A polarising action film is set to grace Film 4 screens this evening.

While some viewers defend it as lighthearted entertainment, others have dismissed it as utterly worthless.

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, which premiered in 2003, brings together a roster of legendary literary characters (including Allan Quatermain, vampire Mina Harker from Dracula, the Invisible Man, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, American secret service agent Sawyer, Captain Nemo, and Dorian Gray), who unite to thwart a mastermind attempting to pit the world’s nations against each other.

The picture also marked the swan song for James Bond star Sean Connery, who hung up his acting boots following its release.

Box office figures painted a rosy picture, with the film raking in $179.3 million globally against a $78 million production cost, yet middling critical reception and waning sequel enthusiasm prevented it from launching the intended franchise.

Running close to two hours, the picture features an impressive ensemble cast including Sean Connery alongside Peta Wilson, Naseeruddin Shah, Tony Curran, Stuart Townsend, Shane West, Jason Flemyng and Max Ryan. Nevertheless, the film has garnered divided opinion among cinema-goers.

One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer said: “Just a fun movie. For a fun time. Don’t think it needs to be taken seriously.”, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/appallingly-stupid-action-movie-ended-36428771″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

Another viewer defended: “Reading through these critiques, I am reminded about just how awful critics are at finding any sort of joy or fun in life and films. This was a genuinely fun movie with some of the coolest fantastical characters in history all in one group. It’s genuinely entertaining. Find joy in life.

“I absolutely loved it. It makes for old-school action-hero stories. Everyone speaks of the premise, how it’s boring, the action is pointless, and how it’s completely ordinary. I feel it’s because we are so desensitized with modern movies that are all flash. I for one loved it,” a third said.

Yet some cinema-goers couldn’t warm to it at all, with one saying: “This is the only movie that I’ve ever walked out on, and I wasn’t the only one in the theater who had enough before the hallway part. Complete garbage.”

Another added: “I can’t think of one thing this movie does well; it just doesn’t work.”

Another fan said: “The League of Extraordinary Gentleman is fantastic with Sean Connery! I enjoy this movie for the action and adventure, if you don’t like there’s no talking to you! Non stop excitement and humor and great characters.”

While one added: “Actually not as bad as everyone says it is but for a movie based on a beloved graphic novel with some of the greatest literature characters it’s rather dull.”

Another critic added: “Messy plot and a cast striving not to be embarrassed by the amount of screenplay idiocy. Add weak direction and poor special effects in a movie that only served to bury Sean Connery’s career. It has some impressive costumes and production design, but that’s It.”

The League of Extraordinary Gentleman airs on Film 4 at 6.50pm on Monday 22 December.