Folie à Deux and Madame Web: The Unfortunate Winners of the 2022 Razzie Awards
The 44th Golden Raspberry Awards, popularly known as the Razzies, have announced their winners for the worst films of the year. In a surprise to no one, Folie à Deux and Madame Web have taken the top spots in the most disdained categories. While these films have been widely panned by critics and audiences alike, they join a long tradition of movies that have taken home the infamous Golden Raspberry trophies.
Folie à Deux: A Biopic Gone Wrong
Folie à Deusual is a biopic that has been mercilessly lambasted for its bizarre and unsettling portrayal of the life of rapper Flex, played by Mike White. Directed by Craig Brewer, the film has been criticized for its poor production values, incoherent narrative, and awkward dialogue. Audiences and critics have ridiculed the film’s tone-deaf depiction of the hip-hop world, calling it "cringe-worthy" and "a mess." The Razzies have rewarded its ineptitude by naming it Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Screenplay.
Madame Web: A Spider-Mess
Madame Web, a Marvel superhero film, has suffered a similar fate. The film, directed by S.J. Clarkson, has been savaged for its convoluted plot, atrocious acting, and poor action sequences. The cast, featuring Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, and Emma Robbie, has been panned for their wooden performances, with many critics suggesting that the movie is a tiresome, over-long slog. The Razzies have responded by naming it Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Supporting Actress for Johnson’s subpar turn.
A Tradition of Laurel Wreaths
The Razzie Awards have a history of honoring the worst films, a tradition that began in 1980. The Golden Raspberry Awards are often seen as a counter-program to the more prestigious Academy Awards, which recognize excellence in filmmaking. The Razzies have a more lighthearted approach, poking fun at the worst of the year’s cinematic offerings while giving audiences a chance to "laugh, snicker, and jeer at the so-bad-they’re-good films."
In conclusion, Folie à Deux and Madame Web have taken home the unwelcome accolades, cementing their spots among the worst films of the year. As the Razzies continue to honor the most heinous achievements in cinema, remember to cherish these cinematic disasters for their unintentional entertainment value and as a barometer for what not to do when creating a film.
