Top 5 Retirement Plan Reviews: Critics and Audience Picks

When Nicolas Cage suits up for one last mission in “The Retirement Plan,” he delivers his signature intensity alongside self-aware humor and adrenaline-fueled action sequences. Audience reaction is split—some viewers celebrate its relentless pace, while others question its narrative coherence.

To offer a balanced perspective, we’ve analyzed five leading review platforms—chosen for their analytical depth, broad reach, and respected perspectives. Each section presents the overall rating, highlights of praise, common criticisms, and a concise takeaway tailored to different viewing preferences.

Whether you’re seeking intense set pieces, evaluating critical consensus, or checking content for younger audiences, this guide provides the clarity you need. Read on to discover whether “The Retirement Plan” deserves a place on your watchlist.

1. Rotten Tomatoes: The Critics’ Tomatometer Consensus

For “The Retirement Plan” on Rotten Tomatoes (https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_retirement_plan), the Tomatometer—a metric reflecting the percentage of positive professional reviews—registers at 36% based on 47 reviews. This places the film well below the 60% average for action-comedies, indicating that most critics found it uneven, despite a few standout elements.

Overall Score and Interpretation

The Tomatometer score is calculated by dividing the number of “fresh” (positive) reviews by the total number of reviews and converting that fraction into a percentage. At 36%, “The Retirement Plan” falls into the “rotten” category. For context, action-comedies that resonate with critics typically score between 55% and 75%, so this rating suggests that the film’s strengths—chiefly its lead performance and set pieces—aren’t enough to win over most reviewers.

Critics’ Common Praise

Several critics agreed on a few high points:

• “Cage’s gleeful ferocity nearly saves the film from its own contrivances,” notes Variety.
• Many reviews applauded the choreography of key action sequences, citing clean camera work and solid stunt execution.

Critics’ Common Criticisms

At the same time, recurring drawbacks surfaced:

• “The script never matches the energy of its star, resulting in misfires that outnumber the hits,” observes The Hollywood Reporter.
• Critics pointed to underdeveloped characters and dialogue that often slips into cliché, weakening emotional engagement.

Viewer Takeaway

If you’re in it for Nicolas Cage’s trademark intensity and adrenaline-driven set pieces, Rotten Tomatoes suggests you’ll find enough to justify a viewing. However, those seeking a tightly woven plot or sharp, witty dialogue may want to manage expectations—critics agree the narrative plays second fiddle to the spectacle.

2. IMDb: Audience Reviews and Rating

IMDb is a key destination for gauging real-world audience reactions. On its 10-point scale, “The Retirement Plan” holds an average user rating of 5.8/10 based on over 2,000 votes (as of May 2025). This middling score suggests a divided but enthusiastic viewer base, with many tuning in for high-octane action and Cage’s larger-than-life persona.

Average User Rating and Context

IMDb’s rating aggregates individual scores on a 1-to-10 scale. At 5.8, “The Retirement Plan” lands slightly below the 6.2 average for mainstream action-comedies. While die-hard Nicolas Cage fans often skew ratings upward, the total vote count here indicates genuine curiosity—enough viewers engaged to make the score meaningful.

Positive Audience Feedback

Many users applaud the film’s relentless pacing and Cage’s commitment to every stunt and one-liner. Highlights include:

• “The Retirement Plan offers subtle commentary on politics and how everything in life is politically motivated and orchestrated for power. The movie is clean, fun …” —IMDb user review
• Commenters frequently note that the humor lands more often than not, keeping the tone light even when the plot takes bizarre turns.
• Several viewers point out that the fight choreography and set pieces provide steady thrills from start to finish.

Negative Audience Feedback

On the flip side, viewers often cite the thin storyline and underdeveloped supporting characters:

• Some reviews complain the plot twists feel shoe-horned, leaving pacing hiccups between major action moments.
• A number of users mention that attempts at emotional stakes fall flat, making it hard to care about anyone beyond Cage’s character.
• A handful of comments note tonal whiplash—sudden shifts from slapstick humor to graphic violence can feel jarring.

Critics vs. Audiences

In contrast to critics (36% on Rotten Tomatoes), IMDb audiences are a bit more forgiving. User reviews tend to prioritize entertainment value—Cage’s unhinged energy and crisp action—over narrative cohesion. If you measure success by sheer adrenaline and moments of dark wit, IMDb scores suggest you’re likely to come away satisfied, even if you’re willing to overlook logical lapses.

3. The Guardian: A British Critical Perspective

The Guardian stands out as a flagship UK newspaper with a reputation for thoughtful film criticism. In its review, it awarded The Retirement Plan 3 out of 5 stars, calling it a “mostly fun action-comedy drama with a really stupid plot.” This middling score reflects a balance between acknowledging Nicolas Cage’s charisma and pointing out the story’s shortcomings.

Key Observations

The Guardian critic highlights the film’s streamlined pacing and stripped-back tone, noting Cage’s decision to dial down his trademark eccentricity. While the action sequences earn praise for their brisk choreography and clear staging, the plot is characterized as thin and pedestrian. The review ultimately labels the movie “disposable,” suggesting it delivers quick thrills but leaves little lasting impact.

Notable Quotes

• “Cage dials down the freaky in disposable comedy.”
• “A mostly fun action-comedy drama with a really stupid plot.”

Franchise and Genre Context

Compared to Cage’s more outlandish turns in films like Kick-Ass and Mandy, this outing is relatively grounded—and that restrained approach both helps and hinders the production. In the landscape of contemporary action-comedies, The Retirement Plan aligns more with straightforward thrillers, offering fewer standout set pieces but a clear, if shallow, narrative thread. For those familiar with Cage’s late-period fare, it neither reinvents nor significantly tarnishes his on-screen persona.

Viewer Takeaway

If you lean toward a more measured take on action-comedy—favoring solid stunt work and a controlled Cage performance—you’ll find enough here to enjoy. But viewers seeking layered characters or clever dialogue may come away feeling short-changed by the film’s bare-bones plot and disposable nature.

4. Common Sense Media: Family-Friendly Analysis

Common Sense Media offers parents a clear breakdown of what to expect before watching “The Retirement Plan” with younger viewers. This platform evaluates not only the entertainment value but also the appropriateness of themes, language, and on-screen action, helping families decide if the movie fits their household’s comfort level.

Link: Common Sense Media’s review of The Retirement Plan

Content Rating and Warnings

Common Sense Media assigns “The Retirement Plan” a 15+ age recommendation, citing the following content:

• Violence: Frequent fight scenes featuring hand-to-hand combat, firearm use, explosions, and occasional blood splatter.
• Language: Regular use of strong profanity, including the f-word and other harsh expletives.
• Substance Use: Characters are shown drinking alcohol in social settings; no graphic depictions of intoxication.
• Sexuality: Brief references to past relationships and off-screen sexual activity; no explicit scenes.

Pros for Family Viewers

• Fast-paced action: Choreographed fight sequences and clear stunt work can captivate teens who enjoy adrenaline-driven plots.
• Light humor: Nicolas Cage’s quips and self-aware one-liners offer comic relief between high-intensity moments.
• Role model underdog story: The protagonist’s loyalty to family and willingness to protect loved ones underscore positive themes of responsibility and courage.

Cons and Cautions

• Graphic violence: Multiple close-up shots of gunshot wounds and physical brawls may be unsettling for younger teens.
• Strong language: The frequent use of mature expletives could prompt parental discussion about word choice.
• Mature themes: References to criminal underworlds and political conspiracies introduce complex subject matter that may require context for younger viewers.

Recommendation Summary

Common Sense Media concludes that “The Retirement Plan” is best suited for viewers 15 and older, particularly teens who are comfortable with stylized violence and strong language. Parents looking for a straightforward action film with occasional laughs may find it acceptable as a shared family-movie night, provided they’re prepared to talk through the more intense scenes and coarse dialogue.

5. Metacritic: Composite Critic and User Score

Metacritic aggregates professional reviews into a weighted average on a 0–100 scale, giving added influence to major publications. As of May 2025, “The Retirement Plan” holds a Metascore of 44 based on 16 critic reviews, while its user score stands at 6.1/10 from roughly 180 ratings.

Metascore Breakdown

Metacritic converts each critic’s assessment into a numeric value and then averages them, applying greater weight to outlets with broader reach. A 44/100 lands squarely in the “mixed or average reviews” band (40–60). This reflects a split: praise for vigorous action sequences balanced against frustration with a paper-thin narrative.

Top Critic Excerpts

• Variety: “Cage’s gleeful ferocity nearly saves the film from its own contrivances.”
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The script never matches the energy of its star, resulting in misfires that outnumber the hits.”
• The Guardian: “A mostly fun action-comedy drama with a really stupid plot.”

User Score Insights

Metacritic’s 6.1/10 user rating echoes IMDb’s 5.8/10, suggesting audiences are kinder than critics. Viewers consistently highlight Cage’s unrestrained commitment and well-staged stunts, even while acknowledging story shortcuts. The modest bump in the user score indicates that entertainment value often outweighs narrative depth.

Overall Consensus

Critics remain lukewarm, citing thin character work and predictable plotting, yet audiences reward the film’s adrenaline and Cage’s trademark intensity. If you lean on expert verdicts, lower your expectations for storytelling. If you’re chasing kinetic action and Cage’s unfiltered charisma, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for.

Making Your Own “Retirement Plan” Viewing Decision

Choosing whether to watch “The Retirement Plan” comes down to what you value most in an action-comedy. Across our retirement plan reviews, critics and audiences unite on one point: Nicolas Cage’s unbridled intensity and the film’s kinetic set pieces are undeniable crowd-pleasers. Beyond that, opinions diverge—critics lament the thin plotting and cliched dialogue, while many viewers happily overlook those flaws in favor of pure entertainment.

Here’s how to match your preferences:

• Action Over Story: If rapid-fire battles, clear stunt work, and Cage’s fearless commitment are your priority, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.
• Narrative Depth: If you need a well-crafted plot and nuanced characters, you may be disappointed by the film’s underdeveloped storylines.
• Family Viewing (15+): For teens comfortable with moderate gore and strong language, the blend of humor and heart-pounding sequences can work—just be ready to discuss mature themes afterward.
• Cage Completists: If you’re tracking Cage’s evolving screen persona, this more restrained performance offers an interesting contrast to his zanier roles.

Balancing these perspectives helps you decide if “The Retirement Plan” deserves a spot on your watchlist. Let critic consensus set your narrative expectations, then weigh audience feedback for a sense of genuine fun.

And if you’re planning not just your movie night but your actual retirement strategy, partner with Admin316’s expert retirement planning services. We guide businesses nationwide through ERISA compliance, fiduciary risk management, and performance optimization—so you can focus on running your company, confident your employees’ futures are in solid hands.