‘Fountain of Youth’ Review: John Krasinski and Natalie Portman Play Squabbling Siblings on a Mission in Guy Ritchie’s Ho-Hum Apple TV+ Actioner

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A band of daring explorers embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the legendary Cibola, the lost city believed to be filled with gold, similar to the quest portrayed in the movies “National Treasure” and “National Treasure: Book of Secrets”. However, in this new action-adventure film directed by Guy Ritchie, premiering on Apple TV+, they’re actually searching for the mythical Fountain of Youth.

Judging by my bewilderment, it seems that “Fountain of Youth” bears a striking resemblance to many other films packed with high-octane action scenes in exotic backdrops. What sets it apart, however, is the dialogue – lighthearted banter that one might not expect from people struggling for survival. Starring John Krasinski and Natalie Portman as long-lost siblings on a quest to find the legendary spring, this film offers a carefree, visually appealing experience perfect for streaming platforms. Although its large-scale action sequences and exotic locations would undoubtedly be stunning on the big screen, they are still enjoyable when viewed at home.

The narrative commences with a thrilling pursuit across the bustling streets of Bangkok, followed by another high-speed car chase in less crowded London streets, then plunges into the Irish sea for a scene featuring the Lusitania’s resurrection, stops by Vienna for an intense battle filmed at the Austrian National Library, and finally arrives in Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza. It’s difficult to determine if everyone working on this project was motivated more by financial gain or travel benefits.

In this rendition, Krasinski portrays Luke, a character reminiscent of Indiana Jones, full of witty rebelliousness from his youth. Initially, he’s chased by Thai criminal elements who seek the stolen rare painting he’s just acquired. This artwork is one of six renowned Renaissance paintings that Luke requires due to their secrets pointing towards the Fountain of Youth’s location. Aging billionaire Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson) has hired him and his team, as Carver possesses unlimited resources for their worldwide quests.

Luke’s upcoming plan involves stealing a Rembrandt painting from the British Museum, a place where his sister Charlotte, who’s a curator there (played by Natalie Portman), works. After not seeing each other for over a year since their father passed away, they start bantering like typical siblings, but with an underlying humor. However, Charlotte finds herself drawn into the scheme, and later on, she even involves her son Thomas (Benjamin Chivers) to emphasize that this is a movie about a family embarking on an action-adventure.

Throughout their journey, they’re persistently chased by Esme (Eiza Gonzalez), a formidable character who turns out to be a member of a covert group whose duty is to prevent the discovery of the Fountain. This secret organization is led by The Elder, portrayed by Stanley Tucci, who happens to be Krasinski’s brother-in-law; he makes a brief appearance to add an air of false seriousness. Despite Esme being a lethal combatant who repeatedly comes close to killing Luke, there’s a charming back-and-forth between them that feels reminiscent of flirting, even for someone as seasoned as James Bond.

Additionally, Inspector Abbas (played by Arian Moayed), an unyielding Interpol officer, is seen globetrotting in pursuit of Luke and Charlotte. This man seems to appreciate both the finer things in life, as evidenced by his collection of exquisitely tailored clothing, and his travel perks.

The movie’s events unfold exactly as you might anticipate, with James Vanderbilt’s screenplay lacking the cleverness needed to set it apart. However, a notable exception exists – a conversation between young Thomas and billionaire Owen about the experience of extreme wealth, which truly shines.

Indeed, there are captivating scenes such as the one on the Lusitania where Luke and Charlotte almost drown, and the quirky sword fight between Luke and Esme in the Austrian National Library. Ritchie skillfully adds humor to keep things lively amidst the continuous action, a trait he’s well-known for.

As a huge fan, I must say that Krasinski utilizes his signature charm, physique, and subtle humor effectively, yet his character falls short of believability at times. Portman, on the other hand, dives headfirst into the action scenes with commendable enthusiasm, but it seems this role might be more about the paycheck than the passion for her. Gleeson brings some delightful moments to life as the billionaire who’s not exactly what he appears, but unfortunately, the excessive CGI in the film’s over-the-top finale doesn’t do him any justice.

As it subtly suggests the possibility of future installments towards the end, the movie “Fountain of Youth” appears overeager to establish a successful film series on its streaming platform.

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2025-05-22 19:25