There is often a divide between how critics appraise a film and your average audience. Every now and then, a movie comes along that is well-received by both parties. On the other hand, there are hundreds of films that are adored by audiences, only to be despised and ridiculed by critics. A few movie titles coming to mind? Here’s a list of some of the “best” films that critics shunned or loathed when released.

Last Christmas (2019)

Paul Feig’s “Last Christmas” didn’t exactly set the world on fire with critics. Most critics were indifferent to the film, ridiculing the predictability of the film’s twists and plot. However, it’s since emerged as a new Christmas favourite for many audiences, primarily because of its beautiful London setting, charming characters and uplifting tone. If you want a good film with holiday niceties, try “Last Christmas” – and ignore the critics.

The Girl on the Train (2016)

Starring Emily Blunt, this psychological thriller was deemed to be dull and uninspiring by critics. However, it turns out most of the regular audience enjoyed it. While it didn’t rise to the cinematic heights or the greatness of an Alfred Hitchcock thriller, it is perfectly enjoyable and suspenseful. Yet again, ignore the critics.

The Mummy (1999)

Now that we’ve seen the disastrous 2017 reboot starring Tom Cruise, it’s safe to say that the original film, released in the late 90s, really wasn’t that bad at all. The acting and storyline are perennially underrated, ensuring it’s well worth a re-watch at some point.

Predator (1987)

Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role, “Predator” was initially repudiated by critics, with many film theorists calling it shallow and lacking in substance. Over time, however, the film has emerged as a classic of the action genre and rightfully so. If you still haven’t seen this gem yet, steer clear of reviews of the film from when it was released.

Celebrity divorces are usually huge entertainment news and gossip. This is because they are often so public and can get quite ugly and aggressive. Who wouldn’t get a little feisty when there were multi-million-dollar estates at play? Nonetheless, here are some of the nastiest celebrity divorces the entertainment scene has witnessed.

Tiger Woods and Ellen Nordegren

In one of the sporting world’s most controversial scandals, Tiger Woods was exposed as a serial cheater and womaniser, having engaged in infidelity with multiple partners. His then-wife, Ellen Nordegren, didn’t take the news particularly well. In a physical altercation with the famous golfer, Nordegren threw her mobile phone at Woods, chipping his tooth, before going after his prized Escalade with his golf clubs. Bit of irony there.

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

The “Brangelina” split is probably the celebrity divorce of the decade. They became Hollywood’s cutest couple, then emerged a power couple. In September 2016, Jolie filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. In 2019, their divorce was finalised, and both were confirmed single again. They have six children from the marriage, three of whom were adopted.

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp were in a relationship between 2015 and 2017. In 2016, Heard filed for divorce and took out a restraining order against Depp, claiming that Depp verbally and physically assaulted her. In 2017, their divorce was finalised, and Depp was ordered to pay Heard a settlement of $7 million, which she donated to charity.

In 2019, however, their split reared itself again, with Depp suing Heard for defamation, specifically an op-ed piece for The Washington Post. In the article, Heard claimed that Depp consistently perpetrated domestic violence against her. In early 2020, Depp submitted documents alleging that heard had physically assaulted him, backed up by audio recordings that apparent support his argument.

Making the switch from juvenile roles to more mature, adult roles can be a massive challenge from any young actor, no matter how successful they are. The rise and fall of Macaulay Culkin is testament to this, and more often than not, the switch from child to adult acting is not achieved. Here are several famous actors who were able to buck the trend and continue their success.

Neil Patrick Harris

Before he was Barney Stinson in “How I Met Your Mother”, Neil Patrick Harris was Doogie Howser, a child doctor. He played the role from 1989-1993 and continued gaining steady work as an adolescent and then adult actor. He hosted the Primetime Emmys in 2009 and 2013.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Joseph Gordon Levitt started child acting back in the 1980s. He appeared on television shows like “Murder, She Wrote” and “Family Ties”, before getting more sizeable roles in “3^rd Rock from the Sun”. For younger audiences, Levitt is now a highly accomplished adult actor, whose filmography includes “The Dark Knight Rises”, “500 Days of Summer” and “Knives Out”, which was released in late 2019.

Elijah Wood

Most movie-goers recognise Elijah Wood for his role as Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of Rings” film trilogy. However, he received his big break in the early 1990s, when he starred in “The Adventures of Huck Finn”. In the late 80s, he even had a cameo role in “Back to the Future: Part II”. These days, you’ll see him in shows like “Wilfred” and “Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency”.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale became a household name with his role as Bruce Wayne in Christopher Nolan’s Batman Trilogy, and he even won an Oscar for his role in the 2011 film, “The Fighter”. Before hitting big success, Bale had juvenile roles in “Newsies” and “Empire of the Sun”, the latter of which was released in 1987.