3.5 out 5 stars
In a world where Nomadland is considered the best picture and the MCU takes itself way too seriously with Eternals, it is fun to consider a mad-capped adventure with Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds. As the potential benchmark in overall expenses at the Netflix home office, this has mind-numbing enjoyment written all over it. Especially when you add Gal Gadot into the mix for a bit of style and class. Hold on as the viewer must turn off the brain and grab the popcorn to experience an enjoyable ride at the cinema.
Can we say something from the outset of this review? Red Notice is meant to be ridiculous and unbelievable escapism. No one is intended to take it too seriously. Anyone reading this review who disagrees with what is to be written in the paragraphs below should stop reading. Please pause here, go rent Nomadland and wallow in the depressing world of ultra-realism again. Seriously, there is no reason for you to go any further.
Now for those looking for enjoyable naughtiness, rambunctious fun, and want to laugh aloud while watching a film again. This is the one for you. Keep reading and take in all of the far-fetched shenanigans involved in this heist-buddy-adventure. As writer/director Rawson Marshall Thurber (Central Intelligence) suspends all belief in physics, logic, and time continuums with his latest collaboration with Dwayne Johnson. These unexpected creative minds bring together a trio of art thieves and law enforcement that hope to discover the whereabouts of the legendary Cleopatra eggs.
Johnson plays FBI profiler John Hartley who has been in pursuit of the second most successful art thief in the world, Nolan Booth (Reynolds). With the help of Interpol and intelligence from a mysterious source, he attempts to apprehend his target as the thief tries to steal the first of the three historical eggs. This leads to the first of many chase scenes and results in no arrests on the day. Booth manages to escape to his Bali hideaway to enjoy his latest addition to his collection, except the international policing agency and Hartley are there to greet him. This high-end burglar is taken into custody and eventually incarcerated in Russia. Then Hartley is framed for stealing the same artefact and finds himself in the same cell with Booth. Here, both men are introduced to the person behind their apprehensions, the number one art thief in the world, The Bishop (Gadot).
If you are bewildered by the convoluted plot line, this is understandable as this one is not meant to make sense. This project is intended to display the chemistry between the lead actors and then add some well-choreographed action sequences cast against stunning landscapes worldwide. None of it is logical, but that is of little consequence as you enjoy the banter amongst this unlikely team. Reynolds, Johnson and Gadot seem to be relishing every moment together in the process. Reminiscent of the Hope/Crosby adventures of old with more explosions and no singing, this film is one of those guilty pleasures that soothes the soul with laughter.
Please know that we say this with complete respect for the medium and for all of our readers who are still with us. This is the sort of movie that people go to the cinema to see. To be entertained and give them an escape from the harsh realities of this world. It is meant to insult our intelligence, because it is not real. Like the matinees of yesteryear, Red Notice is pure unadulterated enjoyment that can be enjoyed by the majority of audiences. If you read this and disagree with this assessment, no problem. There are enough films available to cause you to go deeper into your depressive state. Especially with award season upon us, there will be a multitude to choose from soon. While for those looking for laughs, action and a bevy of ridiculousness, this is the film for you.
Reel Dialogue: Laughter is a gift from God
What we can understand from the beginning of God’s story is that we are created in his image. This statement does not mean we take on the same physical characteristics as God. Still, it does show that we share many of his attributes. As we delve further into this topic, some of the things given to us by God are our emotions and our outward expression. Suppose people think about this idea at all. In that case, most tend to automatically think of love, joy and sorrow, as some of the shared traits we have with the creator of the universe. All of these are lovely aspects, but does this statement mean that God has a sense of humour and does he really laugh?
To see his sense of humour, look no further than the platypus or the creative nature of the guy's nose who sits at the desk next to you at work. This is the beauty of what many comedic films and shows offer to audiences, taking the ordinary and mundane and showing the humour found in every aspect of life. Comedy may not be listed amongst the spiritual gifts, but it is a gift that is evident in how some people can tell a joke or not.
More evidence of this fact is found in the Bible where it says throughout the Psalms and Proverbs, God laughs. It usually occurs due to the foolishness of mankind, but he does laugh. The Bible shows humanity that we are allowed to express ourselves in the same manner.
As a form of emotional release, an expression of joy, or even to laugh at a well-told joke, laughter is a gift from God. One that is under-utilised in so many people's lives, and that is unfortunate. Laughter is a gift that should regularly be opened to be genuinely appreciated. That is no joke!
Where do you go in the Bible? Genesis 1:27; Isaiah 62:5; Psalm 2:4, 16:11; Proverbs 1:26
