Blumhouse’s never-ending slate of projects has continued most recently with their latest collaboration with Prime Video,The Bondsman. Starring the iconicKevin Baconas a grumpy bounty hunter, Hub Halloran, who must adapt his ways to start hunting demons, The Bondsman boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes the likes ofDamon Herriman,Jennifer Nettles,Beth Grant,Maxwell Jenkins, andJolene Purdy.
An enticing premise and strong ensemble have clearly paid off for Blumhouse, with the series already returning a positive score from review aggregatorRotten Tomatoes, withcritics awardingThe Bondsmanan 85% score so far.From top critics alone, the series boasts a less-impressive 60%, albeit from just five reviews. The latter score is closer to the review from Collider’sAidan Kelley, whogave the series a 6/10and citedgreat supporting charactersand a promising finale as positives but a lack of world-building and originality as negatives. Kelley concluded:
“Should the show be resurrected for a second season, it really should prioritize distinct worldbuilding to make this version of the undead feel more alive than ever before. If it doesn’t,The Bondsmanmay end up as yet another failed horror comedy that struggled to capitalize on its central concept.”
How Does ‘The Bondsman’ Stack Up Against Other Kevin Bacon Projects?
An opening score of 85% is definitely something worth praising, although the rating is subject to change as more critics have their say. For Bacon,the series marks his third-highest Rotten Tomatoes critical rating as an actor, behind an 87% score for the underrated2016 seriesI Love Dickand 88% for the ongoingCity on a Hill. In total, between both movies and film as a contributing actor, just thirteen other titles earned a high enough score to beatThe Bondsman, with the top five in Bacon’s listshowcasing the very best of his work. In fifth, 2023’sThe Toxic Avengerboasts an excellent 92%, which is also the score of fourth-placedDinerfrom 1982. In third and second, both with 93%, areFrost/Nixonand the iconic comedyPlanes, Trains and Automobiles. However, far out in first with a “certified fresh” 96% isApollo 13, a movie that went on to win two Academy Awards.
The Bondsman’s early Rotten Tomatoes score proves positive, with streaming available right now on Prime Video. For more updates on the latest shows, make sure to stay tuned to Collider.
The Bondsman
