Here’s a captivating introduction for the article: “Get ready to strap yourselves in and buckle up, folks! Netflix has just dropped its latest action-thriller, and it’s sending shockwaves through the streaming world. The new movie has skyrocketed to the top of the charts, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats and begging for more. With heart-pumping action sequences, heart-stopping twists, and a plot that’s as unpredictable as a rollercoaster ride, this explosive new film is the perfect antidote to a drab week. But what makes it tick? And what sets it apart from the sea of other action flicks out there? In this article, we’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of Netflix’s newest No. 1 movie, and reveal why it’s the must-watch of the season. So, if you’re ready to experience the thrill of the unknown and the rush of adrenaline, then fasten your seatbelts and join us on this wild
The Explosive New Action-Thriller on Netflix: Aftermath Review
A Quick Glimpse into the Plot: “Aftermath” Explained
Netflix looks to have added yet another buzzy action thriller to their library. The new movie in question is “Aftermath”, which sees Dylan Sprouse taking on the action hero mantle in a hostage situation. “Aftermath” only arrived on the streaming service just a couple of days ago (on Feb. 10), but in just a short space of time, it’s already managed to claim the No. 1 spot from Amy Schumer’s new R-rated comedy, “Kinda Pregnant”. Patrick Lussier’s “Aftermath” sees former Army Ranger Corporal Eric Daniels (Dylan Sprouse) and his sister trapped in a hostage situation. On their way to the movies, Eric and Maddie (Megan Stott) drive onto gridlock traffic on Boston’s Tobin Memorial Bridge. While they’re worried about making their showing, the pair soon find they’ve got bigger problems. A terrorist group — led by Captain Jimmy ‘Romeo’ Roken (Mason Gooding) — blows a section of the bridge and takes everyone stuck on it hostage while hunting for a high-profile prisoner. The group proves they’re armed and dangerous when they start executing hostages to get what they want, prompting Eric to put his training into practice to ensure everyone can get home safely.
The Cast: Who’s Shining in “Aftermath”?
In addition to Sprouse, Stott, and Gooding, “Aftermath” also stars Dichen Lachman, Derek K. Moore, Mark Pettograsso, Will Lyman, Nick Apostolides, Kevin Chapman, and Jason Armani Martinez.
The Reception: What’s the Verdict on “Aftermath”?
Unless you’ve exhausted all the great action movies available on Netflix, I wouldn’t recommend watching “Aftermath.” The best way I can summarize why is that “Aftermath” is simply trying too hard to be a tense action thriller. Alas, the script’s not strong enough to support something this “serious” in tone, filled as it is with constant f-bombs, hammy turns of phrase, and the most obvious story beats you can imagine. Mason Gooding is the best of the cast; watching his zealous terror cell leader grow increasingly erratic as he scrabbles to keep control of the situation is at least somewhat entertaining. Nevertheless, his campy Captain isn’t going to go down in movie history as a must-see action villain, and Dylan Sprouse’s bland veteran is just too generic to make for a compelling hero. Throw in some ropey visual effects, and an intrusive “epic” score, and you’re left with a movie that’s neither a tense hostage thriller nor a blast of schlocky, B-movie action. I’m no action snob, either — I love a Jason Statham movie as much as the next person — but “Aftermatch” just doesn’t have much to offer.
Viewers’ Reactions: What Do the Ratings Say?
At the time of writing, “Aftermath” hasn’t garnered a ton of interest from movie critics, and it is yet to earn a rating on the review aggregate site, Rotten Tomatoes. However, if you take a look at the handful of viewer ratings that are on the site, you’ll see that the majority of viewers haven’t exactly been kind to “Aftermath”, either. One user summed the entire movie up as “really, really bad”, and said they “wish[ed] I could have that time back”, with a third rather damningly branding “Aftermath” “the absolute worst movie I’ve ever seen.”
Alternatives: What to Watch Instead of “Aftermath”
If you’d like to see what’s in store and make up your own mind, you can stream “Aftermath” on Netflix now. But if you’ve now been put off streaming “Aftermath”, and need to find a new film for your next movie night, we can still help. For more streaming recommendations, check out our round-up of the best Netflix action movies on Morningpicker.
The Wait for Squid Game Season 2: Finding Alternatives
The Long Wait: How Fans Are Coping with the Delay
The wait for the next installment in a favorite TV show can be agonizing, and that’s very much how I’m feeling about Squid Game season 2 right now. Sure, Netflix has confirmed the show will return for a second season (like there was ever any doubt) and might even get some spin-off shows (unnecessary in my opinion), but these are likely several years away at best, which is bumming me out. Last year I got seriously swept up in Squid Game fever. As soon as I finished the series for the first time, I was scouring the internet for Squid Game merch and have since rewatched the entirety of season one a couple of times.
Alice in Borderland: A Surprising New Favorite
Of course, there is only so many times you can rewatch the same collection of episodes before you start to crave something new, and that’s the point I reached a few weeks ago. After bouncing off a handful of TV shows that didn’t quite fill my Squid Games void, I have finally found another Netflix original series that is hitting the same spot: Alice in Borderland. Here’s how it’s helping to make the long wait for the return to the Squid Game universe a little more bearable. (Oh, and my editor tells me All of Us Are Dead may be Netflix’s next Squid Game-like show).
Alice in Borderland and Squid Game Have Plenty in Common
The elevator pitches for Alice in Borderland and Squid Game are remarkably similar. The two series both focus on groups of people competing in simple, but extremely deadly, games, and are most definitely not for the squeamish. Based on a Japanese manga of the same name, Alice in Borderland sees three young friends mysteriously transported to a seemingly abandoned Tokyo and forced to compete in various games in order to top up their digital visas — let your visas expire and it’s game over. Much like in Squid Game, the games in Alice in Borderland are simplistic in nature. The first game the trio must complete involves picking between two doors, one leads to safety the other a fiery inferno, the second is a twisted version of the children’s game tag and the third is essentially hide and seek but with explosive neck collars. Another similarity the shows share is the conflict between comradery and survival. Squid Game saw lead character Seong Gi-hun build an alliance with other several players, which resulted in friction and difficult decisions in later episodes, the same sort of conflict be seen in Alice in Borderland. The show focuses on three friends who must simultaneously rely on each other while also being aware that their own survival might come at the cost of their friends.
There’s More Alice in Borderland and Squid Game to Come
Naturally, the shows aren’t identical. For starters, Alice in Borderland has some significant sci-fi elements, including laser beams that shoot from the sky to eliminated competitors, and there’s no cash prize for the victor here, just the reward of surviving long enough to face another game. Alice in Borderland also takes a pretty significant left turn in its second half. I won’t go into spoilers here, but it’s been pretty divisive among viewers. If you enjoyed Squid Game I’d say there’s a pretty strong chance you’ll also appreciate Alice in Borderland. Plus, if you thought the marbles episode of Squid Game was a tough watch, watch till you see episode 3 of Alice in Borderland! There’s more Alice in Borderland and Squid Game to come (Image credit: Youngkyu Park)
Alice in Borderland actually premiered in December 2020, so I’m a little late to the party with this one. However, the show was popular enough at launch to receive a very quick renewal. Netflix greenlit a second season just two weeks after the first collection of episodes hit the platform. One of the biggest benefits of discovering a show a little late is that you don’t need to wait as long for more episodes! I’ve essentially done a year of waiting for Alice in Borderland season 2 without even knowing, whereas I’m going to have to endure every minute of the wait for Squid Games season 2.
Conclusion
safe