## From Critical Bomb to Streaming Sensation: When a Panned Heist Movie Became a Netflix Hit
Remember that action flick everyone seemed to hate? The one with the clunky plot, predictable twists, and over-the-top violence? Well, it turns out some critics missed the mark.
This isn’t just another “guilty pleasure” movie. This is a story about a film written by the creative minds behind blockbuster hits like “Taken” and “The Equalizer,” a movie that was savaged by reviewers yet somehow found an unexpected audience on Netflix.

The Rise of Renegades
In a surprising turn of events, the 2017 action heist movie Renegades, written by Luc Besson and Richard Wenk and directed by Steven Quale, has found new life on Netflix, rising to the second spot in the platform’s top 10 in the U.S.
From Box Office Flop to Netflix Sensation
Initially panned by critics, Renegades has defied expectations, proving that even a movie with a “rotten” score of 11% on Rotten Tomatoes can still find an audience. The film’s success on Netflix is a testament to the power of streaming platforms in giving new life to old movies.
The Movie That Defied Critics
Despite its poor critical reception, Renegades has won over audiences with its unique blend of action, adventure, and heist elements. The movie’s cast, including J.K. Simmons, Sullivan Stapleton, and Charlie Bewley, has also been praised for their performances.
A Second Chance at Stardom
The film’s newfound success on Netflix has given the cast, particularly J.K. Simmons, a fresh opportunity to shine. Simmons’ tough, no-nonsense performance in the film has been praised by fans and critics alike, cementing his status as a beloved action hero.
Behind the Scenes of Renegades
The Dream Team Behind the Movie
The talented team behind Renegades includes writers Luc Besson and Richard Wenk, known for their work on Taken and The Equalizer, respectively, and director Steven Quale, who has worked on films like Final Destination 5 and Avatar.
The Making of an Action-Packed Blockbuster
The film’s production was marked by a focus on creating thrilling action sequences, with the cast and crew working together to bring the story to life. From the script to the screen, the team’s dedication to creating an entertaining movie is evident.
From Script to Screen
The writers and director of Renegades worked closely together to bring the story to life, combining their expertise to create a movie that is both action-packed and engaging.
What the Critics Said (and Why They Were Wrong)
The Scathing Reviews
Critics were quick to pan Renegades, with many reviews criticizing the film’s perceived “Ugly Americanism” and lack of seasoning. Simon Abrams of RogerEbert.com called the film “tiresome,” while Dennis Harvey of Variety described it as “dumb” and “hollow.”
The Critics’ Complaints
Many critics took issue with the film’s approach, saying it was trying too hard to be a “slick” and “high-concept” genre hybrid. Ben Kenigsberg of The New York Times added that the film needed more “seasoning” to balance out its “meatheadeness.”
The One Thing They Got Right
Despite the negative reviews, some critics, like Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian, praised J.K. Simmons’ performance, saying he brought “ballast” to the film.
The Netflix Effect
How Streaming Platforms Are Changing the Game
The success of Renegades on Netflix is just one example of how streaming platforms are giving new life to old movies. By providing a platform for movies to reach new audiences, Netflix and other streaming services are changing the way we consume entertainment.
The Power of Binge-Watching
The rise of binge-watching has led to a shift in the way we consume entertainment, with many viewers opting for easy-to-digest content that can be devoured in one sitting. Renegades’ success on Netflix is proof that audiences are hungry for action-packed, easy-to-consume content.
The Future of Action Movies on Netflix
The success of Renegades on Netflix has implications for the future of action movies on the platform. As more and more movies find new life on streaming services, we can expect to see a shift in the way action movies are marketed and consumed.
What Fans Love About Renegades
The Action Hero We’ve Been Waiting For
Fans are loving J.K. Simmons’ tough, no-nonsense performance in Renegades, praising his ability to bring depth and nuance to the role.
The Perfect Blend of Action and Adventure
The unique blend of action, adventure, and heist elements in Renegades has won over audiences, who are praising the film’s ability to balance action and entertainment.
The Guilty Pleasure Factor
Fans are embracing Renegades as a fun, mindless action movie that’s perfect for a night in. The film’s success on Netflix is proof that sometimes, all we need is a good dose of action and adventure to satisfy our cravings.
Conclusion
The Unlikely Rise of a Panned Action Heist Movie: A Netflix Success Story
In a shocking turn of events, a movie once panned by critics has found unexpected success on Netflix, thanks in part to the writing prowess of Robert Mark Kamen and Richard Wenk, the minds behind ‘Taken’ and ‘The Equalizer’ franchises. The article on MovieWeb highlights the film’s underdog journey, from being trashed by critics to becoming a surprise hit on the streaming giant. Key points from the article reveal that despite initial negative reviews, the movie’s action-packed plot, gripping storyline, and well-executed heist sequences resonated with viewers, leading to a significant increase in ratings and a loyal fan base.
The significance of this story lies in the fact that it challenges the conventional wisdom of film criticism and the power of social media. The movie’s initial negative reviews were largely based on subjective opinions, whereas the audience’s response showed a different story. This phenomenon raises questions about the reliability of film criticism and the importance of considering multiple perspectives. Moreover, the success of this movie on Netflix highlights the platform’s ability to give a second chance to films that might have otherwise been forgotten. This has significant implications for the film industry, as it opens up new opportunities for overlooked movies to find an audience.
As we move forward in the world of entertainment, it will be interesting to see how this trend continues to shape the industry. Will we see more movies being given a second chance on streaming platforms? How will this impact the way films are marketed and received by audiences? One thing is certain: the success of this panned action heist movie serves as a reminder that there’s often more to a film than meets the eye. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of entertainment, one thing is clear: the power of storytelling remains as strong as ever.