Netflix viewers have propelled the 2015 action-comedy Hot Pursuit to the number two spot on the streaming service's UK charts, despite a dismal 8% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. As of Saturday, 3rd January, the film sits behind the true crime documentary Evil Influencer: The Jodi Hildebrandt Story and ahead of the new Knives Out mystery Wake Up Dead Man.
Starring Reese Witherspoon and Sofía Vergara, Hot Pursuit follows Officer Rose Cooper (Witherspoon) as she is assigned to protect cartel boss's wife Daniella Riva (Vergara) during a perilous journey across Texas. The pair must evade corrupt cops and gangsters while Daniella prepares to testify against a crime lord.
Despite harsh reviews from professional critics, the film has found a passionate fanbase. One Rotten Tomatoes user called it “one of the funniest movies ever!!!!” adding, “Bought it and my daughter and I watch it whenever we need a good laugh. Gets funnier every time we watch it.” Another fan declared: “The critics are wrong on this one, like they usually are for fun comedies that shouldn't be taken too seriously.”
On IMDb, one viewer gave it a perfect 10/10, saying: “I totally loved this funny movie which has entertaining action scenes and girls that are sweeter than sugar.” Another fan compared it to the 1988 classic Midnight Run, calling it “a female version” aimed at a younger audience.
The film's Netflix success comes as Sky offers a free Netflix subscription with its new Sky Stream TV bundles, including the £15 Essential TV plan, which allows viewers to watch live and on-demand content without a satellite dish.
