List on the 3s is that wacky meme where I write a list on a date which has a 3 in it. But today I’m not writing a list.
I’m writing four.
I was recently reminiscing about one of my favorite radio programs — a show which no longer exists in its current incarnation, but I won’t go into that. I will, however, rehash a fascinating discussion which took place over many broadcasts: the career ups and downs of two talented men.
They both began their careers as stand-up comedians. They both climbed the comedy ladder and made it to legendary status — escalating, at first, to television — and then onto film. Both have been widely recognized for their acting; both have even taken on dramatic roles and have excelled at them as well. And both of them could very well be sitting on a big-ass stack of money right now.
And that’s probably because the two of them, while having had much commercial and critical success in their lives, are notorious for taking on film projects that are — well, beneath them. Beneath anybody, actually. While some roles have been cases of precious diamonds and rubies, some have been bags of crap and snot. While they’ve drunk the nectar of the cinematic gods at times, they’ve also sipped skunky Zima at the bargain bin.
And the question posed is this: which, of these two, is the most talented? Or rather — which one is the least untalented when it comes to awful movies? I welcome your opinions as well in the comments.
In the meantime, I present:
Top Seven Brilliant Films Which Feature Steve Martin
7. All of Me
6. Grand Canyon
5. Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
4. Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid
3. L. A. Story
2. Roxanne
1. The Jerk
Top Seven Sucky Films Which Feature Steve Martin
7. A Simple Twist of Fate
6. Three Amigos
5. Bringing Down the House
4. Housesitter
3. Sgt. Bilko
2. Cheaper By The Dozen
1. The Pink Panther
Top Seven Brilliant Films Which Feature Robin Williams
7. One Hour Photo
6. Good Will Hunting
5. What Dreams May Come
4. Dead Again
3. Good Morning Vietnam
2. The Fisher King
1. The World According to Garp
Top Seven Sucky Films Which Feature Robin Williams
7. Toys
6. Being Human
5. Fathers’ Day
4. Nine Months
3. License to Wed
2. Flubber
1. RV
Which one of these stars has better judgement?
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17 users responded in this post
I can’t believe The Man with Two Brains wasn’t in the top 7 for Steve Martin.
Steve always has better judgment but I whole-heartedly agree with your worst lists for both.
Poppys last blog post..subway faux paw
Dude, you’re always picking on Zima.
I’m embarassed to admit that I’ve seen Housesitter more than 20 times. Back in the day of VHS, it was one of the only two tapes I owned!
I generally prefer Steve Martin films to Robin Williams films. Probably because I generally prefer Steve Martin to Robin Williams.
One of my favorite Martin films is on neither of your lists. My Blue Heaven. Love that film.
B.E. Earls last blog post..Candle porn
Earl….I actually like Steve Martin’s MOVIES better but like Robin Williams better as a person. Please don’t ask why. I’ll use the word “douche” ten times.
Hillys last blog post..Semi-Speechless In Southern California…
Three Amigos is on the wrong list. It’s genius.
I also think his Sgt. Bilko was good.
Avitables last blog post..First Annual Avitable Holiday Gift Guide
Two faves missing:
Steve: Parenthood (“That was an electric ear cleaner.”)
Robin: Mrs. Doubtfire! Like Hilly, a socKs VHS classic. (with the added bonus of Pierce Brosnan)
I liked three amigos. But I think the last time I watched it I was like 8.
I also liked Flubber but the same rules apply.
One Hour Photo was brilliant, and one I actually remember the plot of! Yay.
Sarahs last blog post..I’m making an effort to be Nice now
Steve Martin’s sucktastic films have redeeming qualities. Well, some of them at least.
When Robin Williams blows it, he REALLY blows it.
Miss Britts last blog post..Because Edward Cullen Would Kick Nintendo’s Ass In A Fight
Poppy: I still haven’t seen Two Brains. I’ve heard good things. Perhaps once I do, I’ll add it to the list.
Hilly: I know that it’s unfair that I give this specific clear malt beverage a bad rap. But it’s such an easy punchline for any joke!
B. E. Earl: I saw part of My Blue Heaven. It was okay, I guess. For some reason I just don’t seem to get Rick Moranis’s appeal. Although I felt his British gravedigger in L. A. Story was great. As well as him as Louis in Ghostbusters.
Avitable: I expected so much more out of Three Amigos. Martin Short at his peak? Chevy Chase post-Fletch? The movie had such promise!
Sgt. Bilko, I think, was ruined by my dislike of the late Phil Hartman…
socKs: You know? I’ve never seen Parenthood the whole way through… is it in the house?
Doubtfire was good, though. Better than I had expected. It always tempts me to engage in a “drive-by fruiting.”
Sarah: Photo was the epitome of creepy Robin Williams. He played it so well.
Miss Britt: … but it’s Robin Williams. And I always think that maybe he’ll bring something good to the role. But… Man of the Year? ugh!
Socks is right… those were great movies. Parenthood was shot in North Florida (parts at the University of Florida) while I was there. Very cool. I watch that movie over and over again…
I don’t know about the judgement thing. I think both have done well mixing comedy and drama, although I’d say at this point Robin Williams gets more respect in the drama department.
Tough call.
Finns last blog post..Thursday Photo Lesson: Keep Shooting!
I was going to scream “My Blue Heaven!!!” but it’s already been mentioned.
My favorite film featuring Robin Williams is August Rush. But he was creepy-awesome in One Hour Photo.
SJs last blog post..Gym? Dandy!
I have to agree with Avitable, I love Three Amigos. I’ve watched it a couple times this year and there are some parts that just kill me.
It’s a tough call on the judgment thing. They have a very similar career, don’t they? I’d go with Martin, but Williams was also Mork. Hmmm…
Brandons last blog post..It’s An Edmonds Kind of T-Shirt
I’m another one who loves “Three Amigos,” but I agree with most of your lists. You say it very well…both stars are guilty of choosing movies that are beneath them, especially in recent years. I have to say, there are very few movies I’ll watch with Robin Williams nowadays. I knew instinctively that “RV” was to be avoided at all costs.
Rottentomatoes.com is my friend.
Karls last blog post..How I Slept With Three Gorgeous Women But Got No Sex
oh how i love robin williams. sigh. bad movies and all, just love him enough to over look them. (even as a little kid i had a crush on mork. yes, i bought the rainbow suspenders, shhhh.)
i could have sworn that i was the only one who had ever heard of dead again, let alone had seen it. you made my evening, my friend.
hello haha narfs last blog post..Stuff
p.s. my cousin janie crushes on steve martin the way i crush on robin williams. i’ll have to send her over here.
hello haha narfs last blog post..Stuff
Planes, Trains and Automobiles is one of those flix I just really like.
Add me to the list of “Three Amigos” lovers. And I liked Planes, Trains and Automobiles, too…. especially that rant Steve Martin’s character gives to Edie McClurg.
Your Steve Martin Brilliant list is good.
With the exception of “What Dreams May Come”, your Robin Williams Brilliant list is good. Still cannot stomach that movie. I even watched it a 3rd time once, just to see what I might have been missing. Nothing.
martymankinss last blog post..Snowy Sunday #04
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