January has become a notable month for movies that give us a break from the glitz of award season. Instead of dramas meant for accolades, we’re seeing big action films featuring stars like Gerard Butler and Jason Statham. This year, films like “Greenland 2” and Statham’s upcoming “Shelter” are already making waves. Meanwhile, Oscar winners Ben Affleck and Matt Damon find themselves making a splash, but only on streaming platforms.
In a different era, a movie with flashy action and big names like “The Rip” would likely dominate theaters this weekend. Instead, it’s debuting on Netflix. The film, reportedly costing around $100 million, is an unusual high-budget project for a non-franchise, R-rated film. Netflix even adjusted its pay structure to let Affleck and Damon share profits with the cast and crew. This model rewards everyone involved if the movie performs well, a valuable incentive for creators.
Directed by Joe Carnahan, “The Rip” is reminiscent of his earlier works, like “Narc” and “The Grey.” Carnahan earned a reputation for gritty and engaging stories. In recent years, however, mainstream success has eluded him, perhaps due to changing industry standards. With “The Rip,” he gets a chance to showcase his action filmmaking skills again, even if it feels like a throwback to the early 2000s.
The film centers around Miami officers searching for a hidden stash of over $20 million in a suburban house, led by Damon and Affleck. Alongside them are talented actors like Teyana Taylor, Steven Yeun, and Catalina Sandino Moreno. Their task isn’t simple: they must navigate trust issues among the crew as they try to secure the money.
While Damon and Affleck’s chemistry remains enjoyable, their character roles might not fully match the depth they usually deliver. And, even with the strong setup, the female characters sometimes feel sidelined. However, the movie still carries an energetic feel, making it a fun watch for a casual movie night.
Interestingly, a recent survey found that streaming services are now the go-to for most movie viewers. In fact, 63% of audiences prefer watching films at home rather than theaters. This reflects a broader trend where viewers are looking for convenience over the big-screen experience.
In this changing landscape of movie-making, “The Rip” may just embody the blend of nostalgia and new-age storytelling for a modern audience, offering thrills without the need for cinematic prestige.
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