Spoilers will start on the popcorn.

It’s big, loud and dumb but sometimes these are just the kind of films you want to watch. Keep your expectations low, get some snacks and have fun. Yes, there’s plenty of tropes and obvious inspiration from other films, but don’t try comparing them. In the end, at least it tries to keep your attention but still there’s a few things it could’ve done better by doing a lot less. You’ll see what I mean.

(Credit: Netflix)

Red Notice (2021) was written and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber. FBI profiler John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson) is after art thief Nolan Booth (Ryan Reynolds) after being tipped off by a mysterious master thief named The Bishop (Gal Godot) that one of three legendary art pieces will be stolen. I could have just told you that Johnson, Reynolds and Godot were making a movie together instead. This is one of those vehicles which intention is to have Dwayne look cartoonishly tough so he can be ridiculed, Reynolds to quip witticisms and crack jokes, and Godot to get the upper hand on them both while throwing smoking glances.

Does it work? Well, it can be somewhat entertaining for a minute. I didn’t mind the fact that there’s a lot of throwbacks to other films. At least Reynolds manages to subtly break the fourth wall a few times whenever things are too close for comfort. Godot doesn’t get to do much, but at least it seems like she’s having fun. Johnson is just dull for me so fortunately he’s not by himself for too long. The plot is just an excuse. There are flat plot twists which are explained in painful detail and flashback, hammering the point that the film does not need you to think in the least.

Only barely recommended with lots of popcorn and reservations and nothing else. It’s mostly harmless and forgettable. The only excruciating parts is when it’s trying to be clever by pretending their audience doesn’t get something. It could’ve raised itself above its average level but it doesn’t put in the extra work. Reynolds and Godot try but they’re not given much to work with. Not really worth a watch, because you’ve seen what it’s going for before and it’s forgettable, but it helps to pass the time with something to snack on.

That will do for now.