Big names attached to a project in the film industry equals huge revenue, and tickets can be sold by just having names like Dwayne Johnson. But when you add Ryan Reynolds to it, and then the Wonder Woman Gal Gadot in tandem with director Rawson Marshall Thurber, it’s like a dream team that is about to execute the most ambitious project. But did the “Red Notice” exceed expectations, disappoint or fall somewhere in between? Read below to find out.
“Red Notice” follows a disgraced and jailed FBI criminal profiler John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson) who teams up with an unlike ally Booth (Ryan Reynolds) to find the three bejeweled eggs of Cleopatra gifted by Marcus Antonius as a token of his love. The two men begin their search, however, it is being challenged by Sarah Black aka “The Bishop” (Gal Gadot) who is determined to grab the third egg. As the search begins, Booth and John will create a bond, while The Bishop is like their tail, and follows them to disrupt their plans, get the third egg to deliver to her client. Their journey will be filled with violence, humor, fight, and a unique connection that will be built along the way, but tested towards the end.
Even from the trailer, “Red Notice” never appeared smart or logical. And once the film starts, it promises nothing more but goofiness. But that’s alright though. It’s indeed a popcorn movie that delivers tons of fun, great chemistry between the lead cast, and Gal Gadot, who knows how to play with her counterpart and fool them as much as she wants. Surprisingly, the film does not appear unbearable and painful to watch. You know, Johnson – Reynolds – Gadot know their stuff, value and the characters they portray. You can tell they had enough fun shooting the film, and, unlike them, we are the only one who will be shocked realizing how they even agreed to sign up for something like this?
Despite all the gaps, lack of soul and inspiration, “Red Notice” is an excellent film for a Friday night. It’s worthwhile watching – but once only. If you do it twice, that’s at your own risk. The credit must go to writer/director Rawson Marshall Thurber who was able to somehow convince three main leads, making him join the project. For that, you need to have a special kind of gift or persuasion, Thurber, evidently, has plenty. That being said, “Red Notice” is a kind of film that you will either like or despise. Yet, out of curiosity, you will be watching it, and the sequel, based on the ending, for sure is coming sometime soon. And that’s not bad news though. Because we all need to relax sometimes and watch something silly, and “Red Notice” meets all the requirements.