Top 10 Anticipated But Disappointing Movies

The previews looked amazing. It was like a CGI neon laser orgy for our eyes, and we couldn’t get enough of the Daft Punk soundtrack – but somewhere it fell flat. Maybe it was the fairly predictable plot or the visually stunning but not that exciting action sequences that left us wanting. Or maybe it was the underdeveloped characters and phoned-in acting. It was likely a combination of everything that amounted to a big fat…meh.

Some folks were looking forward to this sci-fi monster movie remake for over a year. Sucks for them, because what they got was a lot of sub-par special effects without all of the campy Godzilla charm. The character’s redesign made it look like a large iguana with long arms, and notably missing were the sound effects we came to enjoy and expect from the colossal lizard monster. In short, it was a letdown.

It was the highly anticipated conclusion of the “Matrix” franchise, but it really failed to deliver on its promise of awesome. It seemed as though the Matrix storyline was stretched thin in the sequel, and by the third installment, filmmakers were grasping at straws. As a final movie, it was a massive washout, with recycled plot points and been-there-done-that special effects. By the end of the movie, we felt like we should’ve taken the other pill.

Following up on the success of a smash hit movie can be difficult, and this flabby sequel can attest to that. While the first Hangover surprised us with its wantonness and brash humor, it seems that the follow-up tried to duplicate the formula and botched the recipe. With its forced jokes and ham-fisted plot, we’re left caring even less about a wedding and the characters involved than ever before.

They laid the groundwork for a good movie. Capitalizing on an already successful franchise, the film had some respectable names behind-the-scenes and on-screen. But even Christian Bale’s thin-lipped determination couldn’t revive this disappointment. The film lacked the personality present in the first two “Terminator” movies, instead relying on explosions and special effects to carry it to salvation. And it failed, miserably.

It’s a Michael Bay film, so you know the movie is going to be about 76 percent explosions and slow-motion shots of things running. But this sequel manages to also cram in some really crappy action sequences, confusing plot holes and even some offensive stereotypes. It’s like the sequel was comprised of everything that didn’t make it into first film, and for good reason. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop us from watching it.

Some blame the horrible failure of the third “Godfather” installment on Sofia Coppola, while others hint that Robert Duvall’s absence is the missing link. Whatever the case, the 1990 continuation of the classic film series managed to miss the mark completely. Lacking the intrigue and depth of the previous two films, and also marred by some wooden acting by the director’s daughter, the movie was a huge disappointment to die-hard fans and critics alike.

This cartoon-to-live-action movie based on a popular animated series had built-in fans. Unfortunately for them and everyone else, this film managed to crash, burn and flop all at the same time. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan for some reason, the film suffered from horrendous casting choices, crappy dialogue and a boring, drawn-out plot. It served as a wake-up call for children and tweens that adults will ruin everything they love.

None of the things that made this franchise great showed up in the fourth installment. Fans of Indy may’ve been expecting a continuation of the highly entertaining and enjoyable film series, but what they received was a sad attempt to reclaim former glory. With tepid storytelling and horrible CGI, the film manages to simultaneously try too hard and not try at all. Oh, and there’s Shia LaBeouf.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “X-Men: The Last Stand” (2006)
- “Spider-Man 3” (2007)
- “Batman & Robin” (1997)
- “Speed Racer” (2008)

George Lucas captured lightning in a bottle with the “Star Wars” saga in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, and that was apparently not enough. Aiming to establish a prologue to the series, we’re introduced to a time before Darth Vader and Han Solo. While the premise may not have been awful, fans were treated to dreadful characters, stilted acting and some pretty awful lines, to the point where it enraged dedicated fans and nerds across the galaxy.

Do you agree with our list? Which highly anticipated movie ended up disappointing you? For more entertaining Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.