A Collider opinion piece published on 8 July 2026, written by Safwan Azeem, ranks six action thrillers that the author considers so poorly executed as to be unwatchable today. The article's central argument is that action thrillers succeed on sustained tension and consequence rather than plot logic, and that these films fail that basic test, making danger feel dull and mechanical.

Four of the six titles are detailed. "Taken 3" (2015) is criticised for choppy editing that robs Liam Neeson's Bryan Mills of impact and for replacing the original's emotional clarity with a frame-up plot. "Alex Cross" (2012), with Tyler Perry in the role once played by Morgan Freeman, is faulted for claiming its hero is brilliant while offering blunt detective work and shouting. "Abduction" (2011), a Taylor Lautner star vehicle directed by John Singleton, is said to lack sharpness and fail to build a convincing character. "Getaway" (2013), starring Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez, is dismissed as a car-chase film whose chaotic camerawork and cutting drain the driving of excitement and escalation.