Critics Pan 'The Fix' as a Bloated, Uneven Action Thriller

Key points

• The Fix opened in theaters on September 11, 2026, with a runtime of 2 hours and 22 minutes.
• The film is directed by Guy Moshe and produced by Latigo Films and Inaugural Entertainment.
• Zachary Levi plays Tucker, a former Special Operations leader, while Liam Neeson plays his handler, Larry.
• The plot involves a mission to recover $25 million in cash hidden in Tehran during the 1979 Iranian Revolution.
• Rotten Tomatoes reports a 10% critic score, indicating a largely negative reception.
• Critics note that the film was shot before the current U.S.-Iran conflict, giving it an anachronistic feel.

Background

The Fix is a 2026 action-thriller that has generated significant critical attention due to its low scores and mixed reviews. The film features a cast including Zachary Levi, Liam Neeson, and Quincy Isaiah, and is directed by Guy Moshe, known for previous works like Bunraku. The story revolves around a former CIA team attempting to retrieve hidden wealth in Iran, a plot that has been criticized for its complexity and lack of suspense. The film's release coincides with ongoing geopolitical tensions, which some critics argue affects its relevance and messaging.

How outlets are covering it

Rotten Tomatoes reports a 10% critic score for The Fix, reflecting a largely negative reception. The New York Times describes the film as 'head-spinning' and notes that it demands a high level of suspension of disbelief, particularly regarding current conflicts. Variety criticizes the film as 'polished but uneven,' highlighting its convoluted plot and lack of suspense, while praising the action sequences. The Hollywood Reporter calls the film 'bloated,' criticizing its excessive runtime and dubious plot twists, though it acknowledges the strong action set pieces. All sources agree that the film is entertaining but fails to meet the expectations of a classic action-thriller, with many noting the lack of complexity in character writing and the excessive number of plot twists.

Why it matters

The Fix's reception highlights the challenges of creating action-thrillers that balance entertainment with narrative coherence. The film's low scores and mixed reviews suggest that audiences and critics are increasingly critical of bloated runtimes and convoluted plots, even when the action sequences are well-executed. The film's anachronistic feel, due to being shot before the current U.S.-Iran conflict, also raises questions about the relevance of such narratives in the current geopolitical landscape. The Fix's reception may influence future productions in the genre, emphasizing the need for tighter narratives and more coherent character development.

What to watch

The Fix is currently in theaters, and its box office performance will be a key indicator of its commercial success. Future action-thrillers may need to focus on tighter narratives and more coherent character development to avoid similar criticisms. The film's reception may also influence the direction of Guy Moshe's future projects, as he seeks to find his niche in the action-thriller genre. Additionally, the film's anachronistic feel may prompt discussions about the relevance of such narratives in the current geopolitical landscape, potentially influencing future productions in the genre.