Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
This article was originally published on September 25, 2018.
It has been updated to include Smiths recent films, includingBad Boys: Ride or Die.
Will we ever stop talking aboutthe Slap?
But you shouldnt deny the scope of Smiths career.
He even managed to still be charming inSuicide Squad, which one would have thought impossible.
Even with his missteps,Smithremains the sort of movie star you just dont see anymore.
There are already enough mopey and morose actors: Theres no need for you to be one, Will.
31.Seven Pounds(2008)
The infamous Jellyfish movie.
Barry Sonnenfeld of theMen in Blackfilms, Kevin Kline as the trusty sidekick, and a sci-fi-meets-Western premise.
But, wow, did it ever go wrong.
(Starting with that terrible theme song.
We bet Smith would like that one back.)
Pandering, chaotic, disorganized Hollywood filmmaking at its worst.
The one true big-budget flop of Smiths career, and you cant say it doesnt earn the designation.
But the worst part is how checked out Smith is here.
Here, he looks like hes perpetually glancing off-screen to see if his Netflix check has cashed.
The duo are a deadly mix: This is a near-nadir for him.
Well, it looks like a movie-of-the-week with everybody wearing flannel.
Fortunately, Smith would be out of these roles very soon.
Hes the anchor of the ESPN crew, and his cameo consists mostly of a goofy early-80s hairdo.
And whats with his voice?
Is he trying to make his character sound prissy or nerdy or what?
Seriously, watch this again: Youll be pretty taken aback.
(It was also the last film of Jack Lemmon.)
And then run out of the theater.
For all of Michael Bays Michael Bayness, he at least keeps his movies moving and kinetic.
20.Jersey Girl(2004)
Yes, Will Smith was in a Kevin Smith movie.
Only briefly, though.
Its also funny how Smith plays himself.
Few movie stars have felt so comfortable in their own skin.
You see that surprisingly well here.
Ditto Smith as the jovial genie.
When youre among the most charismatic humans on the planet, thats more than enough.
Hes so exuberant and having such a blast that it almost makes you forget Goldbergs and Dansons real-life relationship.
Whats funny about watchingBad Boysnow: Dude seemsso young, but his smartass chemistry with Martin Lawrence still shines.
Hes also a surprisingly urgent action star: Hes physical, sure, but also vulnerable and insistent.
He makes it look easier than it is.
(Spoiler alert:The following yearsWild Wild Westwould end that streak.)
(Stay too long in the limelight and you lose the common touch.)
Smiths obvious affection for his boy radiates through the screen.
Not everything in this movie works, but it might be Smiths most underappreciated performance.
Earning his first Oscar nomination, Smith uses his charisma like a weapon, tapping into Alis sting-like-a-bee magnetism.
2.Men in Black(1997)
Sure, the man is a superb dramatic performer.
You know what?Hedidmake this look good.
1.King Richard(2021)
Richard Williams is, in every possible way, unreasonable.
(Someones going to make a great supercut of this film featuring only peoples exasperated reactions to him.)
The thing is, though, somehow he turns out to be right about everything.
And again, he turns out to be right about everything.
Smith clearly feels a kinship with this man, and it results in the best performance of his career.
