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Robert Downey Jr. Critiques ‘U.S. Marshals’ as “Worst” Performance, Fans Defend Action Sequel
In a bold reflection on his extensive filmography, Robert Downey Jr. has described his performance in the action thriller U.S. Marshals as potentially his “worst ever.” Despite this harsh self-assessment, ardent admirers of the 1998 sequel are championing the movie, urging viewers to give it another look. This assessment by Downey Jr. comes even as U.S. Marshals becomes available for streaming.
Not ‘Dolittle’ or ‘Shaggy Dog’: Downey Jr. Singles Out ‘U.S. Marshals’
Contrary to assumptions, Downey Jr.’s critique isn’t aimed at box office disappointments like ‘Dolittle’ or the critically panned ‘The Shaggy Dog’ from the 2000s. Instead, his comments target a less prominent sequel to a celebrated 1990s thriller, a project from early in his career before his iconic portrayal of Iron Man. The film drawing his ire is indeed U.S. Marshals, the follow-up to the widely acclaimed ‘The Fugitive’, which once again stars Tommy Lee Jones as the unwavering Sam Gerard.
In U.S. Marshals, Gerard is in pursuit of fugitive murderer Mark Sheridan, portrayed by Wesley Snipes. Downey Jr. joins the action as Diplomatic Security Agent John Royce, assisting Gerard after Sheridan executes a daring escape following a catastrophic plane crash.
Stream ‘U.S. Marshals’ on ITVX
Audiences can now re-experience the high-stakes pursuit as U.S. Marshals debuts on ITVX, accessible for streaming at no cost.
Critical Reception and Downey Jr.’s Damning Verdict
Despite an intriguing premise, the movie received a lukewarm reception upon release. It currently holds a 30 percent approval rating from film critics on Rotten Tomatoes and has faced sharp criticism from Downey Jr. himself.
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In the biography ‘The Fall and Rise of the Comeback Kid’ by Ben Falk, Downey Jr.’s unflattering remarks about the project are documented. He reportedly dismissed it as “possibly the worst action movie of all time.”
Elaborating on his feelings, Downey Jr. offered a scathing reflection, questioning the therapeutic value of the role: “You’ve had a traumatic year… what do you think would be really healing for you? How about like 12 weeks of running around as Johnny Handgun?”
He continued, conveying his deep dissatisfaction: “I think that if you talk to a spirit guide, they would say, ‘That’ll kill you’…”
“I thought maybe there was something I was missing, and what I really needed to do was to be in one of those films that I love taking my kid to. It would end up being really depressing.”
Downey Jr.’s disdain went further, stating he would “rather wake up in jail for a TB test than have to wake up another morning knowing I’m going to the set of U.S. Marshals.”
Cult Following Emerges: Fans Reappraise ‘U.S. Marshals’
Notwithstanding Downey Jr.’s severe assessment, U.S. Marshals has cultivated a dedicated cult following over the years. Certain fans argue it is an overlooked gem worthy of reconsideration nearly three decades after its initial release.
Fan Reviews Highlight Cast and Action
Online reviews reveal a segment of viewers who appreciate the film. One Google reviewer commented: “This was a great movie. Though it’s not better than The Fugitive it did not disappoint for a sequel in my opinion.”
Another supporter stated: “People simply do not give this movie enough credit. It had an amazing cast. Loved Robert Downey Jr and Wesley Snipes, they both did a superb job.”
Another fan on Letterboxd provided a more nuanced perspective: “I mean, obviously U.S. Marshals isn’t as good as The Fugitive – but then again few things are.”
This reviewer added: “The fixation on that fact from so many critics overlooks the fact that as a standalone thriller, Stuart Baird’s film is very good indeed.”
Furthermore, they noted: “It does not rely on hark-backs to the original and tries to avoid recycling the same plot points. Wesley Snipes has a very different character to work with than Harrison Ford and it’s arguable that he’s not really that sympathetic at all.”
Enthusiastic Praise for Action and Direction
An especially enthusiastic fan wrote: “A really underrated and quite unique sequel to a classic that results in being an absolutely great work of pure action entertainment that truly never lets it foot off the gas.”
They further praised the director, stating: “Director Stuart Baird does a wonderful job at crafting hugely exciting set piece after hugely exciting set piece with a wonderfully no nonsense cinematic style that you can’t help but get extremely swept up in and engaged by.”
Is ‘U.S. Marshals’ Underrated or a Career Low Point?
The ultimate question remains: Is U.S. Marshals an undiscovered cinematic achievement or a regrettable moment in Robert Downey Jr.’s otherwise illustrious career?
The answer, for those intrigued, is readily available. Stream the action-packed U.S. Marshals now on ITVX and decide for yourself.
U.S. Marshals is currently available for streaming on ITVX.