This year has proven to be quite the mixed bag for cinema, with some performances earning overwhelming praise and others being labeled as overrated. Critics and audiences alike have been vocal about their take on the films of 2024, and various actors have found themselves at the center of the conversation.
Among the notable films released this year, there have been some performances attracting both acclaim and critique. An article listing the '10 Most Overrated Movie Performances of 2024' suggested strong opinions on actors such as Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones from Twisters, wherein Powell was viewed as merely serviceable and Edgar-Jones struggled due to weak material. Reviews from various outlets echoed frustration, pointing out the disconnect between the hype and the actual performances.
With The Bikeriders, Jodie Comer faced similar scrutiny. Critics found her portrayal of Kathy to be unconvincing against the backdrop of the film's lackluster script. “There was something about her performance as a Chicago girl with heart and spirit,” remarked one reviewer, “that simply didn’t resonate.” Meanwhile, Lady Gaga's role as Harleen ‘Lee’ Quinzel was labeled as lacking depth, overshadowed by the musical elements of Joker: Folie à Deux.
Among the buzz is Austin Butler, who has been recognized for his roles, including Feyd-Rautha in Dune: Part Two. While praised for his ‘cool’ appearance, critics felt his performance didn’t deliver the menace expected of such a character. “Butler was heralded largely for his look, but failed to convey true danger,” said one reviewer.
The discussion around Selena Gomez's acting was perhaps the most candid. Her somewhat lackluster Spanish language performance in Emilia Pérez drew significant backlash. Critics pointed out, “It was rather obvious she wasn’t fluent, which hampered her ability to deliver.” On the other end, Hugh Grant’s comedic attempts to be sinister were met with confusion; one critic pointed out, “By the end, he had crossed the line from being scary to just silly.”
Chris Hemsworth also faced criticism for his role as Dementus, another over-the-top villain missing the mark. According to reviews, this “irritated performance” left audiences wanting something frightening from someone with his stature.
While many performances were critiqued, there were also shining moments recognized across the board. Movies such as A Complete Unknown, starring Timothée Chalamet, received high praise and positive reviews, leading to nominations for the Golden Globes, including Best Picture and Best Actor.
Chalamet portrayed Bob Dylan, and as reported, “He’s carefully crafting a performance that's evocative of him, capturing the essence of Dylan artfully.” With its strong Rotten Tomatoes score, this biopic has positioned itself as not just another film but rather as significant artwork reflecting the social changes of the '60s.
Looking at 2024’s offerings, it seems like audiences remain optimistic about the year’s potential. For fans, the hopes of finding genuine gems are still alive, though hesitantly. While critics dwell on performances, audiences still have their favorites, emphasizing the beauty of cinema's subjective nature.
Your opinion might differ when it’s your story, but the discussions around these performances are undeniably shaping the narrative of the cinematic year. For every celebrated acting turn, there seems to be as many questioned. Where one finds stellar performances, another may see flaws.
