Canary Black launched on Prime Video on Friday at the top of the streamer’s movie chart, and Kate Beckinsale has been showing off some sore-looking injuries she sustained while filming the action movie. The thriller has tapped into the ever-popular genre that continues to attract audiences whether it is delivering new titles or forgotten movies from a decade ago. However, like many other chart-topping hits, the film’s reviews have marked it as another example of the disconnect between its streaming success and critical reviews.
Beckinsale has proven her credentials as a kick-ass action movie lead during her time in the Underworld franchise, but it seems that her star power and stunt work has not been enough to please those checking out Canary Black. Like many other straight-to-streaming movies, the numbers may be stacking up in a way that makes Amazon bosses rub their hands, but leaves a lot on the table for the chances of people ever coming back to watch it again.
However, one thing that cannot be denied is Beckinsale’s commitment to her action role, as she shared images of her badly bruised arms, finger, and plenty of scrapes and scratches, that all counter assumptions that she did not do her own stunts in the movie.
One of her followers commented on the post, saying, “Bless you I hope you’re okay. You are obviously working hard but please stay safe.” This is something that was repeated several times throughout the comments section, as fans wanted to ensure that the actress has recovered from her injuries.
Is Canary Black Worth Watching?
According to Rotten Tomatoes critics and audiences, Canary Black is a movie that would not have set the world alight if it had been given a theatrical release. However, thanks to promotional emails and a place on the top of the home page of Prime Video, the film has pulled in many viewers in its first few days on the platform.
Many reviews have pointed out the common complaint of a lack of originality, calling it a generic action thriller that offers nothing new to the genre that is constantly churning out movies where the plot is essentially guns, explosions, and over-the-top convoluted action sequences. In addition, the small number of critics’ reviews – which at the time of writing were all “rotten” – have not held back on picking fault with underdeveloped characters and a predictable plot, with some questioning whether the film’s reliance on action set-pieces can compensate for its lack of an engaging storyline.
One review from The Wrap noted, “Canary Black is recognizable as an action movie but it’s neither thrilling nor dramatic enough to qualify as entertainment.”
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While Blu-ray.com’s Brian Orndorf suggested that plans that are clearly in place to set up a possible franchise are perhaps unnecessary, saying that the “production can’t quite get the first installment right even with ample opportunity to go wild, making future franchise plans for Avery unwelcome.”
Naturally, these reviews won’t stop many more fans of Beckinsale and mindless action movies tuning in over the next few days, and while some may enjoy it, the majority are probably not going to remember it for very long after the closing credits.