Benedict Cumberbatch: 5 Awesome Performances & 5 That Sucked

3. James - Third Star (2010)

Back in 2010, Cumberbatch was still an emerging star, and he wasn't quite as efficient at picking his roles.

Third Star isn't quite the right fit, it's a typical debut feature but without making the kind of statements directors make later in their work when they're more assured. There are nice little moments, and a loving fascination with the countryside, but it's a little soppy and a little meagre to really last in the memory.

The problem is that a lot of it is directionless and it almost wouldn't matter how good Cumberbatch is, it's just an utterly forgettable frame and a forgettable performance. And rather unfortunately, he's not at all likeable (and neither are his cohorts, for that matter), even if their relationships are the only thing that really ring true in the film.