Netflix has a reputation for churning out original movies that critics often pan, but that doesn't stop them from becoming massive hits with subscribers. The latest example is 72 Hours, a comedy starring Kevin Hart that has taken the streaming world by storm, even as it holds the dubious honor of being the worst-reviewed Netflix film of the year.
Released on July 24, 72 Hours has quickly climbed to the top of Netflix's global movie chart, where it has remained for two consecutive weeks. This success comes despite a paltry 14% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audiences slightly more forgiving at 48%. The film runs a brisk 105 minutes and fits squarely into the Netflix mold: a simple premise, a familiar star, and a runtime that doesn't overstay its welcome.
What's '72 Hours' About?
The plot follows a 40-year-old executive who, after being accidentally added to a group text, finds himself on a wild three-day bachelor party with a bunch of twenty-somethings. It's a setup that inevitably draws comparisons to The Hangover, a film that critics much preferred (79% on Rotten Tomatoes). The cast includes Hart, Mason Gooding, and three current Saturday Night Live cast members: Marcello Hernández, Ben Marshall, and Kam Patterson.
Critics have been quick to point out that 72 Hours feels derivative, with many noting that Hart is essentially playing his usual on-screen persona. The actor-comedian has built a career on a specific type of character, and this film doesn't offer anything new. Even attempts to give his character depth fall flat, according to reviews.
While the SNL alums have shown their comedic chops on the sketch show, the film doesn't fully utilize their talents. ScreenRant's Alex Harrison noted in his review that the cast makes the movie funnier than it should be, but they can't save it from feeling weightless. "72 Hours scores some laughs by virtue of the comedic talent of its cast, but the gonzo plotting feels weightless without anything to really invest in," he wrote.
Why Is It So Popular?
Despite the negative buzz, 72 Hours is a prime example of how Netflix's algorithm and star power can overcome critical disdain. The film's success mirrors other streaming phenomena where audience enjoyment trumps critic opinions. It's a trend that has been seen with other titles, like Leigh Whannell's sleeper sci-fi hit that found its audience on the platform.
For fans of Hart's high-energy comedy, 72 Hours delivers exactly what they expect. The film's global appeal suggests that sometimes, a familiar formula is exactly what viewers want. It's a reminder that some shows and movies deserve a second chance, even if critics initially panned them.
Whether 72 Hours will spawn a sequel remains to be seen, but its streaming success is undeniable. For now, you can catch it on Netflix and decide for yourself if the critics are right or if the audience has the last laugh.
Stay tuned for more updates on this and other streaming hits, and check out our list of Netflix gems that deserve a second look if you're in the mood for something underrated.
