Movie Review: Kenneth Branagh and Ryan Reynolds star in irreverent Cold War action-comedy ‘Mayday’
Somewhere along the way, Sir Kenneth Branagh developed a knack for playing Russians. He was the vindictive oligarch in “Tenet” and a villainous industrialist in “Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,” but “Mayday” may be the first time he’s been asked to use his…
In the irreverent Cold War action-comedy "Mayday," Kenneth Branagh and Ryan Reynolds star as an unlikely duo. Branagh plays Nikolai Ustinov, a former KGB agent who has taken up residence in the woods and is a fan of the 1986 film "Top Gun." Reynolds portrays Lieutenant Troy "Assassin" Kelly, a U.S. Navy pilot who has crash-landed in Soviet territory after a black ops mission. The two meet when Troy seeks Ustinov's assistance in escaping Russia.
Ustinov, who has watched "Top Gun" over 100 times, is drawn to the movie's message about Americans and is compelled to help Troy. The unlikely pairing results in a mismatched buddy action comedy. Reynolds' character, known for his snarky and sarcastic demeanor, is more effective when paired with Branagh's character. Filmmakers John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, who are known for their irreverent takes on genre films, have created a movie that embraces the practical hand-to-hand combat and inherent goofiness of 80s action movies.
The timing of the release of "Mayday" in the midst of geopolitical tensions and patriotic fervor is questionable, but the film still manages to make a point about the one-sided relationship of loyalty to one's country. Despite the potential for controversy, "Mayday" remains a strange but entertaining addition to the genre.
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