John Travolta: A Comprehensive Review of His Best and Worst Films

When it comes to John Travolta, opinions vary widely. Some of his films are beloved by fans, while others are considered disappointments. In this article, we will explore his best and worst movies, based on critical reception and audience preference.

Best Films

Among his many achievements, John Travolta has starred in several critically acclaimed and popular films. Here are three of his best:

Pulp Fiction

Publishing Date: January 25, 1994 Director: Quentin Tarantino Plot: This crime drama features Travolta as Vincent Vega, a hitman and ex-wrestler. The film is renowned for its quirky characters and memorable scenes, particularly the famous act of “kissing in the elevator.” Public Reception: Pulp Fiction received critical acclaim and went on to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and earn numerous awards for its acting performances.

Saturday Night Fever

Publishing Date: June 5, 1977 Director: John Badham Plot: Set in Brooklyn during a period of economic uncertainty, this film tells the story of Tony Manero (Travolta), an aspiring dancer who dreams of inheriting his family's corner store. Although his girlfriend finds him unattainable, Tony's hopes for success are derailed by violence and rivalry. Public Reception: The film became a cultural phenomenon and one of the most successful urban films of the 1970s, earning Travolta widespread recognition. It also won several awards and became a part of pop culture history.

Blow Out

Publishing Date: April 25, 1981 Director: Brian De Palma Plot: Starring John Travolta as Jack Espa?ol, a soundman for a movie director, the film explores a political assassination. The narrative is a chilling mix of conspiracy and personal tragedy, with Travolta delivering a compelling performance. Public Reception: The film received mixed reviews initially but has since gained a cult following known for its technical prowess and suspenseful storytelling.

Worst Films

While many of Travolta's movies have received praise, there are several that have not. Two standout examples are:

Battlefield Earth

Publishing Date: February 6, 2000 Director: Roland Emmerich Plot: This science-fiction adaptation of Larry Niven's books is about humans facing oppression from aliens. The film was widely criticized for its poor direction, extensive use of CGI, and meddling with the source material. Public Reception: Despite a significant marketing budget, Battlefield Earth received panned reviews. It was a box-office disappointment and has since become a symbol of poor filmmaking.

Face/Off

Publishing Date: February 26, 1997 Director: John Woo Plot: In this action thriller, Travolta plays Sean Archer, a Special Agent who swaps faces with a terrorist for a mission. While the film had its moments, it did not live up to the critical or commercial success expected. Public Reception: The film received generally negative reviews and was relatively underperforming at the box office. However, it has developed a niche following over the years.

It is worth noting that general consensus varies when it comes to John Travolta's filmography. Different people, places, and times may influence one's opinion. Feel free to share your own thoughts and favorites!

Other Considerations

While these films are often cited as the best and worst, Travolta's acting abilities are undeniable. He excels in roles that showcase both his dance skills and dramatic range, such as in:

Phenomenon

Publishing Date: June 16, 1990 Director: John Chafe Plot: This romantic drama features Travolta as Al Hanson, a scientist who discovers a meteorite that gives him superhuman abilities. The film explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of scientific discovery. Public Reception: Though not as successful as some of Travolta's other films, Phenomenon benefited from Travolta's charisma and star power.

Travolta's range is also noteworthy in films like:

Get Short Broken Arrow

While these films may not be among his best, they still provide insight into his career and the range of projects he has undertaken.

In conclusion, the best and worst of John Travolta's films reflect a diverse career spanning various genres. Whether you admire hisresume for Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction or take issue with more recent entries like Face/Off and Battlefield Earth, John Travolta remains an iconic figure in film.