Fountain of Youth, Apple's latest foray into the film world, has all the makings of a summer blockbuster. It is a shame, then, that it will be released on streaming. This is a movie with enough action, intelligence, and good acting that it should be getting people into cinema seats. Screenwriter James Vanderbilt (of the Vanderbilts) has crafted a charming story and an homage to the Indiana Jones franchise. It's fair to say there's no need to reboot those films as Fountain of Youth fits the bill perfectly. John Krasinski, who thankfully honed his action training in the TV series Jack Ryan, is the under-the-radar Harrison Ford successor. Natalie Portman lends belief to her role as a mom turned adventurer. Guy Ritchie adds his directorial spin, going heavy-handed with fromage towards the end.
The great thing about Apple TV+ is that it invests heavily in its films. Fountain of Youth benefits from fantastic locations (Bangkok, Vienna, London) and breathtaking romps. Okay, perhaps one has to suspend the belief that a car chase could happen on empty London streets, but who cares? It's fun! Apple can also lock-in wonderful talent. John Krasinski stars as Luke Purdue, a witty treasure hunter hired by Domhnall Gleeson's wealthy Owen Carver to find the mythological Fountain of Youth. Whilst doing so, he ropes in his sister, museum curator Charlotte (Natalie Portman). Charlotte's going through a divorce (with more than a few hints towards Portman's real-life separation from Benjamin Millepied) and is at risk of losing custody of her son (Benjamin Chivers). What better way to get control of her life again, than by teaming up with her brother? Rounding out the team of explorers is Laz Alonso as Patrick Murphy and Carmen Ejogo as Deb McCall.
The movie wouldn't go anywhere without antagonists trying to stop the plucky team. Viewers are in for a treat as there are the police, led by Inspector Jamal Abbas (Arian Moayed) and then there is Esme (Eiza González), who works for a mysterious cabal. These interactions create some great dialogue, with a throwback to 1930's screwball comedies. James Vanderbilt doesn't presume that the audience is stupid. He uses clever bantering in well-written scenes that leaves audiences yearning for more.
The performances are excellent across the board. John Krasinski avoids overplaying what could have been a hoaky homage. He restrains himself and the end result is perfection. Natalie Portman, who had previously slept-walk through the most recent Thor movies, shows up for her role. You can tell she's really having fun in this, and is completely engaged. As her son, Benjamin Chivers is careful to not veer too much into the ‘young Victorian child' typecast, difficult to do considering some of the costuming choices. He is in for a long career should he choose to continue making films. Arian Moayed lets his words roll of his tongue and has fabulous chemistry with Portman. Domhnall Gleeson plays the multifaceted modern-day billionaire by channeling Bill Gates.
So what doesn't work? The aforementioned costuming used an intense amount of corduroy, velvet and the colour brown. It's an odd sartorial choice. When you finally see Domhnall Gleeson in desert khakis, he looks so pale and out of place that you can feel the sunburn yourself. What is this guy doing wearing rolled up sleeves in bright sun? Why is Krasinski decked out in three piece suits whilst being athletic? It can't have felt comfortable.
And then, there's the ending. Without giving too much away, this is where poorly realised CGI comes into play. Coupled with Guy Ritchie's penchant for explosions, it loses the audience. The specialness that the script previously put forth disappears like a wisp in the wind. Thankfully, Fountain of Youth has a two hour run-time, and this problem only rears its head towards the finale.
Guy Ritchie has tacked on an ending that is forgivable in a dark movie theatre. At home, with interruptions coming from everywhere, it's a challenge.
Fountain of Youth will be released on Apple TV on May 23.
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