This show is exactly what you would expect from an Arnold Schwarzenegger show. FUBAR is about a CIA operative (Schwarzenegger) who's about to retire but gets pulled back for one last job. That job is to go help another operative finish an important mission and to his surprise it's his own daughter (Monica Barbaro) who he had no idea was also in the CIA. What follows is plenty of action and laughs. This is a very easy watch for you to just turn your brain off and enjoy it for what it is. I hope they give this another season. This feels a lot like a True Lies sequel and while not as good as that it's still worth watching.
344 Reviews
Throwback to prime Arnold
Supermanfan-1326 May 2023
FUBAR is actually better than I thought it would be. I was expecting some past his prime Schwarzenegger series that was going to be kind of corny. And it is but in a good way. It held my attention throughout the season. I actually liked it enough to where I binged all 8 episodes over the course of a few days. I grew up in the 80's and 90's so I've seen most of Arnold's movies and this is a throwback to those kind of movies and shows. It also stars the beautiful Monica Barbaro as his daughter and Travis Van Winkle as his colleague. If you're an Arnold fan this give this a try...you won't be disappointed.
I was ready to bet 100$ that this would suck.
lovemichaeljordan25 May 2023
I was sure that it would suck. Old Arnold in a cheesy show produced by Netflix? I just wanted to know how much it sucked. I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, it's not great. It's a cheesy classic Netflix-produced show but it's pretty good (and funny). Arnold is as funny as ever and Barbaro is a very exciting up-and-coming talent.
Arnold is such a great comedian. That's where he shines the brightest - especially an older and less physical Arnold. Barbaro and Arnold are a great duo. This show has moments that will make you laugh out loud. I laughed many times when watching. But take Arnold out and it wouldn't work obviously. Just like most of his other movies, he is the main attraction.
It's nothing crazy, but it's a pleasant surprise coming from Netflix. It won't win any awards but it's a decent watch for Arnold fans.
Arnold is such a great comedian. That's where he shines the brightest - especially an older and less physical Arnold. Barbaro and Arnold are a great duo. This show has moments that will make you laugh out loud. I laughed many times when watching. But take Arnold out and it wouldn't work obviously. Just like most of his other movies, he is the main attraction.
It's nothing crazy, but it's a pleasant surprise coming from Netflix. It won't win any awards but it's a decent watch for Arnold fans.
Much better than expected
Plazeebo25 May 2023
So I happened to watch a couple of episodes of True Lies, which made me throw my almost empty beer can at the TV because it was as if they deliberately tried to ruin the fond memories of a good movie with an absolutely trash show.
This time, it is not an old Arnie property that gets a premiere on the small screen. It is Arnie himself, and he has years of experience being Arnie.
So what you will get here is a collection of one liners. They made Arnie action movies what they were - funny and exciting. The action in the tv series is not really at the same level, but the humor is classical Arnie.
Let off some steam and enjoy this.
This time, it is not an old Arnie property that gets a premiere on the small screen. It is Arnie himself, and he has years of experience being Arnie.
So what you will get here is a collection of one liners. They made Arnie action movies what they were - funny and exciting. The action in the tv series is not really at the same level, but the humor is classical Arnie.
Let off some steam and enjoy this.
Classic Arnie.
jaysmith-904-87956725 May 2023
Need to 'let off some steam Bennett?'
Then 'come with me if you want to live' and 'get to the choppa' and watch Fubar.
This is actually good and I'm so glad. It's Arnie. On TV. Being Arnie, on TV. It's as you think it will be but actually better. Nobody is more surprised than me, I can tell ya. I'm only a couple episodes in, so it may well go south but so far its actually good!
Yep, there's a barely believable back story but that's ok.
Yep, Arnie still can't act but that's always been ok hasn't it?
And yep, he's old, but who cares?
Give it a go, you'll like it. If you don't - 'consider that a divorce'.
This is actually good and I'm so glad. It's Arnie. On TV. Being Arnie, on TV. It's as you think it will be but actually better. Nobody is more surprised than me, I can tell ya. I'm only a couple episodes in, so it may well go south but so far its actually good!
Yep, there's a barely believable back story but that's ok.
Yep, Arnie still can't act but that's always been ok hasn't it?
And yep, he's old, but who cares?
Give it a go, you'll like it. If you don't - 'consider that a divorce'.
Watch it for Arnold
AnkurGurung30 December 2023
This show is a tipical 90's action film made into a TV show. It reminds me of all the Arnold films I grew up watching. The show overall is average but has some good action scenes.
There are some things I don't agree with in the show but If I look past all those things then I was able to enjoy the show overall.
All actors have played their parts fine but Carter part was kind of weired.
Overall I liked the show and the action sequences. I think the story was very average and could have been made more compelling.
The ending is a cliffhanger so you really don't get a proper ending and there are new questions which goes unanswered.
There are some things I don't agree with in the show but If I look past all those things then I was able to enjoy the show overall.
All actors have played their parts fine but Carter part was kind of weired.
Overall I liked the show and the action sequences. I think the story was very average and could have been made more compelling.
The ending is a cliffhanger so you really don't get a proper ending and there are new questions which goes unanswered.
Is it time for CIA rehab.?
kaffash9930 December 2023
I watched FUBAR because I love Arnold. He is fun he is action He is simply Arnold.
It is good to see the Arnold of old coming back.
The series as a whole is not bad some action and funny lines from Arnold.
The question is why?
After watching Obliterated ( which is so bad by the way) I got the feeling that after lots of FBI series we re back to the time of Bad FBI good CIA.
Good CIA means returning to the old fashion clishe of saving the world and destroying bad guys who are trying to sell nukes all around to the highest bidders .
By the way you dont have to buy nukes to have this power of 5ks or more 3 mega bombs of 2ks are enough .
My point is the writing needs to be more careful and do more research.
The pl8t of father secret v offspring secrets has been exhausted since the Lumieres It was already out of fashion when Potter made GTR.
But all said It is far better than Obliterated with its unnecessary sex scenes and unneeded obscene language.
It is good to see the Arnold of old coming back.
The series as a whole is not bad some action and funny lines from Arnold.
The question is why?
After watching Obliterated ( which is so bad by the way) I got the feeling that after lots of FBI series we re back to the time of Bad FBI good CIA.
Good CIA means returning to the old fashion clishe of saving the world and destroying bad guys who are trying to sell nukes all around to the highest bidders .
By the way you dont have to buy nukes to have this power of 5ks or more 3 mega bombs of 2ks are enough .
My point is the writing needs to be more careful and do more research.
The pl8t of father secret v offspring secrets has been exhausted since the Lumieres It was already out of fashion when Potter made GTR.
But all said It is far better than Obliterated with its unnecessary sex scenes and unneeded obscene language.
[6.6] Fluffy brilliant!
cjonesas27 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Closing eyes on immense nonsensical plots, realism and logic, that's actually a very entertaining series that makes you laugh, teaches you family matters, using weapons!, being a dad, a daughter or even what a mom goes through. Brilliantly played by the cast and supporting cast, it has a real adventure spy feel mixed with layers of comic moments, tons of it.
The charisma and chemistry between the team members and even the family circle is one of the big forte of FUBAR. The ending made me wonder, is he ever retiring?!
A special recognition to Aparna Brielle (Tina) whose beauty, class and level-50 charisma was one of the many satisfactions that the show brought me, notwithstanding the crazy twist concerning her.
The charisma and chemistry between the team members and even the family circle is one of the big forte of FUBAR. The ending made me wonder, is he ever retiring?!
A special recognition to Aparna Brielle (Tina) whose beauty, class and level-50 charisma was one of the many satisfactions that the show brought me, notwithstanding the crazy twist concerning her.
- Screenplay/storyline/plots: 6.5
- Development: 8.5
- Realism: 4
- Entertainment: 9
- Acting: 8
- Filming/photography/cinematography: 8.5
- VFX: 8.5
- Music/score/sound: 6.5
- Depth: 5
- Logic: 1.5
- Flow: 8.5
- Action/adventure/comedy: 7
- Ending: 4.5.
Monumentally dumb due to modern lazy writing.
BLAlley7 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Back in the day, even the cheesiest actioners didn't treat the audience like we're stupid. Instead they had a sense of whimsy and fun and we were in on the joke, but at the same time they mostly avoided the groan-inducing lapses in logic, continuity, and general verisimilitude. They were over the top, but people still behaved like real people within that world.
Here, as with so many recent entries, none of that applies. The writers don't bother getting even the simplest details right to balance the nonsense.
None of the "CIA" handlers act professional in any way nor do they exude even a shred of competence. They all behave like children, and the "side operation" is a truly terrible rip-off of True Lies, without any of the aforementioned whimsy.
The field operatives do everything to get discovered and caught, and only survive because the handlers all show up by magic and open fire on the entire group in the most ridiculous manner, yet somehow don't hit any of the key actors.
The field ops also talk on their "secret" coms openly in front of dozens of people, yet no one around them bats and eyelash.
Then we see nuclear waste being pumped into a mag-lav train like Cousin Eddie emptying his RV toilet. As if that isn't mind-numbing enough, the sleek, ultra modern train just happens to have a single threaded hose connection slapped onto the roof, not even under a flush door for aerodynamics, and it feeds into a giant tank occupying most of the front "engine".
Of course we're once again assumed to be stupid when the bad guys swoop in with a helicopter to steal the nuclear waste. First, the engine with the storage tank at the front of the train magically becomes a passenger car in the middle of the train, and the bad guys are able to suck the waste out by simply attaching a hose. All while the train is supposed to be moving at 150 miles per hour.
Of course we also get horrible dialog like "I knew we were right". What? Did a third grader write this show? Sorry, that's insulting to third graders.
They also got all of the science and physics of mag-lev trains and tanks and pumps wrong, including the laughable "valves" to control cryogenic fluid made out of basic plumbing parts the set builder bought at Home Depot.
Consistent with everything else, somehow it's a lot easier to steal nuclear waste from a high speed train than to simply hijack the truck that delivered the waste.
Of course we're also supposed to believe a CIA operative who has to constantly lie to her fiance is mad at her dad for being a CIA operative who had to lie to his family. She's also automatically the best at everything because modern writers think "representation" and "strong female" character means being perfect to the point of being almost superhuman at every skill, yet they turn around and make these women emotional dumpster fires. Being emotionally available doesn't mean falling apart at every tiny trigger, it means having feelings yet also being able to function in spite of or even because of those feelings. Can we please go back to intelligently written female characters like Ellen Ripley and Sarah Connor and Holly McClane?
At that point of Episode 2 I had to turn it off before my brain cells started rotting from the stupidity.
Here, as with so many recent entries, none of that applies. The writers don't bother getting even the simplest details right to balance the nonsense.
None of the "CIA" handlers act professional in any way nor do they exude even a shred of competence. They all behave like children, and the "side operation" is a truly terrible rip-off of True Lies, without any of the aforementioned whimsy.
The field operatives do everything to get discovered and caught, and only survive because the handlers all show up by magic and open fire on the entire group in the most ridiculous manner, yet somehow don't hit any of the key actors.
The field ops also talk on their "secret" coms openly in front of dozens of people, yet no one around them bats and eyelash.
Then we see nuclear waste being pumped into a mag-lav train like Cousin Eddie emptying his RV toilet. As if that isn't mind-numbing enough, the sleek, ultra modern train just happens to have a single threaded hose connection slapped onto the roof, not even under a flush door for aerodynamics, and it feeds into a giant tank occupying most of the front "engine".
Of course we're once again assumed to be stupid when the bad guys swoop in with a helicopter to steal the nuclear waste. First, the engine with the storage tank at the front of the train magically becomes a passenger car in the middle of the train, and the bad guys are able to suck the waste out by simply attaching a hose. All while the train is supposed to be moving at 150 miles per hour.
Of course we also get horrible dialog like "I knew we were right". What? Did a third grader write this show? Sorry, that's insulting to third graders.
They also got all of the science and physics of mag-lev trains and tanks and pumps wrong, including the laughable "valves" to control cryogenic fluid made out of basic plumbing parts the set builder bought at Home Depot.
Consistent with everything else, somehow it's a lot easier to steal nuclear waste from a high speed train than to simply hijack the truck that delivered the waste.
Of course we're also supposed to believe a CIA operative who has to constantly lie to her fiance is mad at her dad for being a CIA operative who had to lie to his family. She's also automatically the best at everything because modern writers think "representation" and "strong female" character means being perfect to the point of being almost superhuman at every skill, yet they turn around and make these women emotional dumpster fires. Being emotionally available doesn't mean falling apart at every tiny trigger, it means having feelings yet also being able to function in spite of or even because of those feelings. Can we please go back to intelligently written female characters like Ellen Ripley and Sarah Connor and Holly McClane?
At that point of Episode 2 I had to turn it off before my brain cells started rotting from the stupidity.
Honest review!
AbsolutelyHonestReviews25 May 2023
It's exactly what it should be!
It's Arnie for goodness sake!! He's old and strong, gives terrible lifestyle advices, judges you and everyone around for doing stuff he would've done, or already have done himself. His acting has never been that good with "Kindergarten cop" and "T1 & T2" being the exception of course. But, he's got some good comedic timing, and the rest of the cast do a solid job supporting each other.
Watch the whole thing as a parody on all those secret agent series that's going around. I find it amusing, and quiet fun. Sure there's a lot of things that could've had more back stories, but if Netflix doesn't do what they usually do, cancel it too early, I could see this get some momentum, and actually become a really good and freaking awesome/funny series..
It's Arnie for goodness sake!! He's old and strong, gives terrible lifestyle advices, judges you and everyone around for doing stuff he would've done, or already have done himself. His acting has never been that good with "Kindergarten cop" and "T1 & T2" being the exception of course. But, he's got some good comedic timing, and the rest of the cast do a solid job supporting each other.
Watch the whole thing as a parody on all those secret agent series that's going around. I find it amusing, and quiet fun. Sure there's a lot of things that could've had more back stories, but if Netflix doesn't do what they usually do, cancel it too early, I could see this get some momentum, and actually become a really good and freaking awesome/funny series..
Not the worst, def not great
TheBri8726 May 2023
I can't believe Arnold actually agreed to this type of series but whatever. Most characters are bad, with the exception of some. The idea of the series was good, with better actors, characters and a bit more of a serious approach, this could've actually worked. Instead you get the typical and burned out small jokes tossed in between compromising or dangerous scenarios, CIA agents who look like they were pulled out of a fast food restaurant and subtle progressive garbage.
The good? For starters, Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in it. Second, action scenes aren't bad and storyline is entertaining enough to keep you watching it (considering there are only 8 episodes).
If you dive in thinking you will watch something similar to Stallone's Tulsa King, you will be disappointed.
The good? For starters, Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in it. Second, action scenes aren't bad and storyline is entertaining enough to keep you watching it (considering there are only 8 episodes).
If you dive in thinking you will watch something similar to Stallone's Tulsa King, you will be disappointed.
I love Arnie but...
suzihands28 May 2023
I could only watch half way into the second episode before I said to myself... This is Cr*p.
The bickering and fighting between Father and daughter just grated after a very short while.
The stupidity of the character Roo's rudeness and childish remarks and actions were not funny or interesting, they were just annoying and superfluous.
People are comparing Stallone & Arnie and their respective TV Series. No contest. Stallone is a better actor than Arnie and his Tulsa King series has been written so well that Tulsa King & FUBAR are like Night and Day.
FUBAR does not require you to engage your brain before watching.
I really wanted to like/love this series but it doesn't have enough going for it.
Arnie is not funny or an action man in this, he is just cranky, at everything and everyone.
It's a 'no more', from me.
The bickering and fighting between Father and daughter just grated after a very short while.
The stupidity of the character Roo's rudeness and childish remarks and actions were not funny or interesting, they were just annoying and superfluous.
People are comparing Stallone & Arnie and their respective TV Series. No contest. Stallone is a better actor than Arnie and his Tulsa King series has been written so well that Tulsa King & FUBAR are like Night and Day.
FUBAR does not require you to engage your brain before watching.
I really wanted to like/love this series but it doesn't have enough going for it.
Arnie is not funny or an action man in this, he is just cranky, at everything and everyone.
It's a 'no more', from me.
Inane story concept
dusadomovine28 May 2023
The concept for the show is rather inane. Young female CIA agent gets angry when she finds out that her father is a CIA agent and she is pissed off that he kept his real job a secret. Ha ha ha
If she is a CIA agent then she must be fully aware of the need to keep secrets. Now she is angry at her father but she does the exact same thing - keeps secrets from her dopey boyfriend.
We know that "young generations" are spoiled kids that have a difficult time growing up and controlling their emotions. I would assume that a young female agent who is off the charts smart would be a bit grown up but she acts like a petulant little child. Lots of toxic femininity.
Funny also how young CIA agent thinks she is more capable than an old experienced agent. Stupid.
If she is a CIA agent then she must be fully aware of the need to keep secrets. Now she is angry at her father but she does the exact same thing - keeps secrets from her dopey boyfriend.
We know that "young generations" are spoiled kids that have a difficult time growing up and controlling their emotions. I would assume that a young female agent who is off the charts smart would be a bit grown up but she acts like a petulant little child. Lots of toxic femininity.
Funny also how young CIA agent thinks she is more capable than an old experienced agent. Stupid.
Good for what it is
aubrielynnrose26 February 2024
What could you expect from Arnold at his age?
It's action packed and corny and once you accept that you'll enjoy the show. Don't expect some amazing script and award winning acting. It's comical and funny. We checked it out when nothing else was on because of the writers strike. Will we watch the second season? Probably. It's like an action packed sitcom in true Arnold form.
You don't need to stay glued to the tv to follow the storyline either so it's easy to watch. Enough action to hold my husband's attention and enough of everything else to make it not so intense.
Looking forward to season 2.
It's action packed and corny and once you accept that you'll enjoy the show. Don't expect some amazing script and award winning acting. It's comical and funny. We checked it out when nothing else was on because of the writers strike. Will we watch the second season? Probably. It's like an action packed sitcom in true Arnold form.
You don't need to stay glued to the tv to follow the storyline either so it's easy to watch. Enough action to hold my husband's attention and enough of everything else to make it not so intense.
Looking forward to season 2.
Such an odd one, Sly wins, but still entertaining
Deux_Vega23 December 2023
I was kind of set on being dissapointed seeing all the negative reviews. I'm an Arnie fan, but normally that was because he played the cool role and acting was otherwise mostly just that: look cool, short lines. You can see he's struggling, aging didn't help either, with the longer lines and complexities of his role. But somehow, It doesn't seem to matter how crappy his acting is, he still has that unique charm.
That said, I almost stopped during the first episode. It's so cliche, some wokeness here and there, but most of all, so badly made, written and acted. It was just a mess. Jokes were cheap and weak, characters were very whatever. And yet, somewhere during ep 2 or 3 I guess It started to grow on me. Some more life in the characters, the jokes became a bit more casually funny and you shouldn't take anything they do serious, because most If It doesn't make much sense.
So, yeah, oddball. I can see It's mostly amateurish to the level of "The A-team" almost, but It still has a charm that makes me enjoy watching.
It's like True lies, but with his daughter instead this time, that same attempt on lightheartedness, just not as well written and made, but still enjoyable.
But, If It's a competition between Arnie & Sly, then Sly won this round as the TV-show Tulsa King is the clear winner!
That said, I almost stopped during the first episode. It's so cliche, some wokeness here and there, but most of all, so badly made, written and acted. It was just a mess. Jokes were cheap and weak, characters were very whatever. And yet, somewhere during ep 2 or 3 I guess It started to grow on me. Some more life in the characters, the jokes became a bit more casually funny and you shouldn't take anything they do serious, because most If It doesn't make much sense.
So, yeah, oddball. I can see It's mostly amateurish to the level of "The A-team" almost, but It still has a charm that makes me enjoy watching.
It's like True lies, but with his daughter instead this time, that same attempt on lightheartedness, just not as well written and made, but still enjoyable.
But, If It's a competition between Arnie & Sly, then Sly won this round as the TV-show Tulsa King is the clear winner!
I've stuck around
jamesjustice-9230 May 2023
Arnold Schwarzenegger was my idol as long as I can remember myself, I've seen a lot of his movies, most of them at least a dozen times and I still love him dearly. So naturally when I heard that he got himself mixed up in a TV thing I couldn't bail out of it - I had to stick around.
Fubar is one of those series that just never stops, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger, and I bingewatched the whole season within a day (such a Netflix thing to do). It's a fine blend of comedy, action, romance, family drama and pure dumb fun paying homage to such Arnold classics as True Lies (mostly) and most of his own catchphrases.
Schwarzenegger's character is a CIA operative working secretly from his family and trying to balance between them and work and I have to admit, the narrative has some pretty deep topics to think about - responsibilities before those we raised, priorities, regrets and past mistakes, love and unconditional devotion and so many others.
Despite the fact that the show is filled with cheesy action, over the top nonsense in the plot and bad CGI it also boasts one of the strongest cast teams where each character is alive and relatable and even the villain has proper motivation. In a word, I enjoyed these eight episodes a lot and there's no chance that I won't be back for season 2 if it drops.
Fubar is one of those series that just never stops, with each episode ending on a cliffhanger, and I bingewatched the whole season within a day (such a Netflix thing to do). It's a fine blend of comedy, action, romance, family drama and pure dumb fun paying homage to such Arnold classics as True Lies (mostly) and most of his own catchphrases.
Schwarzenegger's character is a CIA operative working secretly from his family and trying to balance between them and work and I have to admit, the narrative has some pretty deep topics to think about - responsibilities before those we raised, priorities, regrets and past mistakes, love and unconditional devotion and so many others.
Despite the fact that the show is filled with cheesy action, over the top nonsense in the plot and bad CGI it also boasts one of the strongest cast teams where each character is alive and relatable and even the villain has proper motivation. In a word, I enjoyed these eight episodes a lot and there's no chance that I won't be back for season 2 if it drops.
Better than 'Junior'!
rosscohen-0856825 May 2023
While this isn't the worst thing Arnold's done, it's far from the best. Forcible script and mission impossible type events mixed with some bad acting, decent sets and production, but overall very cheesy. It's hard to take this seriously, even though I'm a huge fan of Arnold. Obviously his T2 and True Lies days are over, and he's gotta take what he can get. So while the story is decent, production is okay, the overall theme just didn't do it for me. The scene where he finds out the 'family secret' is over the top cheesy and just too unbelievable to seem realistic. Compared with other series and films like the Bourne series this was just awful. When compared to other Netflix series it wasn't that bad. It seems like it's YA humor that tries to be like True Lies, and it's watchable.... barely.
Fresh and funny Arnie tour de force
zeki-425 May 2023
Gave this one a shot. Ended up bingewatching all eight episodes.
There are so many things I love about this show, especially the chemistry between all the leads and the deadpan jokes combined with Arnold antics. I didn't expect 'Fubar' to be that much of a laugh riot, honestly. It's kind of the same silliness as you get in a Ryan Reynolds movie ('Free Guy'), meaning that it doesn't take itself too seriously, which is a great trademark for a show like this.
If you follow Arnold on various social media, you know that he doesn't take himself that serious, too. So he basically plays himself and to a degree recycles his character from the James Cameron classic ' True Lies', which is a good thing. Although here his jokes aren't directed towards a wife, but largely a daughter with severe daddy issues.
Loved it.
There are so many things I love about this show, especially the chemistry between all the leads and the deadpan jokes combined with Arnold antics. I didn't expect 'Fubar' to be that much of a laugh riot, honestly. It's kind of the same silliness as you get in a Ryan Reynolds movie ('Free Guy'), meaning that it doesn't take itself too seriously, which is a great trademark for a show like this.
If you follow Arnold on various social media, you know that he doesn't take himself that serious, too. So he basically plays himself and to a degree recycles his character from the James Cameron classic ' True Lies', which is a good thing. Although here his jokes aren't directed towards a wife, but largely a daughter with severe daddy issues.
Loved it.
Way Better than these hateful ratings
bryanmartin128 May 2023
I need to confess, I've been an Arnold fan since Pumping Iron back in the late 70's. My wife and I went to all his action flicks when we were dating and first married. It was tough to not have him during his hiatus when he was governor and then trying to start back up.
This movie reminds me of True Lies, minus Jamie Lee Curtis. It is not something that we will see during the Academy Awards. It was still a lot of fun and well worth the 8 hour investment. There's common story lines and predictable characters. It's still one heck of a lot of fun. Especially for a Netflix film. I hope they do a season 2.
This movie reminds me of True Lies, minus Jamie Lee Curtis. It is not something that we will see during the Academy Awards. It was still a lot of fun and well worth the 8 hour investment. There's common story lines and predictable characters. It's still one heck of a lot of fun. Especially for a Netflix film. I hope they do a season 2.
Extremely Poor Script
rmmorelli26 May 2023
This is one of the worst, if not the very worst, production I've ever seen Schwarzenegger in. I can't help but suspect that some of the reviews awarding more than 5 stars are fake. Yes, it's that bad. The script is absurdly clumsy and amateurish. The context and plot line are a collection of cliches stitched together in an uninspired way. The only surprises are circumstances that are so implausible and unconvincing that it surprises you that they made it into the final cut.
Worst of all, the dialog is utterly unconvincing and stilted.
Ostensibly, this is a romantic comedy grafted onto a spy story. Schwarzenegger can be surprisingly successful with comedic material, but handing him a bad script with fingers crossed is not a recipe for success. For a successful movie along these lines, I'd point to Red Notice, with Dwayne Johnson delivering a script of the quality that Schwarzenegger should have been given.
Also, rather out of character for Schwarzenegger, and, I think, unbecoming for him, his character is an emasculated old man with little apparent self-respect, as are most of the male leads. How can you expect an audience to engage with such characters in a romantic drama? Schwarzenegger's character is constantly berated by his bratty, air-headed daughter, disrespected by his superiors, and follows like a puppy dog a woman who started an affair and divorced him 15 years earlier. It's never convincingly explained why this man would want such a woman back, especially after 15 years, and why the woman would react with anything other than revulsion at him. Not only are these circumstances unlikely for any man, they are also totally out of character with his supposed career as a James Bond style spy given over-the-top, save-the-world kinds of assignments. It's incongruent, and just doesn't work theatrically.
Similarly, the daughter, despite a supposedly equally spectacular career, is portrayed as a thin-skinned, whining, brat, ready to start a self-important harangue at the drop of a hat. Also, there's a good bit of embarrassingly dated banter about gender roles that might have been relevant 4 or 5 decades ago, but whose cultural context would probably be lost on most younger viewers today. Her fiance is a boring, emasculated man for whom she professes love but without any apparent chemistry.
In short, none of the major characters are in any way interesting or appealing, and none of the dynamics of their interactions is interesting or appealing.
It puzzles me that a star with Schwarzenegger's standing would accept a role in something this bad.
Even if you are a Schwarzenegger fan, as I am, I am comfortable advising you to skip this cringe-worthy piece of cinematic trash.
Worst of all, the dialog is utterly unconvincing and stilted.
Ostensibly, this is a romantic comedy grafted onto a spy story. Schwarzenegger can be surprisingly successful with comedic material, but handing him a bad script with fingers crossed is not a recipe for success. For a successful movie along these lines, I'd point to Red Notice, with Dwayne Johnson delivering a script of the quality that Schwarzenegger should have been given.
Also, rather out of character for Schwarzenegger, and, I think, unbecoming for him, his character is an emasculated old man with little apparent self-respect, as are most of the male leads. How can you expect an audience to engage with such characters in a romantic drama? Schwarzenegger's character is constantly berated by his bratty, air-headed daughter, disrespected by his superiors, and follows like a puppy dog a woman who started an affair and divorced him 15 years earlier. It's never convincingly explained why this man would want such a woman back, especially after 15 years, and why the woman would react with anything other than revulsion at him. Not only are these circumstances unlikely for any man, they are also totally out of character with his supposed career as a James Bond style spy given over-the-top, save-the-world kinds of assignments. It's incongruent, and just doesn't work theatrically.
Similarly, the daughter, despite a supposedly equally spectacular career, is portrayed as a thin-skinned, whining, brat, ready to start a self-important harangue at the drop of a hat. Also, there's a good bit of embarrassingly dated banter about gender roles that might have been relevant 4 or 5 decades ago, but whose cultural context would probably be lost on most younger viewers today. Her fiance is a boring, emasculated man for whom she professes love but without any apparent chemistry.
In short, none of the major characters are in any way interesting or appealing, and none of the dynamics of their interactions is interesting or appealing.
It puzzles me that a star with Schwarzenegger's standing would accept a role in something this bad.
Even if you are a Schwarzenegger fan, as I am, I am comfortable advising you to skip this cringe-worthy piece of cinematic trash.
Thoroughly enjoyable
ola-zylinska13 December 2023
I'm very surprised by the mixed reviews this show is getting, apparently you either love it or hate it. I really enjoyed watching every minute of it. Is it somewhat cheesy and predictable? Yup. But it's also funny and the characters and their struggles are relatable (even if you're not a spy yourself;-)). I felt like it was supposed to be a comedy above anything, a little bit of 80's and 90's here and there. I actually loved Arnie here, he definitely aged well and brought new quality to the table. If you're expecting Terminator or a whodunnit mystery you might be disappointed. But if you're looking for something easy yet fun, you may be in for a treat.
Unwittingly fun to watch!
ndakatamukum31 May 2023
You know it's gonna be corny but it still keeps you hooked! Great casting, Fortune Feimster's Rooo never fails to deliver fun moments and the action isn't as bad as one could have hoped for. Overall it's pretty fun to watch and looking forward for season 2.
Draw backs, action scenes could have been much more thought out but overall it's the banter, and fun chatter weaved throughout the show that makes it totally worth it. Plot wise, story's pretty standard and keeps you interested long enough to pull off the light hearted comedic streak that runs throughout the series. Arnie has yet again given us something to look forward to .
Draw backs, action scenes could have been much more thought out but overall it's the banter, and fun chatter weaved throughout the show that makes it totally worth it. Plot wise, story's pretty standard and keeps you interested long enough to pull off the light hearted comedic streak that runs throughout the series. Arnie has yet again given us something to look forward to .
LOL
jeppepalmari28 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
So here's this supposed young woman that scores the highest scorws ever in CIA history. I'm quoting: "her recall, problem-solving skills, straight-up IQ, off the charts". And still she couldn't figure out that her dad ain't selling weight lifting equipment for months on end around the globe. Yeah, sure.
Also, Arnold has to be one of the best CIA operatives in the history of the CIA if he's still in his 70's doing field work. None of this makes any sense.
Also, why is Arnold's character written like a lost little puppy? He still thinks after 15 years that his ex hasn't moved on? Also makes absolutely no sense.
I like Arnold. I've seen most of his movies countless of times. This however is really bad. The story makes no sense. The writing is below average. The acting is below average.
Also, Arnold has to be one of the best CIA operatives in the history of the CIA if he's still in his 70's doing field work. None of this makes any sense.
Also, why is Arnold's character written like a lost little puppy? He still thinks after 15 years that his ex hasn't moved on? Also makes absolutely no sense.
I like Arnold. I've seen most of his movies countless of times. This however is really bad. The story makes no sense. The writing is below average. The acting is below average.
How can this be so bad?
JohnJohnRomualdez25 May 2023
What cracks me up is that this series was so obviously cheaply produced. Beginning with the script.
The direction, everything else. Just take the lame "pre-title" sequence.
The number with the diamonds and the guy who is supposed to get them just makes no sense at all!
Unfortunately, it also has to be said that dear Arnold can't act at all. (I stopped watching after the first 15 minutes of the second episode) This is a lousy, bad series! But surely Netflix will be able to celebrate a big success worldwide with this crap.
Does Netflix actually have executives or producers who read screenplays?
The direction, everything else. Just take the lame "pre-title" sequence.
The number with the diamonds and the guy who is supposed to get them just makes no sense at all!
Unfortunately, it also has to be said that dear Arnold can't act at all. (I stopped watching after the first 15 minutes of the second episode) This is a lousy, bad series! But surely Netflix will be able to celebrate a big success worldwide with this crap.
Does Netflix actually have executives or producers who read screenplays?
I'm getting too old for this s***!
cybainfo25 May 2023
Oh wait, that was Danny Glover, not Arnie.
So the big Austrian is cashing in on some streaming action. Why not right? As long as he isn't hurting himself (I don't think so as there are pretty obvious stunt doubles in the action scenes) and as long as he's doing it for fun and not because he HAS to (We all know how expensive those American medical bills are right) it's all good.
From a fast paced, action packed first episode that even had a few tongue in cheek jibes at some of Arnies classic/cliché quips and a good twist that wasn't really a twist because it is literally in the movies synopsis it seems to be slowing a bit in the second episode.
I hope it isn't a one trick/joke pony. I hope I haven't been flixbaited.
We will see....
So the big Austrian is cashing in on some streaming action. Why not right? As long as he isn't hurting himself (I don't think so as there are pretty obvious stunt doubles in the action scenes) and as long as he's doing it for fun and not because he HAS to (We all know how expensive those American medical bills are right) it's all good.
From a fast paced, action packed first episode that even had a few tongue in cheek jibes at some of Arnies classic/cliché quips and a good twist that wasn't really a twist because it is literally in the movies synopsis it seems to be slowing a bit in the second episode.
I hope it isn't a one trick/joke pony. I hope I haven't been flixbaited.
We will see....
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