Rotten Critics Crush 'Playdate', a New Action Comedy Starring Alan Ritchson and Kevin James
The latest addition to the Prime Video streaming service has been met with scathing reviews from critics, who are panning the action comedy "Playdate" starring Reacher star Alan Ritchson and comedian Kevin James. The film's 17% "rotten" critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes is a stark reflection of its mixed reception.
The movie follows Brian (James), a recently unemployed accountant who agrees to meet up with charismatic stay-at-home dad Jeff (Ritchson) and their sons for an afternoon of small talk. However, the evening takes a chaotic turn when they are pursued by a ruthless team of mercenaries, forcing Brian to utilize his "zero tactical skills" in a desperate bid to survive.
While the film has its fans, many critics have lambasted it as a "remarkably stupid movie" that relies on dated machismo and fails to deliver genuine laughs. The AV Club's Matt Donato describes it as a "genre executioner," implying that such comedies are slowly disappearing from mainstream cinema.
However, not all reviews are negative. Fandom Wire's M.N. Miller praises Alan Ritchson's performance, calling him "absurd energy" and "surprisingly warm." Ritchson's performance is seen as the highlight of an otherwise forgettable film, with The AU Review's Peter Gray stating that it's worth watching for Ritchson's "schoolboy enthusiasm."
Despite its mixed reception, "Playdate" may still find an audience among those looking for a lighthearted action comedy. With its cast, including Sarah Chalke and Isla Fisher, the film has some potential for entertainment value. However, it seems that critics are largely divided on its merits.
As with many new releases, opinions on "Playdate" will continue to evolve over time, but for now, it's clear that this action comedy is not living up to expectations.
The latest addition to the Prime Video streaming service has been met with scathing reviews from critics, who are panning the action comedy "Playdate" starring Reacher star Alan Ritchson and comedian Kevin James. The film's 17% "rotten" critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes is a stark reflection of its mixed reception.
The movie follows Brian (James), a recently unemployed accountant who agrees to meet up with charismatic stay-at-home dad Jeff (Ritchson) and their sons for an afternoon of small talk. However, the evening takes a chaotic turn when they are pursued by a ruthless team of mercenaries, forcing Brian to utilize his "zero tactical skills" in a desperate bid to survive.
While the film has its fans, many critics have lambasted it as a "remarkably stupid movie" that relies on dated machismo and fails to deliver genuine laughs. The AV Club's Matt Donato describes it as a "genre executioner," implying that such comedies are slowly disappearing from mainstream cinema.
However, not all reviews are negative. Fandom Wire's M.N. Miller praises Alan Ritchson's performance, calling him "absurd energy" and "surprisingly warm." Ritchson's performance is seen as the highlight of an otherwise forgettable film, with The AU Review's Peter Gray stating that it's worth watching for Ritchson's "schoolboy enthusiasm."
Despite its mixed reception, "Playdate" may still find an audience among those looking for a lighthearted action comedy. With its cast, including Sarah Chalke and Isla Fisher, the film has some potential for entertainment value. However, it seems that critics are largely divided on its merits.
As with many new releases, opinions on "Playdate" will continue to evolve over time, but for now, it's clear that this action comedy is not living up to expectations.
I mean, come on guys, give the movie some space! It's not like they went in expecting a masterpiece 
and then got one 
. Alan Ritchson is definitely shining bright in "Playdate", his energy is infectious 
. And let's be real, Kevin James can still bring the laughs, even if it's not every single joke 
. It's just not every movie needs to be a critical hit, you know? Some people just wanna sit back and enjoy a fun, lighthearted flick without too much thinking 
. And who knows, maybe with time some more people will come around and appreciate it 
.
. I mean, Alan Ritchson's performance being the only redeeming quality 
could make me wanna watch it just to see him shine on screen 
. But overall, 17% is pretty brutal even for a bad movie 
. Like, have you seen the cast? They're all big names, but what's up with Alan Ritchson being the only one who's actually trying 
. And don't even get me started on that Rotten Tomatoes score - 17%?! That's like, a secret society warning sign 
. I mean, I've seen more convincing reviews from my aunt at family gatherings 
, I mean, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned buddy cop movie with plenty of explosions and cheesy one-liners? But seriously, I did enjoy Alan Ritchson's performance in this flick - he's got that whole "absurd energy" thing down pat 
. The real question is, will the average viewer be able to look past the film's flaws and just have a good time? I'm rooting for it, mostly because Kevin James is always funny 
. The plot was all over the place and the jokes fell flat... like, literally 
. Alan Ritchson's energy is always a plus, but even that couldn't save this mess from itself. It feels like they're trying to cash in on the whole 'dad comedies' thing without putting any actual effort into making it funny 
. And don't even get me started on the mercenaries... like what, are they just kinda there to make things loud and chaotic? No thanks! 
. I think some of the reviews are just way too mean-spirited though. Like, Matt Donato says it's a "genre executioner" 
.
idk its defently not a win for me but hey if u r into dat kinda thing go watch it 
Alan Ritchson is hella funny and charismatic, and Kevin James isn't too shabby either 
I mean, Alan Ritchson and Kevin James together? Sounds like a recipe for laughs, right? But then the reviews came out and it was all over the place 
. Some people loved it, but others thought it was a total mess 
. Still, I guess if you're lookin' for somethin' light to watch while you're scrollin' through Instagram, this might do the trick 
maybe it's one of those films where it's so bad it's good? i'm still gonna give it a try, but i'm not holding my breath 
. if ritchson can carry the film like fandom wire said, then maybe we got something here 
. what do you guys think about playdate? should i give it a shot? 
they must be devastated by all these harsh reviews 
alan ritchson is like literally the only bright spot in this movie 
he's got that amazing energy and charisma that just makes you wanna watch him 
kevin james just can't seem to catch a break right now 
but hey, i guess that's just how it goes sometimes... you gotta take the good with the bad. maybe people will come around and give playdate another chance 