Will Ferrell has been one of the most successful comedic actors in Hollywood, with his lengthy tenure as a comedic staple in films like Anchorman and Step Brothers. Recently though, Ferrell has struggled to re-kindle his early career success, with both Daddy’s Home 2 and The House being poorly received by critics last year. It seems that trend is only getting worse with Ferrell’s latest film Holmes and Watson.
Also co-starring John C. Reilly, the film was intended to be another successful comedic outing for the recognized duo. Reactions though have been dreadful, with the film currently holding a 7% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Here are some of the most noteworthy negative blurbs from critics:
“It’s so painfully unfunny we’re not sure it can legally be called a comedy.” – David Fear, Rolling Stone
“Holmes & Watson” is one of those movies that goes beyond unfunny and into a comedy-cubist zone, where jokes are no longer recognizable and laughter is philosophically impossible.” – Rafer Guzman, Newsday
“You can feel the flop sweat emanating from the third onscreen pairing of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.” – Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter
Audiences are also apparently walking out of the movie:
One of the most moronic, idiotic and completely brain dead films of 2018. Totally walked out in fear of subliminal stupidity. This is the kind of film that bankrupts studios. — watching Holmes & Watson
— Hulon Pate (@Hulon_Pate) December 27, 2018
my sister, her bf and I just went to see Holmes & Watson…we walked out after an hour… it’s so bad.
— ‡ (@blueveinblues) December 25, 2018
Perfect day to go to movie…just don’t see new Will Farrell film…Holmes & Watson. Horrible!! I have only walked out of two movies in my life. Nothing funny about it!!
— Jean Daul (@DaulJean) December 27, 2018
Today Holmes & Watson became the first film I’ve ever walked out of a cinema when only 30 minutes into a film. 1/5. Crushed.
— Anna Pridgeon (@AnnaPridgeon) December 27, 2018
@Will___Ferrell Holmes & Watson was the worst movie I have ever watched. I walked out of the cinema. Sort your shit out
— Levi Krahe (@levikrahe) December 28, 2018
Literally never walked out of a movie before but after witnessing the first 30 minutes of Holmes & Watson, I’m convinced Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly should never be allowed to work again
— Louise Orr (@LouiseFOrr) December 27, 2018
Just walked out of a movie after just 10 minutes. Please give me back those precious seconds, Will Ferrell, Holmes & Watson stinks.
— Andrew Lightman (@Andrew_HillRag) December 25, 2018
Ouch. Deadline also reported this week that apparently Netflix denied purchasing the film from Sony. Considering their less than stellar track record of releases, that is pretty telling of just how much of a dud this turned out to be. While I am a huge fan of both, I can’t really say I am surprised. The premise and marketing material for the film has been extremely tired and stale, not giving audiences anything they haven’t seen done better before.