The Killer’s Game: Bautista’s Flop Soars on Prime Video Globally

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Typically, he attracts a large audience for his films as part of the select group of wrestling legends transitioning to Hollywood blockbusters. Yet, surprisingly, in 2024, he found himself facing one of the actors’ poorest critical receptions and disappointing box office earnings in recent times. Nevertheless, this didn’t prevent the movie from ascending to the peak of the global Prime Video chart, despite not being accessible in the U.S. yet.

Under the direction of J.J. Perry and written by Rand Ravich and James Coyne, the action comedy starring Bautista, titled “The Killer’s Game“, delivers on all the familiar elements that his audience has come to anticipate. The plot revolves around Joe Flood, a hitman portrayed by Bautista, who arranges for his own assassination upon receiving a terminal illness diagnosis from a doctor. However, in an unexpected turn of events, he learns that he was mistakenly diagnosed, and though he tries to cancel the hit, it seems he has set in motion his own demise. As Flood navigates through his highly-skilled associates to survive, numerous intense confrontations between these assassins and their targets unfold, making for an action-packed storyline.

The movie made a dull thud instead of an impressive explosion in theaters. Even though Bautista seemed to be utilizing his skills optimally, the film’s opening weekend earnings were disappointingly low for the actor, amounting to only $2.6 million. This underperformance placed it below the crime thriller “Hotel Artemis,” which had previously held an unimpressive record with its debut of $3.6 million.

‘The Killer’s Game’ Pleased Audiences Much More than Critics

1. Action films are constantly flooding cinemas in abundance, being a genre that generally satisfies viewers despite its predictable and formulaic storylines. However, Bautista’s movie, contrary to box office returns, garnered favorable reviews from those who watched it, earning a 79% rating on the Popcornmeter at Rotten Tomatoes.

2. Action movies keep pouring into theaters in large quantities, often pleasing audiences with their familiar and convenient narratives. Yet, Bautista’s movie, surprisingly, didn’t reflect this success at the box office. Despite this, viewers who saw it had positive things to say, resulting in a 79% rating on the Popcornmeter at Rotten Tomatoes.

3. In rapid succession, action films are storming into theaters with stories that are generally reliable for entertainment, even if they’re overused and unoriginal. Yet, Bautista’s movie, surprisingly, didn’t meet this standard at the box office. However, those who watched it had mostly favorable opinions, leading to a 79% score on the Popcornmeter at Rotten Tomatoes.

4. Action films are consistently filling up theaters with stories that are often predictable and formulaic, but still manage to keep viewers entertained. However, Bautista’s movie didn’t match this success at the box office. Nonetheless, those who saw it had positive feedback, giving it a 79% rating on the Popcornmeter at Rotten Tomatoes.

Many viewers who assessed “The Killer’s Game” found that Bautista’s intense commitment to the action sequences made up for a less impressive script and criticisms about CGI blood being a distraction. Some reviews even compared the film to the John Wick movies starring Keanu Reeves, but on steroids. The movie’s success in resonating with audiences is what has now propelled it to the top of the streaming charts on its international release, which is fortunate because critics were not as enamored by this addition to Bautista’s expanding filmography.

The Killer’s Game” garnered a 47% Tomatometer rating, with critics generally stating, “[It] manages to stand out by featuring Dave Bautista in a romantic role, but this lukewarm hitman comedy doesn’t offer much in terms of innovative plot twists.” Despite the mixed reviews, there was widespread agreement that Bautista delivers an outstanding performance, making it worth watching for his fans on streaming platforms.

Although the movie isn’t streamable on Prime Video in the U.S. as of this moment, it can be found on Video On Demand platforms.

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2025-01-27 02:36