In a surprising outcome connected to Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone boxing comedy criticism, Jaden Smith overtook major Hollywood contenders, including Stallone himself, by winning the Razzie for Worst Actor for his role in “After Earth.” While both Smith and Stallone starred in films that faced harsh assessments from critics, Smith’s performance stood out—in an unexpected way—at the 34th Golden Raspberry Awards.
Jaden Smith’s Attempt at Sci-Fi Falls Flat with Critics
Jaden Smith’s early promise, seen through films such as “The Pursuit of Happyness” and “The Karate Kid,” came under scrutiny with his role in the post-apocalyptic film “After Earth.” Released in 2013, the movie is set a thousand years after humanity has abandoned Earth due to catastrophic climate changes, with Smith portraying Kitai Raige, a young cadet, and Will Smith as his father, General Cypher Raige. Their emergency crash-landing on a hostile planet sets Kitai on a mission to recover a distress beacon and save his wounded father, while also confronting mutated wildlife, dangerous terrain, and the pressure to earn his father’s approval.
Despite the film’s big budget and star names, “After Earth” quickly gained notoriety as a cinematic disappointment. Rotten Tomatoes scored the film at a dismal 12 percent, describing it as
“a dull, ploddingly paced exercise in sentimental sci-fi.”
—Rotten Tomatoes reviewers
The film did manage a substantial box office return, netting $243 million worldwide, yet most critics described it as lifeless and lacking in emotional engagement. Many pointed directly to Jaden Smith’s performance as especially lacking—the word “robotic” surfaced frequently in published reviews. Although a small segment of critics noted some sincere attempts at emotional depth, these observations did little to reverse the overwhelming impression that “After Earth” was forgettable and justified its sweep at the Razzies, with Smith earning the Worst Actor title.
Award Season’s Unwanted Spotlight: Smith Outpaces Stallone at the Razzies
When the 34th Golden Raspberry Awards arrived, “After Earth” found itself at the center of attention for all the wrong reasons. The film garnered six nominations, including Worst Actor, Worst Director, and Worst Picture. On awards night, the Smith family duo—Will and Jaden—took home Razzies for Worst Actor, Worst Supporting Actor, and Worst Screen Combo, outshining other nominees like Sylvester Stallone, Ashton Kutcher, and Adam Sandler in this ignominious race.
Stallone was nominated for multiple 2013 projects and, notably, for his work alongside Robert De Niro in “Grudge Match.” This film brought together two cinematic heavyweights as aged boxing rivals settling an old feud with a return to the ring. “Grudge Match” received a tepid 31 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and was roundly criticized, although some reviewers noted its nostalgic charm and the unexpected vulnerability in Stallone’s performance.
Nonetheless, Stallone’s efforts fell short of matching Smith’s Razzie momentum. Unlike “After Earth,” “Grudge Match” was occasionally defended for its more genuine moments, and Stallone’s portrayal attracted a slightly more positive reception, arguably preventing him from claiming another Worst Actor title.
Poor Reviews, Lasting Impacts, and Where to Watch Today
Both “After Earth” and “Grudge Match” are now remembered more for their critical failures than for any box office success. Jaden Smith’s career suffered a notable blow due to his Razzie ‘win,’ especially since the recognition came for his work alongside his famous father. Stallone’s legacy in the “Rocky” series allowed for kinder comparisons by some reviewers, even as “Grudge Match” struggled against high expectations and strong opinions from boxing and film fans alike. Robert De Niro, another film legend connected to the boxing genre and present alongside Stallone, was caught in the crosshairs of criticism but managed to escape the award night without personal infamy.
Currently, “After Earth” is available to stream on Netflix in the USA, while fans wishing to watch “Grudge Match” can find it on History Vault, also within the USA. The ongoing conversation around Robert De Niro and Sylvester Stallone boxing comedy criticism highlights how star power alone cannot guarantee positive reviews or audience acclaim. For both Hollywood icons and the next generation, the fallout from these Razzie-laden performances serves as a cautionary tale, showing that even cinematic legends can miss the mark when the right elements do not align.
