In the unforgiving world of cinema, a film’s fate often hinges on the opinions of critics. A single, scathing assessment can cripple a project, and the ultimate condemnation – a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes – can be a death knell. As of recently, only one film has endured this brutal judgment: the action thriller,Alarum, starring Sylvester Stallone.
The story centers on a pair of former spies, played by Scott Eastwood and Willa Fitzgerald, who abandon their dangerous lives for a peaceful existence in a secluded cabin. Their quiet retreat is shattered when a nearby plane crash unleashes a desperate scramble for a valuable hard drive, drawing them back into a world of intrigue and peril. Stallone enters the fray as a seasoned agent, arriving to lend his expertise when the situation spirals out of control.
Filmed in the quiet setting of Oxford, Ohio,Alarumwas directed by Michael Polish, a filmmaker known for independent successes likeTwin Falls IdahoandNorthfork, the latter of which earned praise from the legendary Roger Ebert. Despite Polish’s pedigree, the film’s January release was met with a wave of harsh criticism, leaving little room for optimism.
Reviews were relentlessly negative. One critic described the film as “dispiriting,” while another declared it “a film so bad it shames American cinema.” TheNew York Timesdismissed it as a “flavorless tossed salad” of action tropes, andVarietylamented its “pedestrian” staging despite attempts to compensate for limited resources.
Audience reactions mirrored the critical consensus. Many expressed disappointment, questioning Stallone’s recent choices and even abandoning the film before the credits rolled. One viewer bluntly stated they “didn’t think he had any more to give,” while another admitted to switching it off with thirty minutes remaining. A few found minor enjoyment, but the overall sentiment was overwhelmingly unfavorable.
This isn’t the first recent stumble for Stallone. His 2024 film,Armor, suffered the exact same fate – a complete shutout on Rotten Tomatoes. That film followed a father and son unknowingly transporting millions in gold, pursued by Stallone’s ruthless character.
However, Stallone’s career isn’t solely defined by these setbacks. He’s found considerable success on television with the Paramount Plus series,Tulsa King. The show, featuring Stallone as a mafia exile in Oklahoma, has garnered a strong 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with its second season achieving a perfect 100% score. A fourth season is already in development.
Beyond his on-screen work, Stallone was recently recognized for his enduring impact on film and culture at the Kennedy Centre Honours. The prestigious ceremony, hosted by Donald Trump, celebrated his decades-long contribution to the arts, alongside honorees like Michael Crawford, KISS, and Gloria Gaynor. It was a moment of well-deserved recognition for a true icon.
