The third installment in the Cloverfield series debuted right after the Superbowl on Feb. 4. The movie, Cloverfield Paradox, was streamed on Netflix, surprising fans of the franchise who were expecting a theater release like the first two.

Equally surprising was how poorly received the new film was.  Audiences upset by the film expressed their dislike, explaining how the movie was boring in comparison with its counterparts. The film takes place in outer space and recounts events occurring among characters on board a spaceship. The team is sent with the purpose of finding a new energy source in order to solve the energy crisis that is transpiring on Earth.

The film’s execution of the plot seems forced and lazily put together. The script has much to live up to. Some elements lack explanation, leaving several plot holes throughout. It seems as if the production was thrown together in efforts to qualify the release of a next film. JJ Abrams, the movie producer, even admits that, “Now that we’ve done this crazy movie, it opens up the possibility of alternate everythings.”

Critics also noted that its marketing had also become dull attempt at ensuring viewership. The Cloverfield series gained notoriety for its mysterious and fear inducing marketing technique over the years. This method, called viral marketing, relies on social media and cryptic messages to spur public intrigue and therefore gain consumers through sheer curiosity. It was commended during the release of the first film in 2008 since the advertising was eerie and resembled the realism of the film A Blair Witch Project years back. And it worked well with the film’s contents, the final project having still maintained the mystery yet engaging plot that was expected of it. However this marketing gimmick has since become played out and although effective in drawing in viewers, it has become an obvious crutch used by the filmmakers of the Cloverfield Paradox to promote the films.

As with most movies in a series, by the time of the release of a second or third installment, the quality of a movie has declined. The same is true for Cloverfield Paradox. The film seems to rely on its fanbase, marketing methods, and the cushion provided by a Netflix release–all but the actual content of the film.

Cloverfield Paradox is currently available to stream on Netflix.