Screenwriter James Vanderbilt’s script is never on point, lacking a consistent balance between elements that marry real-world seriousness with cheerful escapism
Fountain of Youth movie still
Film: Fountain of Youth
Cast: John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson, Carmen Ejogo, Arian Moayed, Stanley Tucci, Laz Alonso
Director: Guy Ritchie
Rating: 2.5/5
Runtime: 125 min.
A mix of Indiana Jones, The Mummy and bits of Da Vinci code, this wannabe riotous swashbuckling entertainer fails to raise its level because of its mediocre script.
Luke Purdue(Krasinski), son of an archaeologist of repute, is a shady obtainer of rare antiquities. His little sister Charlotte (Portman), an art curator, is facing an acrimonious divorce. Luke shows up one day at her museum and steals a priceless Rembrandt. Charlotte loses her job as a consequence, lands in the cross-hairs of Interpol inspector Jamal Abbass (Arian Moayed) and risks losing custody of her son Thomas (Benjamin Chivers). Luke has a solution. He invites her to join him and their father’s team of researchers and explorers, to locate the legendary fountain of youth in time to save the life of cancer-stricken, ultra-wealthy benefactor, Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson) - who is bankrolling the entire search and expedition.
With Interpol, Esme (Eiza González) and an assorted group of protectors hot on their heels, Luke, Charlotte and team are on a sticky wicket while trying to follow an elaborate trail of clues from Ireland to Switzerland to Egypt while staying one step ahead of their pursuers.
As the location of the ‘fountain of youth’ seems imminently within their reach, Owen’s motives become questionable.
Screenwriter James Vanderbilt’s script is never on point, lacking a consistent balance between elements that marry real-world seriousness with cheerful escapism. Vanderbilt’s script incorporates events from his real-life family history in this globe-trotting treasure hunt but it doesn’t come off as real. A deeper exploration of the search for eternal life may have been insightful but this one stops well short of that.
Guy Ritchie, makes this a stylish light entertainer, with fabulous locations, and a soundtrack full of pop songs. Ed Wild’s wide-format cinematography makes the adventure seem more worthy than it deserves to be. The action is flashy, but not up to Richie’s usual standards. James Herbert’s editing tries hard to make what transpires on screen seem momentous but it’s a tough ask.
The narrative picks up pace and interest in its final third act. A lot seems to be happening in an elaborate labyrinthine set-up with gigantic booby-trapped structures. The digitally enhanced images look real but the speed with which they run through it all, feels nonviable.
John Krasinski and Natalie Portman, are likeable if not entirely entertaining. Vanderbilt’s script validates Luke’s derring-do to the point that his sister is left with no option but to follow in his footsteps, albeit reluctantly. Krasinski’s trademark charisma is potent but his character doesn’t feel believable. Portman does well to make Charlotte seem like she’s irritated, and reluctantly going along with her overbearing sibling’s outlandish plan.
González is assured as Esme, Moayed as Inspector Abbass, does well to register his presence and Gleeson lends shades to Owen to make things more interesting. These intriguing turns lend some unpredictability to this largely standard issue adventure. ‘Fountain of Youth’ is a brisk escapist adventure with a game cast and a few fun set pieces
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