‘Matchbox: The Movie’ Hits Rotten Tomatoes as Critics Say John Cena Can’t Save Apple’s Toy Actioner
Toy-inspired blockbusters have become a significant trend in Hollywood, and Apple has now joined the fray with ‘Matchbox: The Movie’. This globe-trotting action film, featuring John Cena and directed by Sam Hargrave, premiered on Apple TV today following an extensive promotional campaign. However, early reviews indicate that the film’s journey may not be as smooth as the studio had hoped.
The film’s release followed a Comic-Con trailer and a series of star-studded premieres, but the critical reception has been notably lukewarm.
Currently, ‘Matchbox: The Movie’ holds a score of 23% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 22 reviews, while the Popcornmeter remains unscored due to fewer than 50 ratings. The PG-13 film has a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes and is categorized as an action, adventure, mystery, and thriller.
This score is decidedly poor, showing only a slight improvement since the embargo was lifted. Initial reports indicated the film started at 20% from 10 reviews, with the score rising as more critics submitted their evaluations.
These ratings appear particularly dismal when compared to other toy and car-themed films. One report noted that the score is lower than that of the least favorable ‘Fast & Furious’ film, which stands at 29%, while ‘Barbie’, another Mattel adaptation, boasts an impressive 88%.
Such comparisons sting, especially since the film was marketed as an action-packed, globe-trotting adventure for a streaming platform. Critics, however, have described it as resembling a generic streaming action film.
The most frequent criticism is that the toy connection feels inconsequential. Reviewers noted that the miniature cars play a minimal role, and the plot is seen as generic, with one critic labeling it a tired imitation of the ‘Fast & Furious’ formula. The New York Times suggested that adapting a brand without a distinct identity was destined for failure.
JoBlo, which awarded the film an average score of 6 out of 10, remarked that the Matchbox connections seem forced and tangential, likening the film to a two-hour commercial. Nevertheless, the reviewer found the movie more enjoyable than anticipated, commending its chase sequences and Cena’s understated performance.
Not all reviews are negative. TheWrap’s William Bibbiani described the film as a “genial time-waster,” noting that the cast puts in more effort than the material requires. He praised Sam Richardson’s expressive reaction shots and Jessica Biel’s grounded portrayal of her character’s grief, along with a spectacular car crash and the climactic chase.
Some critics also pointed out that Hargrave lacks the energetic flair seen in his ‘Extraction’ films, suggesting that the film’s jokey tone diminishes the perceived danger of the action. In essence, the cast and a few standout set pieces are carrying the weight of the film.
The plot follows Sean, a CIA operative portrayed by Cena, who returns to his small hometown for a friend’s uncle’s funeral. He reconnects with a group of childhood friends, including Biel, Richardson, Arturo Castro, and Teyonah Parris, only to find themselves drugged and framed for stealing a nuclear warhead. Sean must protect a group of unwilling civilians while racing around the globe to clear their names.
Danai Gurira, Corey Stoll, and Bill Camp also star in the film. The script was penned by David Coggeshall, with David Ellison and Dana Goldberg serving as producers.
Sam Hargrave and the Matchbox team needed 9 car barrel rolls to break the Guinness World Record. They performed 14.
#MatchboxTheMovie — October 9 https://t.co/tJ0aIfLtNv— Apple TV (@AppleTV) October 6, 2026
The release also marks Biel’s first film in nine years, making her promotional appearances a significant talking point. Cena, Biel, and the rest of the cast promoted the movie at premieres in New York and London in the days leading up to its release.
For Hargrave, the action legacy of ‘Extraction’ set a high standard, and critics have clearly measured this new film against it.
The movie is now streaming on Apple TV and is available at no additional cost for subscribers. Its trailer, released at San Diego Comic-Con, reportedly garnered over 4 million views within 24 hours, indicating significant interest despite the less-than-stellar reviews.
As a streaming release, the film’s success will depend more on viewership than critical reception. If audiences resonate with its laid-back tone and action sequences, the critics’ opinions may ultimately hold less weight.
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