FT Theme song creator here, fun fact: back in the ScrewAttack days James actually had a long narration during one of my track as filmscore in Metal Gear Ben, sadly I am not able to find the 5 episode serie anywhere since SA is no more :( But James talking over my music is still an epic achievement on my personal list!
@@scipioafricanus5871 but James has made tons of films. And he'll continue to make more. You sound like you've failed at something you love so you have to bring someone successful down.
@@scipioafricanus5871 Not all film critics are failed filmmakers - that is just plain bad generalization. Some people are just passionate and love to talk about films in general, and there is totally nothing wrong with that.
I had a film appreciation class and the teacher talked about a movie called Empire. It was a 1965 Andy Warhol film, and all it is is a 8 hour shot of the Empire State Building. For 8 hours the film is nothing but watching lights go on and off in the building as the overnight clean-up crews go room to room.
James did briefly mention that film when he did the AVGN episode "Desert Bus" which link's to the point of media that's experimental and a test of human endurance.
I saw this on display at MoMA. It is more designed as something to be shown constantly like a piece of moving art rather than watched like a film, kind of like perpetual motion pendula.
Just ran across this. Yep, watched the whole thing in a theater in film class. It's like being in a sensory deprivation chamber. Your mind wants more input so it goes places while you watch it.
I agree with Yahtzee's thoughts on bad games. The bland, nothing games are worse to play than something actively bad. The same is true with films. Really bad is better than really bland
Ehhhhhh, talking is not necessarily better than not talking. People can talk about a lot of unproductive or pointless nonsense. Many action movies are just a bunch of thoughtless events. No reason to exist or benefit. I would rephrase by saying “a bad movie should be be what nobody ever THINKS about”. They are shared experiences meant to enhance our lives, after all. If we end up thinking of them again, or they help us interpret the world, then they aren’t so bad after all.
I actually saw Wavelength in a theater with a live band playing the musical score. At the end, everyone was silent, so I yelled, "I don't get it!" Some people laughed, but most of them turned around and looked at me like I just insulted their mother.
The half that didn't laugh are the people who pretend to be more intellectual than they are. Anyone who finds more than confusion and boredom is trying too hard.
James's simple taste in movies makes for really entertaining reactions from him to experimental film. He's describing how "bad" this movie is, and meanwhile I'm over here absolutely rivited by his descriptions.
He wasn't joking about that high pitched sound near the end, I quickly muted that part, that was unbearable. If I had to watch that in class, I would've just walked out right at that point.
Cinemassacre, this was a great video to watch, I love your explanations and the movies you went through I was saying yep, yep, yep on. I hadn't heard of Wavelength but the things you said about it really made me think, and I wanted to say thank you for all the great content you put out, and have put out, over the years. You are truly a gift to our community. Now, all that being said, I wanted to posit a film that really bothered me as a bottom of the barrel contender and see what you think. Altered States (1980) was so WEIRD. There are some weird films I love but this one... All these years later I still can't go back to it.
I feel like it needs to be clarified as "worst film released in 100+ theaters" because one could fill a list with the millions of z-grade straight to DVD trash that gets released everyday. By clarifying a theater count, it ensures that it was a movie that hoped to make money back and assumed there was an audience. Wavelength sounds sort of like a worse version of watching a Stan Brakhage film. Stan Brakhage at least had interesting editing techniques and visual changes occurring at such a fast rate that there is a sense of visual narrative and progression through shapes and contrast, but wavelength sounds like the equivalent of Andy Warhol's Empire where there isn't any real value in the film itself other than just a test.
This guy has made me laugh, educated me, kept me entertained, interested and so much more for years. I dread the day that the AVGN makes his final upload bc it'll be the end of an era.
I think we all feel the same, to be honest. James is a part of TH-cam and the main reason I actually started paying attention to it, so, if he goes, TH-cam will be indeed more empty and devoid of passion.
I don’t think he accomplished that at all. At least, not with me. I’m just impressed he can talk about the worst movie he ever saw and keep a smile on his face.
It would be seen like Creepypasta now. As James was describing this movie all I was thinking about is the whole "Backrooms" stories that's become popular now.
I think it would be necessary to narrow the decisition to certain criteria: *Budget (films that have, at least, some production value to be considered movies, not experiments). *characters /Plot *Movies that made it to cinemas at least * Big studio behind them This would tipically ensure that a movie Is watchable/enjoyable, but that is not always the case. It would be interesting to choose the "worst movie" from this kind of films
Indeed. On the other hand, "the worst movie i've seen" kinda narrows it down to at least one of those criteria's since people usually just watch movies that's released to the public and have some money behind them. I can't even remember the worst movie i've seen. That's probably why it's the worst. James had this movie in his mind since he was tortured with it in school :).
Here's a question that I think could make an interesting video: What bad movie is so bad that you think people SHOULD watch it so they can learn how NOT to make a movie?
I'm not sure, James. You played that high pitched noise and my dog literally paused eating and just gave me the weirdest look I've ever seen. Seems like an effective film to me.
My Persian cat literally just did the same thing! that high pitched noise played, he looked at me with confusion and what looked like disgust. turned around, walked out of the room without finishing his meal. The other cat followed him out of the room :( Sorry, meows! I didn't know!
I met James once at a convention when I was younger. I always saw him as the Nerd, but it makes me happier to see him discussing his favorite films and being himself.
Well, I hated The Lighthouse on a similar level, but you could consider that an "art film", right? The worst movie EVER made however is still The Ring Thing (2004) to me.......
@@flyinglions2223 I liked the movie, and I get why someone would hate it. There's a fine line with slowburn: at a point, it feels less purposeful and more self-important. I'd argue it wasn't, and while long, it had enough strengths to hold my attention, but I can't speak for others.
I've seen a lot of bad movies, and the only one I've ever seen that made me actively uncomfortable watching it, and not in a compelling or interesting way, was Manos, The Hands of Fate. It's unwatchable on multiple axes. But, it is also so bad it's memorable, which may disqualify it from the running.
Manos is way worse than any of the ones James mentioned by name, I think that was a tease when he started showing manos clips right before naming the film. I think it's the worst film that had public premier maybe?
“Monster A-Go Go” for me. It always blows my mind when people say “Manos…” is the worst movie to ever be shown on “Mystery Science Theater 3000.” It’s bad, sure, but “Monster…” is a whole other level of despair. Great video. Love to see more like this one.
@@trevertravis8963 Nah, Red Zone Cuba has a gritty, dark realism that is kind of surprising for how bad its made and acted. But I also think Manos has quite a few positives. Moster a Go Go has a cool ending narration. . . That's about it.
I agree haha. I think there would be many categories of bad movies. When a big budget movie is really bad I think it's somehow worst than just a B-movie that's almost like a student film. They should know better !
It sounds to me like wavelength achieved it's goals. I don't think it was meant to be entertaining it was meant to make you feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable or even angry. It's not supposed to be enjoyable it's supposed to be felt and discussed. I feel like a movie is bad when it fails to achieve it's own goals at least in an artistic sense. That being said I think wavelength sounds like an awful experience and really hateable.
I'm as big a supporter of “difficult” art as much as the next guy- actually, much more than the next guy- but I check out once you cross over into the realm of causing physical discomfort. That high-pitch whine would send me running for the hills.
@@DeflatingAtheism Could you perhaps name some of your favorite pieces of difficult art? Im beginning to think i like difficult art too but im not sure
The idea (not reality, I've never seen it) that one semi-interesting thing happens in the film, about a third of the way in, and the camera merely zooms past it and keeps going, struck me as so wonderfully awful that I actually laughed out loud.
Maybe it was an experiment of some kind using visual and audio stimulus to evoke a emotional reaction. Wonder what is being done with the information it generated in somebody's think tank perhaps?
See, I don’t know if I could call this the worst, ‘cuz, it’s not like this was done on accident. The director wasn’t trying to make something different. And to be honest, I kinda respect the audacity.
The worst film I’ve ever rented from Blockbuster was 1972’s “Invasion of the Blood Farmers”. It was a VHS tape, but in one of those extra large cardboard boxes (a bad sign for sure). Acting, camera work, plot… so bad it wasn’t fun. But 20 years on, I still laugh about how much I hated it, so it wasn’t all bad I guess. :)
Reminds me of when I do a Spartan Race or other mud/obstacle course: at times I may be cold, miserable, hurting, but the feeling and memories afterwards make it worthwhile in hindsight.
RIP Gilbert Gottfried. I know you got to work with him James and that was a cool episode. I can only imagine the things that went on during the making of the episode and the friendship that came from that.
One movie I never see in these lists of worst movie ever (even though it deserves) is Very Bad Things (1998). It tries to be funny while excessive violence is all around. It's just tastelessness and gruesomeness for the sake of shock and out of nowhere and "gag" happens.
Natale In India An italian christmas comedy released in 2003 Here in italy is a legend of bad movies and the fact that it was a success at the box office makes it only more insulting
I'd say Box Office 3D was way worse It was basically an italian version of those movie parodies like Epic Movie/Disaster Movie that were popular in 2008-10
I feel like there are probable hundreds of experimental films like Wavelength that are bad. Quantifying a universally bad movie that was made with the intent of making money in Hollywood seems more challenging to do
Its power lies in its surreality. Describing it so professionally drags it down (or up, depending on your perspective) to the level of more... we'll call them "conventional" films, robbing it of that power.
@@Iriamu-Guillermo I will agree that is the absolute worst animated film of the 2010’s. But the Titanic Animated Films insult actual people of tragedy so that tops it.
There are categories of bad films. To me, the worst kind of film is one that takes itself way too seriously despite being comically unrealistic. Battlefield Earth is definitely on that list.
The live action Cat in the Hat is up there as one of the worst films I ever sat through. Lion King 2019 was also pretty miserable. Both high contenders.
I’d argue that the emotional impact this film had on you made it a successful piece of art. It was clearly effective, you felt a “reverse hypnosis”. more worthwhile than a cashgrab you forget in a week imo
But still his worst movie. Effective at being bad? Negative effects isn't more worthwhile.... Kind of like saying getting chronic back pain is more worthwhile than a mosquito bite. 🤔
I felt that was ironic too. I’m surprised how subjective the value of watching films is. Some people value art installation experiences that provoke thought. But others might not value that at all.
Similarly, but more mainstream, are movies such as Requiem for a Dream or Uncut Gems. They may not be pleasant or relaxing to watch, but definitely worthwhile in my humble opinion. Not saying that the exact same goes for Wavelength, as there is more intricate (visual) storytelling in those two movies (to name just one difference), but one could certainly argue it has value due to its strong emotional impact.
I have a new contender: “Scare Package” (currently on Shudder). Basically just a collection of badly produced horror “scenes” with no plot or purpose to tie them together. I’d much rather watch “Wavelength”. At least that film provokes a discussion.
I kind of liked Plan 9. It's a goofy film I could at least laugh at, and can help basic film makers do some films without dropping tons of money. Definitely not the mainstream worst.
For decades "Plan 9 from Outer Space" (1959) often collected the 'worst ever' accolades, and since it hasn't gotten any better, I'll still go with that one.
Maybe what he experienced was a mental torture, but for me, it made me interested into Wavelength so much. Like, I never heard anything like this and his explaination was so entertaining to listen to. Thanks for sharing.
The worst movie I’ve ever seen was called “Blood Hunger”. It was released on vhs by a company called Even Steven Productions. It’s the gold standard for me. 2nd place goes to “The Bunnyman Massacre”.
The idea of worst movie implicitly asks "what makes a movie, or, to be more general, any kind of art, the worst?" Personally, the idea of a worst piece of art would be one that goes against the intended purpose of art; it would have to be something that refuses to present a genuine idea or purpose. Wavelength, as irritable as it is, is clearly purposeful, and trying to provoke a stimulation. Meanwhile, something that is unable to present anything genuine or noteworthy is ultimately meaningless and frustrating beyond compare. However, a film of such nature I feel, if it does exist, would have to be accidentally made, because when one makes they pretty much have to make a statement no matter one, even if it's accidental. So in that sense, the idea of there being a worst movie seems virtually impossible, because it would just be too inorganic to be feasibly achieveable. You could probably cite a few examples that could come close, but what I'm trying to say here is that the worst film would be literally nothing.
Even if every word you're saying is true then "it would just be too inorganic to be feasibly achieveable. You could probably cite a few examples that could come close" whatever is closest of them would be the worst.
For me, the worst film I've ever seen is "The Beast of Yucca Flats". Was hoping for a campy, schlocky Tor Johnson vehicle, but what I got was just pain.
Personally, I would say Cats (2019). I had to look away from the screen INSIDE the theatre and if a film makes you do that, it has failed on every parameter. It was repulsive.
The worst films I've ever seen were _Red Zone Cuba_ and _The Beast of Yucca Flats_ , both made by Coleman Francis. Francis makes Ed Wood look like Orson Welles. Also, the Razzies are a farce.
I was going to say Beast of Yucca Flats. It’s amazing Plan 9 was only the second worst movie Tor Johnson starred in. Beast of Yucca flats has no redeeming features and makes zero sense.
I watch TMNT 3 recently. I actually have a whole new appreciation for it. It's not as bad as I remembered in the cinema. Infact I rate it better than TMNT 2.
The worst movie there ever was, the worst of the worst of "so bad it's just plain bad" is probably that film Ralph The Movie Maker reviewed, "After Last Season" and this film in question was NOT avant-garde, it was an organized money laundering scheme that featured a multi-million dollar budget wherein no more than a hundred dollars was spent on the actual production!
If you think that a 45 minute shot of a wall is dull, check out Andy Warhol’s ‘Empire’ which consists of nothing more than a static shot of the Empire State Building for 8 HOURS!
Phantom Menace isn't even bad. It's amazing. Good thing you pointed this film out, though. Had the option of sitting through it in high school, but I took an off period instead.
It’s fun. I watch it for the music, the fight scenes and pod racing scene. Does it have bad stuff? Sure. But I think I was more offended by the Padme’s lost the Will scene in Episode 3 or the youngling scene in episode 3. I heard the youngling scene is being retconned in obiwan.
This was fun (not Wavelength) but the discussion is, I had to sit through performance art films while I studied Fine art. One artist Franko B does live blood letting performances. Lets say sitting through that in a Art history lecture made me feel very ill and gave me Hemophobia, mission accomplished I guess :)
To me, After Last Season is probably the dullest and most head scratching experience I've had watching a movie. Wavelength sounds even more taxing than that.
I find Wavelength fascinating. I never heard of it until now, but I have so many questions...I genuinely want to see the whole thing now, just because of how strange it is. Maybe I'll regret it lol.
That guy dying in Wavelength is the cinematic equivalent of the bug splatting on your window in Desert Bus.
I was thinking the exact same thing
HA!
@@dansmith9813 Part of me wondered if the person was dead or sleeping?? Which is what you want to do than watch the Whole thing!
I wonder where that actor is now?
Exactly
The Room was most definitely not bad on purpose. That's why it's so amazing. Because Tommy Wiseau legitimately thought he was making a masterpiece.
Technically it is his masterpiece, even if its objectively terrible
So wait, bad movies are bad IF they were intended to be bad? What's that logic? And yes, The Room is beyond awful. It gets my AVGN dogshit award. 😂
@@justinhackstadt6677that's not at all what he meant. You can't interpret what you read.
@@anonymoususer855Don't worry, everything's going to be fine.
Film Theory:
The subconscious rage from James sitting through this movie was the true birth of The Nerd
But hey, that's just a theory... a film theory!
Every villain has a tragic origin story.
The Nerd is an anti-hero
You know what they say about 1 bad day...
FT Theme song creator here, fun fact: back in the ScrewAttack days James actually had a long narration during one of my track as filmscore in Metal Gear Ben, sadly I am not able to find the 5 episode serie anywhere since SA is no more :( But James talking over my music is still an epic achievement on my personal list!
The scene where the man drops dead in Wavelength serves a purpose.
It's to make whoever's watching the film say "I wish I was that guy!"
Me hanging on the wall watching Wavelength: Ohhhh what I wouldn't give to be spat at in the face!
i loved the movie. I was deeply moved & entertained by it :)
Wavelength is uncomfortable to watch even with the sound off, it feels like a constant build up to a Jumpscare
You can see cars moving outside. And I think waves in photo also moved.
Anxiety you’re feeling anxiety
@@asdbanz316 they didn't, I just watch it. That was the thing, viewer lacks so much sensory input, they start to imagine things that are not there ;)
turns out it was a cia psyop film used in mk ultra lol
I laughed so hard when James said "I see no benefit to watching this". I think that might be the harshest review I've ever heard.
Congratulations for your accurate assessment of Plan 9 From Outer Space!
@@zyzzy-ko4ww Plan 9 is actually one of James’s favorite movies
@@seangiglio it's actually pretty awesome IMO
There is no benefit to watching ANY B movie.
That´s exactly the main thought I had, when I put myself through The Lighthouse a month or two ago....
"I see no benefit to watching this"!
I love more and more when James just sits down and talks with us.
I agree, i don't watch his content where hes chatting with others anymore, only him
Specifically if it’s about movies
Not so sure about that one chief
It's beautiful, honestly. He speaks with so much passion
Like he's our friend even though he's not.
It sounds like Wavelength is a practical joke played on film students.
You can tell James is an actual decent critic by the way he can find value even in the things he hates.
We all know a film critic is a failed filmmaker.
@@scipioafricanus5871 but James has made tons of films. And he'll continue to make more. You sound like you've failed at something you love so you have to bring someone successful down.
@@uhhwhateverdude9463 You keep telling yourself that
@@scipioafricanus5871 Joke's on you, seeing how famous James is around here.
@@scipioafricanus5871 Not all film critics are failed filmmakers - that is just plain bad generalization. Some people are just passionate and love to talk about films in general, and there is totally nothing wrong with that.
I like it when James talks about film. Nothing fancy, just talking.
I had a film appreciation class and the teacher talked about a movie called Empire. It was a 1965 Andy Warhol film, and all it is is a 8 hour shot of the Empire State Building. For 8 hours the film is nothing but watching lights go on and off in the building as the overnight clean-up crews go room to room.
James did briefly mention that film when he did the AVGN episode "Desert Bus" which link's to the point of media that's experimental and a test of human endurance.
My condolences
I saw this on display at MoMA. It is more designed as something to be shown constantly like a piece of moving art rather than watched like a film, kind of like perpetual motion pendula.
Told my teacher, "Nothing was MOVING". It was a Looong picture.
A cure for insomnia, 48hours.
Just ran across this. Yep, watched the whole thing in a theater in film class. It's like being in a sensory deprivation chamber. Your mind wants more input so it goes places while you watch it.
I actually thought James’ personal worst film was TMNT III.
At least TMNT III has stuff happening, pretty sure something happening is more interesting than watching paint dry.
Help! I'm a turtle and I can't get up!
Who’d you expect the Adams family?
I think I swallowed a frog. I hope it wasn't an ancestor.
@@megamaddox3372 😂
I agree with Yahtzee's thoughts on bad games. The bland, nothing games are worse to play than something actively bad. The same is true with films. Really bad is better than really bland
...until you play an LGN game.
One of the most disappointing bad movies in history is Night of the Lepus because it should at least be entertaining.
@@TheRealNormanBates LJN not LGN
@@Gameprojordan I sit corrected.
@@maplebob23 c'mon! It's a movie about giant bunny rabbits? How could it be bad?
(watches *Night of the Lepus)*
oh...
Anyone who says that The Phantom Menace is the worst film they’ve ever seen has lived an extremely privileged life.
I love that movie 🤷 lol
(cough) RLM (cough) (cough)
At least two Disney Star Wars movies are worse than Phantom Menace.
Not even the worst Star Wars movie
True. Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith are much worse.
Ok, I think the worst films are superbabies: baby geniuses 2, disaster movie, Dingo pictures Aladdin, and Santa Clause and the Ice Cream Bunny.
Finally someone with less obvious responses
"A bad movie should be what nobody ever talks about"
I 100% agree! 😔👍
Unfortunately, shedding light on such a film will cause people to talk about it.
Ehhhhhh, talking is not necessarily better than not talking. People can talk about a lot of unproductive or pointless nonsense. Many action movies are just a bunch of thoughtless events. No reason to exist or benefit.
I would rephrase by saying “a bad movie should be be what nobody ever THINKS about”. They are shared experiences meant to enhance our lives, after all. If we end up thinking of them again, or they help us interpret the world, then they aren’t so bad after all.
@@uhhwhateverdude9463 Huh? What are you even referring to?
But if nobody ever talks about it, how are you gonna know people think it's a bad movie?
@@VexylObby Actually, according to Oscar Wilde, it is.
I wonder how the professors endured watching Wavelength semester after semester for many years.
...At third year your mind is just fills the room with backstory. Something paranoid and MKULTRA-ish.
They probably enjoy turturing their film students and watching it all unfold
He was the producer
I would just throw it on, then throw in some headphones and chill
I was thinking the same thing. I wondered if they just leave the room for lunch or something haha.
I actually saw Wavelength in a theater with a live band playing the musical score. At the end, everyone was silent, so I yelled, "I don't get it!" Some people laughed, but most of them turned around and looked at me like I just insulted their mother.
😂😂😂
sir, you are a legend
I'd insult my own mother if she defended this kind of trash movie.
@@BatsOnSaturn Thanks! Every once in a while i do something amazing, lol. And you know it's true because nobody stood up and clapped.
The half that didn't laugh are the people who pretend to be more intellectual than they are. Anyone who finds more than confusion and boredom is trying too hard.
Empire by Andy Warhol. Literally just a shot of the Empire State Building that lasts over 8 hours.
i still find more value in that than watching birdemic
Not even close
I suspect Empire would be less objectionable to the average guy on the street than some of Warhol’s narrative films.
Were there any moving clouds in the movie?
James's simple taste in movies makes for really entertaining reactions from him to experimental film. He's describing how "bad" this movie is, and meanwhile I'm over here absolutely rivited by his descriptions.
So would that not make James a riveting storyteller?
I'd watch the film myself if it weren't for the piercing whine.
It's riveting in the sense that a demolition derby can be fascinating.
James' descriptions are more entertaining than the movie. It isn't riveting at all.
@@Onio_ I think that's part of the point of the movie. It isn't an "interesting" movie to experience, but it's VERY interesting to discuss.
He wasn't joking about that high pitched sound near the end, I quickly muted that part, that was unbearable. If I had to watch that in class, I would've just walked out right at that point.
before he even mentioned the sounds of the movie I was already feeling very uneasy with the few clips of the film I was seeing.
Bad films are the ones you don’t remember hardly because you erased them from your mind
Cinemassacre, this was a great video to watch, I love your explanations and the movies you went through I was saying yep, yep, yep on. I hadn't heard of Wavelength but the things you said about it really made me think, and I wanted to say thank you for all the great content you put out, and have put out, over the years. You are truly a gift to our community. Now, all that being said, I wanted to posit a film that really bothered me as a bottom of the barrel contender and see what you think. Altered States (1980) was so WEIRD. There are some weird films I love but this one... All these years later I still can't go back to it.
I feel like it needs to be clarified as "worst film released in 100+ theaters" because one could fill a list with the millions of z-grade straight to DVD trash that gets released everyday. By clarifying a theater count, it ensures that it was a movie that hoped to make money back and assumed there was an audience.
Wavelength sounds sort of like a worse version of watching a Stan Brakhage film. Stan Brakhage at least had interesting editing techniques and visual changes occurring at such a fast rate that there is a sense of visual narrative and progression through shapes and contrast, but wavelength sounds like the equivalent of Andy Warhol's Empire where there isn't any real value in the film itself other than just a test.
But that would be unfair to films like The Fanatic, wouldn´t it? lol
This guy has made me laugh, educated me, kept me entertained, interested and so much more for years. I dread the day that the AVGN makes his final upload bc it'll be the end of an era.
Don't worry, we're all gonna die and nothing will matter anyway.
hey think positively, you might pass away before the nerd ever makes a final ep!
@@basteagui Thinking the same thing!
Nobody lasts forever, but his legacy shall be eternal
I think we all feel the same, to be honest. James is a part of TH-cam and the main reason I actually started paying attention to it, so, if he goes, TH-cam will be indeed more empty and devoid of passion.
Only James could angrily rant about his personal worst movie ever and still make it sound interesting and worth watching.
455
Idk I think Quentin Tarantino would be pretty interesting too
No, if anything I could feel James' frustration in talking about the movie. I'm glad I heard about it, but will stay as far away from it as I can 😄
@@johnsmith-fz5pz 456
I don’t think he accomplished that at all. At least, not with me. I’m just impressed he can talk about the worst movie he ever saw and keep a smile on his face.
Some people claimed BRAINDEAD to be the worst movie. But it's genius
Watching Wavelength in 1967: this is groundbreaking!
Watching Wavelength in 2022: this is creepypasta!
I know this was all I was thinking, I feel like I’d actually like this movie
It would be seen like Creepypasta now. As James was describing this movie all I was thinking about is the whole "Backrooms" stories that's become popular now.
@nemo pouncey this is something you would show on April 1
@@germmanator Lol
It would be a great addition to the Adult Swim late night Infomercials segments.
I think it would be necessary to narrow the decisition to certain criteria:
*Budget (films that have, at least, some production value to be considered movies, not experiments).
*characters /Plot
*Movies that made it to cinemas at least
* Big studio behind them
This would tipically ensure that a movie Is watchable/enjoyable, but that is not always the case. It would be interesting to choose the "worst movie" from this kind of films
Agreed, I feel like he should have went into what he would choose if the criteria was asked.
My guess would be that, by those criteria, the worst film would likely be some mass produced children's movie.
Indeed. On the other hand, "the worst movie i've seen" kinda narrows it down to at least one of those criteria's since people usually just watch movies that's released to the public and have some money behind them. I can't even remember the worst movie i've seen. That's probably why it's the worst. James had this movie in his mind since he was tortured with it in school :).
@@SupaKoopaTroopa64 have you ever seen the animated "Titanic" then?
Here's a question that I think could make an interesting video: What bad movie is so bad that you think people SHOULD watch it so they can learn how NOT to make a movie?
Any Michael Bay film.
Watch The Room, then read The Disaster Artist by Greg Sestero.
Star wars the last jedi
Either Epic Movie or Ju Jitsu
Things (1989)
Whats the worst movie on a huge budget and the best movie on a tiny budget?
I'm not sure, James. You played that high pitched noise and my dog literally paused eating and just gave me the weirdest look I've ever seen. Seems like an effective film to me.
Dogs hate that 😆
My Persian cat literally just did the same thing! that high pitched noise played, he looked at me with confusion and what looked like disgust. turned around, walked out of the room without finishing his meal. The other cat followed him out of the room :( Sorry, meows! I didn't know!
Effective at fueling hate
I'm shocked he never mentioned SNL's version of Ghostbusters...you know, the movie James REFUSES to watch!!
Same here.
I met James once at a convention when I was younger. I always saw him as the Nerd, but it makes me happier to see him discussing his favorite films and being himself.
Somebody has to make a troll extended version of this movie where the closeup of a picture gets even closer and there's this 👌
K-fee Zombie@nemo pouncey
Avgn needs to redo this, there’s no way this should even be classified as a film, looks like a student art project from a talentless student
I love when James sits and basically has a chat with us.
The worst film I have ever seen that wasn't an art film or intentionally bad was the Slender Man movie from 2018.
I saw that and was wondering why every movie has to have a smartphone involved in it nowadays.
Well, I hated The Lighthouse on a similar level, but you could consider that an "art film", right? The worst movie EVER made however is still The Ring Thing (2004) to me.......
that and One Missed Call, such a dumb movie lol
@@chanceneck8072 Why did you hate The Lighthouse? It’s a great film
@@flyinglions2223 I liked the movie, and I get why someone would hate it. There's a fine line with slowburn: at a point, it feels less purposeful and more self-important.
I'd argue it wasn't, and while long, it had enough strengths to hold my attention, but I can't speak for others.
Imagine the professors who sat through this movie once every year.
This is why I need to finish my Doctorate. Forbidden Zone on Halloween Day.
their own fault for putting it in the curriculum haha
You have to watch it 10 times to really understand and appreciate it
@@MachLandar
Oh hi, Mach.
Supervillain origin story?
It’s Empire (1965) (I love it though but it is literally just somebody filming a building)
This is unironically one of the most interesting discussions on film I've seen on the site.
Not sure you understand what irony is.
I've seen a lot of bad movies, and the only one I've ever seen that made me actively uncomfortable watching it, and not in a compelling or interesting way, was Manos, The Hands of Fate. It's unwatchable on multiple axes. But, it is also so bad it's memorable, which may disqualify it from the running.
Manos is way worse than any of the ones James mentioned by name, I think that was a tease when he started showing manos clips right before naming the film. I think it's the worst film that had public premier maybe?
@@SteamSteamers It is!
Only watch the Mystery Science Theater 3000 version .
@@SteamSteamers Monster A Go go was easily worse than Manos.
Manos was absolutely hilarious and I can't help but love it
Love this video! The editing interlacing the clips with James' is quintessential Cinemassacre
Jeez. Just explaining the concept of the movie and having it in the background felt like it went forever.
Freddy Got Fingered was clearly a giant shitpost before anyone was ready for it. It was clearly intentional. It's an incredible film.
I haven't seen that movie before.
I'm amazed that one wasn't NC-17 rated.
The scene where Rip Torn throws the skateboard at that dude's broken leg made me laugh so hard I almost stopped breathing.
I got this cheese sandwich and there's hardly any cheese on it!
@@callmeshaggy5166 HERE, YOU WANT SOME MORE CHEESE?
“Monster A-Go Go” for me. It always blows my mind when people say “Manos…” is the worst movie to ever be shown on “Mystery Science Theater 3000.” It’s bad, sure, but “Monster…” is a whole other level of despair.
Great video. Love to see more like this one.
not even Joel and the Bots could make Monster A Go Go entertaining.
I love MST3K, and I think Red Zone Cuba was the worst movie they had on the show.
So thats why avgn put it
the birth of a nation
@@trevertravis8963 Nah, Red Zone Cuba has a gritty, dark realism that is kind of surprising for how bad its made and acted. But I also think Manos has quite a few positives. Moster a Go Go has a cool ending narration. . . That's about it.
Wavelength feels like a great grandfather of Analogue Horror videos. You get an extreme dread from seemingly "normal" situation
You’ve described it perfectly
CCTV Rear Window
Exactly. Kind of like “the back rooms”
Of course, James didn't learn anything in film school.
Wavelength must be worse than Ninja Turtles 3
Movie 43 was the worst “comedy” movie I’ve ever seen. People walked out of the theater and I unfortunately stayed not laughing once
I agree haha. I think there would be many categories of bad movies. When a big budget movie is really bad I think it's somehow worst than just a B-movie that's almost like a student film.
They should know better !
Virus shark has a budget of 182$ lol I've seen them both and virus shark is worse!
This movie is really, really bad!
I thought it was funny.
I enjoyed Movie 43. A bad movie? Of course. But it’s entertaining. And like James said, “They had to be doing this on purpose.”
It sounds to me like wavelength achieved it's goals. I don't think it was meant to be entertaining it was meant to make you feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable or even angry.
It's not supposed to be enjoyable it's supposed to be felt and discussed.
I feel like a movie is bad when it fails to achieve it's own goals at least in an artistic sense.
That being said I think wavelength sounds like an awful experience and really hateable.
I'm as big a supporter of “difficult” art as much as the next guy- actually, much more than the next guy- but I check out once you cross over into the realm of causing physical discomfort. That high-pitch whine would send me running for the hills.
It achieved its goals? Then answer me this: What were its goals? You don't know (and therein lies the real problem).
@@DeflatingAtheism Could you perhaps name some of your favorite pieces of difficult art? Im beginning to think i like difficult art too but im not sure
The idea (not reality, I've never seen it) that one semi-interesting thing happens in the film, about a third of the way in, and the camera merely zooms past it and keeps going, struck me as so wonderfully awful that I actually laughed out loud.
Maybe it was an experiment of some kind using visual and audio stimulus to evoke a emotional reaction. Wonder what is being done with the information it generated in somebody's think tank perhaps?
Isn't Wavelength just an art film? By that standard I'd like to submit my Dad's home videos with the lens cap on for your consideration.
@REFORMATTED 2086 Nah, just better than your sense of humor.
@@Darbobski oh snap
See, I don’t know if I could call this the worst, ‘cuz, it’s not like this was done on accident. The director wasn’t trying to make something different. And to be honest, I kinda respect the audacity.
I would watch a film about why the 2000s is like a goldmine of bad films.
borat, super troopers, superbad... 2000s were no 1980s but still got the 2010s beat
the internet
The worst film I’ve ever rented from Blockbuster was 1972’s “Invasion of the Blood Farmers”. It was a VHS tape, but in one of those extra large cardboard boxes (a bad sign for sure). Acting, camera work, plot… so bad it wasn’t fun. But 20 years on, I still laugh about how much I hated it, so it wasn’t all bad I guess. :)
Reminds me of when I do a Spartan Race or other mud/obstacle course: at times I may be cold, miserable, hurting, but the feeling and memories afterwards make it worthwhile in hindsight.
That name sounds entertaining
I agree...recently seen it on Tubi but I also had that VHS in my collection...no plot and the final scene cutting was just bad.
I hear the same even about Manos: The Hands of Fate. Without the MST3K/Rifftrax guys holding your hand through the experience, it’s just a slog.
Now should films which were never released in theaters, but went straight to video, be considered?
RIP Gilbert Gottfried. I know you got to work with him James and that was a cool episode. I can only imagine the things that went on during the making of the episode and the friendship that came from that.
One movie I never see in these lists of worst movie ever (even though it deserves) is Very Bad Things (1998). It tries to be funny while excessive violence is all around. It's just tastelessness and gruesomeness for the sake of shock and out of nowhere and "gag" happens.
Natale In India
An italian christmas comedy released in 2003
Here in italy is a legend of bad movies and the fact that it was a success at the box office makes it only more insulting
I'd say Box Office 3D was way worse
It was basically an italian version of those movie parodies like Epic Movie/Disaster Movie that were popular in 2008-10
Spaghetti western Christmas?
I feel like there are probable hundreds of experimental films like Wavelength that are bad. Quantifying a universally bad movie that was made with the intent of making money in Hollywood seems more challenging to do
the fact that you've explained this movie in detail makes it seem less real now somehow.
Its power lies in its surreality. Describing it so professionally drags it down (or up, depending on your perspective) to the level of more... we'll call them "conventional" films, robbing it of that power.
It is definitely real. I also had to watch it in university... unfortunately.
@@ErinShuttleworthArtwork was it at least in 4k?
@@AlexandraSpeaks It was on an old film projector! My prof was old school
I kinda like wavelength, it’s interesting how you’re so excited over pretty much nothing and then forget it happens a few min later
For me the two worst mainstream movies I ever saw were Street Fighter legend of Chun Li and Mortal Kombat Annihilation
Another two movies I could not finish. Excellent terrible examples.
I love how bad mk annihilation makes me laugh.
Nope. MK Annihilation is actually entertaining if you don't take it seriously.
the new mortal kombat is worse
You reminded me of Street Fighter legend of Chun Li. Why? Whatever did I do to you? :p
The Titanic Animated Films with the giant octopus. *ABSOLUTE ATOMIC BOMBS*
Icebergs would be more appropriate.
No the worst animated movie ever...hands down...no debate...is...
Where the dead go to die.
The ending where everyone comes back no died! That is so insulting to the family members who lost someone that was on the Titanic.
Shout outs to Tentacolino
@@Iriamu-Guillermo I will agree that is the absolute worst animated film of the 2010’s. But the Titanic Animated Films insult actual people of tragedy so that tops it.
I literally felt chills just by watching the review with that slow zoom and high pitched noise. It's like being burned to your psyche.
It's basically a Tinnitus Amplifier
There are categories of bad films. To me, the worst kind of film is one that takes itself way too seriously despite being comically unrealistic. Battlefield Earth is definitely on that list.
The live action Cat in the Hat is up there as one of the worst films I ever sat through.
Lion King 2019 was also pretty miserable. Both high contenders.
Lion King 2019 has better reviews
Anything?
oh, how about that live action Grinch?
@@ericb3157 bad also
I’d argue that the emotional impact this film had on you made it a successful piece of art. It was clearly effective, you felt a “reverse hypnosis”. more worthwhile than a cashgrab you forget in a week imo
But still his worst movie.
Effective at being bad? Negative effects isn't more worthwhile....
Kind of like saying getting chronic back pain is more worthwhile than a mosquito bite. 🤔
@@hakancarlsson2881 This opens a whole new discussion about whether a movie is bad if the intention is any form of bad.
I felt that was ironic too. I’m surprised how subjective the value of watching films is. Some people value art installation experiences that provoke thought. But others might not value that at all.
@@hakancarlsson2881 I wouldn’t say that’s a proper analogy. To some, it wouldn’t be chronic back pain, it would be relief.
Similarly, but more mainstream, are movies such as Requiem for a Dream or Uncut Gems. They may not be pleasant or relaxing to watch, but definitely worthwhile in my humble opinion.
Not saying that the exact same goes for Wavelength, as there is more intricate (visual) storytelling in those two movies (to name just one difference), but one could certainly argue it has value due to its strong emotional impact.
We’ve also watched Wavelenght in filmschool...it really was pure torture. I had so many questions in my head when it was over...
That was probably the point.
And you're not getting the answers
Your teacher hated his class. Probably thought it was funny making you guys watch that pretensions movie.
I have a new contender: “Scare Package” (currently on Shudder). Basically just a collection of badly produced horror “scenes” with no plot or purpose to tie them together.
I’d much rather watch “Wavelength”. At least that film provokes a discussion.
Wavelength sounds like a fictional movie an SCP author would fabricate for an article.
I kind of liked Plan 9. It's a goofy film I could at least laugh at, and can help basic film makers do some films without dropping tons of money. Definitely not the mainstream worst.
Agreed plan 9 from outer space is terrible but watchable though 💛
There is no Goofy in it.
You really can't hate something with so many redeeming and enduring qualities :P
It's a terrible film but in all the right ways.
This is so interesting! I do think that The Worst has to be "Unwatchable" as a film.
The Creeping Terror. I dare you.
For decades "Plan 9 from Outer Space" (1959) often collected the 'worst ever' accolades, and since it hasn't gotten any better, I'll still go with that one.
Maybe what he experienced was a mental torture, but for me, it made me interested into Wavelength so much. Like, I never heard anything like this and his explaination was so entertaining to listen to. Thanks for sharing.
The way he described made it sound like a creepypasta, like imagine finding a VHS in the woods and this is what's in it
The man suddenly dying would raise so many questions.
The only thing I think of when he's explaining the film is how big of a dbag the person who made it probably is
The worst movie I’ve ever seen was called “Blood Hunger”. It was released on vhs by a company called Even Steven Productions. It’s the gold standard for me.
2nd place goes to “The Bunnyman Massacre”.
once again, all i have to say to that is,.. "Turtle Dreams"
@@dr.decker3623 YIP YIP YIIIIIIIP!!!! with that said the bar-none worst movie I've seen is a low budget 80's horror movie called "Hellgate".
@@dr.decker3623 turtle dreams shouldn't count as a movie. It's half an hour and has no real story. There's plenty of 80 min movies with no story.
Honestly this movie “Wavelength” actually sounds kind of interesting, like a nauseating existential liminal horror.
Ehhh, let's not be pretensious here.
This review made me want to see it.
Ehhh, @ProGremlinPlayer, look at you with so much pretense to being anti-pretentious you just had to spell "pretentious" wrong.
Things ,infamous Canadian horror film made in 1989 ,a film so painfully slow ,that you are crying for something to happen…
The idea of worst movie implicitly asks "what makes a movie, or, to be more general, any kind of art, the worst?" Personally, the idea of a worst piece of art would be one that goes against the intended purpose of art; it would have to be something that refuses to present a genuine idea or purpose. Wavelength, as irritable as it is, is clearly purposeful, and trying to provoke a stimulation. Meanwhile, something that is unable to present anything genuine or noteworthy is ultimately meaningless and frustrating beyond compare. However, a film of such nature I feel, if it does exist, would have to be accidentally made, because when one makes they pretty much have to make a statement no matter one, even if it's accidental. So in that sense, the idea of there being a worst movie seems virtually impossible, because it would just be too inorganic to be feasibly achieveable. You could probably cite a few examples that could come close, but what I'm trying to say here is that the worst film would be literally nothing.
literally nothing is not a film you cant film nothing you have to film something if your filming smh
Even if every word you're saying is true then "it would just be too inorganic to be feasibly achieveable. You could probably cite a few examples that could come close" whatever is closest of them would be the worst.
@@hyrulenick You can film nothing. Literally just stick the camera in front of a wall in a way that lets no light in.
@@kfcnyancat Or cover the lens and hit record
@@kfcnyancat still filming a wall thats something
Ghostbusters (2016)
Too soon?
"Arnulf Rainer" is an equally brutal experience to sit through. You just unlocked a memory bank filled with all of these experimental films.
The worst movie i've ever seen is "The Predator" (2018). You liked it, which is when i stopped taking you seriously when it comes to movies.
For me, the worst film I've ever seen is "The Beast of Yucca Flats". Was hoping for a campy, schlocky Tor Johnson vehicle, but what I got was just pain.
Manos, the Hands of Fate is also a great contender for "worst movie".
Freddy Got Fingered is unironically a fantastic movie. I will defend it until my dying breath.
Agreed!
Backwards man, the backwards man. Backwards man, the backwards man. I can walk backwards fast as you can. I can walk backwards fast as you can
Personally, I would say Cats (2019). I had to look away from the screen INSIDE the theatre and if a film makes you do that, it has failed on every parameter. It was repulsive.
The trailer did look terrible
That was my reaction to the Pure Flix abomination Unplanned.
An unholy creation. The very thing nightmares are made of
The wavelength book is better. It only has one sentence “so there was a wall.” Then of course hollywood had to get ahold of it and spice things up
The worst films I've ever seen were _Red Zone Cuba_ and _The Beast of Yucca Flats_ , both made by Coleman Francis. Francis makes Ed Wood look like Orson Welles.
Also, the Razzies are a farce.
Just like the Oscar's!
So the comparison is both fitting & appropriate
I was going to say Beast of Yucca Flats. It’s amazing Plan 9 was only the second worst movie Tor Johnson starred in. Beast of Yucca flats has no redeeming features and makes zero sense.
Two words...
*FOOD*
*FIGHT*
still to scared to watch it all, wavelenghts went down much easily...
Pretty sure James said that the WORST film he ever saw was Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3.
He later said Ninja Turtles 3 is heaven after watching the live action leftovers of Ninja Turtles.
Nah, the Angry Video Game Nerd said that.
TMNT 3 is still more enjoyable than the Bay produced movies, that's for sure.
I watch TMNT 3 recently. I actually have a whole new appreciation for it. It's not as bad as I remembered in the cinema.
Infact I rate it better than TMNT 2.
Dan Olsen is having a field day with this one
Andy Warhol's "Empire" from 1965 - eight hours of slow motion footage of an unchanging view of Empire State Building
At least the shot was nice too look at.
The worst movie there ever was, the worst of the worst of "so bad it's just plain bad" is probably that film Ralph The Movie Maker reviewed, "After Last Season" and this film in question was NOT avant-garde, it was an organized money laundering scheme that featured a multi-million dollar budget wherein no more than a hundred dollars was spent on the actual production!
Was wondering when anybody would mention _After Last Season._
James probably rewatched "Wavelength" when he was making the Polybius video in order to help him act so crazy!
You're right James, there are worse movies than The Phantom Menace... Like The Last Jedi.
Ghostbusters 2016
If you think that a 45 minute shot of a wall is dull, check out Andy Warhol’s ‘Empire’ which consists of nothing more than a static shot of the Empire State Building for 8 HOURS!
James actually referenced Empire in one of his videos.
@@jadedheartsz oooh, I wasn’t aware of that. I’ll track it down. Thanks.
James actually mentions "Empire" in the AVGN Desert Bus episode 😂
Phantom Menace isn't even bad. It's amazing. Good thing you pointed this film out, though. Had the option of sitting through it in high school, but I took an off period instead.
It’s fun. I watch it for the music, the fight scenes and pod racing scene. Does it have bad stuff? Sure. But I think I was more offended by the Padme’s lost the Will scene in Episode 3 or the youngling scene in episode 3. I heard the youngling scene is being retconned in obiwan.
"Wavelength," with a title like that, I bet the beeping is a microwave beeping.
This was fun (not Wavelength) but the discussion is, I had to sit through performance art films while I studied Fine art. One artist Franko B does live blood letting performances. Lets say sitting through that in a Art history lecture made me feel very ill and gave me Hemophobia, mission accomplished I guess :)
To me, After Last Season is probably the dullest and most head scratching experience I've had watching a movie. Wavelength sounds even more taxing than that.
Waiting for Godot has more entertainment in it. It's an anti film and it's an oxymoron. That's the point. After Last Season wasn't that case
I find Wavelength fascinating. I never heard of it until now, but I have so many questions...I genuinely want to see the whole thing now, just because of how strange it is. Maybe I'll regret it lol.
Wonder Woman 1984 would be my pick. It was so bad it made me angry.