Atanaria
If you’re searching for a movie that’s equal parts action-packed and laugh-out-loud hilarious, Netflix’s Red Notice is the cinematic equivalent of a Thanksgiving feast: full of unexpected surprises, plenty of flavor, and just the right amount of indulgence. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and starring the powerhouse trio of Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot, this movie feels like it was genetically engineered in a lab to entertain the masses. Does it succeed? Well, with an IMDb rating of 6.4/10, the critics might have mixed feelings, but I’m giving this an enthusiastic 8/10. Let me break down why this egg hunt of a movie is worth your time.
A Plot That Scrambles to Keep You Guessing
The movie’s premise is deceptively simple: three golden eggs from the Egyptian era are worth $300 million, and every thief worth their salt wants to get their hands on them. Enter Nolan Booth (Ryan Reynolds), a suave yet perpetually sarcastic art thief who oozes charm and dad jokes in equal measure. He’s competing against “The Bishop” (Gal Gadot), a mysterious and glamorous criminal mastermind who can steal treasures and hearts with the same ease. Hot on their trail is John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson), an FBI profiler with a jawline sharp enough to cut diamonds and a wardrobe seemingly sponsored by Under Armour.
Of course, nothing goes as planned. Within minutes, Hartley and Booth are forced into an uneasy partnership after a setup lands both of them in a remote, very Instagrammable Russian prison. From there, the movie becomes a whirlwind of globe-trotting shenanigans: death-defying escapes, jungle hijinks, a dance floor showdown, and more double-crosses than a game of Uno. If you’re expecting a straightforward plot, Red Notice says, “Nope!” and proceeds to deliver twist after twist. By the end, you’ll either be clapping for how cleverly it all ties together or trying to untangle the threads in your head.
The Cast: Charm Overload
Let’s talk about the true golden eggs of this movie: the cast.
Dwayne Johnson plays the straight-laced foil to Reynolds’ wisecracking antics, and while he’s usually the most imposing guy in any room, here he gets to flex more than just his muscles. Johnson’s comedic timing is on point, and his exasperated reactions to Reynolds’ constant stream of one-liners are pure gold. Watching him reluctantly team up with Booth is like seeing a grizzly bear forced to babysit a hyperactive golden retriever.
Ryan Reynolds is, well, Ryan Reynolds. If you’ve seen him in Deadpool or Free Guy, you know what to expect: rapid-fire quips, endless pop culture references, and a level of charm that should come with a warning label. His performance as Nolan Booth is essentially a masterclass in snark, and you can’t help but root for him even when he’s being a smug jerk.
And then there’s Gal Gadot, who glides through the movie with the grace of a gazelle and the cunning of a fox. Her portrayal of The Bishop is equal parts seductive and devious, and she holds her own in a movie dominated by the bromantic energy of Johnson and Reynolds. Plus, who knew Wonder Woman had such a knack for comedy? Gadot’s sharp delivery and cheeky humor make her a standout in every scene she’s in.
Action, Comedy, and Chemistry Galore
At its core, Red Notice is a buddy action-comedy, and it nails the genre with precision. The action sequences are polished and creative, from prison breakouts to jungle chases, but it’s the comedic chemistry between the leads that really steals the show. Watching Johnson and Reynolds bicker like an old married couple is endlessly entertaining, and their banter is so good that it might distract you from the actual plot. Throw Gadot into the mix, and you’ve got a trifecta of charisma that keeps the energy high even during the slower moments.
One of the movie’s greatest strengths is its self-awareness. Red Notice knows exactly what kind of movie it is—a big, flashy, popcorn flick—and it leans into that with gusto. The humor is unapologetically goofy, with Reynolds delivering enough dad jokes to last a lifetime (or at least until his next movie). There’s even a scene where Booth calls Johnson’s character “Vin Diesel’s understudy,” which feels like a wink directly at the audience. If you’re the type to roll your eyes at corny jokes, this might not be your cup of tea, but for everyone else, it’s a laugh riot.
Twists, Turns, and Triple Crosses
One thing Red Notice does exceptionally well is keeping you on your toes. Just when you think you’ve got the plot figured out, it throws a curveball that leaves you questioning everything. Without giving too much away, the final act is a masterclass in misdirection, pulling off twists that are both surprising and satisfying. Sure, some of the twists might stretch the limits of plausibility, but let’s be real—this isn’t a documentary. It’s a movie where Ryan Reynolds fights bad guys in a designer suit while cracking jokes. Suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride.
Our Verdict: A Golden Egg of Fun
Is Red Notice a groundbreaking cinematic masterpiece? No. But does it deliver exactly what it promises: two hours of escapist fun with a side of hilarity? Absolutely. It’s the kind of movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s precisely why it works. Whether you’re in it for the jaw-dropping action, the witty dialogue, or just to watch three of Hollywood’s biggest stars ham it up on screen, there’s something here for everyone. It unfortunately suffered the anger of many, many critics around the world who were snob enough to stoop as low as calling the plot useless and the story arc inexistent, much like another action movie we liked : The Killer’s Game.
If you’re planning a movie night and need something that’ll entertain the whole family, Red Notice is a no-brainer. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself quoting Reynolds’ one-liners for days afterward. (“You’re under arrest… for being awesome.”)
In conclusion, Red Notice is like a heist movie, a buddy comedy, and a spy thriller all rolled into one shiny package. It’s a high-octane, laugh-out-loud adventure that might not win any Oscars but will definitely win over your heart. So grab some popcorn, gather your friends or family, and prepare for a wild ride. And remember, when it comes to golden eggs, it’s not about how they hatch—it’s about who cracks first.
