“Two decades after its release, the cinematic behemoth that was ‘Traffik’ – starring Michael Douglas as a high-stakes insurance adjuster caught in a deadly game of cat and mouse – is still remembered for all the wrong reasons. This execrable action flick, which promised so much more, has become an unlikely cult classic, with fans still reveling in its notorious reputation for being one of the biggest box office bombs in history. Two decades on, the film’s enduring mystique has taken on a life of its own, with Netflix finally giving it the global platform it so desperately craved. As we take a look back at what made ‘Traffik’ such a disaster, and what it portended for Michael Douglas’ post-Freddie career, we’ll explore the fascinating, if forgotten, legacy of a movie that was meant to be a blockbuster, but ended up being a box office ghost.”
From Box Office Disappointment to Netflix Hit
The Original Release and Reception

In 2006, Michael Douglas starred in the political action thriller “The Sentinel”, which was met with mixed critical reception and underperformed at the box office, grossing only $78 million against its $60 million budget. Despite the film’s initial shortcomings, it has recently found new life on Netflix, becoming a global hit 19 years after its release.

A Star-Studded Cast and Promising Premise
Directed by Clark Johnson and featuring a star-studded cast including Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria, and Kim Basinger, “The Sentinel” had all the ingredients for a successful political thriller. The film follows a veteran Secret Service agent (Douglas) who is framed for an assassination attempt on the President and must race against time to prove his innocence and uncover the true traitor within his ranks.
What Went Wrong
Despite the promising premise and strong cast, “The Sentinel” was plagued by numerous plot holes and predictable action scenes, leading to its disappointing box office performance. Critics were divided, with some praising the film’s initial potential, while others, like the BBC’s Stella Papamichael, called it “as compelling as watching the ink dry on a superfluous UN treaty.”
Rediscovery on Netflix
A New Lease on Life
In a testament to the enduring appeal of political action thrillers, “The Sentinel” has recently experienced a resurgence on Netflix, becoming a global hit 19 years after its initial release. The film ranks second on Netflix’s Global Top 10 movies for this week, with 7.9 million views and 14.2 million hours viewed, solidifying its position as a hidden gem rediscovered by audiences.
Streaming Success
The success of “The Sentinel” on Netflix highlights the growing influence of streaming platforms in changing the way we watch movies and discover new content. As traditional studios face increasing competition, streaming platforms like Netflix provide new opportunities for underappreciated films to find new audiences.
A Second Chance for Underappreciated Films
The Sentinel’s success demonstrates the value of second chances for underappreciated films, showcasing the potential of streaming platforms in reviving interest in movies that may have initially underperformed at the box office.
The Enduring Appeal of Political Action Thrillers
A Timeless Genre
Political action thrillers have remained popular with audiences due to their suspenseful explorations of corruption, assassination plots, and the investigations into government secrets. The Sentinel fits into this broader genre, offering a well-crafted thriller that resonates with viewers.
The Sentinel’s Place in the Genre
While not the best Michael Douglas movie or the strongest performance of his career, “The Sentinel” holds its own within the political action thriller genre. Its resurgence on Netflix serves as a reminder of the genre’s enduring appeal and the importance of offering a compelling story with strong characters.
Lessons for Contemporary Filmmakers
The success of “The Sentinel” on Netflix provides valuable lessons for contemporary filmmakers. By focusing on crafting engaging stories with relatable characters, filmmakers can create political action thrillers that resonate with audiences and find success on streaming platforms.
Michael Douglas’ Career and Legacy
A Long and Distinguished Career
Michael Douglas’ career spans decades, featuring notable roles in films such as “Romancing the Stone”, “Wall Street”, and “Fatal Attraction”. His performance in “The Sentinel” represents just one facet of his vers ility as an actor and his lasting impact on the film industry.
The Sentinel’s Place in His Filmography
Although “The Sentinel” wasn’t a commercial or critical success during its initial release, its recent resurgence on Netflix highlights the importance of giving underappreciated films a second chance. The film serves as a reminder of Douglas’ ability to deliver strong performances in a variety of genres.
A Lasting Impact on the Film Industry
Michael Douglas’ contributions to the film industry extend beyond his roles in individual films. His influence on future generations of actors and filmmakers serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the industry.
The Power of Streaming Platforms
Changing the Way We Watch Movies
Streaming platforms like Netflix have revolutionized the way we watch movies, providing access to a vast library of content and enabling the rediscovery of hidden gems like “The Sentinel”.
New Opportunities for Underappreciated Films
The success of “The Sentinel” on Netflix demonstrates the potential of streaming platforms to revive interest in underappreciated films and offer them a second chance at finding an audience.
The Future of Film Distribution
The rise of streaming platforms has significant implications for the future of film distribution, with traditional studios facing increased competition and the need to adapt to the evolving landscape. The success of “The Sentinel” on Netflix serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing new opportunities in film distribution and the value of giving underappreciated films a second chance at success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the remarkable resurgence of Michael Douglas’ 2003 action movie, “It Runs in the Family,” serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. Initially deemed a commercial disappointment, grossing a mere $14 million against its $78 million budget, the film has unexpectedly found new life on Netflix nearly two decades later, captivating global audiences and redefining its legacy.
This phenomenon holds significant implications for the film industry, highlighting the power of streaming platforms in reviving and recontextualizing past content. It also underscores the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of entertainment. As the lines between traditional cinematic releases and streaming exclusives continue to blur, “It Runs in the Family” sets a precedent for other underappreciated films to find new audiences and revenues through digital platforms.
As we look to the future, this unexpected turnaround serves as a beacon of hope for filmmakers, studios, and audiences alike. It reminds us that even the most seemingly forgotten projects can be reborn, offering a second chance at success and relevance. In an industry where trends and tastes are constantly shifting, “It Runs in the Family” stands as a powerful reminder that, in the world of entertainment, you’re only as good as your next comeback – and sometimes, that comeback can happen years, even decades, later.