Freelance (2023)

Freelance knows exactly what it wants to be: a brisk, crowd-pleasing action-comedy that drops John Cena into a pressure-cooker assignment and lets the sparks fly when everything predictably goes sideways. Director Pierre Morel keeps the momentum snappy, balancing jungle-chase thrills with a self-aware sense of humor, while Alison Brie brings a sharp, grounded energy that plays beautifully off Cena’s brawny charm. The vibe is loud, light, and escapist—more “popcorn adventure” than prestige—so if you’re craving a clever satire or airtight plotting, it may not be your flavor. But if you want an easy, entertaining ride with solid laughs and plenty of forward motion, this one earns its keep.

Freelance is aiming for a light, jokey action romp—John Cena and Alison Brie stuck in a chaotic political mess, trading banter while dodging danger in the jungle. The problem is it rarely feels sharp or energized: the plot hits every expected beat, the direction feels oddly flat for a survival-escape setup, and the comedy leans crude without landing consistent laughs. Cena’s likability and a few scattered action moments keep it from being totally unwatchable, but the chemistry and character work are too thin to carry the runtime. If you’re hoping for clever satire or a genuinely funny buddy-adventure, this will likely feel lazy and lifeless; if you just want low-effort background action with familiar faces, you might tolerate it.