Mayday Movie Review

From the opening, I was captivated. Mostly because of the team of actors I knew who were to be a part of this. Kenneth Branagh and Ryan Reynolds… what could go wrong? I was hooked on the idea. ​

Reynolds has a sense of humor that tickles you to the core. His very presence in this makes it more interesting without having watched a frame. Adding the craftsmanship of Kenneth Branagh makes it that much more appealing. He’s more madcap and wild than I recall him ever being. It works well. They end up needing one another and because of this, we get, surprisingly, an unlikely buddy comedy type film. You won’t be disappointed where this goes. Is it the end all be all? No. But it’s a good time.

At the start, U.S. Navy pilot Lieutenant Troy Assassin Kelly (Reynolds) has to eject from his spy plane when he’s attacked over Soviet airspace. “Top Gun” is mentioned and kind of fun if you understand the references. On a secret mission, Troy ends up in Russia, in the cold, in the snow, but in good hands when he lands in the hands of one-of-a-kind, America loving, ex-KGB agent, who has no life. He is Nikolai Ustinov, played by Branagh, and has been living alone in the woods, simply waiting for something to happen to him. It finally does when the Navy pilot lands in his yard, needing Nikolai as much as Nikolai needs him. He gets to show off his skills as a surgeon, when it’s clear Troy’s leg is in deep need of attention.

He secretly loves Americans, their music, their customs and ways, their country and its Democracy. He hopes to live in America one day and maybe helping this pilot is his way in the door. Set in 1987, at the height of the Cold War, and kind of like “Rocky 4,” the two men have no reason to trust one another, being that their countries tell them not to, but they do and an alliance forms. They become true friends in courage. The dialogue between Nikolai and Troy is fantastic. Do not miss their quips. Troy’s new friend admits to having seen “Top Gun” over 100 times and tells him he could go to jail just for having it. Not long in, you’re rooting for them to beat the odds, since the deck is immediately stacked against them. There’s a strong message being sent when they both ask the other why they hate one another. Because they were told to? Are they so different? The downed pilot is being hunted, and Nikolai wants to help him get away. It won’t be easy with so many looking for them, not to mention the weather.

It’s suspenseful, it’s humorous… downright enjoyable from the first frame. Emotional character arcs are prevalent here and they’re well-crafted. You’ll sincerely care about what happens to these individuals. It’s well shot, has incredible minor roles and this surprising alliance is comedic and touching, as well. Don’t miss a chance to be astonished by what you get from Kenneth Branagh.