To think it's sad that Robert De Niro has stooped so low?

[Brightnorthernlights]

An ad for Robert De Niros' new film 'Dirty Grandpa' has just been on TV. AIBU to be sad that such a great actor with a fantastic back catalogue of films has stooped so low as to be involved in such a revolting, crappy project?

He doesn't need the money, gets a lot of press exposure and surely gets offered roles better than this, so WHY?

Why do such great Actors do this?

Good point, MrsJayy.

Most films are just entertainment. So many try to be highbrow and fail miserably and end up just being a bit poncy and shit . Maybe once every 10 years or so a film will be made that has fantastic acting/directing that makes you sit up and think, though I am struggling to think of any at the moment tbh.

There was a Fry and Laurie vox pop sketch (can't seem to find it) that went:

Hugh Laurie, (as actor)

Well, when I was younger, I aspired to be like my idols, Larry, Johnny. So now I'm older I'll do any old crap if the moneys good".

I don't care what anyone's promising - all the eggs never ever go in one basket. Applies even more to me I suppose because I don't have much in the first place - maybe if you can get millions for your next job, it seems a risk worth taking.

Also it's probably pretty rare for De Niro to get top bill status these days, must be tempting for him.

No one mocked Meryl Streep for taking the lead in Mamma Mia which was a bit of a change of direction for her - don't know if it's any good as I'd rather shoot myself than watch any musical that's been made into a movie.

At least he's not messed up his face like Steve Martin who now looks like a parody of himself.

Mamma Mia is ok until you have a dd who loved it watched it a milliion times and you wanted to scoop your eyes out with a spoon rather than watch it again .

I think it basically comes down to everyone has different taste in films what some people think is a trash film others will love and it will be their favourite. He hadn't pigeonholed himself which he might have been the case as the typical 'mobster' so it's great that he does silly stuff too!

He's made some terrible "serious" films throughout his career as well. I thought The Intern was very good and maybe he just wants to go down the light entertainment route for a bit.

Robin Williams was apparently struggling for money due to huge alimony payments and hated having to do some work he considered beneath him. It was considered a factor in his suicide.

No actor, no matter how great, can expect to stay at the top for their whole careers. They have to accept smaller parts in less prestigious fims sooner or later if they want to carry on working. Does it have to be total dross though?
Personally I think it would be good to see Robert deNiro in a featured role in a quality TV series.

What about Harvey Keitel in those Direct Line ads?

You can see the sadness in his eyes.

I was arguing with my 15yr old Dd about this yesterday; to her he's that old guy in The Fokkers... and no, she doesn't want to hear about Mean Streets. I've failed.

Good idea noeffing, TV is where all the great writing is these days.

I know he can do what he want, act in what he wants etc. but I do feel he's demeaning himself. It's how I'd feel if Tom Waits started doing X Factor appearances, or doing jingles for McDonalds. (those would be some crazy dark jingles).

Personally I'm very upset with Willem Dafoe for advertising the loathesome BT. He WAS my favorite actor.
And I've never met anyone who thought Adam Sandler was remotely amusing...

I think Adam Sandler must have more of an appeal to American viewers as I don't know anyone who's ever said a good thing about him either.

I think the BT ads are funny he is sending himself up.

Daniel Day Lewis has done bugger all recently because he's just not very good. Most of his films were utterly tedious whilst attempting to be worthy.

The problem with DDL is that although he thinks he completely disappears into a role he doesn't. You are always aware that you are watching a Great Actor Acting. In fact, I have used the term "it was just a bit too Daniel Day-Lewisy" when asked if I'd enjoyed one of his recent films.

I don't mind Dafoe's ads either. Love that he still manages to be super spooky!

I loved DDL in gangs of new york everything else meh

I'm baffled by how utterly shit most films are. I'm no genius but my friends have funnier/ more interesting chat than most multiplex film characters.

Look at all the amazing writing and acting in TV drama, why is that standard the exception in films?

Then you get films that are pretty well made such as Lost in Translation and everybody loses their minds.

They're just used to the bar being set soooo low. It's thoroughly depressing.

[shrug] I love The Wedding Singer so I'll give Adam Sandler that one.

But yy Morris to the shitness of most films compared to TV. Good example is The American President versus The West Wing - I liked the former when it came out, but after watching the latter, it looks so unbelievably lame in comparison.

I think with films there's so much money riding on them that it might be a case of 'too many cooks'. Whereas in TV land the creatives may have more ownership of a project.

Maybe he just likes working he doesn't seem to enjoy being in the spotlight though

I don't think he is a good comedy actor he has has been brilliant in other films. As someone else pointed the the excellent Midnight Run his role was not the comedy role Charles Grodin was and others their pairing was great though love the film. And Meet the Fockers he was poor but carried by Barbara Streisand (excellent comedy and straight actress) and Dustin Hoffman who also is excellent in both straight and comedy roles

Silver linings playbook was ok not great.

His last great movie was Casino brilliant film

I like Ben Stiller but Adam Sandler always plays Adam Sandler guy who is not really lucky in life ends up being lucky and getting the girl he wants but the prettiest girl usually wants him but I do like The Wedding Singer

Best writers seem to have moved to TV and so have many actors some sticking to films those less commitment made to a film

Most of Adam Sandler's films are now absurdly sexist where average looking middle aged blokes carrying a few extra pounds get to insult, demean and then bed thin attractive younger but strangely silent females.

I thought Pixels would be a jolly Ghostbusters style romp instead it was revoltingly misogynistic and aimed at a younger market, so DS age 9 and above can get these horrible messages instilled in them.

At least as yet De Niro hasn't starred in anything as bad as that and I do think there is a place for low brow comedy, I quite enjoyed Daddy's Back , much more so than the self indulgent,plot lacking Joyless.

Amazing. He didn't get that part, of course, but it was on the back of this that he was cast as the young Vito in Godfather Part 2.

I'd watch him read the telephone directory. I think he is a good comic actor. I loved the Fokkers films and he was great in Brazil, Analyze This! and Silver Linings Playbook. Heat was good - the only film he and Al Pacino have acted in together (Godfather pt 2 doesn't count, because they were never on screen together).