3 Years On, Guy Ritchie’s Criminally Underrated Spy Film is Finally a Hit On Prime

by

Guy Ritchie has directed many popular films, but not all of them have been huge hits. He first gained recognition with British crime comedies like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, and has since directed several big-budget movies, including two Sherlock Holmes films and a live-action Aladdin. He also took a risk with the fantasy film King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, and recently returned to his signature style with The Gentlemen. While he’s most famous for his ensemble crime films, Ritchie has proven he can succeed in various genres.

Guy Ritchie’s film Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre didn’t initially perform well in theaters. Starring Jason Statham as the witty spy Orson Fortune, it came out in cinemas in 2023 and then quickly moved to Prime Video a month later. Although reviews were mixed, the movie is now a hit on Prime Video. Recently added back to the streaming service, Operation Fortune is currently the third most-watched film on Prime in the US, according to FlixPatrol. While it’s a bit late in coming, this success is well-earned.

Why Operation Fortune is One of Guy Ritchie’s Most Underrated Movies

You know, I think Guy Ritchie’s latest film is seriously underrated. It stars Jason Statham heading up a team to grab some dangerous tech from a really quirky arms dealer. The cast is fantastic – Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes, Hugh Grant, and even Josh Hartnett are all in it! It’s technically a spy movie, but it’s way funnier than you’d expect, which is a big part of its charm. Honestly, I think the awkward title might be holding it back, because it doesn’t really hint at the comedy, and that’s a shame because it’s a really enjoyable ride.

While plenty of excellent spy films fly under the radar, Operation Fortune is a particularly overlooked action comedy. One reason it might not have gotten the attention it deserves is that it initially presents itself as a serious thriller, hiding its playful side. The movie showcases Jason Statham’s knack for dry wit and also demonstrates Guy Ritchie’s range as a director.

Despite a slow start in theaters, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre is now gaining well-deserved popularity on streaming. This stylish and funny spy thriller playfully pokes fun at the genre’s tropes while still offering exciting action and Guy Ritchie’s trademark witty dialogue, delivered brilliantly by Jason Statham, Hugh Grant, and Aubrey Plaza. While it’s still a hidden gem in Jason Statham’s filmography, its recent success on Prime Video suggests Operation Fortune is finally getting the recognition it deserves.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/movies/list/10-best-action-movies-of-2025-ranked/embed/#

Read More

2026-02-16 15:40