MovieChat Forums > 47 Ronin (2013) Discussion > keanu reeves forever awful

keanu reeves forever awful


Terrible in Dracula
Terrible in street kings
Terrible in Bill and Ted
Terrible in just about everything he touches. I think my sons nativity play shows more acting prowess than Reeves ever could.

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Wow someone saying Keanu reeves is a terrible actor, how original. What is so bad about Keanu? Everyone says how much they hate Keanu and think he is a bad actor, but nobody seems to say why they feel that. Oh well tho, he is worth 400million dollars from making movies, so I guess he is laughing all the way to the bank lol...By the way, I think your son is terrible in his nativity play and his finger paintings suck lol. No way he is going to land the lead in a matrix movie lmao

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Have you never just NOT enjoyed something: a certain movie, a certain music, a certain flavor. Generally when people don't like a food, they don't keep eating it so that they can tell others why they don't like it.

I'm not going to eat a piece of *beep* just to tell you the texture is bad.

But, I believe the general consensus from almost everybody is that (aside from the Matrix, which was terrible--but enjoyable--to anyone who watched it after being 25) Keanu Reeves is just not a good actor.

He doesn't look out for his own dialogue, i.e. "Their army is infinite." So he ends up saying stupid lines like this. No one has an infinite army, and it's not a worthwhile exaggeration. For God's sake, he doesn't even emphasize it in a believable way: "Their army is infinite!"

His voice and dialect (which of course isn't his fault--except dialect) are terrible. His voice is too deep as if he deepens it on purpose. His dialect is terrible in that it sounds like he doesn't take deep breaths.

Lastly, he just can't make you believe the movie is real. In Devil's Advocate (maybe his best movie--in large part to Pacino), you knew you were watching a movie. You didn't feel as though this was the "real" life of a "real" person. You don't really get involved in the movie itself--upon reflecting, I guess that means the Matrix series was his best.

So, there you go.

If you want good actors that are his contemporaries:
Edward Norton
Matt Damon
Brad Pitt
Sean Penn
Benicio del Toro
Ethan Hawke
and a host of others should you care to know more.

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So you hate him for the sake of hating him? I swear most ppl rag on Keanu reeves because its the popular thing to do. Like if ppl really hated him that much, then he wouldn't of had 25+ yr career in Hollywood being worth over 400million dollars. Your reasons for "hating" him are hilarious. "he doesn't look out for his own dialogue" ?? He says the lines that are written on the page like any actor would, and the director tells him how he wants the character to act like, so how can you fault him for that? His character in the matrix was suppose to act just like that. "He just cant make you believe the movie real" is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. That is just grasping at straws there lol. I guess when you were watching Avengers you believed you weren't watching a movie lol..Every single actor you named there have had terrible performances and what is soo special about those guys? like Sean Penn always acts angry in every movie, and I think brad pitt is the most overated actor in Hollywood, his performance in Inglorious Bastards was ridiculous. Ethan hawke's dialect is even worse than Keanu not to mention his raspy voice that sounds like hes got a cigarette in his mouth all the time. You can dissect any actor and find faults including your "glory list" of actors

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Yup, I don't get all those people saying that Keanu is a bad actor either. It really does look like hating him has become a popular thing to do. I watch a lot of movies, and I've seen plenty of Keanu movies and I never felt like he was a bad actor. Him and Nicholas Cage get a lot of this bandwagon hate.

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i think its funny when guys/girls with a crush on keanu reeves cant seem to see that he has only 1 character he can play.

Sure his look/1 character sometimes perfectly fits in a movie (the matrix!) but then sometimes it shows us his limited range (hardball anyone?). pivot

I see him as a stoner/zoned out character that has redeeming qualities beyond his spacey look and understanding, which he hides until pivotal moments in the story.

In matrix it worked because he was supposed to feel out of place and therefore always have the deer in the headlights kind of look.

Other movies like Hardball for instance, show how limited his range really is. He didnt come across believable to me at all, and when he was crying near the end it just looked like they got someone to punch him in the nose then eat a bunch of sour candies before he did the scene.

He isnt a BAD actor per say, but he is a very LIMITED actor. He's really good when hes typecast correctly, but otherwhise, he is hard to watch and believe.

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true.....in the correct role i believe he can be better than leonardo.....in the wrong one , robert pattinson is less worse than him

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I don't hate him. He's just not very good because of his limited range. It's very hard to detect emotions on him, which is enough for some roles like The Matrix and maybe 47 Ronin.

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Alright Jesse, I can see that you don't actually read. That's what's wrong with people--they invite your opinions and then dismiss them.

"He says the lines that are written on the page like any actor would, and the director tells him how he wants the character to act like, so how can you fault him for that? His character in the matrix was suppose to act just like that. "He just cant make you believe the movie real" is the most ridiculous thing I ever heard. That is just grasping at straws there lol. I guess when you were watching Avengers you believed you weren't watching a movie lol.."

No, that is why they having casting calls: because an actor is chosen based on previous experience, star potential, and the ability to deliver, etc.
As well, grow up dude. There are movies that captivate like a good book--everything else is drowned out. However, in his movies this isn't the case. As for Avengers, I recognize it's a movie, but it captivates you for 2.5 hours.

"Every single actor you named there have had terrible performances and what is soo special about those guys?"
One bad performance is nothing--could be the result of a misplaced director or misplaced casting. However, Keanu has had several...in fact, almost all.

"like Sean Penn always acts angry in every movie"
Uh, Fast Times, I Am Sam, Milk, 21 Grams. Maybe he gets angry, but for the most part he's played many roles--though his best are the ones against adversity and introspection.

"and I think brad pitt is the most overated actor in Hollywood, his performance in Inglorious Bastards was ridiculous."
And his purpose was to play a cartoon-like character. As for being overrated, there are very few people who would agree. Troy, Benjamin Button, Joe Black, Fight Club, Burn After Reading, Ocean's, Money Ball,... ALL of these were excellent.

"Ethan hawke's dialect is even worse than Keanu not to mention his raspy voice that sounds like hes got a cigarette in his mouth all the time."
His voice sounds like any other person's would in a given situation. Sure, it might be raspy, however, there are many with a raspy voice including my own. Keanu's voice sounds as though he just woke from a nap...it's not bad to have a deep voice--I dig Isaac Hayes and Jeffrey Dean Morgan any time. Keanu's sounds fake though. I said he can't help it, but that is a reason...it makes it seem as if he has a social problem, i.e. is insecure in social situation so he "fixes" his voice from shaking.

As for your bitch-iness, you asked for reasons. I gave you some very specific ones. Instead of taking it as, "Oh Ok", you try to defend him. I'm not asking to fight about it. I'm just telling you these are things I don't like--and I'm assuming others don't either...hence why he hasn't been the primary actor in many movies since the Matrix.---ALSO! I gave him credit for the Matrix!

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Well if roger ebert and al pacino think hes a good actor and he has had a 25+ yr career being in a lot of successful movies and being worth 400 million dollars, well then he has to be doing something right. Also, could it be him not being in many movies anymore have to do with the fact that he has made an insane amount of money(more than even brad pitt and most other famous actors) and really never has to work again in his life? But if you don't like him, you don't like him and nothing could change that and you are entitled to your own opinion and I wasn't trying to pick a fight


- Roger Ebert (film critic), "On the Set; Checking Out ''Chain Reaction'' in Chicago" - Chicago Sun-Times - 7th April 1996 http://www.whoaisnotme.net/acting.htm




"I commend Keanu enormously for his courage and his commitment to it. He's, to me, a very genuine individual and I think a much more talented actor than anybody gives him credit for. ... When people are in a successful movie, the image from that picture goes with them. [Keanu was in] Bill and Ted, those two movies, and that image of Keanu is one that people carry. And actors that don't fall naturally into a way of presenting yourself in all this circus of media, you know, so that people think, well, that's who he is. I think, for instance, he did a beautiful job in that Bill and Ted film, but actually doing that kind of stuff is not remotely as easy as it looks. If it were, everybody would be doing it much better. It has real charm, real lightness of touch, real kind of comedic ability. I mean, he worked like a dog on Much Ado, he's really easy to work with. And I think when you're in his position and you know that you're gonna get flack out of every corner for doing something like Hamlet, people would say it's an act of hubris or vanity, I'd say an act of great courage."

- Kenneth Branagh (director and costar, Much Ado About Nothing), "Much Ado About Kenneth" (Off-site link) - Andy Jones - Rough Cut (US) - Dec 1996


"I thought the kid was first brought in for his juice [studio talk for box-office appeal], but after working with Keanu, I believe he's got what it takes, and in some scenes in particular, you really see him come across. Now he owns the role."

- Al Pacino (costar, The Devil's Advocate), "Route 666 - Galaxie (Malaysia) - 17th Jan 1998

http://www.whoaisnotme.net/acting.htm

If one of the greatest actors of all time, Al Pacino, thinks Keanu's a good actor that's good enough for me.

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If one of the greatest actors of all time, Al Pacino, thinks Keanu's a good actor that's good enough for me


Nice to see another IMDB'er thinking for themselves :)

Taking "fanboy" to a whole new level I see.

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However long he's been acting or how much money he has made doesn't really make a difference in whether or not he's a good actor. I listed reason why I and why others don't like him. AND YET AGAIN you defend him as if "I'm wrong" in my opinions. The FACT is that he shows very poor choice of things he acts in--whether it be script or story--and he has an off putting manner of speaking.

Do you know who could make an easy billion over the next few years? Robert Downey Jr. Do you know why? Because of the Iron Man trilogy/fan base and the Avengers. This type of movies is going to be cast aside one day just like the Bond movies of old, because they will be replaced by more hip styles. Translation: Robert Downey Jr. is making his money because of the box office phenomenon that is super-hero movies. Why is this important? Because "Neo" didn't get rich playing from "The Replacements". If that is too thick for your: Keanu didn't get rich by acting in a B-level comedy.

As for Ebert: He is THE most over-hyped critic of film there ever was. Since Siskel passed away, and Roeper took over, I don't know that I could name an actor/actress that is "known" that wasn't discovered in the 80's/90's first. Heck, maybe directors, but not actors. As well, people don't think "Keanu: Bill and Ted". People think "Keanu: Matrix", "Keanu: Constantine", or "Keanu: The Devil's Advocate". All of which are decent movies, but people STILL DON'T LIKE KEANU!

As for Pacino: You're not going to bash your costar--it's not tactful and is a sure fire way to miss out on other movies. The fact is: Keanu WAS brought in for his juice--which is much less a factor these days. However to counter, how many other movies did Pacino and Reeves do together? Check-mate.

Note that Pacino never said he was a good actor. He said, "He's got what it takes." Hell, Ryan Reynolds "has what it takes", and that dude is a joke.

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But your failing to see that the length of his career and the money he has made does indeed make a difference in people thinking if hes a good actor or not. Because if he was such a "bad actor" then he wouldn't of been able to keep acting in movies for 25+ yrs. Hollywood wouldn't let him in any movies then. That's why its important to note the longevity of his career because most "good" actors would kill to last that long in Hollywood. So would you agree that he must of done something right?... You are right that Keanu made the bulk of his fortune from matrix movies, but he has also made a lot of money from all the other hits he has had. So the length of his career and the money he has made from all the hits hes had over the decades clearly means that people do like him and they paid to go watch his movies otherwise he would of been done in Hollywood decades ago. I used Ebert because he is usually a tough critic to win over, so if Keanu was that bad as you say, then Ebert would of definitely let you know it. So I was using that example that some people who are credible think hes a good actor...You got your reasons for saying hes bad, but like I said earlier, you list of "good actors" have lots of faults aswell. No actor is perfect.

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You praise Keanu for what he was. Not for what he does. That's very bad way.

You should not give credit to your supervisor, just because someone else elected him. You should give him credit for what he does.

He was very good in Matrix. He slotted into that role perfectly. But he fails to do so in almost every other movie. But he's the star of Matrix and it goes a long way in Hollywood. He deserved the money he made from Matrix and he deserved chances to earn more and prolong his career.

But his ability to draw audience is diminishing. Look at Tom Cruise. He has a career of tops and fails, but he always comes around and brings in cash. With movies like 47 Ronin, it is painfully apparent that Keanu lacks this "power". And it's because most people aren't blind and see he's good only in sci-fi.

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I don't know if you noticed but the days of just because "a certain actor" is in a movie will bring in big money are long gone. Nowadays, ppl will go to watch "good movies" , not because certain actors are in it. A-list actors are not a guarantee anymore. Even Tom Cruise movies in America are not making the money they use to either. All the big actors like Johnny Depp, Will Smith, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, John Travolta, Micheal Douglas, etc are not guarantee hits anymore, its not like it use to be... Then you can also add the fact that there are wayyyy too many movies opening up every single weekend, so there is too much competition...47 Ronin was not a good movie, poorly marketed, and opened up with a lot of stiff competition, it didn't stand a chance. You could put any A-list actor in there and it would still flop....He is just really not consistent in picking good roles.. I been hearing how bad of an actor Keanu reeves is since Bill and Teds, but yet he has made lots of hit movies since then and has had a 25+ yr career that most actors would kill for. But the times have changed, and no actor is guaranteed box office draws anymore, and that's just the way it is....You are right about one thing, ppl aren't blind anymore, because they will only pay money to watch "good movies" now, not because "so and so" are in it.

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JEEEZ.... have you ever heard an actor say -
" That guy sucks as an actor. He cant act *beep* !!!!" ???

Didnt think so dude. When you see actors talk about other actors, sometimes you just see how full of *beep* they are. Remember, they are "actors". They lie all the time bro.
They always say the nicest things and bla bla bla. So when Pacino or whoever say something good about an actor, I dont take it too seriously.
I mean, hahaha, " but Pacino said he`s good. That must mean he is good right?"
LOL

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AAAAHHHH !!!! these ppl who nag nag nag about others just cuz they dont explain in great detail why they dont like something. Why must one explain it and give a bunch of reasons??? If I dont like a movie for instance, I sure as hell dont have to give any reasons to you dude!!! I dont have to explain myself to you!!!!
Ppl are always - haha you cant even say why you dont like the movie.
YES I can but I dont need to tell you. Just cuz I dont give any exact reasons
(to you), doesnt mean I dont have the right to NOT like a film. GOT IT ??!!!

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Actually, I thought Reaves was good in B&T. The movies themselves weren't great, but he hit the character he was supposed to be. I only went to see Ronin because my son & his best friend wanted to see it, and as we live on a US Base with just an outdoor theatre, it was free. Had I been taking them to a mall in the US to see it, I'd have seen something else and met them after. This wasn't really as bad as I expected it to be. More CGI than was necessary, but that seems pretty standard with movies today. I really appreciated the actors who are/were Japanese... it was apparent in their pronunciation - 'Rord' instead of 'Lord'. That's not a racial slur or stereotype; I spent three years being called 'Risa' and two of those helping adult students overcome such American stumbling blocks as 'refrigerator'.

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im with the other guy on this one. if you are saying keanu reeves is a good actor you are just lying.

what the guy means by "he doesn't look out for his own dialogue" is that yes, an actor is allowed to make adjustments or suggest adjustments to their scripted lines. it is also down to them to put the proper emphasis or tone into that line and keanu most of the time doesn't convey the proper mood. he seems miserable and almost the same in everything he does. hes almost the exact opposite of say .. gary oldman

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By your rational that would make vin diesel a good actor!

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Pitt and Damon as examples of good actors?? OMG

Keanu is a great guy. Probably the coolest in the biz. He gave away a huge chunk of his MAtrix pay to be divided up among the production crew just because he is awesome. He has his head screwed on right and I wish him the best in life. I'll even go watch most of his movies just 'cause I like the guy.

BUT ... he is indeed pretty bad in much of what he does. His good performances are in Matriz, Scanner Darkly, Thumbsucker, The Gift, and Constantine. His worst is in Dangerous Liaisons (him saying "m'lady" is still seared in my memory).
The thing is that he is merely mediocre in most of his movies rather than outright bad. After Matrix he shaped up quite a bit. Its just easy to remember the horrid stuff he did and let it color the new.

All that being said, he was lousy in Man of Tai Chi and a tad more his old wooden self in 47R but I think the woodenness came from his authentic portrayal of the necessary body language. Bad combo.

tl;dr KR is cool and deserves credit for a handful of movies but 47 Ronin (4/10) isn't really one of them.

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That was a very fair and level-headed critique of the man's personality and acting... Are you sure you're feeling okay? You ARE typing on the IMDB forums after all. ;)

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Agreed, good and fair assessment.. :o) But, I have to say, the simple fact is Keanu Reeves is just not a very good actor. Simples.

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Well said "clydeerwin", & quite good examples added.
I don't even bother to argue with those ppl who r determined that they'll keep hating no matter what! they can keep their eyes with them, & i can keep mine with me, they can post whatever they feel like on boards & so can i. that's more than good enough for me...
keep it up. :)

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[deleted]

You clearly only watch mainstream movies!


Matt Damon was great in Rounders.

Ethan hawke was excellent in Training Day and What Doesnt Kill You

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Thank you for the great laugh

By the way, I think your son is terrible in his nativity play and his finger paintings suck lol. No way he is going to land the lead in a matrix movie lmao

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haaahha this is awesome

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Should have called this stinker "47 Ramen".

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To mwleonard:

Brilliant!

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He was good in the Matrix where his wooden acting and monotone voice suited the character.

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Good in Bill and Teds
Great in Point Break
Good in my own private idaho
Good in Speed
Good in the Devils Advocate
Great in the Matrix
Good in Feeling Minnesota
Good in the gift
Good in A skanner darkly

Overall i would say he is good, certainly not the best around, but a solid actor. Also as he has made a fortune of $350 million from being really 'BAD' at acting, then i would say he has been even more successful than a great actor who made $350 million!





'To a New Yorker like you, a hero is some type of weird sandwich'

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How come no one every comments on River's Edge or includes it in lists of things he was good in?!

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I havent seen it so can't comment. Is it any good?



'COOK, PASS, BaBtridge'

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It's bleak, a bit disturbing at times, but in a very watchable way, and has some veins of nihilism running through it. Oh, and it also is one of the very first big name movies to incorporate thrash/death metal on their soundtrack, with a few songs by Slayer. Definitely worth the watch.

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Don't forget one of the best movies ever:

EXCELLENT in Constantine!

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Phenomenal in The Matrix.
Phenomenal in Speed.

Maybe you should come off your high horse and not judge action stars primarily by their acting, but rather judge the characters themselves.

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If Keanu is terrible at acting then acting needs to get its act together because it's obviously doing something wrong.

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I'd rather watch Keanu Reeves in a movie than a whole host of other actors. I couldn't care less what other people think of him.

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He was terrible in Dracula but the whole cast apart from Gary Oldman were. It was a terrible film.

Watch My own Private Idaho. He is a fine actor and I love watching him.

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I have to completely disagree with you. I am sick and tired of people saying Keanu Reeves is a bad actor. Because he is one of the few actors that is consistently in great movies.

The Matrix
A Scanner Darkly
The Replacements
Constantine
Speed

all of these are great movies and I guarantee you he can act a whole better then you can. So stop complaining and enjoy his movies because they are awesome. Hardball is pretty good too.

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