Starring in Gigli with Ben Affleck

Lopez starred alongside Ben Affleck in the romantic comedy _Gigli_, which was released to widespread criticism and commercial failure. The film is often cited as one of the worst films ever made, with its box office performance failing to recoup its production costs. Critics were particularly harsh, with Rex Reed of The Observer labeling the lead actors as 'pathetically incompetent' in their craft and talent. Despite the negative reviews, some critics, including Roger Ebert, acknowledged the chemistry between Lopez and Affleck, suggesting that their performances had a certain appeal even if the film itself did not succeed. The film's failure had a notable impact on both actors' careers, leading to a reevaluation of their future projects and public personas. _Gigli_ became a cultural reference point for discussions about box office failures and the challenges of romantic comedies in the early 2000s, illustrating the risks associated with high-profile collaborations in Hollywood.