Mel Gibson’s Action Thriller ‘Hot Seat’ Tops Free Streaming Platform

by

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge the enduring appeal of Mel Gibson, an Oscar-winning actor whose controversial reputation precedes him. Despite facing backlash for his past struggles with alcohol and various controversies such as antisemitic remarks, homophobic comments, and a domestic violence-related restraining order, he continues to captivate audiences. His 2022 action thriller has been dominating free streaming platforms, showcasing that even in the face of adversity, his magnetic screen presence remains undiminished. Recently, he was appointed as a “Special Ambassador” for Hollywood by former President Donald Trump, which only adds to the intrigue surrounding this complex figure. It seems that, even when it’s free, audiences can’t resist Gibson’s allure on the silver screen.

Under the guidance of director and producer James Cullen Bressack, and featuring Kevin Dillon, Shannen Doherty, Michael Welch, along with Gibson, the action-packed thriller titled “Hot Seat” currently ranks number one on the free streaming platform Freevee. This gripping story follows an unidentified villain who places a bomb beneath the seat of a former hacker, compelling him to infiltrate several high-level financial institutions. For a detailed overview of the plot, you can read the official synopsis for “Hot Seat” provided below.

“Oscar-winner Mel Gibson brings this explosive cyber-thriller to life. The action begins as IT expert Friar (Kevin Dillon, Poseidon) finds a hair-trigger bomb strapped to his desk chair. An unseen hacker orders him to steal digital funds online–or have his daughter abducted. As a fearless bomb expert (Gibson) arrives on the scene, the hacker frames Friar as the bomber. The tension mounts as Friar races to clear his name and expose the real terrorist–without getting himself blown to smithereens.”

Things Fared Better for Director James Cullen Bressack When He Joined Forces With Jean-Claude Van Damme

Initially, “Hot Seat” was met with harsh criticism upon its release, with a dismal rating of only 11% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and 16% from audiences on the Popcornmeter. Terry Staunton of Radio Times found Gibson’s performance lackluster, describing it as “sleepwalking” through an underdeveloped role that seemed like a rushed attempt to cash in. Avi Offer of NYC Movie Guru was even more scathing, labeling the movie as “inert, inane, and inept,” going so far as to say that its dullness made Liam Neeson’s recent films appear brilliant in comparison.

It’s fortunate that director James Cullen Bressack had better luck when he teamed up with another Hollywood legend, directing the action thriller “Darkness of Man” starring Jean-Claude Van Damme last year. This film depicts Van Damme utilizing his unique skills as Russell Hatch, a former Interpol operative, protecting Jayden, the son of an informant, from ruthless gangs involved in a citywide turf war in Los Angeles. Joining Van Damme in “Darkness of Man” are Shannen Doherty, Kristanna Loken, Spencer Breslin, Emerson Min, and Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones. The movie received a commendable 63% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

Read More

2025-03-06 18:10