2026’s “Worst Movie” Hits Theaters As Chris Pratt’s Latest Film Fails To Wow Critic

The new year has barely begun, and yet theatergoers may have already witnessed the most disappointing release of the entire calendar. Chris Pratt returns to the big screen in the sci-fi thriller ‘Mercy’, a film that attempts to blend futuristic justice with high-stakes action. Critics have wasted no time in dismantling the movie, with many labeling it a disastrous entry in the actor’s filmography. The project was intended to be a tense, cerebral ride through a dystopian legal system, but early reactions suggest it is anything but successful. Reviews have been scathing, pointing to a muddled script and an overreliance on visual gimmicks that fail to engage the audience.

Set in the near future of 2026, the story follows Detective Chris Raven, played by Pratt, who finds himself accused of a violent crime he claims he did not commit. The twist in this dystopian setting is that the judicial system has been handed over to artificial intelligence to eliminate human error and bias. Raven must prove his innocence to an AI judge, portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson, within a strict ninety-minute timeframe or face immediate execution. This premise sounds intriguing on paper, offering opportunities for social commentary on our increasing reliance on technology. However, the execution has been described as “hollow” and “soulless” by dissatisfied reviewers who found the narrative lacking in genuine tension.

The film is directed by Timur Bekmambetov, a filmmaker known for his unique visual style and interest in digital interfaces. ‘Mercy’ utilizes a format where much of the action takes place on screens, a technique Bekmambetov has championed in previous productions. Unfortunately, this stylistic choice seems to have backfired here, creating a static and claustrophobic experience rather than an immersive one. Critics have complained that watching an actor strapped to a chair while arguing with a holographic avatar does not make for compelling cinema. The visual effects have also drawn sharp criticism, with some describing the digital environments as looking unfinished or cheap despite the film’s substantial budget.

Even the presence of a talented supporting cast has not saved the production from ridicule. Rebecca Ferguson, usually praised for her commanding screen presence, is reportedly wasted in the role of the computerized judge. Her interactions with Pratt lack the necessary dramatic spark, largely due to the constraints of the script and the disconnected nature of their scenes. The dialogue has been panned as hackneyed, filled with tech-jargon that feels dated rather than futuristic. Instead of a gripping race against time, audiences are treated to a repetitive series of arguments that lead to a predictable and unsatisfying conclusion.

Box office projections for the opening weekend are looking grim, with estimates hovering around 10 to 12 million dollars. This figure would mark a significant low for a star of Pratt’s caliber, whose involvement usually guarantees a strong commercial turnout. The negative word-of-mouth seems to be spreading quickly, potentially turning this release into one of the year’s first major financial flops. While Pratt has weathered critical storms before with massive franchise hits, ‘Mercy’ stands as a stark reminder that star power alone cannot rescue a fundamentally flawed project.

Tell us if you plan to watch this sci-fi thriller or if the negative reviews have changed your mind in the comments.