"Rotten" Liam Neeson Box Office Bomb Blows Up Netflix's Top 10 Chart

Summary

• Liam Neeson is one of the most prolific actors, but many of the films he stars in are not well received.
• For example, a movie he starred in with his own son was one of Neeson's worst reviewed releases, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
• However, since the movie was recently added to Netflix, it has become one of the most watched titles on the service.

In the age of streaming, when you can find almost any movie starring your favorite actor with just one click, Netflix new acquisitions get a second life and no small amount of media hype. For example, how many Liam Neeson movies can you name without thinking, beyond the obvious hits like Schindler's List, The Phantom Menace, Batman Begins and Taken?

In fact, the legendary actor from Northern Ireland has had such a prolific career, spanning almost 50 years, that many films simply felt into obscurity. But when one of his movies was added to the Netflix library, it immediately shot to the top of the service's offerings. Even though it received unfavorable reviews on Rotten Tomatoes!

What Is This 2020 Liam Neeson Movie About?

Made in Italy is a 2020 film that might have gotten a lot more media coverage if the coronavirus pandemic hadn't broken out, but now the film has begun to be rediscovered by Netflix subscribers.

Though directed and written by James D'Arcy (his feature directorial debut), the film is a deeply personal story that resonates not only with the characters, but also with the performers, Liam Neeson and his son Micheál Richardson, whose wife and mother, actress Natasha Richardson, died in a skiing accident in 2009.

According to the plot, Micheál's character Jack plans to buy an art gallery, and to raise the money for it, he plans to restore and sell the old family home in Italy, which he has not visited since his mother's death. He is assisted in the restoration by his estranged father (Neeson), a once-famous artist who has lost his inspiration. What follows is a typical dramatic story of trials and tribulations, emotions, overcoming grief, bittersweet father-son reunions and romance as both learn to live again.

Low Rotten Tomatoes Score, High Netflix Rating

The film was recently added to the Netflix library and almost immediately made its way onto the list of most-watched movies among US subscribers. According to data provided by What's New on Netflix, Made in Italy landed at number two of the Top 10 movies in the United States on February 8.

Unfortunately, the movie's ratings began to drop on February 10th, and a few days later it disappeared from the charts altogether. Probably, the popularity of the movie dropped as soon as many viewers found out about the quality of the script.

Yes, yes, the problem with the movie, as many reviewers noted, is not the quality of the sets or the acting (which, on the contrary, was highly appreciated). The main complaint was the poorly developed, clichéd and unattractive screenplay, which is not even saved by the deep emotional background that the actors talentedly conveyed. Its score on Rotten Tomatoes is 43% from critics and a measly 39% from audiences.

How and Where to Watch the Movie, Including Netflix?

Netflix — Subscriptions range from $6.99 to $22.99 depending on the plan (differing mainly in the presence of ads, the number of devices and members supported, and the quality of the shows and movies).

Hulu — Subscription plans start at $7.99 per month, but the service offers a free 30-day trial first.

Prime Video and Apple TV+ — The movie can also be streamed on these platforms but requires an AMC+ subscription starting at $4.99 per month, which includes a free 7-day trial.

The movie can also be purchased or streamed on major platforms, including the aforementioned Prime Video and Apple TV+, as well as Vudu, YouTube and Google Play. Buying it in HD quality will cost $14.99.