Mayday (2026) - Ryan Reynolds & Kenneth Brannagh

Let me start by saying, that I don't dislike Reynolds as an actor. Far from it. I actually think most of his stuff is great, but his films tend to be the equivalent of elevator music. Generic, easy, pleasant. Well, aside from Deadpool, the role our boy was born to play, much in the same way that no one else will ever replace Arnie as the Terminator, or Keanu Reees as Neo.

Because of this, it's easy to say that started to watch this film with a set of expectations that I was pretty sure would be met. Instead, they were exceeded. This, was very unexpected. 

I'm sure most of you have noticed the steady decline in quality in the movies being released in the last few years, likely due to the point revealed in the now viral Jamila Jamil interview. If you haven't seen this, I'll give you a (very) quick rundown. Jamila stated in her interview when asked about the decline of the film industry, that directors are pushing for idiot-proof scripts, to allow watched to doomscroll on their phones, whilst essentially only listening tothe movie. This makes it easy to pick up, when they look up from wasting their lives on their phones, because the actors are stating obvious things such as 'I'm opening the cupboard now' rather than just doing it. This, is clearly led by the fact that our attention spans have been shortended dramatically by the rise of social media, and really isn't all that surprising... But that's another matter entirely.

On a more positive note, this movie escapes the 'new world crap' criteria on a good number of bases. Firstly, it was funny. I'm not saying that it wasn't silly at times, but it's been quite a while since I've actually snorted at a film, where the majority has become so predictable, tame, and generally quite cringe. The writers (John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein) hit the humour bang on, and the delivery from the actors was impeccable. 

Secondly, the acting. Sure, Ryan Reynolds played Ryan Reynolds, but in this, it felt like he played himself, with a twist. It wasn't as dopey, or dumb, and his trademark mischevious humour was there, but ever so slightly toned down. It was like watching Jim Carey not overact. Quite fascinating. Having said that, the star of the show, by no short measure, waas Kenneth Brannagh. Kenneth played his role impeccably, and 80% of the laughs were because of his incredible rendition of a soviet KGB agent. He's immediately likeable, funny, endearing, and you root for him from the moment the film begins. 

The storyline itself is pretty ridiculous, with the standard 'Well that would neer happen' parts that make up any modern comedy, though not so much that it breaks the immersion in the new world that John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein have created. Sure it's dumb, but its funny and in the context that it's been placed, not totally unbelievable.

Overall, I would give this a solid 4, with a heartfelt reccomendation to give the film a try. It might just surprise you, as it did me.