From the Wiki: According to former Death Row Records chief engineer Rick Clifford, George Lucas was eyeing Tupac to star in his return to the “Star Wars” saga. Lucas had asked Jackson to ask Shakur to audition but due to Shakur’s untimely death the role ultimately went to Samuel L. Jackson. The character’s bald appearance could have also been an homage to Shakur.
No, they are definitely significantly better than something like Battlefield Earth. There’s also a key difference between liking something, and acknowledging it as “good”.
I like the movie Sucker Punch, but can still admit it is a bad film. Horrible acting, terrible CGI, nonsensical plot, etc etc etc. I just like it anyway.