Fans who appreciated the two “National Treasure” films starring Nicholas Cage from the mid-2000s will notice many similarities in Guy Ritchie’s latest work, “Fountain of Youth”. Ritchie’s newest film recalls the time of grand studio productions, such as the lighthearted and entertaining Cage movies, Brendan Fraser’s “The Mummy” series, and the cherished “Indiana Jones” saga.
The term “Fountain of Youth” is a delightful reference to the classic action-adventure films that used to captivate audiences. These were the kind of stories where endearing characters embarked on exhilarating journeys filled with equal parts humor and action. Unfortunately, as cinema evolved towards more serious subjects, these elements seemed to fade away. However, in an attempt to recreate the magic that made those blockbuster movies thrive, Guy Ritchie endeavors to bring back those beloved aspects. And his efforts yield moderately enjoyable results.
In terms of casting, “Fountain of Youth” seems destined for greatness with its talented ensemble. John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Domhnall Gleeson, and Eiza González each bring their unique charm and skills to the table, creating an electric atmosphere ideal for a movie like this. However, the narrative falls short of expectations. The story, penned by James Vanderbilt, isn’t flawed per se, but it follows a predictable pattern so closely that it risks feeling overly familiar.
Krasinski and Portman portray long-separated siblings, Luke and Charlotte Purdue. Their father, a renowned archaeologist, passed away a year prior, and they’ve been apart ever since. While Luke is in Bangkok attempting to pilfer a valuable artwork from a criminal network, Charlotte holds a job as a curator at a London art gallery, simultaneously navigating an unpleasant divorce with her former spouse (Daniel de Bourg).
On one unexpected day, Charlotte encounters Luke at her art gallery. Their cool reunion takes an unexpected turn when Luke steals a painting by Rembrandt from its display. Pursuing him leads Charlotte to a hidden lair, where she discovers Luke, his father’s former associates (played by Laz Alonso and Carmen Ejogo in underappreciated roles), and billionaire Owen Carver (Gleeson). Luke then discloses that he has been following cryptic messages left behind by their deceased father, which may uncover the whereabouts of the fabled Fountain of Youth.
Carver, who’s battling liver cancer, has decided to back their project. However, Luke requires Charlotte’s assistance in unraveling and resolving the last puzzles. Initially hesitant, she eventually consents, and the team embarks on an international escapade. Navigating through this journey won’t be straightforward. Trailing them are Interpol, headed by Inspector Abbas (Arian Moayed), and a secretive woman named Esme (González) from a clandestine group determined to protect the whereabouts of the Fountain.
In Ritchie’s travel, viewers join him as he explores various destinations such as Thailand, England, Ireland, Austria, Vatican City, and Egypt. Although these locations are visually stunning, the experiences at each stop may not be particularly memorable. The film boasts impressive production design that contributes to creating a captivating stage for its spectacular scenes. One of the most remarkable sequences involves a portion of an ancient sunken ship being raised from the sea floor. Lastly, while the final action-packed scene looks impressive visually, it doesn’t quite live up to expectations in terms of execution.
Although the actors appear committed and put forth their best efforts, their characters and storylines remain trapped within a worn-out structure that leaves viewers in overly familiar ground. Director Ritchie opts for a more conventional approach which might leave some wanting something more than what the film delivers. However, it’s a straightforward, moderately engaging tale that offers family-friendly entertainment. This factor certainly earns it brownie points, particularly given our current movie landscape. “Fountain of Youth” is now available for streaming on Apple TV+.
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2025-05-28 17:57