The 51st State
Performance & Direction: The 51st State Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The 51st State (2001) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and The 51st State features a noteworthy lineup led by Samuel L. Jackson . Supported by the likes of Robert Carlyle and Emily Mortimer , 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 The 51st State (2001) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.1/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: The 51st State
Quick Plot Summary: The 51st State is a Thriller, Action, Comedy, Crime film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. An American master chemist plans to score big on a once in a lifetime drug deal. All does not go as planned and he is soon entangled in a web of deceit. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Ending Explained: The 51st State
Ending Breakdown: The 51st State concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The 51st State reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The 51st State Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The 51st State incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a thriller, action, comedy, crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: The 51st State adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The 51st State?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
Box Office Collection: The 51st State
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $27.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $12.9M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The 51st State Budget
The estimated production budget for The 51st State is $27.0M. 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.
Top Cast: The 51st State
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The 51st State Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe 51st State Parents Guide & Age Rating
2001 AdvisoryWondering about The 51st State age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The 51st State is 93 minutes (1h 33m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.1/10, and global performance metrics, The 51st State is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2001 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The 51st State worth watching?
The 51st State is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 6.1/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The 51st State parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The 51st State identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The 51st State?
The total duration of The 51st State is 93 minutes, which is approximately 1h 33m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
