A previously overlooked film featuring Lucy Liu and Christoph Waltz has unexpectedly risen in popularity on Paramount+. Old Guy premiered at the Newport Beach Film Festival on October 17, 2024, followed by a limited release in select U.S. theaters and digital platforms. Despite failing to impress critics—with a 26% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 38 reviews—the film has found an enthusiastic audience online.
Streaming Success and Cast Details
As of February 10, Old Guy ranks fourth among movies on Paramount+ according to data from FlixPatrol, trailing only behind recent releases such as The Running Man, Roofman., and Regretting You. Other notable titles sharing spots in the top 10 include Due Justice (2023), Just Like Heaven (2005), Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025), along with classics like Top Gun: Maverick (2022) and Jack Reacher (2012). Although FlixPatrol’s data is not exhaustive, it provides insight into the film’s relative popularity on the platform.
Directed by Simon West, known for Con Air and The Expendables 2, Old Guy was written by Greg Johnson. The cast includes Christoph Waltz as Danny Dolinski, Lucy Liu as Anata, Cooper Hoffman portraying Wihlborg, Ryan McParland as Doug, Ann Akinjirin playing Opal, Jason Done as Milo, Tony Hirst as William, and Kate Katzman as Simone.
Storyline and Audience Reception
The movie’s plot centers on Danny Dolinski, a seasoned assassin who becomes a mentor to a young, talented killer. However, Danny soon uncovers hidden agendas behind their partnership. Critics largely dismissed the film, with Courtney Howard of Variety stating,
“Director Simon West and writer Greg Johnson take the tired Grumpy Veteran Argues With Fresh-Faced Rookie trope to all-new lows in a film that feels maddeningly disinterested in delivering any of its underdeveloped goods.”
Courtney Howard of Variety
In contrast to professional reviews, Old Guy has earned a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, demonstrating significant approval from general viewers.
Implications of Streaming Popularity
The film’s resurgence on Paramount+ highlights the growing influence of streaming platforms in reviving interest in films that initially underperformed in theaters. Lucy Liu Paramount+ Hit serves as an example of how viewer preferences can differ markedly from critical assessments. With Old Guy’s streaming success, it remains to be seen whether similar titles featuring recognizable stars might find a second life on digital services, potentially reshaping how films are marketed and consumed going forward.
