Kevin Hart's heist movie, Lift, may have received its fair share of criticism from movie critics, but that hasn't hindered its success on Netflix. Despite starting its limited theatrical release simultaneously, the film quickly plummeted in its Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer score. However, Netflix's data has shown that this hasn't affected the movie's viewership performance significantly. Lift has soared to the top of the platform's movie chart.
Upon its initial release, Lift garnered only a 30% approval rating from critics. Many reviewers felt that while the film was technically well-made, it lacked heart, soul, and a compelling plotline. Some even described it as a 'hollow' movie that failed to bring anything new to the genre. This sentiment has been echoed by a sizable portion of the audience, with the current audience score sitting at 32%.
Kevin Hart, known primarily for his comedic roles, ventures into a different territory with Lift. The film is described as an adrenaline-infused rollercoaster, following an international heist crew led by Cyrus Whitaker (played by Hart). Their mission? To steal $500 million in gold from a passenger plane cruising at 40,000 feet.
Despite the mixed reviews, Netflix's data on Lift reveals that the film quickly claimed the number one spot on the global movie chart. In just its first two days of release (January 12-14), Lift accumulated a staggering 58.5 million hours of views. While it remains to be seen whether the film's long-term performance can match this initial surge of popularity, it has undoubtedly enjoyed a strong start.
Joining Kevin Hart in the film is Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who portrays the main female lead. Mbatha-Raw recently returned to screens in season 2 of Loki as Ravonna Renslayer. Lift also boasts an impressive supporting cast that includes Vincent D’Onofrio, who is set to reprise his role as Kingpin in Marvel's Echo, Billy Magnussen from No Time To Die, and Úrsula Corberó from Snake Eyes.
Hart's character, a master thief, is coerced into an apparently impossible heist by the FBI and his ex-girlfriend. To make matters more challenging, the heist unfolds onboard a 777-passenger flight traveling from London to Zurich. With the mission also involving the attempt to thwart a terror attack, tension and drama run high for Hart and his team, promising an exhilarating thrill ride for audiences.
Behind the camera, F. Gary Gray, known for directing Friday and Men in Black: International, helms the action from a script penned by Dan Kunka. The film is produced by Simon Kinberg, recognized for his work on X-Men: Dark Phoenix, in collaboration with Audrey Chon for Genre Pictures, Matt Reeves and Adam Kassan for 6th & Idaho, and Kevin Hart and Brian Smiley for HartBeat Productions. It's a collaboration that brings together multiple talents to orchestrate a symphony of excitement on screen.
In conclusion, while Lift may have faced its fair share of critical backlash, that hasn't deterred audiences from flocking to it on Netflix. This action-packed heist film, led by Kevin Hart and featuring a talented ensemble cast, has quickly risen to the top of the platform's movie chart. Whether you're a fan of Hart's comedic roles or simply seeking an adrenaline-infused rollercoaster ride, Lift promises to deliver an entertaining experience. Give it a watch and see if it lifts your spirits.
