The new action-comedy thriller Eenie Meanie is now streaming on Hulu in the US and Disney+ elsewhere. Directed by Shawn Simmons in his feature debut, the film attempts to blend fast-paced car chases with sharp humour but struggles to find its own distinct voice.
The story follows Edie “Eenie” Meaney, played by Samara Weaving, an ex-getaway driver who has left her life of crime behind. But her reckless ex-boyfriend John (Karl Glusman) drags her back into danger. Soon, Edie is pulled into a dangerous heist by her former boss, played by Andy Garcia, where millions of dollars and her future are at stake.
The plot employs the familiar “one last job” formula, featuring quirky side characters and flashy action sequences. Big names like Randall Park, Steve Zahn, Marshawn Lynch, and Jermaine Fowler show up in smaller roles. While some scenes are enjoyable, the characters often feel one-dimensional, and the dialogue attempts to be edgy without consistently delivering genuine laughs.
Samara Weaving has proven herself in movies like Ready or Not and The Babysitter, but here she feels underused. Her character’s loyalty to her ex doesn’t make much sense, making it hard for the audience to connect with her choices. Glusman plays the “troublemaker boyfriend” well, but their on-screen chemistry is weak, leaving the central relationship unconvincing.
Where the film does shine is in its action. Simmons shows real skill in designing car chases and shootouts, which bring much-needed energy. The final act offers some surprises, but the ending slips into sentimentality, leaving the movie without a strong conclusion.
With a $50 million budget, Eenie Meanie appears polished, but it often feels like a throwback to the mid-2000s action thrillers that never achieved mainstream success. Fans of Tarantino or Edgar Wright might spot the influences, but the movie lacks the same spark and originality.
In short, Eenie Meanie is entertaining in parts, especially during its chase scenes, but it struggles with weak characters and predictable writing. It’s a decent weekend watch on streaming, but not the kind of film you’ll remember for long.
Verdict: 2.5 out of 5 stars