Why 'The Bounty Hunter' Is Back in the Spotlight on HBO Max

When Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston teamed up for a 2010 action- comedy, expectations ran high. Butler, known for his tough-guy roles, and Aniston, a staple of romantic comedies, seemed like a match made for box office gold. Directed by Andy Tennant, who previously helmed hits like 'Hitch' and 'Sweet Home Alabama,' the film aimed to blend action and romance in a fresh way. Yet, things didn’t quite go as planned. Now, more than a decade later, the movie is finding a new audience as it climbs into HBO Max ’s Top 10.

Unlikely Partners and a Rocky Reception

In 'The Bounty Hunter,' Butler plays Milo Boyd, a former NYPD detective turned bounty hunter. His latest assignment? Track down his ex-wife Nicole, played by Aniston, after she skips bail. The setup promised sparks, but critics and viewers alike felt the leads just didn’t click. The chemistry that’s so crucial in a romantic comedy was missing, and the film struggled to win over its audience. Released alongside 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid,' the movie didn’t face much competition, which helped it pull in a respectable box office return despite the negative buzz.

With a production budget of $40 million, the film managed to gross $136 million worldwide. Still, the numbers didn’t reflect the critical response. The movie’s synopsis sums up the plot:

"Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler), a down-on-his-luck bounty hunter, thinks he's seeing an upswing in fortune when he gets a call to bring in his bail-jumping ex-wife, a reporter named Nicole (Jennifer Aniston). Milo considers the job an easy payday, but Nicole quickly escapes to chase a lead on a murder case. The former spouses play an escalating game of one-upmanship, until they suddenly find themselves on the run for their lives."

Critics and Audiences Split

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film scraped by with a 13% Tomatometer score and a 51% audience rating. Many reviewers couldn’t get past what they called the “zero chemistry” between the stars. Others described it as

“an actionized rom-com that isn’t action packed, contains no believable romance, and isn’t particularly funny.”

While some moviegoers were a bit more forgiving, most agreed the film fell short of its potential. For die-hard fans of Butler or Aniston, there might be something to enjoy, but it’s hardly a must-see. Words like “poor,” “amateurish,” and “inferior to so many similar movies ” were common in reviews.

Despite the criticism, the film’s commercial performance showed that sometimes, star power and a lighthearted premise can still draw a crowd. It’s the kind of movie people might put on in the background while doing other things, rather than sitting down for a focused watch.

Streaming Success and Lasting Appeal

Since its release, both Butler and Aniston have gone on to star in more successful projects. Butler found his groove in action thrillers like the '...Has Fallen' series and 'Greenland 2,' while Aniston continued to shine in comedies and dramas. Yet, 'The Bounty Hunter' has managed to stick around, popping up on streaming platforms and finding new viewers years after its theatrical run.

Its recent resurgence on HBO Max’s Top 10 proves that even movies with a rocky start can find a second life. Whether it’s nostalgia, curiosity, or just the need for some easy entertainment, audiences are giving this action-comedy another shot.