Is Empire State Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Empire State is likely a skip if you enjoy Action movies.
It features a runtime of 94 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Empire State Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2013, Empire State emerges as a significant entry in the Action, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of After failing to get into the police academy, Chris Potamitis settles for a security guard job with an armoured truck company. Unlike standard genre fare, Empire State attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Empire State features a noteworthy lineup led by Liam Hemsworth . Supported by the likes of Dwayne Johnson and Emma Roberts , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Empire State (2013) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Empire State Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Empire State is a Action, Drama film that delivers high-octane sequences and adrenaline-pumping confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. After failing to get into the police academy, Chris Potamitis settles for a security guard job with an armoured truck company. After he makes the mistake of mentioning the company's lax security to his best friend, He's unwittingly drawn into an elaborate scheme to rob the abundant amounts of cash being stored on their premises—resulting in the largest cash heist in U.S.history. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The film opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Empire State Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Empire State attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Empire State reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Empire State?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Empire State Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $11.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Empire State Budget
The estimated production budget for Empire State is $11.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Empire State
- Liam Hemsworth – Chris Potamitis
- Dwayne Johnson – Detective James Ransome
- Emma Roberts – Nancy Michaelides
- Nikki Reed – Lizzette
- Michael Angarano – Eddie
Top Highlights
Liam HemsworthChris Potamitis
Dwayne JohnsonDetective James Ransome
Emma RobertsNancy Michaelides
Nikki ReedLizzette
Michael AngaranoEddie
Shenae Grimes-BeechEleni
Lydia HullMaria
Jerry FerraraJimmy
James RansoneAgent Nugent
Chris DiamantopoulosSpyro
Where to Watch Empire State Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Starz Apple TV Channel
MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTube
Fandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Empire State is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is intended for mature audiences only.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.4/10, and global collection metrics, Empire State stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2013 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Empire State movie hit or flop?
Empire State has received mixed reviews with a 5.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Empire State worth watching?
Empire State is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Action, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Empire State online?
Empire State is currently available for streaming on Starz Apple TV Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like Starz Apple TV Channel, MovieSphere+ Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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How Empire State Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Empire State
First of all, this movie is nothing to do with Empire State Building. When I saw the movie poster with that building the background, I thought the movie would be something like 'White House Down' which will be defended against the terrorist takeover/attack. Poster also misleads that the movie is a complete action pack, but it was not. It was a crime-thriller which was based on the real story. The sudden variation in scenes and the character behaviors kind of incompetence to keep balanced everything in the story progress. Inspired by a real event is what kept my interest all the way. Suppose it was fictional that was written for the movie I would have said the writer was confused between character to build and story development. On the other side the performances promised to conclude the movie on a high note and it does. One of it was Dwayne Johnson, actually it was not his movie, but his part was a highlight alongside Liam Hemsworth and Michael Angarano. Could have done a little better in few parts for the best outcome. Anyway, it will entertain you, but cannot remain in your memory for so long. 6/10
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
