‘Superb’ action film that proves ‘critics don’t know what they’re talking about’ on Film 4 tonight
Fans of an action thriller starring two acting greats don’t understand why reviewers panned ‘fine’ film
08:00, 13 Nov 2025
Gerard Butler stars in this action thriller (Image: Publicity Picture)
It may not have enjoyed massive box office success back in 2018, but there are plenty of movie lovers who rave about Hunter Killer.
Based on the novel Firing Point by Don Keith and George Wallace, the film stars Gerard Butler and Gary Oldman. It follows a group of United States Navy SEALS and a submarine crew as they rescue the Russian president after he was kidnapped in a secret military coup.
It received mixed reviews on release, with opinions ranging from it being a “muddled, disjointed non-thriller” to praising it as an “old-fashioned action thriller” in which the “pace never flags”. However, fans of the movie claim the critics don’t know what they’re talking about.
READ MORE: Pope’s favourite films revealed – ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is top of the listREAD MORE: ‘Masterpiece’ film hailed ‘must-watch horror’ lands on BBC iPlayerThe Russian president must be saved to avoid the possibility of war(Image: Publicity Picture)
The film is set mainly underwater as Commander Joe Glass (Butler) is tasked with finding a US submarine that mysteriously vanished while tracking a Russian sub.
The action takes place on land with the Navy SEALS team, which, during a covert mission, witnesses a coup and the kidnapping of the Russian president. Both crews must do everything in their power to uncover who is behind the potential instigation of war.
Supporters of the flick couldn’t understand the widespread derision and shared their views on Rotten Tomatoes. One wrote: “Primo movie. Most of the reviewers obviously have their heads where the sun doesn’t shine!”
Another was pleasantly surprised and called out the critics for their harsh opinions: “This was a superb movie in every way. Suspense, feel-good ending… what’s not to like? I’ll tell you what – critics who give movies like The Substance a better rating than Hunter Killer…. you & people who respect your terrible opinions on films, are what’s wrong with the world…” they raged.
Gerard at the world premiere of Hunter Killer(Image: Getty Images)
A third agreed: “It is very misleading by the critics to condemn a perfectly good naval adventure by overly critical and tiring rhetoric trying to be ‘the most amazing critical analysis’. Everyone always forgets…. sometimes it’s just an entertaining story. Don’t overthink it,” they advised.
“Good movie, better than I expected,” another posted. “Gerard Butler is always good and does a fine job here. I’m not a very big fan of submarine movies, but I found this one to be suspenseful all the way through. Thumbs up.”
Hunter Killer airs at 6.40pm on Film 4 tonight, Thursday, November 13.
