Summary
- Bruce Willis shines in sci-fi films, from the exceptional 12 Monkeys to forgettable disappointments like Apex.
- Willis' grounded portrayals add depth to even the most outlandish sci-fi concepts, making his work iconic.
- While some sci-fi ventures falter, like Apex, others like Surrogates and Looper showcase Willis's ability to elevate complex narratives.
Bruce Willis is renowned as one of Hollywood's most prolific actors, having starred in numerous films across various genres. In the realm of science fiction, Willis has appeared in both the finest and the most lackluster offerings the genre has to offer. With his everyman charm and magnetic screen presence, Bruce Willis has carved a unique niche in the world of cinema. While Bruce Willis’ action characters in iconic films like Die Hard and Pulp Fiction have cemented his status as a quintessential tough guy, Willis has consistently demonstrated his versatility by taking on diverse projects across various genres.
In the sci-fi realm specifically, Willis's performances have ranged from critically acclaimed masterpieces to divisive and polarizing efforts. From starring in one of the best time travel movies ever, 12 Monkeys, to the lackluster disappointment, Apex, Willis's ability to ground even the most outlandish premises with his grounded and relatable portrayals has become a hallmark of his work. Whether portraying reluctant heroes, time-traveling convicts, or world-weary protagonists, Willis's talent for infusing depth and authenticity into his characters has elevated many a sci-fi endeavor, solidifying his status as a genre icon.
|
Movie Title |
IMDb Rating |
|---|---|
|
Apex |
3.0/10 |
|
Vice |
4.2/10 |
|
G.I. Joe: Retaliation |
5.7/10 |
|
Surrogates |
6.3/10 |
|
Glass |
6.6/10 |
|
Armageddon |
6.7/10 |
|
Unbreakable |
7.3/10 |
|
Looper |
7.4/10 |
|
The Fifth Element |
7.6/10 |
|
12 Monkeys |
8.0/10 |
10 Apex (2021)
Bruce Willis portrays Malone
Apex
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Serving a life sentence for a crime he didn’t commit, ex-cop Thomas Malone is offered a chance at freedom if he can survive a deadly game of Apex. Six hunters pay for the pleasure of hunting another human on a remote island, but once Malone arrives, all hell breaks loose. Laying traps and playing mind games, Malone tries to turn the tables and fight for his life and future.
- Director
- Edward Drake
- Release Date
- November 12, 2021
- Cast
- Neal McDonough , Bruce Willis , Alexis Fast , Trevor Gretzky , Corey Large , Megan Peta Hill , Lochlyn Munro , Nels Lennarson
- Runtime
- 93 minutes
Bruce Willis's latest sci-fi venture, Apex, is a profound disappointment that fails to capture the imagination or deliver an engaging story. The film's premise, a poorly executed take on the "men hunting men" trope, is unoriginal and lacks the depth needed to sustain interest. The script is plagued by plot inconsistencies and illogical character motivations, making it challenging to invest in the narrative.
Willis and co-star Neal McDonough deliver lackluster performances that suggest a lack of enthusiasm for the project, their on-screen presence failing to elevate the subpar material. The film's production values are equally unimpressive, with dated special effects and unconvincing green screen work that detract from the overall experience. Apex's pacing drags, making its 94-minute runtime feel considerably longer. In the end, Apex is a forgettable and uninspired addition to Willis's filmography, offering little in the way of entertainment value or artistic merit, firmly securing its place at the bottom of the rankings.
9 Vice (2015)
Bruce Willis portrays Julian
In the sci-fi thriller Vice, Bruce Willis takes on the role of a morally corrupt resort owner who offers guests the opportunity to indulge their darkest fantasies with lifelike androids. This premise, reminiscent of a B-movie version of Westworld, sets the stage for a gritty and action-packed tale. Willis's portrayal of the villain is a departure from his usual roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
However, the film's execution falls short of its potential, relying on predictable plot points and underdeveloped characters. Thomas Jane's performance as the jaded cop adds some depth to the story, but the overall narrative fails to fully explore the ethical implications of the resort's concept. While Vice attempts to create a thought-provoking and thrilling experience, it ultimately lacks the finesse and originality needed to make a lasting impact on the sci-fi genre.