Top Steven Seagal Movies That Really Struggled at the Box Office and with Critics

Steven Seagal has starred in several films that have been widely criticized by critics and largely ignored by audiences. These movies are often cited as examples of his decline in quality over the years, despite his unique style and presence captivating some fans. Let's explore some of the worst Steven Seagal movies that have made it to both the theatrical and direct-to-video releases.

Under Siege 2

Out of Steven Seagal's movies that got a theatrical release, Under Siege 2: Dark Territory stands out as one of the most notorious. While it has a cult following and some devoted fans enjoy the movie's action sequences, many critics found the plot to be thin and the action over-the-top. The film's execution fails to wow audiences with its narrative and depth, receiving mixed reviews from film critics.

Exit Wounds and Beyond

Following the Under Siege 2 era, Seagal's career took a turn towards the direct-to-video releases and films with "ugly goatee" phases. Some of the most notorious entries during this time include:

Exit Wounds: This film is often criticized for its poor production values and a convoluted plot that fails to engage viewers. The movie struggles with pacing and emotional depth, which are crucial elements in any engaging film.

Against the Dark: Seagal directed and starred in this environmental action film that was heavily criticized for its preachy tone and lack of coherence. The movie is seen as lacking a clear narrative and fails to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

Supernatural Cop Dota

Seagal's Half Past Dead and Bionic Commando were seen as low points for the actor. The Half Past Dead takes a supernatural twist to the buddy-cop genre, but critics pointed to its lackluster script, which does not deliver the fresh and engaging storyline one might expect from a film with the combination of genres.

Action and Drama Misfire

Some of Seagal's later films that tried to mesh action and drama, like Aphrodite, From the Line, and Con Club, were criticized for their weak plot and poor acting. Con Club, featuring a clichéd revenge plot, was met with subpar performances, which significantly impacted the film's overall quality. Despite its potential, the film's execution fails to meet the high standards set by its premise.

Visual and Plot Troubles

Other films like Cocktail Jalapeno and Snitch were criticized for their confusing plots and poor special effects. Even Cocktail Jalapeno, a title that captures the essence of Seagal's more absurd and over-the-top projects, became infamous not just for its visual elements but also for its unintentional humor due to its bizarre and often illogical narrative.

Conclusion

While some fans enjoy Steven Seagal's unique style and presence, there is no denying that many of these films are often cited as examples of his decline in quality over the years. However, it's important to acknowledge that despite the critical and box office failures, some of these movies still have a devoted following and capable of providing entertainment for those who appreciate them.

To further explore these films and the discourse around them, British comedian Thom Tuck has done a short series on BBC Radio 4 called "Straight to DVD". One of the programmes is on Steven Seagal and is very funny. You can find it by searching online, although due to copyright issues, we cannot name the specific source.