Critic’s review of Netflix’s largest film yet, Red Notice

Ryan Reynolds and Dwayne Johnson quip, steal, and double-cross in a forgettable and ludicrously pricey action comedy

This year’s Netflix action film starring Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds has a new release date. on his Twitter account, showing the three protagonists all dressed up and ready to go. Tuxedoed Reynolds and Johnson, with Gadot in a scarlet gown screamin’ femme fatale. Gadot is the world’s most sought art thief, Reynolds is the world’s finest con artist, and Johnson is the FBI’s top profiler and tracker. Rawson Director/writer Marshall Thurber (Skyscraper, We’re the Millers)

“You’re on notice. “#RedNotice premieres in your living rooms worldwide on Nov. 12,” Johnson tweeted. Reynolds followed up with a typical caption: “True storey. My tuxedo was constructed from one of The Rock’s socks. True… Netflix’s #RedNotice premieres Nov. 12th. Last word: Gal Gadot is amazing.” “I can’t wait for you to see this,” Gadot tweeted an hour later. Thank you Rawson Thurber for including me. Working with Ryan Reynolds and The Rock was the cherry on top.”

One of the alleged benefits of Netflix, and other streaming services with such massive resources, is the lack of urgent need for box office success. Toxic dangers in the global marketplace are no longer a priority, therefore enormous funds may go to big bets. That’s why Netflix was willing to spend $70 million to launch the Old Guard franchise with a diverse cast and an unfiltered queer romance. In a brave new world devoid of homogenised superheroes, remakes, and superhero remakes, both films succeeded (they are among the most-watched on Netflix).

So, with Red Notice, Netflix’s highest-budget picture to date, one may expect something a little different, a much-needed twist on what a traditional studio might normally offer. That it’s a drab piece of committee-approved stuff that slums from point A to point B to who cares is one of the film’s numerous annoyances. The overarching message seemed to be: see, we can produce films just as badly as everyone else! So much for disruption…

However, due to concerns over the cost, Netflix stepped in to give the green light instead. With Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot in an action comedy about global heists, it’s simple to understand why. It’s a James Bond, Indiana Jones, Ocean’s Eleven, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels mashup, but writer-director Rawson Marshall Thurber stumbles through it, misfiring on every level, a picture trying so hard to recollect the joy of other films that it forgets to have any fun for itself.

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Even if the A-listers (each reportedly earned $20m for the film) have a combined reach of around 400 million Instagram followers and their films have grossed over $20bn worldwide, there remains a big, vibe-killing gap between what makes sense on paper and what works on screen. High star power is required for a frippery like this to fly, but the group lacks chemistry, each ill-suited to their role and the region.

Even in Thurber’s tepid action comedy Central Intelligence, Johnson and co-star Kevin Hart had chemistry, and viewing the three onscreen is an extremely dull experience. Everything erotic is made asexual, everything appealing is made uncharming, and the ride becomes a grind.