article-img

Is Poolman Movie The Biggest Floop Of The Year?

1 years ago By Movies Desk

Chris Pine, known for his acting prowess, took a leap into the director’s chair with his new movie, “Poolman,” which recently premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. Pine not only directed but also wrote, produced, and starred in this comedic take on a neo-noir mystery. However, despite assembling an impressive cast that includes Jennifer Jason Leigh, Danny DeVito, and Annette Bening, “Poolman” has failed to impress critics, garnering a dismal 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 20 reviews. In fact, the only Pine movie with a lower rating is the 2006 teen rom-com “Just My Luck,” which has a meager 14%.

“Poolman” is set in Los Angeles and revolves around a water heist, drawing inevitable comparisons to the classic “Chinatown” starring Jack Nicholson. However, it also blends comedy into the mix, aligning itself more with films like “The Nice Guys,” “Under the Silver Lake,” and the lesser-known Joe Carnahan movie “Stretch,” in which Pine had a supporting role. Critics, even in their negative reviews, often draw parallels with the Coen Brothers’ “The Big Lebowski,” but it appears that “Poolman” falls far short of reaching those cinematic heights.

The critical reception of “Poolman” has been harsh, to say the least. Michael Rechtsheffen of The Hollywood Reporter asserts that the film “goes tonally off the rails from the start and proceeds to hit bottom with excruciating momentum.” Siddhant Adlakha of IndieWire doesn’t mince words, stating that “Poolman” “will likely go down as one of the worst films to play at any major festival in recent memory.” Owen Gleiberman of Variety echoes this sentiment, declaring that “Poolman” “is not only the worst film I saw during the fall festival season but would likely be one of the worst films in any year it came out.” It’s safe to say that “Poolman” won’t be making any lists of the best thriller movies.

“Poolman” receiving such a scathing reception, it raises questions about Chris Pine’s future as a director. While some actors have successfully transitioned behind the camera, like Ben Affleck and Greta Gerwig, Pine’s debut has not been auspicious. Chris Evans, for example, directed “Before We Go” in 2014, which holds a 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. For Pine, it might be wise to reconsider his directorial endeavors and focus on his acting career.

The failure of “Poolman” is not just a setback for Chris Pine but also indicative of the evolving film industry. Audiences are becoming more discerning, relying on reviews and word-of-mouth before deciding what to watch. Moreover, the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu has given viewers more choices, making it challenging for traditional studios to compete.

“Poolman” stands out as one of the biggest flops of 2023, signaling the changing dynamics of the film industry. Chris Pine’s bold venture into directing, coupled with the film’s poor critical reception, suggests that his talents might be better suited to acting. As the industry continues to evolve, it becomes clear that success is no longer guaranteed, and filmmakers must navigate a more competitive and discerning landscape.

More Recommendations
Unlock a World of Endless Discoveries: Your Personalized Recommendation Engine
article-image

Ever since the announcement of Johnny Depp not returning for Pirates of the Caribbean 6, fans have been extremely disappointed…. Read More

1 years ago Movies Desk
article-image

Ladies and gentlemen, pop culture aficionados, and box office enthusiasts gather ’round because we’ve got some electrifying news fresh off… Read More

1 years ago Movies Desk
article-image

The sudden and tragic passing of Matthew Perry, renowned for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in the beloved TV… Read More

1 years ago Movies Desk
article-image

Netflix is set to premiere the highly-anticipated fourth season of “Sex Education” on September 21. This season marks the conclusion… Read More

1 years ago Movies Desk
article-image

Jennifer Lawrence has always been in the spotlight, but recently, it’s not just her talent that’s making headlines. The internet… Read More

1 years ago Neil Ross
article-image

Get ready for the ultimate dose of hilariously provocative and informative entertainment, as “Sex Education” returns for its highly anticipated… Read More

1 years ago Movies Desk
Stories Going Viral
Unleashing the Power of Stories
article-image

The highly anticipated superhero movie Blue Beetle is finally here! The movie stars Xolo Maridueña as Jaime Reyes, a teenager… Read More

1 years ago Neil Ross
article-image

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky: New Parents (Again)! Breaking News: Rihanna and A$AP Rocky are oozing love, joy, and parental bliss… Read More

1 years ago Movies Desk
article-image

In the vibrant world of K-pop, where new groups continuously paint the musical canvas with exciting concepts and addictive albums,… Read More

11 months ago Neil Ross
article-image

In the vast expanse of sci-fi cinema, Zack Snyder’s latest venture, ‘Rebel Moon Part One: A Child of Fire,’ attempts… Read More

11 months ago Neil Ross
article-image

1. 3 Papas (2017)In “3 Papas,” viewers are introduced to three single fathers who find themselves unexpectedly tasked with raising… Read More

9 months ago Neil Ross
article-image

Amber Heard, a prominent actress in the Hollywood industry, has experienced the intricate dynamics of fame, as her journey in… Read More

1 years ago Movies Desk
Join Our Exclusive Newsletter and Stay in the Loop!