Review of Red Notice (2021)

General Information

• Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber
• Main Cast:
  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (John Hartley)
  • Ryan Reynolds (Nolan Booth)
  • Gal Gadot (Sarah Black)
• Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
• Runtime: 118 minutes
• Studio: Netflix

Plot

Red Notice is a fast-paced, action-comedy heist film that follows the cat-and-mouse chase between a world-renowned art thief, a clever FBI agent, and a rival thief with a hidden agenda. The story begins with FBI agent John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson) on the trail of Nolan Booth (Ryan Reynolds), a master art thief. Their rivalry turns into an uneasy alliance when both are forced to work together to track down the elusive and enigmatic Sarah Black (Gal Gadot), another thief who has stolen a priceless artifact—the third of the “Eggs of Cleopatra”—which is said to be worth a fortune.

As they pursue Sarah across the globe, Hartley, Booth, and Sarah navigate a series of elaborate heists, double-crosses, and betrayals, each person trying to outwit the other in an ongoing game of deception and survival. The film’s plot is a whirlwind of action-packed set pieces, comedic banter, and unexpected twists, all set against the backdrop of stunning locations around the world.

The title “Red Notice” refers to an international arrest warrant issued by Interpol, and throughout the film, the characters continually evade capture, while their loyalties are constantly in question.

Highlights

1. The Star Power
   • Red Notice brings together a trio of major stars—Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot—who play off each other’s charisma and comedic timing with great success. Dwayne Johnson is his usual charismatic, tough-guy self, but also brings a sense of humor and vulnerability to the role of John Hartley. Ryan Reynolds delivers his signature wit and sarcasm, making Nolan Booth a fun, unpredictable character who provides much of the film’s comedic relief. Gal Gadot, as Sarah Black, plays a more enigmatic and calculated character, balancing charm with an air of mystery that keeps the audience guessing.
2. Comedy and Chemistry
   • One of the strongest aspects of Red Notice is the chemistry between the lead actors. The dynamic between Johnson and Reynolds, who frequently engage in humorous banter, is a highlight of the film. Their back-and-forth dialogue is fast-paced and entertaining, often providing a perfect contrast to the more serious action moments. Gadot also holds her own, effortlessly slipping between her role as the sophisticated and elusive thief to playing off the comedic energy of the two male leads. The interplay between these characters keeps the film lighthearted, even as it ramps up the action and tension.
3. Global Locations and Stunning Set Pieces
   • Red Notice takes viewers on a globe-trotting adventure, with key scenes set in a variety of luxurious and visually stunning locations, including Rome, Bali, and a high-tech museum. The film’s cinematography emphasizes the lavishness and scale of these settings, which add a sense of spectacle to the heist moments. From thrilling chase sequences to dramatic confrontations in ancient palaces, the action scenes are designed to be grand, over-the-top, and visually captivating.
4. Fun, Action-Packed Entertainment
   • The film delivers a non-stop rollercoaster of action, heists, and plot twists. The action sequences are well-executed, with enough variety to keep the film engaging. There are high-speed chases, daring escapes, and plenty of explosions and physical confrontations to satisfy fans of action films. The tone of Red Notice is light, with an emphasis on fun over seriousness. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, which allows it to embrace its popcorn movie status and focus on delivering pure, escapist entertainment.
5. Twists and Turns
   • Red Notice is filled with unexpected twists, making the audience question the true motives of each character. As the film progresses, the alliances shift, and characters who seemed to be one-dimensional often reveal more complex motivations. While some of the plot twists are predictable, they still manage to keep things interesting and ensure that the story stays lively and engaging.

Criticisms

1. Formulaic Plot
   • While the film delivers in terms of entertainment, its plot follows a very familiar heist formula that feels predictable. The setup of two thieves teaming up to outsmart a greater antagonist is a well-trodden path in action films, and Red Notice doesn’t offer much new in terms of storytelling. While the twists keep things interesting, the basic premise and structure of the plot are not particularly original. Fans of heist films may find the story too familiar and lacking in deeper complexity.
2. Underdeveloped Supporting Characters
   • While the film focuses heavily on the main trio of leads, the supporting characters feel somewhat underdeveloped. We don’t get much of an exploration into the motivations of the secondary characters, and some of the minor antagonists feel more like plot devices rather than fully realized characters. The supporting cast, while competent, doesn’t offer much in terms of memorable performances beyond the main trio.
3. Slightly Overblown Action
   • Some of the action sequences, particularly towards the end, can feel a bit exaggerated or over-the-top. While this fits with the film’s lighthearted, comedic tone, certain moments stretch the bounds of believability, particularly when characters engage in improbable stunts or escape from seemingly impossible situations. This isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, as the film is clearly meant to be an entertaining, popcorn flick, but it does take the edge off the realism for some viewers.
4. Lack of Emotional Depth
   • Although Red Notice is an entertaining film, it lacks emotional depth. The characters, especially the leads, are fun and charismatic but don’t undergo significant personal growth or emotional development. The stakes, while high in terms of action and adventure, don’t carry the same weight as those in more dramatic or character-driven stories. The film prioritizes spectacle over substance, and while this works in terms of entertainment, it may leave some viewers wanting more in terms of character exploration.

Verdict

Red Notice is a fun, fast-paced action-comedy that thrives on the chemistry between its three charismatic leads—Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot. The film delivers on spectacle, humor, and high-stakes action, with plenty of twists and thrilling moments to keep audiences entertained. However, its formulaic plot, predictable story arcs, and lack of emotional depth prevent it from being anything more than a lighthearted, entertaining popcorn movie.

If you’re looking for an exciting and fun heist film with big stars and plenty of action, Red Notice delivers. It’s an enjoyable ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously, perfect for those looking for a fun escape, but it doesn’t break new ground in terms of its genre.

Rating: 8.5/10