Not-so-great expectations

Or...

Movies that are good despite Winona Ryder being in them.

I have to say, I love AMC's Fearfest. I am a junkie for scary, paranormal, freaky keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat stuff. I love it. I love campy horror, cheesy horror, and most especially, the kind that makes you want to sleep with the lights on.

So you can really expect me to fill up my DVR to capacity in the week leading to Halloween.

Right now I am watching Bram Stoker's Dracula on Fearfest, which is a movie that I love dearly. As you probably know, Winona Ryder is one of the stars.... and not only does she have that permanent bewildered dumb expression throughout the movie, she has to do it all with a british accent. Now, you'd think that this would hurt an otherwise good movie, but somehow her wooden presence comes off as not too bad. It got me thinking, what else has she been in and managed to not ruin with her doe-eyed mediocrity?

I've already talked about Dracula, now here are some other movies I just can't hate, even though she's in them:

Lucas (1987)

Now this movie is just charming, and she makes a pretty adorable kid. So far so good.

Beetle Juice (1988)

I find myself completely unable to hate on 80s-90s Tim Burton, because back in the day he was awesome. Beetle Juice is a sweet story set in a whimsical setting that you totally believe while you are watching. It just knocks on the door of over-the-top, but there's still enough believability and heart that you get totally sucked in.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Ok this is one of my all-time favorite movies. Ever. As far as I'm concerned, Ryder was a prop in this movie. Yes, her character was important but she really didn't have to do much. I'll say it over and over again: back in the day, Tim Burton was amazing.

Reality Bites (1994)

This movie is sooooo 90s. I have to admit, I have a hard time explaining exactly why I like this one, because the characters are whiny and few are even all that likeable... but there's something about it that sucks me in, that I really dig. I mean, thats kind of how I feel about the 90s anyway, so.....

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Angelina Jolie totally steals the show on this one. In fact, she may be the only reason this movie is any good, which is a testament to what she did with her role. Elizabeth Moss and Britanny Murphy are good in their parts too, definitely good supports to the story. As for Ryder, I wanted to slap her repeatedly during the movie. Her character was just frustrating, and barely came off as anything other than an animated doll.

The Darwin Awards (2006)

If you're watching this movie for the stellar acting, you're doing it wrong. This movie has about a zillion cameos and a completely wacky, over-the-top premise. Just enjoy it for the mind-popcorn that it is and move on.

Star Trek (2009)

Awesome movie, and I'm not even a trekkie. You probably don't even know Ryder is in this, it's such a small part.

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I guess awful is too strong of a word. She's not awful... she's just painfully mediocre and I can think of so many talented actresses who could have played these parts so much better. These movies aren't good because of her, they're good despite her. Sigh.