Viewers left divided over ‘disaster of a movie’ that’s rated one of the worst films of 2023

People are flooding to social media in debate over a film which made Rotten Tomatoes' top 10 worst movies of 2023.

While some utterly loathed the film and branded it a 'disaster of a movie', others were reviewing it as if they've seen a completely different film.

The movie was released in October last year and directed by Pierre Morel.

It stars the likes of The Suicide Squad's John Cena, How to be Single's Alison Brie and Alice Eve (She's Out of My League).

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The official synopsis for the movie reads: "Stuck in a dead-end desk job, former special forces operative Mason Pettis (John Cena) reluctantly takes on a freelance gig to provide private security for a washed-up journalist as she interviews a ruthless dictator.

"When a military coup breaks out just as she's about to get the scoop of a lifetime, the unlikely trio must figure out how to survive the jungle and one another to make it out alive."

While the movie - Freelance - has a pitiful critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes of six percent - yup, I know, awful - weirdly, it then has an audience score of a solid 77 percent.

Intrigued? Watch the trailer below:

So, critics hated it but the general audience widely enjoyed the film, the question is, is it actually really good or is it shockingly awful?

Well, one X - formerly known as Twitter - user writes: "I saw this movie today. It was so entertaining and fun. Great cast. Great story. Go see it, you won't be disappointed. Cena is awesome and so is the President and Journalist."

However, another said: "The Freelance movie is cringe af. What is this nonsense they got John Cena on? 4/10."

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YouTubers similarly stuck up for the film, one saying it's actually in their 'top five movies of the year'.

They said: "It's sad this movie isn't getting the attention it deserves.

"Not enough advertising I didn't even hear of this movie, but I gave it a chance and it was actually really really good.

"At least in the top five movies of the year for me. Better than a lot of pandering nonsense that came out. I hope more people give it a chance and have a good time watching it."

However, an X user said: "Good grief, whatever you do don't bother with Freelance on Prime. A genuine disaster of a movie that not even the ever-charming John Cena can save.

"A film that feels like a comedy, but has no jokes and one that asks 'What if a dictator was sort of nice?' Bad on every level."

"Just saw this movie. Ignore all the critics. It is really good. Please go see it," a third said.

Well, I guess the only thing for it is to watch it and see for yourself.

Topics: Social media, TV And Film

Poppy Bilderbeck

Poppy Bilderbeck is a Senior Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from The University of Manchester in 2021 with a First in English Literature and Drama, where alongside her studies she was Editor-in-Chief of The Tab Manchester. Poppy is most comfortable when chatting about all things mental health, is proving a drama degree is far from useless by watching and reviewing as many TV shows and films as possible and is such a crisp fanatic the office has been forced to release them in batches.