The ‘worst action movie’ is actually one of Netflix’s most watched films of 2024

A star-studded action rom-com has become the second most-watched film of 2024 on Netflix, despite being branded ‘mind-numbing’ and ‘a complete waste of time’ by viewers.

The Union – with Oscar-winner Halle Berry, Mark Wahlberg, JK Simmons, Lorraine Bracco and Dana Delany – was released on the streaming platform on August 16, 2024.

It followed Mike McKenna (Mark) as his life changes when his high school sweetheart, Roxanne (Halle), pops back up in his life and recruits him into a covert organization.

Unsurprisingly, his life is turned upside down as he’s thrown into training before being sent on missions – but will he come out alive?

The Union was met with dismal reviews from users and currently commands a shocking 24% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to a marginally better 38% from critics.

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However, the comments clearly did nothing to dissuade users as it raked in more than 131milllion views, and 238.2million hours viewed in total between August and December.

The Union was released on Netflix last August (Picture: Netflix)

It was barely beaten to the top spot by Taron Egerton’s blockbuster Carry On, which received over 137million views and 274million hours watched – but in a much shorter time, as it premiered on Netflix in December.

Rebel Ridge, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Our Little Secret, Sing: Thriller, A Family Affair, Uglies, Don’t Move and The Grinch also made up the top 10.

The official synopsis for the Union reads: ‘Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry star in this high-octane action comedy about a construction worker recruited into an unusual spy agency by his former flame.’

Although it may have commanded a huge audience, those who pressed play weren’t completely taken by the project.

The movie has been watched by millions (Picture: Netflix)

Taking to Rotten Tomatoes, Ramon L -fumed: ‘This probably the worst action film that I have seen. So cliché and boring.’

‘Continuous ridiculous action culminating in a ridiculous idiotic car chase, all with superficial characters,’ Len P posted. ‘Implausible silly story … predictable plot.

‘Some poor efforts at flippant comedy. Reasonable acting and the lovely Halle was not enough to hold my attention.’

Fans were scathing in their reviews (Picture: Netflix)

Percy L commented: ‘This film is terrible. A complete waste of time.’

‘If I could give it 0 stars I would. Awful,’ Sonja S agreed.

As Tiffany F added: ‘This movie is boring, predictable and cliche. There is no chemistry between Marky Mark and Halle Berry, honestly painful to watch. Don’t waste your time. Would not recommend.’

The Union is available to stream on Netflix now.

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