(Image: Apple)
I’m almost certain this film will fly completely under the radar, and for a multitude of reasons. First, it’s an Apple TV+ movie—and a streaming-only one at that, which nobody seems to care about. Then there’s the fact that Apple has barely promoted it, essentially leaving it to fend for itself. This is likely due in part to Ryan Reynolds's image, which has taken a hit from some recent projects. But setting all that aside, "Mayday" absolutely deserves far more attention. I loved it.
If you liked "Game Night" or "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," you cannot miss this film. It’s another masterpiece from the same writer-director duo, Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, who have a real knack for crafting fun, lively, and heartfelt adventure comedies. I’m always thoroughly entertained by their work. They are genuinely two of Hollywood's most underrated talents right now and deserve bigger budgets to explore more genres. Give them the resources to go all out, and the Russo Brothers might have some serious competition.
(Image: Apple)
"Mayday" is, at its core, a classic buddy action-comedy where two polar-opposite heroes must learn to work together and become friends during a mission. But Daley and Goldstein inject a fresh twist into the formula: what if one of them is an American soldier and the other is a retired KGB agent? And what if that ex-KGB agent is a nerdy uncle who worships America like a die-hard fanboy? The premise alone sounds absurd, and this simple, ridiculous setup effortlessly generates a truckload of outrageous, biting humor. Every scene is endlessly clever, and even the jokes unrelated to the political backdrop are unexpectedly hilarious.
Beyond its wild premise, this is fundamentally a by-the-numbers studio film. However, Daley and Goldstein treat every setup and turn within that formula with such care that I was never bored for a second. Achieving a "no dull moments" pace is no easy feat. In these types of "on the run" buddy films, the action often only picks up when the chase begins, while the quieter moments—hiding out or having heart-to-hearts—can drag the rhythm down and feel like directorial filler. But in "Mayday," even the pauses are interesting, and the filmmakers know not to linger too long. Tropes that often slow things down, like "escaping the safe house" or the "estranged father-daughter reconciliation," are handled with concise, powerful efficiency without sacrificing quality. The subtle cleverness in the directors' staging is also deeply impressive.
(Image: Apple)
What’s most admirable is how beautifully the film pays off its earlier setups. Whether for a laugh or a heartfelt moment, every callback hits its mark perfectly, leaving me feeling completely catered to and utterly satisfied. Daley and Goldstein also handle the Cold War backdrop with nuance. While the stance is to take a few shots at both nations—an equal-opportunity critique—it’s the classic Hollywood-style of American self-reflection and self-redemption. But the critiques land with warmth, and the redemption feels earned, not cheesy. Ultimately, you’ll find yourself genuinely moved by the choices the two protagonists make.
I know many people complain that Reynolds just plays himself, but he has positioned himself as a comedic star, and comedic stars typically sell their unique persona. I have to admire him for it; he knows how to leverage his brand, effortlessly switching between the "comedian" and the "straight man." Many comedians stick to one role, but Reynolds flexibly adapts to the situation. Here, he leans more into his "straight man" mode, reminiscent of "The Hitman's Bodyguard," while the typically serious Kenneth Branagh surprisingly takes on the role of the comedian.
(Image: Apple)
Pairing Branagh with Reynolds is the film's biggest masterstroke. Whether acting or directing, Branagh usually avoids this genre entirely, making this a huge departure for him. When have you ever seen him perform action sequences while cracking jokes? It’s just as surprising as seeing Colin Firth fight for the first time in "Kingsman: The Secret Service." This very contrast elevates the film's comedy to another level. Branagh is hilarious and incredibly charming, all while capturing his character's deep affection and cunning. His humor isn’t slapstick; it’s the deadpan execution of absurd actions, which makes it even funnier.
It’s a shame Apple didn’t invest enough resources to properly promote and package "Mayday." Otherwise, this could have launched a new peak in Branagh's career, much like "Kingsman" did for Colin Firth. Just seeing Branagh as a "Top Gun" superfan is enough to make this film a masterpiece. It’s the perfect tribute for the 40th anniversary of "Top Gun." Tom Cruise himself would surely be moved to tears—while also crying with laughter.