The Beast Review

Movie Review

The Beast

★ 6/10 Good

Director

Renny Harlin

Cast

Samuel L. Jackson, Joel Kinnaman, Guy Burnet, Colin Morgan, Eoin Macken

Release Date

October 9, 2026

Verdict: A non-stop, old-school action thriller that delivers thrills through its star power and gadget-filled limo but struggles with thin storytelling and limited scope. Fun for fans of straightforward B-movie energy, mixed for those seeking deeper substance.

Pros:
• Samuel L. Jackson’s commanding, charismatic performance as the President
• Constant action and inventive use of the presidential limousine’s defenses
• Nostalgic throwback vibe to high-concept 90s action films

Cons:
• Thin plot and limited character development outside the leads
• Confined setting and uneven pacing that some found tedious or chaotic

About The Beast 2026

The Beast hit limited theaters on October 9, 2026, as a high-concept American action thriller. Directed by Renny Harlin, known for earlier crowd-pleasers like Die Hard 2 and Deep Blue Sea, it reunites him with longtime collaborator Samuel L. Jackson. The film puts Jackson in the role of the U.S. President trapped inside the armored presidential limousine during a coordinated attack. Early audience chatter across X, Rotten Tomatoes verified ratings, and IMDb user reviews shows a clear split.

Many called it a blast of pure entertainment. Others felt it lacked depth and felt constrained by its single-location focus. The overall response lands in mixed territory, with praise for the star and the spectacle balanced against complaints about the story. The story follows the President and a wounded Secret Service agent as their motorcade comes under attack from unidentified hostiles.

Forced to take control of the heavily fortified limousine known as The Beast, they must unlock its secret offensive systems while fighting to survive and protect the country. The action stays mostly inside and around the vehicle as they navigate the chaos. No major plot points are spoiled here it is a straightforward survival-and-escape setup built around the limo’s surprising capabilities.

On X and in online discussions, the most praised elements center on Samuel L. Jackson. Viewers repeatedly highlighted his energy, humor, and classic delivery, including moments that lean into his well-known style. Many said the action sequences and the gradual reveal of the limousine’s weapons kept them engaged. Joel Kinnaman’s supporting turn as the injured agent also drew positive notes for grounding the chaos.

The film’s old-school, high-concept approach reminded several people of 90s action movies, with some calling it a fun throwback that skips slow setup and jumps straight into the mayhem. Common complaints focused on the thin plot and heavy reliance on the confined setting. Some audience members described it as chaotic shooting with little purpose beyond the spectacle.

Others found the dialogue talky or the overall feel low-budget despite the explosions and practical effects. A few noted the villains lacked strong characterization. Sentiment overall sits in the middle entertaining for those seeking simple thrills, underwhelming for viewers wanting tighter storytelling or more variety. Action fans who enjoy star-driven, no-frills movies will likely get the most out of it.

The strengths lie in Jackson’s screen presence and the creative use of the vehicle as both fortress and weapon. Weaknesses show in the limited scope and uneven dramatic weight. For theatergoers who like loud, straightforward rides and can accept the B-movie style, it is worth catching on the big screen while it is in limited release. Others may prefer waiting for streaming, where the shorter 99-minute runtime and smaller scale will feel more at home.

Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available audience reactions and discussions on X at the time of writing. Individual opinions may vary.