As someone who’s spent countless hours navigating the unpredictable terrain of cinematic gems and box office duds alike, I can confidently say that these hidden action masterpieces have truly piqued my interest.
After spending numerous hours perusing Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or similar streaming platforms trying to grab your attention (and your subscription money), the time spent deciding on a movie from the vast array of titles frequently eats into the remaining hours of the day. However, if there’s one thing that streaming does well, it’s linking viewers with traditional action films.
A comedy lacking humor might make you uncomfortable to watch, while a poorly made horror film could leave you feeling bored instead of scared. However, action movies can have numerous plot issues and still be enjoyable, as long as they provide the intense, adrenaline-pumping scenes that viewers anticipate. In essence, many flaws may be overlooked if they are accompanied by impressive fight sequences, fast-paced car chases, or visually striking violence – all depending on the personal preferences of the audience.
Luckily for our audience, we’re here to simplify their screen time by highlighting some top-notch action flicks we discovered in the Max collection. Ranging from an intriguing animated blend of sci-fi and dark fantasy, to a previously overlooked movie based on a video game, to a thrilling tale featuring a vengeful cat, these movies promise journeys that might surprise you.
9 (2009)
Distinct from the erotic musical film “Nine” (2009) about Italian filmmakers, Shane Acker’s science fiction masterpiece “9” is an animated production that melds the bleak, tech-dystopian motifs of “The Matrix” with the quirky, dark fantasy undertones typical of Tim Burton movies. The story unfolds in a post-apocalyptic landscape where all of humanity has been erased by malevolent machines spawned from an intelligent AI system that deceived the ruler (Tom Kane), who aimed to control the world with this technology. In the midst of this turmoil, it’s revealed that the very inventor of the AI (Alan Oppenheimer) also fabricated nine sentient dolls known as “Stitchpunks.” Each doll is infused with a fragment of the scientist’s soul, and they must join forces to dismantle the machines.
Initially, the release of “9” faced resistance due to its complex nature as an adult-oriented animated fantasy film, rather than a children’s movie. Originally conceived as a short film (nominated for an Academy Award in 2005), the creator had aspirations for sequels, aiming to provide options that deviated from the predominantly light and family-friendly productions by Pixar and DreamWorks. Regrettably, “9” received mixed reviews upon release and flopped at the box office, earning just $48.4 million against a budget of $30 million. Despite this, the film was generally well-received for its distinctive visuals and unwavering tone, while also impressing action movie enthusiasts with some of the most daring action sequences in any CGI-animated film to date.
Agent Cody Banks (2003)
If you’re seeking a movie night choice filled with thrilling action that appeals to all ages, consider watching the 2003 spy film “Agent Cody Banks,” currently available on streaming platforms. This film features Frankie Muniz from “Malcolm in the Middle” and Hillary Duff, a popular Disney Channel star, creating an appealing duo. The movie is a delightful trip down memory lane for Gen Z due to its unique blend of traditional secret agent elements from the “James Bond” series combined with teen comedy.
Cody Muniz, who’s a student at high school, leads a hidden life as a covert operative for the CIA, with an amusing portrayal of the agency’s head by actor Keith David in an unspecified role. In this action-packed story, a villainous mastermind (Ian McShane) poses a threat to global safety, and it’s up to the young agent to penetrate an exclusive boarding school and earn the confidence of Natalie Duff, another student, whose father (Martin Donovan) is coerced into creating a hazardous biological weapon.
The movie “Agent Cody Banks” generally flew under the public’s radar, not making a significant mark in terms of either box office success or critical acclaim. Many critics believed that the film didn’t live up to expectations for a big-screen release, coming across more like a Disney Channel Original Movie. Despite this, it’s a lively 100-minute movie that’s too endearing and likable to despise completely, and offers a bit more pizzazz than typical teen comedies.
American Heist (2014)
Many movies on this list initially received quite negative reviews when they first came out. However, given today’s market flooded with high-budget films heavily dependent on CGI and intellectual properties, these same movies might be better received now. Despite the initial criticism, several of them are still worth watching due to their impressive casts, as demonstrated by the 2014 crime drama “American Heist.
In this modern retelling of “The Great St. Louis Bank Robbery” from the 1950s, Hayden Christensen, known for his role in “Star Wars,” portrays James, a man struggling with a less-than-ideal criminal past. His brother and fellow crook Frank (Adrien Brody), having served time for a botched heist decades ago, is now out of prison. To pay off his debt from this long-ago failure, James must abandon his straight-and-narrow lifestyle and the love of his life Emily, played by Jordana Brewster from “Fast and Furious,” and rejoin the criminal world alongside Frank once more.
Although the movie “American Heist” presents an intricate blend of emotions and morals in its plotline, critics generally agree that the script falls short of living up to its potential. This common opinion, coupled with the film’s modest budget and limited theater distribution, may explain why it remains relatively unknown to many viewers. However, looking back, the combined acting prowess of Christensen, Brody, and Brewster gives the movie a distinctive feel, showcasing underrated actors elevating the narrative beyond what it could have been without them.
Attack the Block (2011)
Discussing actors from a galaxy far, far away may bring “Attack the Block” to mind for fans of “Star Wars,” particularly those who recall John Boyega’s breakout role before he joined the cast of “Star Wars: Episode 7 – The Force Awakens.” Prior to his portrayal as FN-2187, or Finn, this British actor headlined a lower-budget sci-fi comedy as Moses, a petty street criminal whose life is transformed when he attempts to capitalize on an alien invasion. His co-star, who later became famous for her role in “Doctor Who,” was Jodie Whitaker, playing the victim-turned-ally to Moses.
Unlike “American Heist,” this movie offers more than just its star power. Although it flopped at the global box office (earning only $6 million compared to a production budget of $13 million), “Attack the Block” was met with critical acclaim, particularly for its fast-paced action, humor, heart, and likable cast. It’s often considered the most popular film on this list, yet it hasn’t reached the same level of cultural impact as films like Edgar Wright’s Cornetto Trilogy. Interestingly, “Attack the Block” writer-director Joe Cornish made appearances in both “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz,” and he collaborated with Wright on the original script for “Ant-Man.” This could change soon as Boyega and Cornish are working together on a sequel that’s currently under development.
Blackthorn (2011)
If some items on this list seem overly contemporary to you, you might enjoy delving into the era depicted in the film “Blackthorn.” This movie features Sam Shepard, a renowned actor of his time, portraying a fictionalized version of the historical outlaw Butch Cassidy. Interestingly, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau from “Game of Thrones” takes on the role of a young Cassidy in flashback scenes set within this era, characterized by pistols, horses, and outlaws.
Though it’s a standalone film that dramatically expands upon the real history of Cassidy’s infamous life, it plays in some ways as a sequel to the classic Western “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” The story begins with Shepard’s Cassidy, now in his sixties and living as James Blackthorn. Having survived two decades in Bolivia beyond what is depicted in the 1969 film and what historians believe to have been his death date, the aging criminal is trying to recover his stolen wealth so that he can return to America to mourn the death of Harry “The Sundance Kid” Longabaugh’s lover, Etta Place (Dominique McElligot of “The Boys” fame).
The movie titled “Blackthorn” received favorable comments from critics, yet it didn’t leave a significant mark in the United States. Contrastingly, in Spain – one of its four production nations – it was put forward for multiple Goya Awards, even being nominated for the prestigious Best Film category.
Brick Mansions (2014)
If you enjoy action-packed stories set within realistic future scenarios, you might be interested in Max’s current stream of the 2014 crime thriller “Brick Mansions.” Written, although not directed, by Luc Besson who is known for films like “The Fifth Element” and “Léon: The Professional,” this film is a remake of his original French feature “District 13.” Set in the year 2018, Detroit, Michigan has become so plagued with violence that authorities decide to construct a large wall around it as a means of controlling the situation (an action that may not result in any unfavorable outcomes). In this movie, Paul Walker plays a character similar to roles he’s portrayed before as an undercover police officer who tries to gain the trust of a criminal with a kind heart, played by David Belle.
Sadly, Walker met his untimely end in a car crash mere months before the movie’s release. The much-anticipated premiere of “Brick Mansions,” one of his upcoming projects, was almost eclipsed by questions about whether he had completed filming for “Furious 7” before his demise. The movie itself was also tainted by a wave of unfavorable reviews, with many critics panning the plot as overly absurd. However, there are still numerous action movie enthusiasts who appreciate or even prefer films that prioritize action sequences over logical plots, especially when these sequences serve to create a spectacle while touching on real-world themes.
Greenland (2020)
Films such as “John Wick,” “Extraction,” and “Bullet Train” demonstrate that former stunt performers have a unique knack for crafting today’s action movies. In the instance of the 2020 disaster film “Greenland,” having a stuntman’s perspective offers more nuanced advantages.
Under the guidance of Ric Roman Waugh, who has worked on action films such as “Angel Has Fallen” and stunt coordination for movies like “Hook” and “Gone in 60 Seconds,” the movie unfolds. It revolves around a family who, along with the rest of humanity, discover an unexpected threat from a meteor shower that is due to collide with Earth. This collision could potentially wipe out a significant portion of the planet or even cause its total destruction. When John Garrity (portrayed by Gerard Butler) learns about a bunker in Greenland that can safeguard him and his family from this impending disaster, he makes the daring decision to put everything on the line to ensure their escape to safety.
Unlike many disaster films that focus on people merely enduring and trying to survive unexpected events, the central plot of “Greenland” leads to more confrontational situations. This translates into more intense action and combat sequences than usual for a movie where the threat is asteroids hurtling through space. Unfortunately, the release of this film was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with distributors eventually choosing a video-on-demand release in December 2020. Despite the delay, “Greenland” proved successful on Amazon Prime Video, receiving positive reviews and becoming one of several unexpected hits during the pandemic era.
Keanu (2016)
Regarding the movie “John Wick,” it’s interesting to note that there’s a peculiar yet widely known misconception about its sequel in recent cinema history. You might recognize “Keanu” from its captivating trailers, but if its $20 million box office is any indication, you may not have actually watched the film despite being familiar with it.
Following their successful stint on “Key and Peele,” comedians Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele team up for a humorous take on the “John Wick” series. Contrary to popular belief, sparked by trailers and marketing materials, the film titled “Keanu” has no connection whatsoever with “John Wick.” In this film, a cat named Keanu (after the movie star) inadvertently pulls the duo into a tangled web of criminal activities.
Prior to the release of “John Wick” in 2014, writers Jordan Peele (who also co-wrote the film’s script) and director Peter Atencio had been developing a project called “Keanu”. Upon learning about another film starring Keanu Reeves with beloved pets and ruthless criminals, they pondered if their idea might have been unknowingly stolen. However, in truth, the two films are not the result of similar thought processes and share only superficial similarities, such as a talented actor. If you dismissed “Keanu” as just a parody film, you’re in for a surprising experience if you decide to stream it on Max.
Need for Speed (2014)
Despite the fact that “Borderlands” was found to be a monotonous journey through the wasteland, it’s worth noting that video game adaptations have been generally successful these days. In the past, gamers had to endure projects that either compromised on entertainment value or authenticity to the franchise, resulting in many subpar productions that were criticized heavily. We can’t deny that the 2014 film “Need for Speed” falls into this category of less-than-successful adaptations – yet it maintains a pace fast enough to make viewing it somewhat appealing.
This movie, modeled after EA’s racing series, showcases a standout performance by Aaron Paul, who has been predominantly known for his supporting roles since wrapping up “Breaking Bad” in 2015. In this film, he plays a former race car driver turned anti-hero, leveraging his unique talents to navigate and ultimately take revenge within a sinister criminal network. The cast boasts familiar faces such as Dominic Cooper from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Rami Malek, Michael Keaton, and musician Kid Cudi. Essentially, it’s akin to an overlooked “Fast & Furious” spin-off starring actors from intriguing projects of the recent past.
Despite not setting any records as the highest-grossing video game adaptation ever, the film managed to earn a substantial $200 million at the worldwide box office on a budget of just $66 million. Interestingly, around 80% of this revenue was generated from international markets. This unexpected success has sparked rumors that – despite negative critiques – there could be a “Need for Speed 2” in our future.
Tell (2014)
Among the films listed, “Tell” stands out as one of the most concise and straightforward. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a brief yet engaging cinematic experience without requiring much mental effort. The main character, Ethan Tell, played by Milo Ventimiglia known for his roles in “This Is Us” and “Gilmore Girls”, is not particularly bright and aims to improve his situation by robbing a substantial amount of money. However, his target unknowingly becomes Ray, portrayed by Jason Lee from “My Name is Earl”, who is a formidable criminal and also the brother of Tell’s wife, Beverly, played by Katee Sackhoff from “The Mandalorian”.
This film can be described as an action-packed thriller on a smaller budget, filled with elements reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino’s style. The cast is primarily known for their work in sitcoms, but they deliver outstanding performances by stepping out of their usual roles. Apart from Ventimiglia, Lee, and Scakhoff, the movie “Tell” also stars Alan Tudyk, John Michael Higgins, Faizon Love, Oscar Nunez (from “The Office”), and Robert Patrick (the antagonist from “Terminator 2: Judgment Day”). If you find the idea of these diverse talents engaging in high-octane chases with guns, bleach, and other tools intriguing, it’s definitely worth giving a try.
Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)
Among our list of underrated treasures, we’ve added a relatively new find, which was overshadowed amidst a pile of promising Warner Bros. films that slipped into obscurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent delays and theater restrictions. The film “Those Who Wish Me Dead,” while initially unable to attract an audience, faced additional challenges due to Warner Bros.’ decision to release all its 2021 films both in cinemas and on the streaming platform previously known as HBO Max. This move, intended to satisfy subscribers excited for Angelina Jolie’s action-packed collaboration with “Yellowstone” creator Taylor Sheridan, may have inadvertently hidden the film amidst a multitude of other studio productions and shows. In theaters, it had one of the poorest opening weekends on record, trailing behind only the pre-COVID Blake Lively thriller “The Rhythm Section” in terms of financial underperformance.
Clearly, the movie titled “Those Who Wish Me Dead” didn’t quite reach the larger audience it potentially could have during any other year – a pity, given it was one of the top-notch action films released in 2021. Starring Angelina Jolie as a firefighter grappling with her past, she finds herself in the treacherous Montana wilderness, sandwiched between ruthless assassins and their targets. The film’s grandeur and intensity are hard to ignore, making you long for a chance to watch this thrilling tale unfold on a grand cinema screen. Regrettably, just like every other movie on this list, it’s advisable to catch this movie now in Max’s streaming wilderness rather than risk missing out on it altogether.
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2024-09-19 14:31