An underrated Jamie Foxx action film is finally getting the attention it deserves as it has become a streaming hit nearly a decade after it debuted. Foxx is no stranger to action roles, but the multi-hyphenated star has dabbled in nearly every genre on the large and small screen. He got his start in comedy, but quickly branched out.
Despite his humorous origins, Foxx has not been stuck in comedy roles, and he has even reached the pinnacle of dramatic success. Foxx’s turn as Ray Charles in the eponymous biopic simultaneously established him as a legitimate dramatic performer, and won him a coveted Academy Award. Though his filmography has been spotty since, there’s no denying Foxx’s starpower.
Now, Foxx’s critically-panned action film Sleepless has found new life on streaming, and the 2017 movie is a bona fide hit on Paramount+. The remake of the French film, Sleepless Night, did not perform well when it first debuted and generally received poor reviews and even worse box office returns.
As Flix Patrol notes, the Jamie Foxx vehicle peaked at number 6 on Paramount+’s movie charts on July 21, rising from the seventh spot a day earlier. It scratched its way into a notoriously fickle top 10 that is usually dominated by films like Gladiator II, which is still receiving a lot of buzz after its theatrical run in 2024.
Why You Should Watch Sleepless
Jamie Foxx Is Worth The Price Of Admission Alone
Despite getting negative reviews, Sleepless is actually an exciting, underrated gem that has quite a few highlights. Jamie Foxx gives a strong performance, and he’s joined by an all-star cast that elevates the project beyond its lackluster script. It doesn’t reinvent the police drama, but there are a lot of good takeaways.
its brisk running time is in stark contrast to many other bloated action epics that stretch on for way too long.
Michelle Monaghan is a particularly surprising addition, and she’s great in a role that stretches her range beyond the types of parts she usually plays. Though the film is held back by pacing problems, its brisk running time is in stark contrast to many other bloated action epics that stretch on for way too long.
Our Take On Sleepless’ Streaming Success
What’s Old Is New On Streaming
In the past, Sleepless would have faded into the pages of history, but streaming is the perfect platform to showcase the film. I’m not surprised it failed theatrically, but as a streaming exclusive, it could have been a much bigger success. This is proved by the fact that the nearly decade-old thriller is in strong company on the Paramount+ chart.
Sleepless only grossed $32 million against a $30 million budget (via Box Office Mojo).
Jamie Foxx‘s name is probably the biggest reason the movie is finding new life, and starpower alone goes a long way in the crowded streaming field. The movie’s far from great, but as a simple diversion, it more than gets the job done.
Source: Flix Patrol
