AceShowbiz - Chris Pratt is no stranger to box office hits, having found massive success in franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Star-Lord and the Jurassic World series. His voice work in The Lego Movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and The Garfield Movie also contributed to his popularity, as did his hit streaming series, The Terminal List. However, not all of Chris Pratt’s projects have resonated with audiences or critics, as demonstrated by his latest A.I. thriller, Mercy, which performed poorly in theaters but is now getting a second chance on Prime Video.

Released in January by Amazon MGM Studios, Mercy was an unexpected box office disappointment for Pratt. The film follows Chris Raven (played by Pratt), a detective living in a futuristic Los Angeles, who is accused of murdering his wife. To prove his innocence, he must face the Mercy Capital Court, a tribunal run by artificial intelligence judges—one of whom is portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson, star of Silo. Pratt’s character has just 90 minutes to convince the A.I. judges before his execution is carried out.

Despite its intriguing premise that taps into contemporary fears about A.I.’s growing role in society, Mercy failed to find favor with critics, earning a low 25% rating. Many reviewers criticized the film’s pacing and structure, noting that a large portion centers on Pratt’s character sifting through evidence while in custody, with most of the action occurring late in the story. This approach left many critics underwhelmed.

However, Mercy has been received far more positively by audiences, who awarded the film an 85% approval rating. Fans praised the movie for its engaging, action-packed narrative and found the concept of A.I. judges both intriguing and unsettlingly realistic. Viewers particularly appreciated the film’s portrayal of how artificial intelligence could extend too far into everyday life, raising ethical and societal questions.

The biggest draw for many viewers remains Chris Pratt himself, whose appeal as an action star is well-established. His success with Prime Video’s The Terminal List has cultivated a dedicated fanbase eager to see his latest work. The film’s arrival on Prime Video on March 22nd is expected to boost its visibility and viewership, as fans who missed the theatrical release will likely watch it at home, giving the film a fresh opportunity to succeed.

Prime Video is also enhancing its March lineup with an array of popular titles, making it a promising month for subscribers. Earlier this month, the service added beloved movies such as Rain Man, the Shrek franchise, and Josie and the Pussycats. Television fans can look forward to nostalgic series like Married... With Children and Who’s the Boss?, both joining the platform on March 25th. This robust schedule offers viewers a mix of classic and contemporary favorites.

In summary, while Mercy struggled to make an impact during its theatrical run, it may find a more receptive audience on streaming thanks to its compelling concept, Chris Pratt’s star power, and the supportive environment provided by Prime Video. The film’s release on March 22nd marks a new chapter for the thriller, offering viewers a chance to judge it for themselves.

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