Mel Gibson’s “On The Line” Annoys Fans, Faces Backlash After Netflix Debut

Key Takeaways

– Mel Gibson's action thriller “On The Line” displeases fans upon its release on Netflix.
– Multiple twist endings and B-movie treatment are featured criticisms.
– The movie generated considerable negative feedback online.
– Despite the backlash, some fans found the twist endings unpredictable, fulfilling their expectations.

Mel Gibson's Latest Film Irks Audiences

While Mel Gibson's sturdy reputation as a renowned actor and filmmaker has spanned nearly five decades, it seems his latest action thriller, “On The Line”, hasn't hit the high note with fans. Known for his diverse roles and iconic films, Gibson has grown quite accustomed to the spotlight. Yet, his recent foray into the action thriller genre, with this film initially released in 2022, has stirred a disappointing reaction from viewers, particularly after its debut on Netflix.

The movie, which follows the tumultuous experience of a radio Shock Jock played by Gibson, is earning notable flak for its seemingly random narrative shifts and multiple twist endings. Much of the negative feedback revolves around the plot reveal, which implies that all events portrayed within the film were merely a prank played by Gibson's character on an intern at the radio station.

Fan Outrage Flares Online

Online forums are filled to the brim with viewer dissatisfaction over this bewildering storyline. Comparisons have also been drawn, positioning “On The Line” next to renowned films such as David Fincher's “The Game”. However, in stark contrast to these comparisons, many have been vocal about their strong dislike for “On The Line”.

“Otherwiseaware”, an online user stated, “What an incredibly annoying and stupid movie.” While another user “BMactennis” confessed, “This movie summoned an anger within me that I've rarely seen.” Such remarks suggest the overwhelmingly critical uproar against the film.

A Flicker of Approval amid the Outrage

Despite the prevalent ire, a few seemed to appreciate the unpredictable nature of the plot twists. These intrigued fans believed the unexpected endings successfully met the expectation for suspense in a thriller.

Co-Star Labelled the Film Script a Magic Trick

Actor William Moseley, who portrayed the intern in “On The Line”, described the film's script as a ‘magic trick'. According to Moseley, the film's continuous reveals were akin to French vaudeville style of mimes, a consistent misdirection and illusion. “It's why a French writer-director made such a good movie out of that script”, added Moseley.

A Mix of Fan Responses and Professional Reviews

Neither the fan reactions nor professional reviews have been favourable. Following its initial release in 2022, “On The Line” did not perform well at the box office, garnering a meagre $743K globally according to The Numbers.

Rotten Tomatoes, a movie review platform, shows a similarly underwhelming response, with a critical rating of just 20% for the film. While actors like Moseley and a few fans appreciate its unconventional narrative, Gibson's latest venture seems to have largely missed the mark with the majority.

However, if you're interested in forming your own opinion of the film, “On The Line” is currently available for streaming on Netflix.