Owen Wilson’s Overlooked War Thriller, Criticized by Ebert, Hits New Streaming Platform
Owen Wilson’s war thriller, *Behind Enemy Lines*, has once again gained attention as it heads to Hulu streaming on January 1. Set during the Bosnian War in the mid-1990s, this film initially arrived in theaters in 2001 and features Wilson as an American pilot stranded in hostile territory.
Overview of *Behind Enemy Lines*
Directed by John Moore, the film tells the story of a pilot who becomes the target of enemy forces after being shot down. Gene Hackman co-stars as the Rear Admiral leading the rescue mission. Despite its notable cast, *Behind Enemy Lines* struggled critically upon release.
Box Office Performance
With a budget of $40 million, the film managed to gross approximately $120 million globally. This solid box office performance made it a moderate success. Nonetheless, the film received a tepid response from critics, currently holding a 36% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critical Reception
Prominent film critic Roger Ebert was particularly harsh in his evaluation, stating the film featured a hero too reckless and villains too incompetent. His critique reflected a general sentiment that the film prioritized visual effects over a compelling narrative.
Legacy and Sequels
- *Behind Enemy Lines* inspired three direct-to-video sequels.
- Only Keith David returned from the original cast for the sequels.
- The film is remembered more for its action sequences than for storytelling depth.
Future Streaming Availability
Viewers can catch *Behind Enemy Lines* on Hulu starting January 1, offering a new opportunity to revisit this overlooked war thriller. As the film returns to spotlight, audiences can explore the fast-paced action and complex themes inherent in war dramas.
