Michael Douglas’ $78 Million Action Film Failure Transforms into Netflix Global Success Nearly Two Decades Later

Michael Douglas‘ latest action film, originally faltering with a box office collection of $78 million, has unexpectedly gained tremendous popularity on Netflix nearly two decades post-release. As the son of legendary actors Kirk Douglas and Diana Dill, Michael Douglas initially garnered attention through his role in the ABC police procedural series, The Streets of San Francisco. This performance paved the way for three successive Emmy nominations, establishing his reputation in Hollywood. Douglas later cemented his stardom with films like Romancing the Stone, while his portrayal of Gordon Gekko in Wall Street earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor.

Over the late 1980s and through the 1990s, Douglas starred in a series of iconic films, including Fatal Attraction, The War of the Roses, Basic Instinct, Falling Down, The American President, The Game, and Traffic. Despite experiencing a slump in the 2000s with titles like Don’t Say a Word, The In-Laws, and The Sentinel, his career witnessed a remarkable resurgence in the 2010s, highlighted by notable performances in Behind the Candelabra, The Kominsky Method, and his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Sentinel: A Surprising Global Netflix Hit

Current Rankings on Netflix

In a remarkable turn of events, The Sentinel has risen to global prominence on Netflix nearly 19 years after its release. Directed by Clark Johnson, the film features an impressive cast including Kiefer Sutherland, Eva Longoria, and Kim Basinger. This week, it has claimed the second spot in Netflix’s Global Top 10 Movies, with an impressive tally of 7.9 million views and 14.2 million hours of watch time. This places it just under Back in Action and ahead of titles like Under the Boardwalk, The Secret Life of Pets 2, The Lovely Bones, and Minions: The Rise of Gru. Notably, The Sentinel has made it into the Top 10 in 80 countries, reaching the number one spot in various regions including the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Ireland, and Kenya.

Interestingly, The Sentinel is not available on Netflix in the United States but can be accessed via Prime Video.

Implications of The Sentinel’s Success on Netflix

A Resurgence Despite Initial Disappointment

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Upon its initial release in 2006, The Sentinel struggled, amassing only $78 million against a $60 million budget, which many considered disappointing. Critics largely panned the film, with some recognizing its engaging premise while others pointed out its glaring plot inconsistencies and clichéd action sequences. In a notable critique, the BBC‘s Stella Papamichael humorously described it as “as compelling as watching the ink dry on a superfluous UN treaty, ” though some reviewers, including Roger Ebert, offered praise, labeling it a “well-crafted thriller.”

The film’s revival on Netflix signifies the lasting allure of political action thrillers, particularly in the streaming arena. While it may not represent the pinnacle of Michael Douglas‘s illustrious career, for those seeking a gripping action thriller, The Sentinel remains worth a watch.

Source: Netflix

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