5. Superman Returns (2006)
Bryan Singer, who three years prior had made the sublime
X2, seemed to be the perfect man to bring everyone's favorite Kryptonian back to the big screen after a prolonged absence. Instead of doing just a reboot, Singer instead opted for a semi-sequel to
Superman II. Brandon Routh was a good fit for Supes, and Spacey chewed the scenery as Lex Luthor. But it wasn't enough. What we got was one of the dullest superhero films in a long time, with Kal-El being less Superman and more fawning over lost love. Which is fine in itself but when it detracts from Superman doing his thing, it kinda gets in the way a little bit. Kate Bosworth was woefully miscast as Lois Lane and Lex Luthor had decided on yet another real estate scam which didn't really make sense and then to top it all off we got a bizarre subplot involving Kal-El's offspring. Hopefully Snyder's new take will breathe life back into the franchise.
4. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
The first film captured our imaginations with it's explosive bullet time sequences, mind bending script and finding a suitable role for Keanu Reeves in which his ever present confused expression didn't look out of place. Hype was high for the second installment, the first of two sequels released that year. What could go wrong? A lot it would seem. While it featured some decent action, the script was littered with too much philosophizing about the meaning of life, going around in circles again and again, confusing and boring us in equal measure. And don't even get me started on the Architect guy. Or the insufferable bore that was Zion and the least erotic sex scene in the history of cinema. I don't know about you but I really hoped the machines wiped that city from the face of the Earth. It did not bode well for the final part of the trilogy and likewise, that was equally disappointing. Click "next" below to read the next part...