Apple TV+'s new action-comedy, 'Mayday,' brings together Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh in an unlikely pairing. Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, known for their work on 'Game Night' and 'Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,' the film aims for big laughs amidst high-stakes scenarios.
The film is set in 1987 and follows Troy “Assassin” Kelly (Reynolds), a Navy fighter pilot, who crashes near Nikolai “Nick” Ustinov (Branagh), a former KGB spy with a fondness for American culture. What follows is a reluctant alliance as the two men attempt to escape the Soviet Union, pursued by a Russian antagonist played by Marcin Dorocinski. The narrative also incorporates personal stakes, with Troy dealing with his father's illness and Nick attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Maria Bakalova.
Critics have noted that while the premise offers potential for buddy-comedy tropes reminiscent of films like 'Enemy Mine' and 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles,' the execution leans into slapstick and action sequences. Branagh, in particular, has been highlighted for his performance, bringing nuance to his character and engaging in well-choreographed fight scenes.
Despite some perceived narrative shortcomings, such as underdeveloped backstories for supporting characters and a simplistic message regarding Russian-American relations, 'Mayday' is recommended for its entertainment value. The film's direction is praised for its dynamic camera work and the integration of humor into its action set pieces, creating a witty and fast-paced experience.
The movie's visual style and comedic approach have led some to compare it favorably to other direct-to-streaming action-comedies, suggesting it possesses a higher production value that might have translated well to a theatrical release. The film's climax reportedly features a notable sequence involving a nuclear missile transport truck.