Devin J
Woke films are flooding theaters, but not all hit the mark. When characters or plots feel forced, it really annoys the viewers. While some tackle important issues successfully, others miss badly. Here’s a cringe-worthy list of 10 woke movies that tried too hard, resulting in uncomfortable viewing experiences.
Ghostbusters (2016)
This reboot of the beloved 1984 comedy missed the mark for many fans. The all-female cast swap felt impractical rather than organic. Despite talented comedians like Melissa McCarthy, the humor often fell flat. The film struggled to capture the magic of the original, focusing too much on gender dynamics.
Tomb Raider (2018)
The film’s attempt to modernize Lara Croft backfired, with critics pointing out an overcorrection in her portrayal, especially by focusing heavily on de-sexualizing the character and her athleticism. This “woke” approach felt forced and unnatural. Unfortunately, the reboot of the popular video game franchise resulted in no sequel for star Alicia Vikander.
Birds of Prey (2020)
This Harley Quinn sequel lost the magic of the original Suicide Squad character. Trying to be super feminist, it went overboard. The movie is full of girl-power lines and too many references to female body parts. It even threw in a random mention of Bernie Sanders.
Charlie’s Angels (2019)
Director Elizabeth Banks admitted she made casting choices to push a “feminine manifesto,” which didn’t work out as planned. Kristen Stewart’s character was suddenly made gay, which had nothing to do with the story. During release, the film was met with mixed reviews; some called the plot “aimless.”
Music (2021)
Singer-songwriter Sia’s first try at directing a movie sadly went wrong, as proven by her public apology. This movie is the story of Kate Hudson becoming a guardian to her autistic half-sister, upsetting many people. The film ended up offending the very community it wanted to represent.
Strange World (2022)
Although this Disney action-comedy stars a gay, bi-racial youth named Ethan, his sexual orientation doesn’t significantly advance the story. It seems out of place. Some spectators were uneasy with this incorporation, believing the movie was pushing a message rather than merely providing a source of entertainment.
What Men Want (2019)
A forced attempt at “wokeness,” this gender-flipped remake of “What Women Want” feels more like revenge than comedy. Taraji P. Henson portrays a sports agent who can hear men’s thoughts, but the concept falls flat. Critics panned it as “a treacly, glib, made-for-TV wasteland” with “too few jokes.”
The Hustle (2019)
A movie that’s hard to watch, with no chemistry between the stars and unsatisfactory jokes. It is seen as a weak attempt that really misses Steve Martin’s hilarious talent. Swapping charm for feigned girl power, the all-female cast fails to recreate the magic of the original “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” (1988).
Lightyear (2022)
Pixar’s Toy Story spin-off crashed on launch. Including a brief same-sex kiss between minor characters sparked controversy, leading to bans in several countries. For a children’s cartoon, many viewers thought the inclusion was ill-fitting. This attempt at representation overshadowed the film’s story, leaving fans disappointed.
A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
Screenwriter Jennifer Lee’s decision to secularize the story outraged book fans. His misguided attempt to make the movie more “inclusive” displeased longtime viewers. Therefore, Disney’s adaptation of Madeleine L’Engle’s beloved novel is believed to have stripped away its core Christian themes and characters.
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