Bruce Willis returned to science fiction with this film, but viewers `drowned` it in low ratings

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That’s the case when even second-rate action movies look much better.

Bruce Willis is a name associated not only with iconic action films like Die Hard but also with science fiction. Just think of 12 Monkeys, The Fifth Element, or Armageddon—all released in the '90s.
Actor Bruce Willis close-up on a black background
Bruce Willis
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In this genre, the actor appeared in the 2012 film Looper, after which he focused again on action films and thrillers. Then, in 2021, Willis decided to return to his roots by starring in the science fiction film Cosmic Sin. Unfortunately, this comeback was not just unsuccessful—it turned into a resounding failure.

About the Film

"Cosmic Sin" takes us to the 26th century, where humanity has colonized other planets and encountered a hostile alien race. plays retired General James Ford, who is brought back to service to prevent an interstellar war.
Cosmic Sin – Trailer
The premise is promising: a distant future, space travel, an alien threat, and Bruce Willis in the lead role. Unfortunately, the execution falls short.

Criticism

Viewers and critics are unanimous in their verdict: "Cosmic Sin" is a failure on all fronts. The film even "earned" the Golden Raspberry Award in the category for "Worst Bruce Willis Performance in a 2021 Movie." However, the organizers later withdrew the award upon learning of the actor's illness (frontotemporal dementia). But, as they say, the damage was done.

Here are the main criticisms of the film:

Meaningless and cliched script: Viewers complain about the lack of logic, predictability, and abundance of clichés:
It feels like no one wanted to make this film, but someone forced them to do it. The script is full of clichés, as if you initially didn't want to write it but were compelled to. I don't see how they [the filmmakers] are making money from this, no matter how insignificant the investment. What's the point? I would love to know.
Reviewer Cpt_Acid from 'Imdb'
Some note decent special effects, yet they are overshadowed by a "terribly written, meaningless, and incoherent plotline," as well as terrible acting and weak dialogues.
Bruce Willis in fantastic armor of gray and orange color in a scene from 'Cosmic Sin'
Bruce Willis in 'Cosmic Sin'
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Cheap sets: The action takes place in the future, but everything looks as if it was filmed on a paintball field. The sets and costumes look so cheap that they seem 3D-printed.

Mismatch of setting and time period: The film is set in the 26th century, but viewers are shown scenes with people driving pickup trucks resembling those from 2021:
It's all happening in the same kind of city as today. Gasoline cars, guys in grunge-style plaid shirts drinking beer, and everything around them — it's about 2005. Nothing has changed except for a CGI spaceship. Everyone uses regular guns with gunpowder-driven bullets and gasoline. They're still using incandescent lamps.
Reviewer sumtim3s00n from 'Imdb'
The film's plot doesn't stand out from other movies of the same genre. It feels like it was made just for the sake of making it.

Opinion

"Cosmic Sin" is a vivid example of how not to make science fiction movies and how not to bring legendary actors back to the screen.

It raises the question: should Bruce Willis have agreed to this role? Wouldn't it have been better to preserve in the audience's memory his image as a tough guy and a hero of cult sci-fi films?
What do you think, is it worth it for actors to return to the screen in controversial projects, risking their legacy?