Is Poolman Movie The Biggest Floop Of The Year?

Chris Pine, known for his acting prowess, took a leap into the director’s chair with his new movie, “Poolman,” which recently premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. Pine not only directed but also wrote, produced, and starred in this comedic take on a neo-noir mystery. However, despite assembling an impressive cast that includes Jennifer Jason Leigh, Danny DeVito, and Annette Bening, “Poolman” has failed to impress critics, garnering a dismal 20% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 20 reviews. In fact, the only Pine movie with a lower rating is the 2006 teen rom-com “Just My Luck,” which has a meager 14%.

“Poolman” is set in Los Angeles and revolves around a water heist, drawing inevitable comparisons to the classic “Chinatown” starring Jack Nicholson. However, it also blends comedy into the mix, aligning itself more with films like “The Nice Guys,” “Under the Silver Lake,” and the lesser-known Joe Carnahan movie “Stretch,” in which Pine had a supporting role. Critics, even in their negative reviews, often draw parallels with the Coen Brothers’ “The Big Lebowski,” but it appears that “Poolman” falls far short of reaching those cinematic heights.

The critical reception of “Poolman” has been harsh, to say the least. Michael Rechtsheffen of The Hollywood Reporter asserts that the film “goes tonally off the rails from the start and proceeds to hit bottom with excruciating momentum.” Siddhant Adlakha of IndieWire doesn’t mince words, stating that “Poolman” “will likely go down as one of the worst films to play at any major festival in recent memory.” Owen Gleiberman of Variety echoes this sentiment, declaring that “Poolman” “is not only the worst film I saw during the fall festival season but would likely be one of the worst films in any year it came out.” It’s safe to say that “Poolman” won’t be making any lists of the best thriller movies.

“Poolman” receiving such a scathing reception, it raises questions about Chris Pine’s future as a director. While some actors have successfully transitioned behind the camera, like Ben Affleck and Greta Gerwig, Pine’s debut has not been auspicious. Chris Evans, for example, directed “Before We Go” in 2014, which holds a 29% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. For Pine, it might be wise to reconsider his directorial endeavors and focus on his acting career.

The failure of “Poolman” is not just a setback for Chris Pine but also indicative of the evolving film industry. Audiences are becoming more discerning, relying on reviews and word-of-mouth before deciding what to watch. Moreover, the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu has given viewers more choices, making it challenging for traditional studios to compete.

“Poolman” stands out as one of the biggest flops of 2023, signaling the changing dynamics of the film industry. Chris Pine’s bold venture into directing, coupled with the film’s poor critical reception, suggests that his talents might be better suited to acting. As the industry continues to evolve, it becomes clear that success is no longer guaranteed, and filmmakers must navigate a more competitive and discerning landscape.