I honestly didn’t think I would enjoy MAYDAY as much as I did. I thought it would be a different kind of spy thriller. I was wrong. It was sarcastically humorous with intense undertones and well-choreographed fight scenes. It reminded me a little bit of Jackie Chan movies. MAYDAY was predictable, but also offered fun and silly male friendship bonding. These types of scripts are not seen too often, so in the end, it was great creative escapism.
Ryan Reynolds (DEADPOOL, IF) and Kenneth Branagh (MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, THE DEVIL WEARS. PRADA 2) were in total control of every pratfall and subtle running gag. It was amazing how well their comedic timing and chemistry fit so well together. Yes, there were several moments of eye-rolling and groans, but it was intentional to encourage these reactions to their schtick and serious danger. I think the reason it worked is due to the directors’ guidance. Reynolds and Branagh could have easily gone over-the-top, instead the believability of their shared dilemma came shining through with consistency and panache.
The directors, Jonathan Goldstein (HORRIBLE BOSSES, SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING) and John Francis Daley. (SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES) obviously knew the specific intention of MAYDAY. The pay-off in the final scene was priceless. Their creative production put a smile on my face and allowed me to declare out loud, “MAYDAY was good.” The sharp, double-edged writing was an entertaining bullseye.
MAYDAY is a wonderful way to spend date night. With enough action combined with laughs, and sweet touches, it will bring any grouping together with delight. It is streaming on Apple TV.
