‘Classified’ is Streaming Hit on Paramount+ Despite 0% Rotten Tomatoes Score

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As a film enthusiast, I must admit that “Top Gun: Maverick” is currently making waves on Paramount+. However, the action-packed flick starring Chris Pratt and Tom Cruise has left many of us, including me, quite disappointed. In an unexpected twist for the streaming universe, the recently released “Classified” seems to be one among several movies that have received nothing but negative reviews. Remarkably, it’s garnering more attention than critically acclaimed films like “A Quiet Place: Day One.

Modern action films are being churned out rapidly, and there’s a solid explanation for this trend – they consistently attract large crowds. “Classified” is a prime example, boasting two popular actors, Eckhart and Roth, in the leading roles. However, despite this star power, the movie has thus far received a dismal 0% rating from critics and a disappointing 7% approval from audiences. The plot of “Classified” is summarized as follows:

For over two decades, a lone CIA assassin (Aaron Eckhart) disguised his agency connections by responding to job listings in newspapers for his assignments. However, an unexpected twist unfolds when his estranged daughter (Abigail Breslin), currently an MI6 analyst in the UK, locates him. She brings startling news that his superior (Tim Roth) at the CIA has been deceased for years and the division no longer exists. Joined together, they embark on a journey to uncover who’s been issuing the orders he’s been following.

Why is ‘Classified’ Being Panned?

The film, titled “Classified”, seems to be another movie that has found its place in the expanding collection of films disliked by many, yet still watched by thousands. This production offers a routine contribution to the action genre, overflowing with familiar clichés and storylines that have continued to attract audiences for numerous decades.

A brief examination of the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes reveals recurring criticisms often leveled at action films – weak dialogue, flat villains, and a confusing, melodramatic storyline. Yet, Classified‘s problems appear to run more profound than usual. Typically, an action movie can be salvaged by providing thrilling, well-executed fight scenes. However, Classified lacks even that element. As MovieWeb’s Mark Keizer observed:

An abundance of action thriller tropes, slow-paced combat sequences, uninteresting gunfights, and an inappropriate casting choice for Abigail Breslin.”

Or more casually:

“This movie is filled with action thriller stereotypes, lackluster fight scenes, boring shootouts, and it seems like Abigail Breslin wasn’t the best fit for her role.

Emilie Black from Cinema Crazed expressed no further praise, labeling the movie “Classified” as one that seemed to have no aspirations or purpose beyond simply being a film. On the other hand, Leslie Fleperin of The Observer criticized the dialogue in the film as the primary reason for their unfavorable review.

On the movie review site Letterboxd, a particular review succinctly captured why these films often perform well upon their arrival on a streaming service. In a less than favorable review (half-star rating) by user Eggus, they expressed:

“On Letterboxd, an insightful review highlighted why these movies consistently succeed when they make it to a streaming platform. User Eggus, who gave the film a modest rating of half a star, articulated their thoughts as follows:

I watch what’s conveniently streamed. I find Aaron Eckhart unimpressive as an action lead. While director Roel Reiné deserves some recognition for his efforts, in the era of direct-to-video action where cheap CGI effects are used excessively, the action lacks punch, much like a soundless fart.

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2025-01-12 16:31