Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

the very definition of what critics have come to term an '' ambitious failure . ''

negative

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

out-of-kilter character

negative

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

seem to be in a contest to see who can out-bad-act the other

negative

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

in the way of a too-conscientious adaptation
negative