Summer Movie Flops of the 1990s That Warranted More Appreciation

      Casey Chong highlights seven summer movie flops from the 90s that warranted more success…

      The 1990s featured a plethora of summer films that achieved phenomenal box-office results. Various titles were released throughout this bustling season, encompassing numerous genres, from supernatural romance (1990’s Ghost) and sci-fi action (1991’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day) to dinosaur-themed sci-fi (1993’s Jurassic Park) and alien invasions (1996’s Independence Day), among others. However, amidst these triumphs were numerous films that fell short of expectations, some unjustly. Here are seven summer movie flops from the 1990s that deserved better regards…

      Last Action Hero (1993)

      Arnold Schwarzenegger was in his prime from the late 80s to early 90s, starring in box-office successes like Twins, Total Recall, and Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Then came Last Action Hero, a prominent summer blockbuster of 1993 with a unique premise: A lonely boy (Austin O’Brien’s Danny Madigan), an avid fan of the Jack Slater film series, finds himself magically transported into the fictional realm thanks to a mysterious ticket stub. He subsequently teams up with his action hero idol, Jack Slater (Schwarzenegger), embarking on a series of misadventures.

      On the surface, it seemed straightforward to achieve success, as Schwarzenegger returned to the beloved larger-than-life action hero role. The twist, however, was that he was parodying his own persona, and with his comedic talent demonstrated in Twins and Kindergarten Cop, one would wonder what could go amiss. Moreover, the film was directed by John McTiernan, known for Predator and Die Hard, with Shane Black, known for Lethal Weapon, co-authoring the screenplay.

      Nevertheless, Last Action Hero did not perform well at the box office, earning a disappointing $137.3 million against a substantial $85 million budget. It seems the audiences of that time weren’t quite ready for such a boldly meta concept, with its unique exploration of reel versus reality potentially being ahead of its time. The movie certainly had a field day spoofing everything from The Seventh Seal to E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, even referencing F. Murray Abraham’s character in Amadeus. The relationship between Jack Slater and Austin O’Brien’s character stands out, while McTiernan effectively captures the gritty aspects of the storyline once Jack and Danny enter the real world.

      Event Horizon (1997)

      Paul W.S. Anderson typifies a director whose works can be hit or miss; however, when he succeeds, he provides us with genre-defining films like Mortal Kombat and Event Horizon. The latter represents an ambitious blend of sci-fi horror, combining elements of Alien and The Shining and is best described as a "haunted house in space." The engaging storyline involves a spaceship that vanished years ago and now mysteriously resurfaces, prompting a rescue team led by Captain Miller (Laurence Fishburne) and Dr. William Weir (Sam Neill) to investigate.

      Event Horizon was released during the peak of summer in 1997 and quickly disappeared, much like the spaceship itself, garnering just $42 million against a $60 million budget. While Anderson’s sci-fi horror borrowed elements from films like The Haunting and Hellraiser, particularly in terms of unflinching gore, it’s hard to overlook his ambition and adeptness in blending cinematic influences with a mix of practical and advanced special effects. He also displayed strong directorial skills, effectively fusing graphic violence with suspense and a growing sense of dread as the film progresses. The movie also features high-caliber performances from Laurence Fishburne and Sam Neill.

      The Phantom (1996)

      If only The Phantom's tagline, "Slam Evil!" had translated into a box-office triumph upon its summer 1996 release. Unfortunately, with an estimated budget of $50 million, it earned only $23.5 million, which was insufficient to launch The Phantom into a franchise.

      Since then, the film has developed a cult following that it truly deserves. Billy Zane exudes the debonair charm necessary for the titular superhero; it’s hard to envision anyone else in this role at that time. He seemed destined to lead Lee Falk’s classic comic strip, and if only The Phantom had resonated with audiences, he could have catapulted to A-list status. While the narrative might be considered outdated, this was precisely the intention of The Phantom, given that the character belongs to the 1930s era.

      The movie also deserves recognition for its exceptional production and costume design that beautifully encapsulate its vintage atmosphere. In addition to Zane’s captivating lead performance, the film benefits from Treat Williams, who delivers a delightfully flamboyant portrayal of the main antagonist, Xander Drax, while Kristy Swanson adds a spirited touch to her