John Cena Action Movie Becomes a Streaming Hit on Apple TV

John Cena has built a varied career as a leading man, moving between comedies, superhero blockbusters, and family adventures. He played a dad in The Vacation Friends, appeared as a mermaid in Barbie, and portrayed Peacemaker in The Suicide Squad before taking that character to HBO.

The former WWE star now leads a new movie based on a childhood favorite, and it is climbing to the top of the streaming charts.

Matchbox: The Movie debuted on Apple TV on Oct. 9. According to FlixPatrol’s streaming rankings, the action-adventure movie claimed the No. 1 spot on Apple TV’s U.S. movie chart over its opening weekend.

What is Matchbox: The Movie about?

Inspired by Mattel’s Matchbox toy cars, Matchbox: The Movie follows Sean, an undercover CIA agent played by Cena. Sean returns to his hometown and reconnects with his childhood friends. Their reunion turns dangerous when the group gets caught up in an international conspiracy, forcing them into a mission to save the world.

Sam Hargrave directed the film, bringing high-speed car chases and spy-movie spectacle. Jessica Biel co-stars as Aimee alongside Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, Arturo Castro, and Danai Gurira.

The film is another attempt to turn a Mattel property into a major entertainment franchise following Barbie. While that movie became a cultural phenomenon, Matchbox faces a cooler response from critics.

Early reviews have been largely negative. Variety criticized the film for feeling like a placeholder between Fast & Furious installments, arguing that the action overwhelms the emotional storytelling. The Wrap was more forgiving of the ensemble, describing the movie as a genial time-waster while pointing out its toy-commercial sensibilities. The movie holds a 25% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Negative reviews have not stopped Matchbox from finding an audience in its first few days on Apple TV. For fans of car chases, globetrotting spy adventures, and childhood nostalgia, Matchbox: The Movie may still be worth a watch.

Source: Polygon