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The Rookie

1990·Movie
2h 1min·R
43
WeakGoodWatch score
IMDb5.9Metacritic415.4Rotten Tomatoes31%36%
IMDb5.9Metacritic415.4Rotten Tomatoes31%36%

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The Rookie fingerprint

High energy, light on feelings.

Energy

Thrilling and fast-paced

Fast from start to finish.

  • Adrenaline8
  • Fast Pace8
  • Tension7

Heart

Emotionally reserved

  • Hopefulness5
  • Catharsis5
  • Pathos4

Humor

Some slapstick

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Physical Comedy5
  • Dark Humor4
  • Wit & Wordplay3

World

Crime and everyday modern life

  • World Immersion7
  • Dialogue Centrality6
  • Rewatchability5

Craft

Solid, not remarkable

  • Acting7
  • Intrigue7
  • Direction6

Style

Functional look and sound

  • Cinematography7
  • Editing7
  • Music Composition6

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism

Skip it if

You want something quiet and calm

Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.

About

Packing years of experience and a .45 automatic, L.A. detective Nick Pulovski figures he's got all the help he needs. He's also got all the help he doesn't need. His new partner is The Rookie.

Veteran cop Nick Pulovski is used to playing musical partners; many of the partners he's had in the past have died on the job, and often as a result of Nick's risky tactics. But the rookie who's been assigned to help Nick bust a carjacking ring is almost as hotheaded as he is … and when Nick gets kidnapped, his newbie partner is his only hope.
Action-Packed ThrillerBuddy Cop DynamicExplosive Car ChasesGritty Urban SettingHigh-Stakes Crime RingRisky Police TacticsHotheaded ProtagonistsRedemption Arc

Crew

Directed by:
Clint Eastwood, Buddy Van Horn
Written by:
Boaz Yakin, Scott Spiegel
Produced by:
David Valdes, Phyllis Huffman, Howard G. Kazanjian
Composed by:
Lennie Niehaus

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Rookie

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Rookie legally?

Netflix

The Rookie is included with a subscription to Netflix in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.

Is The Rookie worth watching?

43
WeakGoodWatch score

Reviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 44/100 (IMDb 5.9, Rotten Tomatoes 31%, and Metacritic 41). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Rookie rated?

RViolenceStrong language

It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence and strong language.

How long is The Rookie?

2 h 1 min

The Rookie runs 2 h 1 min.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Rookie?

Critics36
Audiences50

Not quite. Audiences rate The Rookie higher (50) than critics (36). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.

Was The Rookie a box office hit?

Budget$10 million
Box office$22 million

Yes. It cost about $10 million to make and earned $22 million worldwide, 2.2 times its budget.

What language is The Rookie in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.

In how many countries can I watch The Rookie?

75AOARATAUAZBEBFBGBOBRBYBZCACH+61

GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Rookie in 75 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.

What tropes does The Rookie use?

Cowboy CopMook Horror Show"Kick Me" SignTook a Level in BadassThe Stool PigeonChekhov's GunThe Cake Is a LieDark and Troubled PastBadass in DistressDisposable PilotBookendsRank Upand 10 more

TV Tropes lists 22 storytelling tropes for The Rookie, including Cowboy Cop, Mook Horror Show, "Kick Me" Sign.