Last Vegas, a comedy from 2013, was made special by the stellar lineup ofRobert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, Michael Douglas, and Kevin Kline. Despite its initial box office success, it seemingly disappeared from public memory only to be reignited by a recent surge in Netflix viewership. In the dynamic world of cinema, sometimes even the stars with the brightest shine can momentarily fade into the background.Last Vegasdives into the humorous escapades of four longtime friends as they decide to take a hiatus from their retirement routine.
Las Vegas becomes their playground, serving as the backdrop for a spirited bachelor party in honor of the group’s last unattached member. With its potent mix of seasoned actors and humorous premise, the film originally raked in a significant box office collection, earning nearly five times its modest $28 million budget. A final global tally of $134 million was a proud feather in the cap for CBS Films, marking its highest-grossing release at the time.
The figures merely scratch the surface of the entire tale. By the week of October 2 to October 8, a whole decade post its theatrical release,Last Vegassaw an impressive resurgence, garnering 7.2 million viewing hours and 4.1 million total views on Netflix. This revival shot it straight intoNetflix’s Global Top 10for that week, positioning it at a commendable 8th spot.
But the lingering question remains: What led toLast Vegasfading into the annals of cinema history despite its initial prominence? Debuting with a strong $16 million, the movie swiftly claimed the third position in box office standings. Its charm, ostensibly, was hard to deny.
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Rediscovering Last Vegas: How a Once-Underrated Film Found its Second Wind on Netflix
However, critical reception was less than favorable. Many viewed it as a reimaginingof the popularThe Hangoverseries, but with an elder set of protagonists. On Rotten Tomatoes,Last Vegassecured only 46 percent from critics, indicating a shared viewpoint. The audience, too, seemed to mirror these feelings, with an audience score of 59 percent. Though the charismatic performances of the leading quartet lent the film its appeal, many believed it lacked other compelling elements, relegating it to the shadows of more memorable cinematic offerings of the era.
Fast-forward to today, andLast Vegasis having a moment of cinematic revival. While the reasons for its original descent into obscurity remain up for debate, its newfound popularity on Netflix showcases the unpredictability of audience preferences and the cyclical nature of film appreciation. Perhaps viewers today, in the backdrop of an ever-evolving cinematic landscape, find a fresh appeal in its simple yet engaging narrative. Or maybe, the charm of its stellar cast, now given a second chance, is proving to be irresistible.
Whatever the reasons,Last Vegasserves as a testament to the idea that sometimes, gems are temporarily lost, only to be found and cherished anew. The movie’s present acclaim showcases that cinema has the potential to age gracefully, much in the way wine does.
