Guy Ritchie’s ‘Fountain of Youth’ Was Criminally Underrated

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Guy Ritchie has been incredibly productive in the 2020s, directing five films already with another one planned. He’s also expanded into television with shows like The Gentlemen, MobLand, and Young Sherlock. While his recent fantasy film, Fountain of Youth, didn’t get good reviews, it makes you wonder if audiences and critics missed something.

The Apple TV+ series, Fountain of Youth, centers around Luke, a charming archeologist played by John Krasinski, and his sister Charlotte, a museum curator played by Natalie Portman. They haven’t spoken in years, but a wealthy man on his deathbed brings them together with a mission: to find the fabled spring that grants eternal life. This sends them on an exciting worldwide adventure, solving puzzles and staying one step ahead of both Interpol and a mysterious group called the “Protectors.” Their search ultimately leads them to the Great Pyramids of Giza, but the big question remains: does the fountain actually exist?

‘Fountain of Youth’ Was Mercilessly Flogged


Apple TV+

The movie Fountain of Youth was very poorly received by critics. It currently has a low 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many reviewers calling it a copycat of the Indiana Jones films. Audience scores aren’t much higher, at 38% on the Popcornmeter, and it received a 5.7/10 on IMDb, meaning most viewers didn’t enjoy it. To add to its troubles, Natalie Portman was nominated for a Razzie Award for Worst Actress.

I was really surprised to see how well Fountain of Youth did on Apple TV! It actually hit number one in August, which is amazing. Even bigger movies like The Gorge – with Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller – and Echo Valley, starring Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney, couldn’t top it. Everyone was talking about those other two, but Guy Ritchie’s film just blew them away!

Was the criticism of the movie justified? Does the story feel disjointed and confusing? Does it seem unsure of what it wants to be? Unlike directors like Scorsese and Spielberg, you need to see the evidence before defending a Guy Ritchie film. Like Ridley Scott, Ritchie’s movies can be hit or miss. But in this case, both fans and critics misjudged Fountain of Youth. It’s actually a pretty good film with more successes than failures, and it successfully combines several genres. Above all, it’s an enjoyable and uplifting movie by Guy Ritchie.

‘Fountain of Youth’ Isn’t a Smart Film, But It Entertains


Apple TV+

While not Guy Ritchie’s finest work, Fountain of Youth is a surprisingly captivating film. It’s no coincidence that it remained popular on Apple TV for over nine months. Ritchie consistently delivers entertainment that appeals to a broad audience, and this film is a good example, even if it’s more lighthearted than his usual fare. While his dedicated fans might prefer his more complex gangster movies, this one is likely to be more enjoyable for younger viewers than Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

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While Fountain of Youth feels like a blend of director Ritchie’s earlier work and more widely appealing adventure films, it’s not simply a copy of Indiana Jones. The story playfully references many adventure stories, even Uncharted, creating a unique pastiche. Visually, the film shares similarities with Ritchie’s war movies, and the cinematography has a warm, sun-drenched quality. Although the story’s playful, sometimes disrespectful, tone is noticeable, Ritchie’s skillful direction and visually striking scenes more than make up for it.

Despite a potentially cheesy premise, Fountain of Youth is saved by its charming cast. While Natalie Portman seems a bit lost in her role – as some critics have pointed out – John Krasinski and Laz Alonso deliver excellent performances. The supporting actors are equally strong, elevating what could have been a forgettable film. If you’re on the fence about watching it, go for it! It’s a movie that should hold up well over time and compare favorably to classic Hollywood fantasy adventures. And if you didn’t enjoy The Covenant, this is the perfect pick-me-up – a delightfully wild and unrestrained 125 minutes.

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2026-02-23 05:03