7. Dracula: Dead And Loving It (Mel Brooks)
Mel Brooks is a better director than most actors who try to step behind the camera. His directorial debut The Producers was universally critically acclaimed, even winning him an Oscar, as were Blazing Saddles and The Twelve Chairs. Spaceballs and Robin Hood: Men In Tights have their admirers, too. However, he doesnt always get it right as a director. His most recent directorial effort was the 1995 Leslie Nielsen comedy vehicle Dracula: Dead And Loving It. Brooks also helped write the script, and starred in a supporting role as Van Helsing. The film, sadly for Brooks' otherwise-mostly-brilliant legacy, really sucks. The idea of Dracula as a klutz failed to ignite much audience interest, and the film was criticised for lacking any effective gags. Lightning doesnt strike twice, it would seem, and Brooks had already made a hugely successful horror parody with Young Frankenstein. He couldnt repeat the trick here, sadly enough. With Brooks now 89 years old, its a certainty that this will be his final directorial project. Its a shame, considering the collection of adored films that came before it. Regardless, hell go down as one of the most successful transitions from acting to directing.