Chris Pine’s New Film ‘Poolman’ Stirs Controversy Among Critics
Critics not impressed with Chris Pine’s directorial debut
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – In a surprising turn of events, Chris Pine’s latest indie film, “Poolman,” has failed to impress critics despite his involvement as both director and lead actor. The comedy-mystery movie made its debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2023 and has since been panned by reviewers.
The Plot of ‘Poolman’
“Poolman” revolves around Darren Barrenman (Chris Pine), a pool caretaker in Los Angeles, who embarks on an investigation into the dealings of a local politician and land developer, enlisting the help of his friends. The film, co-written by Pine and Ian Golter, boasts a star-studded cast featuring Annette Bening, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Danny DeVito.
A Major Flop
The film garnered a dismal 19% “rotten” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a popular critic site, based on 37 published reviews. Variety critic Owen Gleiberman went as far as writing that “Poolman” is “not only the worst film I saw during the fall festival season, but would likely be one of the worst films in any year it came out.”
Pine’s Response to the Criticism
Despite the negative reviews, Chris Pine remains resilient. In an interview on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast, Pine revealed how he copes with film critics. He explained, “Criticism as an actor is just a part of the game,” and emphasized the importance of not losing sight of the joy and playfulness that acting brings. Pine attributes the experience with “Poolman” as a reminder of why he loves his job.
Pine’s Previous Success
Pine’s previous work, such as the “Star Trek” reboot series, received favorable ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. However, “Poolman” showcases a different side of Pine’s creative endeavors.
Unwavering Confidence in “Poolman”
In light of the negative reception, Pine remains resolute in his belief in “Poolman.” Despite the film’s critical battering, Pine confided, “I f—ing love this film. I love this film so much.”
“Poolman” is set to open in theaters this Friday and will mark Chris Pine’s directorial debut. Despite the backlash, the film’s 160-theater opening weekend showcases the actor’s continued passion and commitment to his craft.
