Celebrating Cinematic Turkeys: Thanksgiving for Misunderstood Films

LOS ANGELES, CA — Every Thanksgiving, families across the United States gather to enjoy roasted turkey. This year, however, film lovers are also taking the opportunity to celebrate the rarest of cinematic birds: the flops, misfires, and oddities that, while dismissed by critics, still capture our hearts.

Among the most notable is Adam Sandler‘s film Click. Released in 2006, it tells the story of Michael Newman, played by Sandler, an overworked architect who discovers a remote control that allows him to manipulate time. Initially using the remote for trivial matters like skipping traffic or rewinding arguments with his wife, Michael soon learns that skipping ahead in life comes with dire consequences, leading to the deterioration of his personal relationships.

Despite its convoluted plot, Click provides moments of genuine emotion intertwined with Sandler’s trademark humor, reflecting his transition from youth to adulthood after the birth of his first child. Critical reception was mixed, but it grossed over $268 million worldwide against an $85 million budget, showcasing Sandler’s appeal despite the film’s flaws.

Another film to consider is David Lynch’s version of Dune, released in 1984. Initially panned and dismissed, it has since gained a cult following for its bizarre aesthetic and dreamlike quality. While Denis Villeneuve’s recent adaptations have been more commercially successful and praised for their coherence, Lynch’s Dune embraces the surreal, offering nightmarish imagery and grotesque characters that some fans argue convey the original novel’s essence more effectively.

Waterworld, directed by Kevin Reynolds and released in 1995, also belongs on the list of cinematic turkeys. Initially viewed as a high-budget disaster, it grossed $264 million against a budget of $175 million. However, the Waterworld Live Sea War Spectacular at Universal Studios has helped the film reclaim some popularity, showcasing thrilling stunts and offering viewers a breath of context compared to the film’s overwhelming lore.

These films exemplify the idea that not all cinematic ventures must adhere to critical acclaim. They occupy a unique space in pop culture where flops can foster appreciation and nostalgia, inviting viewers to reflect on the pleasure of shared joy and entertaining absurdity.

This Thanksgiving, we acknowledge the cinematic turkeys that continue to resonate, allowing us to gather around the proverbial table and discuss what makes them lovable, regardless of their initial reception.