Movies

Netflix’s French action hit lands mixed first reviews

BBG News

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve been diving into the world of French cinema, and let me tell you about my experience with Ad Vitam. Despite being crowned as the most-watched movie this week on Netflix, it’s received a mix of reviews from viewers like myself.

Featuring Guillaume Canet in the role of Franck Lazarev, a previous federal officer who narrowly survives an assassination attempt and embarks on a mission to locate his wife Léo (played by Stéphane Caillard), who has been abducted by a group of heavily armed individuals.

The movie directed by Rodolphe Lauga, collaboratively penned with Canet and David Corona, is at the moment among the top ten films on Netflix across numerous regions such as the UK, US, and France.

Following its launch on January 10, Ad Vitam has soared to the top position in various countries globally, with Argentina, Japan, Morocco, and Lebanon among those where it currently holds the number one spot.

As a die-hard action movie enthusiast, I’ve got to admit that this film has been a hit among viewers worldwide on streaming platforms. However, it seems that some critics aren’t completely convinced about the way the story unfolds.

On Rotten Tomatoes, opinions about Canet’s film seem to be split. Some critics have praised his physical performance, while others find the storyline lacking originality and the ending too predictable.

With additional feedback expected on “Ad Vitam” this week, let’s delve into the opinions expressed so far – specifically, the comparison drawn between Canet and Tom Cruise.

Decider

As the chemistry blossoms between Guillaume Canet and Stéphane Caillard, portraying ex-federal agents marked for termination, it enhances the movie’s conventional action-thriller aspects. Although these elements are skillfully delivered, they are indeed quite foreseeable.

RogerEbert.com

In simpler terms, Rodolphe Lauga’s French action thriller titled “Ad Vitam” offers some pulse-pounding moments, but the weak storyline connecting these action sequences falls short of maintaining a consistently high level of suspense.

Midwest Film Journal

In a modern twist, Guillaume Canet appears to be attempting to resurrect the style of Jean-Paul Belmondo’s late-career films, characterized by daring stunts involving cars, buildings, and quarries with seemingly no concern for personal risk. However, the series Ad Vitam seems overly contrived and burdened, failing to generate the necessary excitement.

Fiction Machine

As a dedicated enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for this remarkable piece. It’s not just your average entertainment; it’s elevated, offering a delightful twist beyond the usual. After the flood of traditional award-worthy films during the holiday season, this serves as a refreshing change in the early part of the year.

Ready Steady Cut

Just so you know, I wasn’t anticipating award-winning performances from Ad Vitam, not even something extraordinary. However, I was hoping for an engaging and enjoyable viewing experience, which I felt it should have delivered effectively.

Digital Mafia Talkies

“[Guillaume] Canet has given Tom Cruise a run for his money via the action sequences in Ad Vitam.”

LeisureByte.com

The French movie “Ad Vitam,” available on Netflix, might not be a memorable one due to its struggle in effectively blending the two main themes it presents.

Ad Vitam is streaming on Netflix.

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2025-01-14 12:48

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