Matthew McConaugheys Failure to Launch Becomes Global Hit on Netflix

As a cinephile with over three decades of movie-watching experience under my belt, I must say that Failure to Launch has proven to be quite the enigma. Back in 2006, it was dismissed by critics, earning a mere 23% on Rotten Tomatoes against 151 reviews. But fast forward to today, and this very same film is streaming its way to success on Netflix, ranking No. 7 on their Global Top 10 list!

Back in 2006, the romantic comedy “Failure to Launch” struggled to earn critical acclaim, but has since found unexpected success as a streaming hit. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker, this film currently ranks No. 7 on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list (according to Tudum). During its first week among the top 10 movies, it garnered 7.8 million hours of viewership and 4.8 million views worldwide. In the U.S., you can watch it for free with ads on Pluto TV, or on Paramount+ if you’re in the States.

In 2006, the reviews for the movie “Failure to Launch” were quite harsh, earning just 23% on the Tomatometer based on 151 critic’s opinions. Similarly, according to Rotten Tomatoes, the audience didn’t seem to enjoy the collaboration between Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker as well, with the movie garnering a “rotten” 52% audience score. However, it’s debatable whether these ratings accurately represented public sentiment at that time.

Despite receiving poor ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, moviegoers who saw Failure to Launch in theaters about 20 years ago gave it an “A-” grade from CinemaScore. With a budget of just $50 million, Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker’s romantic comedy was financially successful at the box office, proving that even though critics had their reservations, the film managed to thrive.

Failure to Launch Was a Bona Fide Box Office Hit

Matthew McConaugheys Failure to Launch Becomes Global Hit on Netflix

Although critics might not place “Failure to Launch” high on Matthew McConaughey’s or Sarah Jessica Parker’s list of top performances, this 2006 romantic comedy was a box office success during its initial release. Directed by Tom Dey, the film grossed $88.7 million domestically and an additional $41.5 million internationally, totaling $130.2 million worldwide. When adjusted for inflation, “Failure to Launch” would have earned approximately $202.9 million in today’s dollars.

Reflecting on the current scene, the unexpected rom-com sensation “Anyone but You,” starring Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney, managed to rake in a staggering $219.8 million worldwide (as per The Numbers), all on a $25 million budget. If you recall, “Failure to Launch” was released nearly a decade prior, and even with a slightly higher production cost, it would still be considered a box office success today. Notably, this film came out years before Matthew McConaughey earned his Best Actor Oscar for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club.”

During that period, the movie “Failure to Launch” was debuted, following closely on the heels of some of Matthew McConaughey’s recent films like “Sahara” (2005) and his collaboration with Al Pacino in “Two for the Money.” The producers and executives at Paramount were likely aiming to capitalize on the success of McConaughey’s 2003 romantic comedy “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” starring Kate Hudson, which earned $105.8 million domestically alone. In a recent conversation with Powell, McConaughey reflected on his days in romantic comedies. And as reported by Interview Magazine, the “Failure to Launch” actor expressed:

“I’ve often chosen to go against the flow when it seemed like Hollywood expected me to follow it. During my romantic comedy phase, I could only devote so much energy to those films, and they were successful for me. However, I wanted to explore other areas of acting. Since I wasn’t getting the opportunities I desired, I had to step away from Hollywood for two years.”
“Friend, it was quite unsettling. We had deep conversations about changing careers. Instead of sticking with my current path, I’ve been considering teaching high school subjects. I’ve also pondered over becoming a conductor. Lastly, the idea of being a wildlife guide has crossed my mind too.”

McConaughey continued (below):

I initially believed, ‘I’ve left the world of Hollywood. I departed from my prescribed path.’

In contrast to Netflix, “Failure to Launch” isn’t available for streaming in the U.S. But here’s a silver lining: You can watch Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker’s 2006 romantic comedy for free on Pluto TV currently. Additionally, you can catch “Failure to Launch” on Paramount+ as well.

Fans can also rent or buy
Failure to Launch
on most digital and VOD platforms.

2024-08-09 06:31

Failure to Launch Was a Bona Fide Box Office Hit

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