"Fountain of Youth": A Familiar Adventure on Apple TV+

"Fountain of Youth", the new action-adventure film by Guy Ritchie, is now premiering on Apple TV+. The story revolves around a daring group of adventurers, led by estranged siblings played by John Krasinski and Natalie Portman, in a perilous quest for the mythological Fountain of Youth.

An exotic chase sequence commences the story in the bustling streets of Bangkok and catapults audiences through breathtaking locations including London, Irish Sea, Vienna, and the Pyramids of Giza. Amidst their life-threatening journey, Krasinski’s character, Luke and his crew are financed by a dying billionaire Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson), to gather a series of Renaissance paintings, hinting towards the Fountain’s location.

Adding a twist to this adventure, Luke decides to steal a Rembrandt painting from the British Museum where his curator sister Charlotte (Portman) works. The duo, sans familial contact for a year due to their father's passing, is dragged into an ironic mix of bickering humor and serious mission. They further face threats from Esme (Eiza Gonzalez), a secret sect warrior dedicated to guarding the Fountain, and Inspector Abbas (Arian Moayed), a fashion-conscious Interpol agent on their tail.

Despite predictable plotlines, this film bears signature Ritchie elements--well-orchestrated set-pieces and seamless blend of humor in action sequences. The lead actors, despite their commendable efforts, fail to save the clichéd character developments. Gleeson’s character, although beguiling, succumbs to overused CGI effects in the kitschy climax.

By the end, the film hints at possible sequels, making an apparent bid to establish a new film franchise for its streaming platform. Despite its precious familiarity in the action-adventure genre, "Fountain of Youth" promises a roller coaster ride through stunning locations and intense action sequences.