Jason Statham’s ‘London’ Bombs with a Shocking 14% on Rotten Tomatoes!

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Despite being known for high-octane action films filled with explosions, violence, and gunplay, Jason Statham chose to explore a different genre in 2005 by starring in the romantic drama “London.” In this lesser-known film from the 2000s, Statham played a heartbroken man who turns to drugs and alcohol to cope with a painful breakup. As he learns that his ex is moving away with her new partner, he decides to make one last effort to win her back. He was joined in this endeavor by Chris Evans and Jessica Biel.

The film “London” features Jason Statham playing the role of a banker and drug dealer who develops a friendship with a character played by Evans, who is going through a difficult time in love. Throughout the romantic drama, they spend a wild, hedonistic night together and embark on a journey of self-discovery. The movie, however, was met with negative reviews from critics and audiences upon its release, despite Statham’s attempt to demonstrate his versatility by venturing into a new genre. Let’s delve deeper into “London,” which happens to be Statham’s only romance film in his career thus far.

Statham Goes Against Type in Little Known Romantic Drama

Jason Statham, renowned for his action roles, has built an impressive and awe-inspiring portfolio over more than two decades in Hollywood. Fans accustomed to watching him vanquish dangerous foes and display his remarkable athleticism and fighting skills might be astonished to discover that he momentarily departed from the action genre in 2005, taking on the lead role in the romantic drama “London”. This lesser-known film co-starred Chris Evans and Jessica Biel.

In a heartfelt and introspective scene, heartbroken Syd (Evans) is stuck in a rut six months after his girlfriend, London (Biel), ended their relationship. He’s turned to substance abuse as a means to deal with his pain and anger. When Syd discovers that London is moving to California with her new partner, he makes a reckless decision: crashing her farewell party with the enigmatic banker and drug dealer Bateman (Statham). Throughout the night, as they grow more intoxicated, these two strangers engage in deep conversations about existence, affection, and females. As the evening progresses, Syd gathers courage to express his feelings to London, hoping for some resolution.

London Crashes & Burns with Critics & Audiences

It came as a shock for Jason Statham’s action fans when he took on a supporting role in a romantic drama, but it was equally refreshing for him to experiment with a more sensitive, introspective performance. The movie “London,” which premiered in the U.S. on February 10, 2006, turned out to be a commercial and critical failure. It earned a mere $20,361 at the box office and received a dismal 14% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics criticizing its unlikeable characters, poorly written script, and dull storyline.

Roger Ebert, in his critique, awarded London only one out of four stars; however, he did acknowledge the captivating camaraderie and performances of Chris Evans and Jason Statham, expressing in his review that they possess “a verbal agility and vitality” that propels the film through its 92-minute duration. The general audience was more forgiving of this romantic drama than critics, bestowing it with a 60% score on the Popcornmeter and an IMDb rating of 6.3 based on around 25,000 user reviews. Many viewers appreciated its exploration of anxiety, love, and relationships and admired Statham for venturing into a fresh, unanticipated genre.

As a cinephile, I must admit that the release of “London” wasn’t exactly a triumph for the silver screen, but the movie’s lackluster reception didn’t hinder the extraordinary talents of its leads. Jason Statham, ever resilient, would continue to shine, carving out a niche for himself as an iconic leading man in action thrillers. He gracefully returned to his roots, starring in blockbusters like “The Mechanic,” “Spy,” “Wrath of Man,” and both the “Expendables” and “Fast & Furious” franchises, solidifying his place among Hollywood’s most electrifying and captivating personalities. Interestingly, “London” remains the only romance film in Statham’s illustrious career, and his performance serves as a testament to the multifaceted actor he is – far more than just an action legend.

Evans likewise didn’t fare poorly following his role in the critically panned film. Instead, he soared to superstardom and became a cherished figure of the Marvel Cinematic Universe when he started portraying Steve Rogers, also known as Captain America, from 2011’s “Captain America: The First Avenger” all the way up until 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.” He was also a memorable presence in films such as “Knives Out,” “Lightyear,” “The Gray Man,” and “Deadpool & Wolverine,” just like Statham, and much like him, has continued to be one of the most captivating and attractive performers in the industry. His talent has only grown over the past 20 years since the release of the underwhelming film “London.

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2025-02-15 04:31