LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Carried Movies That Didn’t Deserve Them

Talented performers often find themselves attached to projects that fail to meet high expectations or suffer from poor writing. LGBTQ+ actresses have frequently demonstrated their ability to elevate these lackluster films through sheer charisma and acting prowess. These stars manage to deliver memorable performances that outshine the material they are given to work with. The following list highlights instances where queer actresses became the saving grace of otherwise forgettable cinematic endeavors. Their dedication turns potential disasters into watchable experiences for audiences everywhere.

Kristen Stewart

In ‘Underwater’ (2020), Stewart delivers a physically demanding performance that anchors the claustrophobic science fiction thriller. The script offers little character development beyond the immediate survival scenario of a deep sea drilling crew. She elevates the material by conveying palpable fear and determination through her expressive acting style. Critics praised her ability to maintain intensity even when the plot descended into generic monster movie tropes. Her commanding screen presence prevents the film from sinking entirely under the weight of its own derivative premise.

Angelina Jolie

Jolie embodies the video game icon with effortless charisma in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ (2001). The film suffers from a convoluted plot and uneven pacing that confused many viewers upon its release. She commits fully to the physical requirements of the role while injecting a necessary sense of wit into the dialogue. Her magnetic energy distracts the audience from the narrative shortcomings and established her as a bona fide action star. Without her star power, the movie would likely be remembered only as a failed adaptation.

Megan Fox

Fox gives a career-defining performance in ‘Jennifer’s Body’ (2009) that was largely misunderstood by critics at the time. The marketing campaigned the film as a typical teen horror flick rather than the dark satire it actually was. She captures the predatory nature of her possessed character with a perfect blend of humor and malice. Her ability to switch between high school vanity and demonic cruelty drives the entire narrative forward. The movie has since gained a cult following largely due to her committed portrayal of the titular villain.

Aubrey Plaza

Plaza manages to steal every scene she is in during the raunchy comedy ‘Dirty Grandpa’ (2016). The film itself relies heavily on shock value and crude humor that often falls flat with audiences. She plays a sexually aggressive college student with a deadpan delivery that makes the uncomfortable dialogue surprisingly funny. Her commitment to the bizarre character traits creates the few genuinely hilarious moments in the movie. She proves her comedic timing can survive even the most chaotic and poorly received scripts.

Tessa Thompson

Thompson brings a fresh energy to the franchise in ‘Men in Black: International’ (2019). The sequel struggles to capture the magic of the original films due to a lackluster script and predictable villains. She utilizes her natural charm and chemistry with her co-stars to keep the proceedings engaging for the viewer. Her performance provides a grounded emotional center amidst the excessive computer generated effects. She demonstrates that she can lead a blockbuster production even when the material does not support her talents.

Kate McKinnon

McKinnon serves as the comedic highlight of the polarized reboot ‘Ghostbusters’ (2016). While the film faced intense scrutiny and debate over its existence, her eccentric performance as an engineer stood out. She commits to the physical comedy and bizarre mannerisms of her character with infectious enthusiasm. Her energy often rescues scenes that otherwise drag due to pacing issues or flat writing. She turned a supporting role into the most memorable element of the entire production.

Cara Delevingne

Delevingne works hard to provide a relatable human element in the visual spectacle ‘Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets’ (2017). The film is often criticized for its confusing story and lack of chemistry between the leads. She brings a spark of personality to her role as a space operative that the screenplay largely fails to develop. Her dedication to the action sequences helps ground the movie when the special effects become overwhelming. She remains a watchable presence even as the narrative spirals into chaos around her.

Jodie Foster

Foster commands the screen in the dystopian thriller ‘Hotel Artemis’ (2018). The movie features a crowded cast and a plot that often feels rushed and underdeveloped. She grounds the film with her portrayal of a weary nurse who runs a secret hospital for criminals. Her nuanced performance hints at a rich backstory that the script barely has time to explore. She elevates the B-movie premise into something more compelling through her sheer gravitas.

Sarah Paulson

Paulson delivers a solid performance in the stylistic misfire ‘The Spirit’ (2008). The film is infamous for its confusing tone and over reliance on visual effects that distract from the story. She plays a doctor who tries to ground the surreal events in some semblance of reality. Her acting remains natural and believable despite the absurdity of the situations her character faces. She manages to escape the project with her dignity intact by treating the material with professional seriousness.

Janelle Monáe

Monáe carries the psychological horror film ‘Antebellum’ (2020) with a dual performance that showcases her range. The movie received criticism for its handling of sensitive themes and a divisive third act twist. She navigates the emotional extremes of her character with grace and intensity throughout the harrowing runtime. Her ability to convey trauma and resilience keeps the audience invested even when the narrative logic falters. She proves herself as a capable leading actor who deserves scripts that match her level of talent.

Chloë Grace Moretz

Moretz tries her best to salvage the young adult adaptation ‘The 5th Wave’ (2016). The film suffers from generic storytelling tropes and underwhelming action sequences that fail to distinguish it from similar franchises. She brings a sense of urgency and emotional weight to the protagonist’s journey for survival. Her performance provides the only real tension in a movie that otherwise feels devoid of stakes. She demonstrates her reliability as an action lead despite the formulaic nature of the production.

Elliot Page

Page brings depth to the science fiction horror remake ‘Flatliners’ (2017). The film was panned for being unnecessary and lacking the suspense of the original version. He plays a medical student whose obsession with the afterlife drives the plot forward. His intensity helps to sell the high stakes of the dangerous experiments the characters undertake. He remains the most compelling part of a thriller that struggles to justify its own existence.

Michelle Rodriguez

Rodriguez returns to the franchise with high energy in ‘Resident Evil: Retribution’ (2012). The movie is largely a collection of action set pieces with a barely coherent storyline connecting them. She takes on dual roles that allow her to display both toughness and vulnerability. Her physical commitment to the stunt work gives the film a visceral quality that the digital effects often lack. She remains a fan favorite because she treats even the most absurd scenarios with complete conviction.

Lady Gaga

Gaga is the undeniable electrical current running through ‘House of Gucci’ (2021). The film suffers from an inconsistent tone that vacillates between serious drama and campy soap opera. She commits fully to her role as Patrizia Reggiani with an accent and mannerisms that demand attention. Her performance is the primary reason the lengthy runtime remains engaging for the audience. She transcends the messy script to create a character that is impossible to look away from.

Drew Barrymore

Barrymore utilizes her natural lovability to save the romantic comedy ‘Blended’ (2014). The movie relies on outdated stereotypes and slapstick humor that often misses the mark. She shares a comfortable chemistry with her co-star that makes the predictable romance palatable. Her warmth and timing help to smooth over the rough edges of the screenplay. She reminds viewers why she is a staple of the genre even when the material is beneath her.

Queen Latifah

Latifah brings her signature sass and confidence to the action comedy ‘Taxi’ (2004). The film is a remake that fails to translate the charm of the French original and relies on weak jokes. She plays a skilled driver who gets caught up in a criminal investigation alongside an incompetent cop. Her screen presence compensates for the lack of logic in the plot and the flat direction. She manages to be the most entertaining element in a movie that generally disappoints action fans.

Amandla Stenberg

Stenberg anchors the dystopian film ‘The Darkest Minds’ (2018) with a heartfelt performance. The movie struggles to find its own identity among a crowded field of similar young adult adaptations. She conveys the isolation and power of her character with a maturity that exceeds the script. Her emotional connection with the other characters provides the heart that the mechanical plot often forgets. She elevates a generic franchise starter into a showcase for her rising star power.

Bella Thorne

Thorne delivers a committed performance in the delayed horror sequel ‘Amityville: The Awakening’ (2017). The film offers few surprises and relies heavily on jump scares that genre fans have seen before. She plays a teenager dealing with family trauma while facing supernatural forces in a haunted house. Her ability to express genuine terror helps to build suspense in scenes that would otherwise feel flat. She works hard to make the audience care about her survival in a standard horror entry.

Ruby Rose

Rose stands out among the ensemble cast of the shark thriller ‘The Meg’ (2018). The film embraces its cheesy premise but often sidelines its supporting characters in favor of action sequences. She brings a cool and capable energy to her role as a tech expert on the underwater station. Her distinct look and charisma make her memorable despite her limited screen time and dialogue. She adds a modern edge to the blockbuster that helps update the classic creature feature formula.

Ariana DeBose

DeBose makes the most of her supporting turn in the spy action comedy ‘Argylle’ (2024). The movie was criticized for its convoluted plot twists and excessive use of green screen effects. She plays a technical ally to the heroes with a sharp wit that livens up the exposition scenes. Her presence hints at a more interesting character than the one the script actually delivers. She brings a level of professionalism and charm that stands out amidst the chaotic storytelling.

Keke Palmer

Palmer gives a powerful performance in the thriller ‘Alice’ (2022). The film attempts to blend social commentary with exploitation cinema elements but struggles with pacing and tone. She portrays a woman escaping captivity with a fierce determination that commands the screen. Her emotional range grounds the more sensational aspects of the plot in a painful reality. She proves she can carry a dramatic lead role even when the filmmaking around her is uneven.

Miley Cyrus

Cyrus uses her comedic background to elevate the action comedy ‘So Undercover’ (2012). The movie features a silly premise about a private investigator going undercover in a college sorority. She leans into the absurdity of the situation with a conscious performance that charms the viewer. Her timing and delivery make the clunky dialogue work better than it should on paper. She keeps the energy light and fun in a film that otherwise feels like a television pilot.

Amber Heard

Heard carries the psychological weight of John Carpenter’s ‘The Ward’ (2010). The film is considered a minor entry in the legendary director’s filmography due to its repetitive scares. She plays a troubled patient in a haunted psychiatric ward who must solve a mystery to survive. Her performance conveys the necessary mix of fragility and grit required for a final girl archetype. She provides a strong focal point for the audience as the story becomes increasingly hallucinatory.

Anna Paquin

Paquin tries to bring logic to the supernatural horror film ‘Darkness’ (2002). The movie is often cited for its muddled plot and dark lighting that makes it hard to see the action. She plays a teenager who suspects something is wrong with her family’s new home in Spain. Her acting provides a consistent emotional thread through a story that frequently contradicts itself. She manages to sell the fear of the unknown even when the script fails to explain what is happening.

Evan Rachel Wood

Wood lends her voice and acting talents to the animated musical ‘Strange Magic’ (2015). The film received mixed reviews for its odd character designs and jukebox musical format. She infuses her fairy protagonist with a spirited personality that makes the character endearing. Her vocal performance is strong and emotive during the musical numbers that drive the story. She brings a sense of wonder to a project that struggled to find its target audience.

Jane Lynch

Lynch brings her dry wit to the family film ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ (2007). The movie relies heavily on computer generated creatures and slapstick humor targeted at very young children. She plays a record executive with a cynical edge that provides a break from the sweetness. Her deadpan reactions to the animated chaos ground the scenes in a relatable frustration. She adds a layer of adult comedy to a film that is otherwise strictly for kids.

Wanda Sykes

Sykes provides the comic relief that saves ‘Monster-in-Law’ (2005) from being too melodramatic. The film focuses on a battle of wills between a bride and her husband’s mother that often gets mean spirited. She plays the assistant who is not afraid to speak the truth to her overbearing boss. Her sharp delivery and expressive timing cut through the tension of the main conflict. She turns a sidekick role into the voice of reason that the audience desperately needs.

Rosario Dawson

Dawson commits fully to her role in the notorious box office bomb ‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’ (2002). The film is often ridiculed for its cheap effects and unfunny script. She brings a surprising amount of energy and charm to her character despite the dull surroundings. Her chemistry with the lead actor is one of the few redeemable qualities of the production. She maintains her professionalism and screen presence in a movie that few people saw or enjoyed.

Lily-Rose Depp

Depp offers a compelling performance in the science fiction thriller ‘Voyagers’ (2021). The film draws unfavorable comparisons to classic stories like Lord of the Flies but lacks the same depth. She plays the rational center of a group of young people descending into chaos on a spaceship. Her understated acting style contrasts effectively with the increasing hysteria of her castmates. She manages to keep the viewer sympathetic to her plight even as the narrative loses its way.

Alexandra Shipp

Shipp does her best to revitalize the character of Storm in ‘X-Men: Dark Phoenix’ (2019). The final entry in the franchise was criticized for feeling tired and repetitive in its storytelling. She commands the elements with a physical confidence that sells her superhero abilities. Her performance hints at a leadership quality that the script unfortunately fails to utilize fully. She stands out as a bright spot in a superhero team that feels largely disconnected.

Miriam Margolyes

Margolyes delivers a memorable turn in the supernatural action film ‘End of Days’ (1999). The movie is a loud and chaotic vehicle for its action star lead that blends genres uneasily. She plays a servant of Satan with a gleeful wickedness that is entertaining to watch. Her fight scene with the protagonist is one of the most unexpected and bizarre highlights of the film. She embraces the campy nature of her role while everyone else treats the material too seriously.

Tilda Swinton

Swinton brings an ominous authority to the community leader role in ‘The Beach’ (2000). The film was anticipated as a major event but received lukewarm reviews for its divergence from the source novel. She portrays the matriarch of an island paradise with a mix of warmth and ruthlessness. Her performance creates a sense of underlying dread that the rest of the movie struggles to maintain. She remains the most fascinating character in a story about paradise lost.

Fiona Shaw

Shaw commits to the bizarre tone of the live action ‘Super Mario Bros.’ (1993) adaptation. The film is legendary for how much it deviated from the video game source material into a cyberpunk nightmare. She plays the villain’s henchwoman with a severe intensity that fits the strange world design. Her dedication to the role is evident even when she is interacting with animatronic dinosaurs. She helps make the movie a fascinating curiosity rather than just a failure.

Clea DuVall

DuVall provides a grounded presence in the science fiction thriller ‘The Astronaut’s Wife’ (1999). The film is often criticized for being a slow burning imitation of better alien invasion movies. She plays the sister who suspects something is wrong long before the protagonist does. Her skepticism and concern add a necessary layer of tension to the domestic scenes. She does a lot with a supporting role that is primarily there to react to the main couple.

Kiersey Clemons

Clemons brings warmth and humanity to the live action remake of ‘Lady and the Tramp’ (2019). The film struggles to justify its existence alongside the beloved animated original. She plays the human owner of the titular dog with a genuine affection that sells the emotional bond. Her performance anchors the story in a reality that helps balance the uncanny computer generated animals. She provides the heart of the film whenever the focus shifts away from the digital canines.

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