10 Most Cringeworthy Performances By Otherwise Great Actors

2. Robert De Niro - The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle (2000)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=epZxUhCE5l8 This is one of those movies that nobody even remembers existed, on account of the fact that it was terrible, and that nobody wanted it to exist in the first place. Movies in such categories are destined to fade away into relative obscurity forever, and that's probably a good thing, given what Robert De Niro can be glimpsed doing in this one. Look, I know that Hollywood is a particularly cruel place for aging stars who are forced to compete with new hotshots who have stepped in to nab all the good roles, but Robert... did you have to do this to yourself? Did you have to do it to those of us who like to describe you as the greatest actor of all-time? As arch-villain Fearless Leader, De Niro spends the entire length of The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle hamming it up, making the occasional reference to other, greater works in his filmography. The fact that he spoofs his iconic "You talkin' to me?" line here served only to remind audiences how far this once great actor had fallen. No Robert De Niro character should ever wear a monocle.
 
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