Oh Steve Seagull, once one of the biggest action stars in the world, to DVD discount bins in run-down gas stations. That’s Seagal’s career in a nutshell. But why? Just why did he flop so hard? Let me explain.
Why He Made It
Before I take several paragraphs trashing his career, let’s look at his highlights and why he was a big deal.
His main appeal was that his movies like most films of Stallone, Schwarzenegger or Lundgren didn’t really require a lot of brainpower to follow. Not to say you’d have to be stupid to enjoy the films, but it definately was targeted more so at the 14 year old action-loving-boy type audience.
– Seagal provided decent action without getting too fancy or intellectual. Just a fun, easy time.
In total, I’ve tried watching about 5ish Seagal movies. At least three of which I didn’t get past the first 30 minutes. One of which was Above the Law ( 2019 ) , with DMX ( RIP ). A police detective story with Seagal as a generic villain trying to be intimidating, only for his acting to get in the way of everything.
So far I’ve actually come across 2 decent Seagal movies. The first was Under Siege ( my introduction to Seagal ). Retired soldier turned submarine cook must combat invading terrorists. Sort of a Die Hard in water type deal. Costars Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busey. Genuinally solid action movie. PS, the second one sucks. 7.5/10.
The other was Marked for Death, at least I made it to the end…Costars Keith David along with a brief performance from Danny Trejo. Honestly did not understand the story either. 5/10?
Other hit movies of his include Exit Wounds with DMX, Above the Law with Pam Grier, and last but not least Robert Rodriguez’s Machete with Danny Trejo, Jessica Alba, Robert De Niro, Don Johnson & more, it came out in 2010. Meaning he hasn’t had even a remotely big movie in over a decade.
Never a Good Actor Anyway
Let’s face the facts, even when Seagal was in a good movie, it was never because of his acting skills. While yes, he was a talented martial artists who unlike many other action stars could actually whoop a dozen men’s butts, he could never pull off a tearjerker, intelligent dialogue or anything that showed range as an actor other than a tough guy who beats up bad guys.
In total, I’ve tried watching about 5ish Seagal movies. At least three of which I didn’t get past the first 30 minutes. One of which was Above the Law ( 2019 ), with DMX ( RIP ). A police detective story with Seagal as a generic villain trying to be intimidating, only for his acting to get in the way of everything. The other 2 I honestly can’t name, that forgettable. Update: I did manage to get through the rest of the film, it honestly doesn’t get better.
Not A Nice Guy + Controversy
Something that also is definately not helping his chances of getting back to the spotlight, is the fact that he’s a known ( I’m sorry ) a jerk. Seriously, there are multiple accounts of him treating just about everybody on set like garbage. So much so that some agents don’t even inform their talent about Seagal movies, knowing it’ll only result in problems.
Also, I haven’t mentioned it, but Seagal used to be a cop, yeah an actual cop after being famous. And aparently during some mission he shot and killed a puppy…..that smudge speaks for itself.
Chance of a Revival?
Honestly, I’m amazed at the fact that Seagal movies somehow even make money, or that they’re still being funded. I know YouTube ain’t the most reliable source, but according to a user I won’t name, Seagal movies on average cost about $3million and make $6million through whatever cinematic releases they get, DVD sales, and streaming services, along with tax write offs and what not. Honestly, it sounds about right. Either way, 99% of the world couldn’t care less anymore about Seagal or whatever endeavous he goes on.
Is it impossible for him to make some kind of a comeback? No. Will it happen? Almost definately not. At least not as long as he sticks to cheap, tax-deductable straight to DVD flicks.
-The Screenwriter
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