Celebs Who Deserve 'Movie Star Probation'
Filed under: Celebrities and Controversy, Fandom
Sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind, or at least that's what the good folks over at Gawker seem to think when it comes to Gerard Butler. In the wake of a number two movie at the box office and some not-so-great reviews of his hosting gig last weekend for SNL, Gawker has issued the Scottish actor the following decree: Gerard Butler, You Are Officially on Movie Star Probation. According to them, it's time we all intervened to save him from himself. But if he doesn't shape up, Gawker has decided the only option is that the actor will be "banned from all movies, tabloids, red carpet affairs, awards ceremonies, and celebrity relationships. If he can stay out of the press for three years, he may be rewarded with the starring role on a CBS procedural." Tough, but fair.
Sure, it's all in good fun, but I'll admit they have a point. I haven't seen Law Abiding Citizen, but even I've been questioning some of the choices on Butler's resume since his break-out turn as the tighty-whitey wearing Spartan in Snyder's 300 (and yes, I'm talking about P.S. I Love You and The Ugly Truth). So even though his celebrity quotient is rising, the quality of his movies isn't and that's a dangerous combination. Butler has a natural charm (and even a damn fine singing voice) which should make him the perfect specimen for leading man status, but you wouldn't know it from his career choices. He isn't the first (or the last) to fall victim to overexposure and bad decisions, but audiences are a fickle sort who can turn on you at the drop of a dime. So let's just hope we can scare him straight.
After the jump: a few more examples of celebrities who have fallen prey to bad career choices and the PR monster known as 'over-hyping'...
1. Jessica Alba
Doesn't it seem like Alba just suddenly dropped off the face of the earth? Just three short years ago, she graced the covers of magazines and paparazzi followed her every trip to Starbucks. But then her attempts to be a serious actress weren't met with much enthusiasm before she went and torpedoed her one claim to fame (her looks) by becoming a mom (suddenly the boys weren't so turned on). And now? The gal couldn't even get arrested.
2. Jude Law
As it turns out, all it takes to wear out your welcome in Hollywood is a taste for nannies and an inability to say no to your agent. Law may be a talented actor, but his personal life seemed to eclipse the work, and it was all over before you could say Alfie.
3. Megan Fox
She's still the dream girl of fanboys everywhere (and the scourge of Michael Bay fans), and you can't turn your head without glimpsing another half-naked photo or headline proclaiming her to be the hottest woman on earth. But remember, if all you are is a walking talking 'blow-up' doll, the charm is going to wear off pretty quick ... and before you know it you're yesterday's playmate. Just ask Ms. Alba.
4. Jamie Foxx
Think back to 2004 when the comedian-turned-actor picked up an Oscar for his uncanny portrayal of legendary musician Ray Charles. We all thought that this was only the beginning for Foxx, but then he had to go and ruin it all by flogging crappy R&B albums. Just remember, if you have to keep telling everyone how wonderful you are, then you probably aren't.
Who else deserves movie star probation?
Tom Cruise and J.J. Abrams Reunite for 'Mission Impossible 4'
'Big Top Pee-Wee': The Original Benicio Del Toro Wolfman
Spin-ematical: New on DVD and Blu-ray for 2/9
Watch This: Brilliant Oscar-Nominated Short 'Logorama'
Chris Nolan to Lead 'Superman' Reboot!?
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-20-2009 @ 6:19PM
martisco said...
Harrison Ford deserves Movie Star Euthanasia...
Reply
10-20-2009 @ 6:37PM
paul said...
Jessica Alba's and Jamie Foxx's imdb page shows them to have a full plate. It looks like Jessica Alba is beginning to look for movies to produce for herself. Good for her. Jude Law looked good on screen and people initially fell in love with that screen presence, but his off screen behavior intruded in to the fantasy like body odor. Him and Ms. Miller complement each other in the same way. He probably has enough to live for the rest of his life without hitting a tap so he's boo hooing all the way to the bahamas.
A male action star would do well to refrain from being photographed carrying his pooch to public functions, or at least wear a colorful scarf to complete the ensemble.
Reply
10-20-2009 @ 6:43PM
The Eye Collector said...
Nicolas Cage would be my first choice for movie star probation. He isn't in the tabloids much, thank God, but in the past few years he seems to have done nothing but make unbelievably shitty movies - National Treasure, The Wicker Man, Ghost Rider, Grindhouse, Bangkok Dangerous, Knowing, G Force. I could go on... and on...
It's like he's trapped in some nightmare reverse Faust situation. Perhaps he refused to give up his soul and now Lucifer is exacting his revenge.
Reply
10-20-2009 @ 7:36PM
vegimorph said...
I knew somebody was going to say Nicolas Cage but come on. I'm still willing to give him a chance. National Treasure was awesome. you may have something on Knowing, The Wicker Man, and Bangkok Dangerous cause I haven't seen those. Grindhouse was a trailer cameo so that doesn't count, I saw Ghost Rider on tv and that was ok, and G-Force, well it was a kids movie and its not really fair to bash it so what do you expect?
10-20-2009 @ 8:27PM
Riley Freeman said...
I agree i was surprised at his choices after 300. but i understand its because he doesnt want to get typecast as a action star. I understand but its bad choices. gamer sucked, p.s. i love you wasnt so bad i am not a fan of hilary swank, the ugly truth i can see why he did it but not good choices.
Reply
10-20-2009 @ 8:58PM
d wayne said...
Let's see... Eddie Murphy, remember what funny is? Evidently not. Maybe you should try stand up again. Perhaps if Nicolas Cage could show more than one emotion maybe that would help. Perhaps Hollywood should try something dangerous and daring, like an ORIGIONAL idea instead of remakes for a nice change.
Reply
10-20-2009 @ 10:45PM
Ryan said...
Butler was the Phantom of the Opera!!!!!!!
Reply
10-20-2009 @ 11:16PM
Rhys said...
What about Butler in RocknRolla. He wasnt the main picture cast but still i love that movie. And Nicholas Cage could do better but im fine with his stuff. Not everyone can be iron man or sumthing you know.
Reply
10-20-2009 @ 11:40PM
faith said...
It's foolish to think actors deliberately turn down good scripts. There just aren't enough good ones to go around. If you want to keep working you don't always have good scripts awaiting for you to pick up. So it's not completely fair to blame actors for not so ideal choices they made in their careers.
Reply
10-21-2009 @ 7:54AM
michele said...
How does anyone know Butler has turned down better roles. The Gawker should have said that- "Hollywood was on probation for not giving the guy some better roles". And what's up with the criticism about SNL, everything I read said the show was the best of the season so far.
What bugs me about the Gawker article also is that they didn't even bother to get their facts straight. They said that the Ugly Truth (which they called the Awful Truth) was a box office flop and the movie was made $89 million domestically and is up to $94 million international this week alone, $183 million is not a flop and for a move that cost 38 million. PS I Love you was also not a box office flop it made $160 worldwide and had a budget of 28 million. Also PS I love you was filmed before 300 was released.
The only thing I agree with is that I want to see Butler in more leading man roles.
As for Butler's choices after 300, PSILY was filmed before that movie was released. I do know stars have no control on when their films are release, it is
Reply
10-21-2009 @ 10:09AM
Grace said...
Law Abiding Citizen is a very good movie. He played his character brilliantly. He and Jamie Foxx had good chemistry. Great thriller.
Reply
10-21-2009 @ 2:26PM
greatone said...
I think Bulter is hit or miss with his movie but I wouldn't put him on probation yet. I liked him in Butterfly on a Wheel (Shattered) with my crush Maria Bello and RocknRolla.
The boys are still turned on by Alba. Alba just haven't been in the limelight that much since she got pregnant. The boys will all come back once Machete comes out next year and in 2020 when Sin City finally start filming.
Reply
10-21-2009 @ 7:06PM
Paolo said...
Isn't there like this yearly collection of great scripts in some
contest that apparently are barely if ever get picked? It's a vague
assumption to sat that there are no good scripts.
Anyway there should be a movie star demotion. Like instead of casting
them off to the washed out island of television, they get bumped down
to supporting roles instead if leading roles they don't deserve, I.e.
Jude Law.
And for movie star probation, Shia. And I don't even feel like Jessica Alba exists anymore. Or I stopped caring about her, if I ever did to begin with.
Reply
10-22-2009 @ 7:35PM
Linda said...
Don't you dare put Butler on probabtion. I will go see anything he is in. He is an incredible actor. LAC is off the chain and PS I Love you and TUT are my favorite movies. Loved Rocknrolla ---- I even liked him in Gamer..... Also, he was great on SNL - I have not heard one bad review - everyone said the best show this season. Put Shia and Efron on probation - Butler needs some good scripts. He is the best actor out there today...
Reply
10-22-2009 @ 8:03PM
paul said...
true believer ;)
1-25-2010 @ 4:48PM
zsuzsanna said...
Don't forget the talent and the fantastic acting ability of Ralph Fiennes! He and Butler will play together in 'Coriolanus' This can be a real sensation. I can't wait it.
But who'll be who?
Reply
10-25-2009 @ 10:39PM
Patricia Shields said...
Okay, Gawker: Read my lips: Gerard Butler is at the apex of his career so give him a break! The man is brilliant in everything he does, bar none. If you really, really pay attention to the characters he's played, he has put no less than 110% of himself into his roles. Long-time admirers remember his absolutely heart-wrenching role in "The Jury" and his brilliant portrayal of Attila. This man was born to act. He deserves to do what he does best.
Put Gerry on hiatus? Not on your life!
Who should be put on the back-burner? Jennifer Aniston and her never-ending string of boyfriends, Paris Hilton, Robert Pattinson, Jack Black, Seth Rogan, and John C. Riley to name a few.
Reply
11-09-2009 @ 6:58AM
Pinar said...
I haven't seen SNL but I actually like Butler's movie choices. I think most actors love to play in lighter movies after pushing themselves to the limit with difficult action roles. 300 might be impressive, but Butler trained 6 hours a day every week. I believe P.S I love you is a smart choice. His is a fun character which also nods to his days when he used to sing in a Scottish rock band. It is simple, modest and emotional. The Ugly Truth does show his cocky side. Frankly, I was never that crazy about 300, Beuwolf and Grendel or The Phantom of The Opera. They were all artistic in a different way but there was no real substance.
But my candidates for the probation would be: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Their private life is so in your face and i think it would be a publicity favor if they were just not covered in every issue of every magazine!
http://inthenameofmovies.wordpress.com/
Reply