Woody Harrelson: 5 Awesome Performances And 5 That Sucked

3. Jason 'Woods' Valley - Scorched (2003)

Scorched The vast majority of people reading this will not have seen Scorched €“ and that's not entirely surprising, since almost no-one saw it when it was first released ten years ago. Directed by Gavin Grazer (brother of Oscar-winning producer Brian), Scorched is a caper comedy in which three tellers at the same bank form separate plans to rob the main vault - but all pick the same day to do the job. In carrying out their plans they fall foul of local millionaire Charles Merchant (John Cleese) and his fearsome Pomeranian dog €“ a phrase I never thought I'd have to write. Scorched is a classic example of a neat little premise spoiled by shoddy execution €“ in this case, inept writing, unfocussed direction and a host of unfunny, unnecessary supporting characters. While Alicia Silverstone's performance is as wooden as her turn in Batman and Robin, Harrelson fares just as badly as the nature-loving Jason 'Valley' Woods. His character has no depth, his motivation makes little sense, and his performances consists almost entirely of gurning and screaming. And being stupid.
Contributor
Contributor

Freelance copywriter, film buff, community radio presenter. Former host of The Movie Hour podcast (http://www.lionheartradio.com/ and click 'Interviews'), currently presenting on Phonic FM in Exeter (http://www.phonic.fm/). Other loves include theatre, music and test cricket.