The summit meeting between Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot and Ryan Reynolds was enough to tickle the public interest. And in fact, Red Notice (Red Notice), the Netflix blockbuster that brings them together, was one of the most anticipated Hollywood films of the year. What can we say, except that the disappointment is great.
As the headline states from the outset, a “red notice” is an alert made by Interpol targeting the most wanted criminals. Such a notice has been circulated regarding Nolan Booth (Ryan Reynolds), a well-dressed but too annoying burglar to be called a gentleman.
On the heels of this elusive brigand for many years, Agent John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson), “profiler” at the FBI, finally believes he is keeping Booth in his nets. This, thanks to information provided by a certain “Bishop”, code name of another super-criminal: Sarah Black (Gal Gadot).
The loot Booth is trying to get his hands on? One of the three priceless eggs that Marc Antoine would once have given to Cleopatra.
At the end of a leak in extremis, Booth is arrested, but soon after is surprised to see Hartley assigned as his cellmate, the latter having been trapped by the dreaded Black.
These are only the first reversals of a scenario that contains so much that we quickly lose count. Especially since most are predictable, especially the final twist. The film is also full of incredible action sequences, the sometimes ingenious design of which is overshadowed by an over-the-top edit. Which assembly seems to confuse energy and frenzy.
Intermittent chemistry
Written and Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, who previously collaborated with Johnson on The Most Modest & Funniest Central Intelligence (Intelligence Agency), as well as on the atrocious Skyscraper (Skyscraper), Red Notice do not break anything ray staging. It is basics devoid of cinema, with a clear abuse of dives and digital panoramas taking the place of exotic sets. Visually, the film is very generic.
Some lines are entertaining, not so much for their humorous quality but because the performers deliver them with verve and zest. In that regard, this trio of three immensely popular stars certainly gets the job done, but little more.
Dwayne Johnson plays Dwayne Johnson, the virtuous strongman. For his part, Ryan Reynolds goes for a watered-down version of Deadpool with his verbose interpretation and self-deprecating attitude. Either way, it definitely works, but it’s déjà vu. The chemistry between them is also only intermittent.
Obviously having fun, Gal Gadot is more successful, even if, of the three, his character is the least written. Although the other two have only conflicts with their respective dads by way of history and psychology. In short, a lot of chases and explosions, but not a lot of sparks.