John Cena’s throwback action film directed by Extraction’s helmer finds success on Apple TV.

John Cena has built an impressively diverse career, seamlessly transitioning from raunchy comedies to superhero flicks and even quirky family films. He’s taken on roles like a party-loving dad in *Vacation Friends*, ventured into the whimsical world of *Barbie* as a mermaid, and portrayed the chaotic Peacemaker in *The Suicide Squad*, later reprising the role in an HBO series.

Now, the former WWE superstar is at the helm of a new film inspired by a beloved childhood classic, and it’s quickly climbing the streaming charts.

*Matchbox: The Movie* premiered on Apple TV on October 9, and it’s off to a promising start. According to streaming rankings, the action-adventure flick snagged the top spot on Apple TV’s U.S. movie chart during its opening weekend, indicating that there’s still a strong appetite for nostalgic big-budget films.

Drawing inspiration from Mattel’s iconic Matchbox toy cars, *Matchbox: The Movie* follows Sean, played by Cena, an undercover CIA agent who returns to his hometown and reconnects with old friends. Their reunion takes a perilous turn as they get entangled in an international conspiracy, propelling them into a globe-trotting mission to save the world.

Directed by Sam Hargrave, known for *Extraction 2*, the film promises thrilling car chases and the excitement of a spy adventure. Jessica Biel stars alongside a talented cast that includes Sam Richardson, Teyonah Parris, Arturo Castro, and Danai Gurira.

This film marks another effort to transform a classic Mattel brand into a major entertainment franchise, following the massive success of *Barbie*. However, while that film became a cultural sensation, *Matchbox* has received a much cooler reception from critics.

Initial reviews have been predominantly negative. One outlet noted that the film feels like a placeholder between *Fast & Furious* installments, criticizing its action sequences for overshadowing its emotional narrative. Another was slightly more lenient, calling it a lighthearted time-waster but still pointing out its toy-commercial vibe. The film currently holds a 25% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Despite the lukewarm critical response, *Matchbox* has managed to attract viewers in its first few days on Apple TV. For fans of adrenaline-fueled car chases, international spy escapades, and a healthy dose of nostalgia, *Matchbox: The Movie* might still be worth checking out, even with its mixed reviews.