Fountain of Youth
⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
Admittedly, this critic is a Guy Ritchie tragic. Throughout the highs and lows of the self-made career of this esteemed and celebrated writer/director, he continues to show that he has a unique gift to entertain audiences. When Fountain of Youth was put into The Gentlemen director's hands after Dexter Fletcher (Rocketman) turned aside from James Vanderbilt’s (Scream) script, there was a whimsical hope that this story would get the Ritchie touch.
As the opening sequences began, the familiar credit font and the trademark soundtrack gave rise to a potential action sequence with the quintessential cuts to get things going. Yet, this is where much of the Guy Ritchie detail succumbed to a style that proved viewers were about to go on a different journey. Reminiscent of a modern-day Indiana Jones combined with Thomas Crown in the person of Luke Purdue (John Krasinski), who does his best to steal key bits of art history while recruiting his estranged sister, Charlotte (Natalie Portman), to join him on a new adventure. Pulling her into an archeological excursion to find the Fountain of Youth to honour their father. With the funds from multi-billionaire Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson) backing them, their team must unearth the final clues to find this elusive discovery despite opposition from Interpol and forces who want the magical waters to remain hidden.
When one watches numerous Guy Ritchie productions, one element that is usually part of the process is the breakneck speed at which the dialogue and action occur. Yet, Fountain of Youth feels like it is moving slowly from the opening chase scene to the pyramid-inspired conclusion. John Krasinski does his best to deliver the humour and wit needed for this type of role, but the less-than-compelling screenplay slows the Office actor as he tries to make up for Natalie Portman's performance. The Academy Award-winning actress's story arc is forced to remain in a deadpan delivery system that sluggishly causes every scene to move at a snail's pace.
Cinematographer Ed Wild should be commended for his beautiful delivery of some of the world's most picturesque sets. Still, these visual marvels and the outstanding wardrobing work fail to make up for the plodding script that attempts to exemplify the adventures of the classic 80s and 90s films. Eiza González, Stanley Tucci and Domhnall Gleeson's characters are underdone and struggle to prove their value to the story. Even though there are some intense action sequences, most of Fountain of Youth feels surprisingly derivative and lethargic for a Ritchie film. This might explain why this movie was left to be released on Apple TV and failed to garner a theatrical release despite the pedigree of those in front of and behind the camera.
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Reel Dialogue: Jesus and art
One thing that stands out about this film and makes it worth watching is how much the Bible and Jesus are prominent in this storyline. Art and even a historical Bible all play a prominent role in this archaeological adventure, an element that shows how influential Jesus and Christianity are in every aspect of society, especially within the art world.
This becomes even more relevant as one walks through any reputable art museum. Regardless of the era, Jesus' influence comes in various forms, and appreciation manifests itself in different ways, too—from contemporary to classics.
The deeper question is why do humans create art? It is a complex idea, but the simple but profound answer is that a creative God forms us. The true master artist inspires the best of art. The human form and the rest of nature arouse the artist in us because it is part of our DNA. The created are creative because we are the artistry of the master creator. Also, how His focus manifested in the person of Jesus Christ, why wouldn't mankind's influence be the same?
'But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.' - Isaiah 64:8
