While Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is gearing up to return to the big screen this summer in Disney's live-action Moana, a much earlier and lesser-known chapter of his filmography is about to get a second life. His 2013 crime drama Empire State, a film that largely flew under the radar, is making its way to the free streaming platform Plex this April, giving audiences a chance to revisit this curious piece of his career.
The film is based on the astonishing true story of the 1982 Sentry Armored Car Courier Company robbery in New York City, an event once considered the largest cash heist in American history. Johnson stars alongside Liam Hemsworth in this gritty tale, which was directed by Dito Montiel. The supporting cast includes Emma Roberts, Nikki Reed, and Jerry Ferrara, among others.
Despite its fascinating real-life inspiration and star power, Empire State had a remarkably quiet release. It received only a minimal theatrical run before heading to DVD, ultimately grossing less than $200,000 at the box office. For over a decade, it has remained a deep-cut entry in Johnson's filmography, often overshadowed by his larger-than-life blockbuster roles.
A Critical and Audience Misfire
The film's low profile wasn't without reason. Empire State was met with a chilly reception from those who saw it. On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score sits at a stark 24%, based on over 2,500 user ratings. Professional critics were equally unimpressed, though so few official reviews were logged that the site lacks a formal critics' score.
One common critique was that the film failed to capitalize on its compelling source material. A reviewer at the time noted, "This may have been a fascinating and original story when it happened back in the '80s, but all this film proves is that it took someone far too long to finally put the story in front of the camera." Another suggested that the 90-minute runtime felt like a flat and lazy retelling, recommending a simple online search about the heist as a more engaging alternative.
New Life on Streaming
Thirteen years after its debut, Empire State is poised for rediscovery. Its arrival on Plex in April 2026 offers a perfect opportunity for completionists and curious fans to judge the film for themselves. For viewers fascinated by definitive crime stories, this serves as a historical, if flawed, footnote.
This resurgence of older, overlooked films on streaming platforms is becoming a welcome trend for cinephiles. It mirrors the recent availability of other titles like Tom Hanks' 'Road to Perdition' on Peacock or Channing Tatum's 'The Eagle', giving audiences a chance to reassess films outside of their original hype cycles.
For Johnson fans eagerly awaiting his summer return in Moana, Empire State provides a starkly different viewing experience—a dramatic, earthbound thriller versus a vibrant musical adventure. It's a reminder of the diverse, and sometimes forgotten, paths a major star's career can take. Whether you're in the mood for a mind-bending thriller or a piece of cinematic history, Plex will be hosting this curious artifact starting next month.
