Tubi’s Got a New Problem: The Most Hatable Hero in Modern Sci-Fi
Tubi, the popular streaming service, has recently premiered a new sci-fi blockbuster that’s been making waves in the film world. While the special effects and action sequences have received high praise, there’s one major issue that’s got many viewers talking – the protagonist, Jack, played by up-and-coming actor, Ryan Whitaker, is just plain unlikable.
The movie, titled "Apex Dawn," follows Jack, a brilliant but abrasive genius who’s determined to save humanity from an alien threat. Sounds like a typical hero’s journey, right? Wrong. Jack’s stubbornness, lack of empathy, and constant arguing with his colleagues make him a hard pill to swallow.
From the get-go, it’s clear that Jack is the kind of guy who’d rather solve problems by himself, without listening to anyone else’s input. He’s always barking orders, dismissing his teammates’ concerns, and constantly putting himself in harm’s way. His tantrums and outbursts are frequent, making it difficult for the audience to connect with him on an emotional level.
Moreover, Jack’s relationship with his love interest, a kind and gentle astrophysicist named Dr. Samantha, is particularly jarring. Their interactions are stilted, and his lack of interest in her well-being or feelings is uncomfortable to watch. It’s like he sees her as only a means to an end, rather than a person with her own agency and emotions.
The problem lies in the fact that the script relies heavily on Jack’s brawn over his brain. His only redeeming qualities are his physical abilities, which makes him a more painful-to-watch character. His intelligence is wasted on trivial facts and rote recitation of scientific jargon, leaving the audience feeling underwhelmed and uninvested in his journey.
The supporting cast fares no better. The usually reliable Emma Thompson, who plays the team’s ethics advisor, is wasted in a thankless role, reduced to delivering lengthy monologues about the morality of artificial intelligence. The usually impressive Idris Elba, as the leader of the mission, is relegated to giving dry, expository dialogue that fails to leave an impression.
In an era where character-driven storytelling is all the rage, "Apex Dawn" feels like a relic of the 80s, where brawn was more important than brains. The film’s attempts at emotional depth are few and far between, making it a chore to watch.
Tubi’s best intentions may have been to create a thrilling, action-packed sci-fi adventure, but in doing so, they’ve created a protagonist that’s more toxic than compelling. "Apex Dawn" is a lesson in why character development matters, and how a hero who’s unlikable can sink an entire production.
For now, viewers may want to stick to the more well-crafted heroes and stories on Tubi, like the popular " Travelers" series, where empathy, compassion, and wit take center stage. The sci-fi landscape is vast, and with "Apex Dawn," it’s clear that not every hero deserves to save the world.
