Liam Neeson and Zachary Levi's latest action-thriller, The Fix, has officially made its way to premium video-on-demand (PVOD) platforms. The film, which had a brief and underwhelming theatrical run, is now available for audiences to watch from the comfort of their homes. This move comes as the movie seeks to find a larger audience after struggling to make an impact in cinemas.
The Fix follows a CIA agent who embarks on a dangerous mission into Iran to retrieve money hidden by his mentor decades earlier, during the hostage crisis. The stakes are raised when the agent encounters women seeking an escape from their oppressive circumstances. The plot draws on historical tensions, reminiscent of the backdrop in Ben Affleck's Oscar-winning thriller Argo, which also explored the Iran hostage crisis and went on to gross over $230 million worldwide.
Despite its star-studded cast, The Fix struggled at the box office, grossing just $1.1 million domestically. This is notably lower than the already disappointing $3 million earned by Levi's other current theatrical release, the Western drama Angel and the Badman. The film also received poor reviews upon its September release, holding a 16% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics pointed to its unfortunate timing, which coincided with heightened tensions related to Iran.
Directed by Guy Moshe, The Fix entered the PVOD market amid heavy competition. It debuted on the same day as Alan Ritchson's action movie Runner, which has since become one of the most popular films on domestic Amazon, iTunes, and Vudu charts. The Fix, however, has managed to crack the top 20 on Amazon's leaderboard, according to FlixPatrol, outperforming recent genre entries like Fall 2: Deadpoint and The Uprising, but it still trails behind Runner and the current number-one PVOD title, Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
For fans of the thriller genre, The Fix offers a mix of action and political intrigue. While it may not have the critical acclaim of some of Neeson's earlier hits, it provides a solid dose of entertainment for those looking for a new action flick. If you're in the mood for more gripping thrillers, check out our list of thrillers that hook you instantly.
Levi's other project, Angel and the Badman, a remake of the 1947 John Wayne Western, is also currently in theaters, though it too has received poor reviews, sitting at a 23% Rotten Tomatoes score. It seems Levi is having a tough time at the box office this season, but his fans can still catch him in both films.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, PVOD releases like The Fix are becoming a common route for films that don't perform well theatrically. This strategy allows studios to recoup some costs and gives audiences more options to watch new releases at home. For more on the latest in streaming and film, stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot.
If you're a fan of Neeson's action-packed roles, you might also enjoy our feature on Jason Statham's ultimate action thriller, or explore why thrillers dominate cinema. And for those interested in the spy genre, check out the latest on 'Slow Horses'.
