Biopics are one of Hollywood’s favorite movie genres.

In many cases, the films were actually well-meaning, but the execution ultimately let them down.

The battle sequences are splendid, and the production values are gorgeous, but the narrative is bare-bones.

Milla Jovovich in The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc

Image via Gaumont Buena Vista International

Portman is game as a deliciously scheming Anne Boleyn, and the production values are sumptuous.

Its attempt to be scandalousreads more like an average CW drama than a prestige period piece.

Portman and Johansson’s accents also leave something to be desired, making this movie all the more questionable.

William Wallace portrayed by Mel Gibson in Braveheart

Image by Paramount Pictures

People are often too hard onWyatt Earp.

Beyond the creative liberties taken,Alexanderfails as a compelling epic and a character-driven drama.

Lush production values can’t compensate forquestionable casting and bizarre tonal shiftsthat makeAlexandera pain to sit through.

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EvenColin Farrell has expressed his regrets, and rightfully so.

Instead, it’s a tame depiction of flawed genius the likes audiences have seen countless times before.

Ugly cinematography and a misguided screenplay further makeThe Libertinean unenjoyable experience for everyone but the most ardent Depp fans.

Scarlett Johansson, Eric Bana, and Natalie Portman in The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

The result is a messy and gratuitous film that aims toshock and scandalize rather than entertain or compel.

However, the original version ofCaligularemainsa testament to bad taste and the dangers of compromising artistic vision.

The decade produced some all-time classics, including masterpieces likeCasablancaandCitizen Kane.

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Wayne was a decent actor in the right role, often in the Western genre.

Thenthere’s the yellowface of it all, which would be laughable if it weren’t so offensive.

NEXT:The 10 Best Arthouse Biopics, Ranked

Kevin Costner as Wyatt Earp aiming his gun and looking intently at something off-camera in ‘Wyatt Earp’ (1994)

Image via Warner Bros.

Rosamund Pike and Johnny Depp in The Libertine

Image via The Weinstein Company

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Amelia Earhart in her plane smiling

Image via Fox Searchlight Pictures

Malcolm McDowell as the title character in Caligula.

Image via Analysis Film Releasing Corporation

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Joan of Arc looking ahead proudly in The Messenger

Image via Guamont Buena Vista International

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Babe Ruth greeting fans in The Babe Ruth Story

Image via Allied Artists

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John Wayne as Ghenghis Khan, carrying a wooden pole and bleeding in The Conqueror

Image via RKO Radio Pictures

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Grace of Monaco