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Actor Alan Ritchson has garnered significant acclaim as a fan-favorite over the years. He first captured audiences’ attention with his portrayal of Aquaman in Smallville and later as Thad Castle in the cult favorite Blue Mountain State. Ritchson’s popularity surged when he took on the role of Hank Hall in the hit series Titans, and it was his lead role in Reacher as Jack Reacher that firmly established him as a notable figure in action cinema. A supporting role in The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, sharing the screen with Henry Cavill, further cemented his rising stardom.
Before achieving widespread recognition in more mainstream roles, Ritchson made an ambitious attempt to break into the film industry through the production of an action comedy film he wrote, directed, and starred in: Dark Web: Cicada 3301. Unfortunately, the film received little attention upon its release and remains somewhat of a forgotten chapter in Ritchson’s career. However, it poses an intriguing question: should it be revisited? What insights can it provide into Ritchson as a creative artist? Here’s an exploration of the often-overlooked Dark Web: Cicada 3301.
‘Dark Web: Cicada 3301’ Draws Its Comedy and Action From a Real-Life Mystery
Release Date: March 12, 2021
Runtime: 104 minutes
Writers: Joshua Montcalm
Producers: D.J. Viola
Dark Web: Cicada 3301 takes cues from the notorious online puzzle challenge known as Cicada 3301, which intrigued users by presenting a series of complex riddles. The film weaves this real-life enigma into a narrative filled with dark humor and action. The plot centers around Connor (played by Jack Casey), a talented hacker drawn into the cryptic world of the Cicada 3301 group, subsequently making him a target for the NSA. Connor teams up with Gwen (Conor Leslie), a sharp librarian eager to join the enigmatic organization, and his loyal friend Avi (Ron Funches) as they navigate a web of conspiracy.
As Ritchson’s directorial debut, Dark Web: Cicada 3301 features him in a supporting role as Agent Carver, collaborating with Connor to tackle the puzzles. While the budget for the film remains undisclosed, it is known that it had a limited theatrical release, reportedly grossing between $10,000 and $16,000. Given its focus on digital distribution, gauging its profitability has proven difficult. The film currently holds no critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and sits at a 5.0/10 on IMDb, reflecting a mixed reception.
What ‘Dark Web: Cicada 3301’ Says About Alan Ritchson
In portraying Agent Carver, Alan Ritchson demonstrates a readiness to embrace absurdity, often finding humor at his own expense—a quality on full display through his eclectic wardrobe choices throughout the film. This willingness to be the punchline showcases Ritchson’s ability to thrive in action-comedy settings, making him an admirable candidate for roles that blend humor and physicality, as seen in his subsequent casting in Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
Ritchson addressed the genre-blending nature of projects like Dark Web: Cicada 3301, stating, “Everybody wants to box it in. When we go to sell this kind of thing, it’s like, ‘Well, what is it? Is it a comedy? Is it a drama?’ We want to tick a box that makes sense, but I feel like our day-to-day life is blended in much the same way.”
As both a director and a writer, Dark Web: Cicada 3301 highlights Ritchson’s willingness to take creative risks. He recognized the challenges in reaching a wider audience and obtaining funding for the film, yet he was dedicated to realizing his vision. Additionally, his ability to craft engaging action sequences in a fast-paced context foreshadows his later successes in the genre. Ultimately, Ritchson’s foray into filmmaking encapsulates key qualities that have propelled him to stardom within action cinema.
Should You Watch ‘Dark Web: Cicada 3301’?
Comedy often strikes different chords among audiences; what may be a hilarious escapade for one viewer could feel tedious for another. Dark Web: Cicada 3301 falls within this realm, reflected in its balanced 5.0 rating on IMDb. Interested viewers may want to watch the trailer to gauge their interest level in this unique film. While the movie is far from a groundbreaking action-comedy, its obscurity is partly due to its entertaining but unremarkable nature in a crowded genre. It is also characterized as a low-budget production. Nevertheless, for fans of Alan Ritchson, the film provides a unique glimpse into his creativity beyond traditional acting roles.
Source
movieweb.com