Movies That Saved Dying Careers

[@ajtaylor8750]

What's crazy about John Wick is how it both saved Keanu Reeves's career, but also redefined his superstar status in Hollywood. There are those who grew up knowing him as Neo from The Matrix franchise, but now there's an entire generation of film lovers who will know him as Baba Yaga.

[@Syntopikon]

That's a great point. The guy's led two of the most successful action franchises ever and helped show that not only can Hollywood create a new franchise successfully from scratch, but that action movies can have a deep, emotional center as well. It's pleasantly surprising how well reviewed all of the John Wick movies have been, both with critics and audiences.

[@CocoonMasterBrendan]

It's crazy how many careers Tarantino has either revived or launched over the years... John Travolta, Samuel L. Jackson, Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Pam Grier, David Carradine... it seems like just about every movie he makes ends up saving someone's acting career -- or at the very least, giving them the huge boost they needed

[@Syntopikon]

The guy's an insanely talented director. But since he got started as an actor + has seen an insane amount of movies, he seems to have an instinct for what actor would fit which given role. I think Tarantino movies are the ones I've heard the fewest (if any) gripings about with regards to possibly bad casting. It's pretty much always perfect.

[@heymistercarter.]

Just this year, I'd argue that Demi Moore's career was saved by The Substance. She's gotten raves for that movie (deservedly so), and kinda like Brendan Fraser in The Whale, redefined what she's capable of as an actress.

[@broghad8241]

True

[@aVerveQuest]

Michael Keaton has had one of the most unique career arts in any actor I can recall

[@Syntopikon]

Yup. I think his is the kind of career that Mark Hamill would've liked to have (though Hamill certainly made it work). Typecasting can be brutal for actors.

[@justinshort3623]

Best news ever is seeing a new video from you

[@SepRoyle]

Keanu Reeves is the best 👌 😊😅😂❤

[@keibetsu2527]

FANTASTIC KZbinR, LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!

[@Syntopikon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@austinnarruzzolo2737]

Let’s gooooo!

[@steve_santiago]

Great video as always! He’s another good one: Iron Man definitely saved RDJ’s career.

[@Syntopikon]

Thanks! I think with RDJ, we can go a bit earlier to Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, but Iron Man was definitely the turning point with regards to sending him to the A List. It's wild how long he's been on top now, especially for a guy who's career was all but over (though in his case, it wasn't movies but personal troubles).

[@michellelies]

So glad Brendan Fraser is back on top where he belongs.

[@Syntopikon]

Yup. That was probably the most gratifying return, along with Ke Huy Quan.

[@branagain]

Birdman was okay, but Boyhood was better. However, Keaton should have won.

[@richarddiaz1241]

Man of Tai Chi was awesome!!!!

[@Syntopikon]

It's kind of insane how talented Reeves is. Actor, director, even a narrator on Side by Side).

[@Moviemakers05]

Even tho the flash was a failure Keaton still kicked ass and was the best thing in the film

[@artirony410]

idk if I'd say its fair to call Spielberg's career "dying" after 1941. Like yeah it wasn't loved by critics but it still made money and like you mentioned, he still could bank on his reputation of massive success with Jaws and Close Encounters. It was a setback for sure but saying his career was "dying" after it seems hyperbolic

[@RussSharpe]

I LOVED 1941, it’s one of the funniest movie’s ever!

[@FosterWolf]

Maybe not funniest ever, but it showed early promise for screenwriters/producers Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale.

[@rondoughhowell6442]

Well Ironman saved RDJ career

[@Syntopikon]

I think it was Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, but Iron Man certainly sent him into the stratosphere.

[@jayess8714]

Yeah but no one wants to hear about anything Marvel related anymore

[@richarddiaz1241]

Word up to Clean and Sober.

[@zacharymccann6632]

Nothing about RDJ and Iron Man?

[@rezaqalam482]

How bout longlegs that seems bring back nick cage career

[@Syntopikon]

I think it even goes a bit earlier than that, to Mandy in 2018 and Pig in 2021. But yeah, he definitely fits.

[@JS-vf8qt]

Grammar and fiction is poor.