Alan Ritchson’s New Prime Video Action Movie Is an Instant Success (Despite Terrible Reviews)

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Honestly, trying to figure out why this new action movie is so popular despite the terrible reviews is really tough. It only has an 18% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, so I never would have guessed it would be the second most-watched film on Amazon this week, but somehow, it is! It’s pretty shocking, and I’m trying to understand how it’s happening.

The movie Playdate, featuring Alan Ritchson and Kevin James, follows Brian, an accountant who’s recently lost his job and is trying to adjust to being a full-time stepfather. Bored and looking for something to do, he agrees to a playdate between his stepson and a friendly stay-at-home dad named Jeff (Ritchson). What he expects to be a normal afternoon quickly turns into a dangerous fight for survival when they and the kids are pursued by ruthless mercenaries. It’s a wild premise that could explain the film’s high streaming numbers despite mixed reviews from both audiences and critics.

Playdate Is Certainly A Movie

Rachel Wagner from Rachel’s Reviews bluntly stated the show simply wasn’t funny, and many agree. Critics and online viewers feel the show failed at its primary goal – being humorous. However, if you’re a fan of actor Ben Ritchson from his earlier work, like Blue Mountain State, you might still find it enjoyable. M.N Miller of Fandomwire praised Ritchson’s performance, describing him as charmingly energetic and surprisingly heartwarming – a lovable, goofy presence that elevates every scene.

This movie is a classic buddy comedy – it doesn’t break any new ground, but it’s reliably funny. If you’re looking for a lighthearted and amusing film starring Alan Ritchson and Kevin James, you’ll probably enjoy it. It’s a far cry from Ritchson’s serious role in Reacher, which adds to the fun. One viewer put it perfectly: Playdate knows exactly what kind of movie it is and fully embraces that. It’s playful, doesn’t take itself seriously, and even pokes fun at typical comedy tropes. Instead of trying to be profound, it confidently leans into its silliness, making it a charming and surprisingly refreshing watch. It doesn’t reinvent the formula, but it delivers a fun, easygoing experience.

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2025-11-17 01:40