Panned ‘Double Impact’ Beats ‘Mechanic: Resurrection’ on Tubi’s Free Streaming Chart

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As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of action movies, I can confidently say that the resurgence of “Double Impact” and “Mechanic: Resurrection” on Tubi this New Year is a testament to the enduring appeal of mindless brutality and muscle-bound heroes. Growing up, these types of films were my go-to when I needed a break from reality, and it seems that they continue to resonate with audiences today.

The fact that two movies panned by critics can become the most-watched on Tubi is proof positive that action is still king on free streaming platforms. It’s like the saying goes: “When life gives you lemons, make a martial arts movie and watch it get watched.”

I remember watching “Double Impact” back in the day, and I have to admit that the Van Damme on Van Damme fight scene was pretty cool, even if the rest of the movie wasn’t exactly groundbreaking. And let’s not forget about Jason Statham’s “Mechanic: Resurrection,” which I found to be a fun romp with just the right amount of explosions and car chases.

Now that both movies have found new life on Tubi, I can’t wait to rewatch them again, this time with a fresh perspective and a warm cup of coffee in hand. Who knows, maybe I’ll even catch some Van Damme shirtless scenes while I’m at it!

On a lighter note, I wonder if the two films will start a trend of panned action movies making a comeback on streaming platforms. If so, I might just have to start a petition for “The Expendables 4” to be added to the Tubi library. After all, you can’t keep a good action movie down!

It appears that two poorly-received action movies have outperformed one such film this New Year, with “The Muscles from Brussels’ 1991 action thriller” becoming the most-watched movie on streaming platforms, edging out another surge in viewings for Statham’s sequel. As we move into 2025, this trend suggests that action movies remain popular on free streaming services, much like they have been for quite some time.

12 days ago, “Double Impact” made its debut on Tubi. During the holiday season, it remained relatively quiet, but as January 1 approached, it began to climb up the charts steadily. Jason Statham’s follow-up to “The Mechanic” has been particularly noteworthy, as it has been available for nearly a month now and frequently challenges the top positions on Tubi’s chart.

In the coming days, it’s possible that the high-octane action films could switch spots, but starting January 1st, an abundance of new movies joined Tubi’s collection, offering viewers a plethora of exciting options for a thrilling winter night. Fans have been quickly drawn to various newly released titles, with several from Jean-Claude Van Damme’s extensive filmography being among them.

‘Double Impact’ & ‘Mechanic: Resurrection’ Make Great Bedfellows

Regardless of the three decades separating them, “Double Impact” from 1991 and “Mechanic: Resurrection” from 2016 make an enjoyable pair for those seeking a couple of hours filled with muscular heroes (or more if you count Van Damme’s dual character) dishing out justice in a fun manner. Critics didn’t favor either film, but audiences keep returning for the unabashed violence these stars deliver on screen.

In “Double Impact,” Jean-Claude Van Damme portrays both Chad and Alex Wagner, brothers reunited after 25 years following their father’s death at the hands of crime boss Raymond Zhang (Philip Chan Yan Kin). The brothers set out to avenge their father, but they find that their distinct personalities may prove to be a hindrance in their joint mission.

The film from that decade, featuring Van Damme, is particularly notable due to its unique fight scene involving Van Damme battling himself. However, it didn’t achieve great commercial success despite this, managing only to double its initial $15 million budget and become a box office hit. Critics on Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 33% rating, while audiences were slightly more favorable with a 43% score.

In “Mechanic: Resurrection”, Jason Statham once again appeared alongside Jessica Alba, continuing their on-screen partnership as predicted if you’ve watched the initial film. Playing the character of Arthur Bishop, a retired master assassin, Statham slips back into his deadly mindset when his girlfriend (Alba) is abducted by an old foe. Unable to complete the assignment that could secure her release, Bishop embarks on a mission to eliminate those who compelled him to return to the dangerous world he had abandoned.

In much the same way as Van Damme’s film “Mechanic: Resurrection” reflected in its evaluation, it garnered a 31% rating on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer and 40% on Popcornmeter. At the box office, the movie generated $120 million from an initial investment of $40 million, indicating that they were almost equivalent in every aspect. This doesn’t appear to be a barrier for fans to distinguish them on platforms like Tubi, and their continued success serves as evidence – should it be required – that you simply can’t suppress either a good or bad action movie from finding an audience.

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2025-01-01 21:31