Stallone’s Latest Film "Armor" Faces Harsh Criticism on Rotten Tomatoes
The latest action film starring Sylvester Stallone, titled "Armor," hit digital streaming platforms through premium video on demand (PVOD) on November 22, but it has received dismal reviews from critics. The movie, which also stars Jason Patric, features a storyline centered around a father and son duo working as security guards for an armored truck company. Their routine day escalates into a dangerous encounter with would-be robbers while trapped on a bridge, forcing them to devise a plan to escape. However, critics have not been forgiving, resulting in a staggering 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 20 submitted reviews.
This abysmal score on Rotten Tomatoes marks a new low for Stallone, surpassing his previously lowest-rated film, the 2014 drama "Reach Me," which garnered a mere 4% rating. Notably, "Armor" is currently devoid of any ratings on the audience side of the site, as it has yet to receive the requisite 50 verified user ratings. In contrast, Stallone’s most critically acclaimed film remains the 1976 classic "Rocky," boasting a 93% fresh rating. The stark difference in reception throughout Stallone’s career is highlighted by "Armor’s" poor reviews, which suggest a significant dip in the quality of his latest work.
Individual critic reviews for "Armor" reflect disappointment and frustration. Dennis Harvey from Variety criticized the film for its uninspired script that fails to elevate the performances of its cast, stating that it does not offer any redeeming qualities in terms of thrills or character development. Meanwhile, Glenn Kenny from Roger Ebert online noted that even at an 89-minute runtime, the film feels unnecessarily prolonged. Others have echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that "Armor" lacks originality and entertainment value, contrasting it with Lionsgate’s other unsuccessful action efforts.
Aiden Kelly from Collider lamented that while other films from Lionsgate, such as "Borderlands" and "The Crow," might serve as examples of poor execution in action filmmaking, "Armor" could easily be forgotten altogether. This commentary underscores a broader trend of underwhelming performances by action films in recent years, leaving critics and audiences searching for quality content. Stallone, now 78, has been actively involved in the low-grossing film arena, although his recent success with the Paramount+ crime drama "Tulsa King" has somewhat redeemed his on-screen presence.
Despite the harsh criticisms, “Armor” remains available for rental or purchase on PVOD platforms, providing viewers the chance to form their own opinions on the film. Directed by Justin Routt and featuring a supporting cast that includes Dash Mihok and Josh Wiggins, the film was anticipated to showcase Stallone’s legacy in the action genre. However, the overall reception raises questions about whether audiences will embrace this film or regard it as another misstep in Stallone’s expansive portfolio.
With the film industry heavily reliant on audience engagement and critical reception, "Armor" presumably signals a challenging crossroads for Stallone as he continues to cultivate his career in Hollywood. As the critical reviews pour in and ratings remain bleak, stakeholders in the film’s production will need to re-evaluate the creative direction of future projects to ensure they resonate more positively with both critics and audiences alike.
