpose, making it challenging for viewers to become emotionally invested in the journey. It often feels like a disjointed collection of loosely connected scenes and ideas. You’ll be left wondering if you toked up before going on this psychedelic trip.
8. Problem Child
The film’s primary comedic device revolves around the misadventures of Junior, a young boy portrayed as a troublemaker and a menace to society. Much of the humor centers on Junior’s disruptive and destructive behavior, which includes causing harm to animals, property, and people. This type of humor, which borders on cruelty, may be off-putting for many viewers. One critic states this film is “…so bad because it teaches children that it’s O.K. to misbehave. I don’t recommend this movie to anybody but especially people with kids.
9. Prayer of the Rollerboys
While the concept of roller-skating street gangs in a near-future America could have been intriguing, this film’s world-building feels shallow and underdeveloped. Viewers are left with more questions than answers about the society depicted in the movie, making it difficult to become fully immersed in the story. The central character, played by Corey Haim, is a clichéd and unconvincing hero. His transformation from a disillusioned youth to a reluctant savior feels forced. “Prayer of the Rollerboys” attempts to address social and political issues but this comes across as heavy-handed and lacking in subtlety. Give this one a miss.
10. Green Card
The film revolves around a sham marriage between Brontë and Georges for the sole purpose of obtaining a green card. While this setup has the potential for humor and heartfelt moments, the narrative unfolds in a clichéd and uninspired manner, following a well-worn path of romantic comedies. Viewers can anticipate every twist and turn, which leads to a lack of surprise. The humor lacks the sharp wit and cleverness that define memorable romantic comedies. “There is zero reason to watch this and I couldn’t possibly recommend it to anyone. The lack of chemistry really is shockingly bad and that is a death sentence to a movie like this, especially when it doesn’t have anything else going for it.” an online reviewer commented.
11. Exorcist III
The film’s plot is convoluted and difficult to follow. It introduces a complex murder mystery that becomes increasingly tangled as the story unfolds. While the intention may have been to add depth and intrigue to the film, the intricate narrative often leaves viewers confused and disconnected from the characters and their motivations. As a horror film, it fails to create any sense of fear or dread that the original is known for. Exorcise this movie from your viewing catalog.
12. Ghost Dad
“Ghost Dad” centers on Elliot Hopper, who becomes a ghost after a near-death experience. This setup could have offered opportunities for clever and unique comedy, but instead, it leans heavily on tired ghostly gags and predictable scenarios. The film tries to balance comedy with more sentimental moments involving family and personal growth, but these moments often feel forced and saccharine. Send this ghost back to the Great Beyond.
13. Alice
The film follows the life of the main character, Alice, as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. While the premise has the potential to explore meaningful themes, the narrative often feels episodic and lacking in cohesion. It meanders through various subplots without a clear sense of direction. “This is a confused movie,” writes one reviewer “that can’t decide whether it wants to be a comedy, a romantic fantasy, or a drama about female mid-life crisis. It fails at all three.”
14. Joe Versus the Volcano
“Joe Versus the Volcano” tries to balance elements of romantic comedy, existential drama, and surreal fantasy, but it often struggles to find a coherent tone. The abrupt shifts between whimsical humor and existential musings can be disorienting and make it challenging for the audience to engage with the story. You might blow your top in frustration as you try to follow along.
15. 3 Men and a Little Lady
The film essentially recycles the premise of the first movie, where three bachelors care for a baby, but it lacks the freshness and novelty that made the original enjoyable. The narrative becomes predictable, with little deviation from the expected comedic scenarios, which results in a lack of originality and genuine laughs. The chemistry between the three male leads, played by Tom Selleck, Ted Danson, and Steve Guttenberg, doesn’t shine as brightly in this sequel. Their camaraderie feels less natural. A brave individual endured watching this until the end to “make sure it was as bad all the way through, and it sure was.”
20 Fictional Characters You Might Not Know Are Based On Real People
Many fictional characters draw inspiration from real individuals, sometimes subtly and other times more explicitly, such as when a character shares the name of their real-life counterpart. In instances where only a few physical traits are borrowed directly from a person, the connection can be challenging to discern. The revelation that the following characters are based on actual individuals may come as a surprise. 20 Fictional Characters You Might Not Know Are Based On Real People
The 10 Movie Blockbusters That Surpassed $500 Million – Did Your Favorites Make The Cut?
These 10 films, surpassing the $500 million mark at the box office, not only achieved remarkable financial success but also played a pivotal role in propelling their stars into the realm of fortunes. The 10 Movie Blockbusters That Surpassed $500 Million – Did Your Favorites Make The Cut?
90s Nostalgia: 10 Hidden Movie Treasures You’ve Let Slip Through the Cracks
In an era where we enjoy unparalleled access to a vast array of films, there remain certain gems from the 90s that have slipped from our memories. To evoke a sense of nostalgia, we’ve curated a list below, aiming to rekindle some forgotten cinematic treasures from that time. 90s Nostalgia: 10 Hidden Movie Treasures You’ve Let Slip Through the Cracks
2024’S Most Anticipated Movies: Will 2024’S Most Anticipated Movies Thrill Or Disappoint?
As the year unfolds, viewers will be treated to thrilling action adventures, heartwarming animated tales, and intriguing sci-fi narratives. With returning favorites and exciting newcomers, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of cinematic exploration and entertainment for audiences around the world. 2024’S Most Anticipated Movies: Will 2024’S Most Anticipated Movies Thrill Or Disappoint?
Bridgerton Burnout? Try these 15 British Historical Dramas Instead
Bridgerton may be all the rage, but there are plenty of other historical dramas out there that are just as captivating, if not more so. From epic period pieces to intimate character studies, these shows offer a rich and diverse look at the past. So if you’re looking for something new to binge-watch, be sure to check out these hidden gems. Bridgerton Burnout? Try these 15 British Historical Dramas Instead
