Performance & Direction: The Beast Review
Last updated: February 18, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Beast (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Beast features a noteworthy lineup led by William Petersen . Supported by the likes of Karen Sillas and Charles Martin Smith , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: The Beast
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1996, The Beast is a Action, Adventure, Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller film directed by Jeff Bleckner. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving William Petersen.
Ending Explained: The Beast
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Jeff Bleckner, The Beast attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving William Petersen, 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 The Beast reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Beast?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Action films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Top Cast: The Beast
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Where to Watch The Beast Online?
Streaming HubThe Beast Parents Guide & Age Rating
1996 AdvisoryWondering about The Beast age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Beast is 176 minutes (2h 56m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, The Beast is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Beast worth watching?
The Beast is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Beast parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Beast identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Beast?
The total duration of The Beast is 176 minutes, which is approximately 2h 56m 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.







