Review by Jon Donnis
Guy Ritchie's 2025 film Fountain of Youth is a heist action adventure that ticks most of the boxes for fans of the genre, even if it rarely surprises. The story follows disgraced archaeologist Luke Purdue, played by the always likeable John Krasinski, who kicks off the film by stealing a painting from dangerous criminals in Thailand. This early sequence sets the tone with some lively action and a hint of mystery, introducing the film's main thrust: a treasure hunt for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Alongside Luke, his sister Charlotte, played by Natalie Portman, a museum curator going through a difficult divorce, gets drawn into the adventure. Their complicated sibling dynamic adds a bit of emotional weight and humour amid the chaos.
Question? Why wasn't John Krasinski chosen as the natural successor to Harrison Ford in Indianna Jones? Perfect fit in my opinion. Instead we got the god awful Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who just stopped any momentum that series had.
Anywho, the film leans heavily on its ensemble cast, with Domhnall Gleeson as Owen Carver, a wealthy backer with hidden motives, and Eiza González as Esme, the enigmatic antagonist whose loyalties and agenda keep the tension simmering. Arian Moayed's Interpol Inspector Jamal Abbas adds a procedural edge, pursuing the team as they race from London to Cairo, chasing clues hidden in historic paintings and ancient texts. The story unfolds like a classic treasure hunt, complete with secret societies, coded messages, and narrow escapes. While the narrative feels familiar, it's presented with enough energy and charm to stay engaging.
Visually, Fountain of Youth is slick and well-crafted. The globe-trotting locations, from the bustling streets of London and the depths of the Lusitania wreck to the shadowy passages beneath the Great Pyramid of Giza, are captured with a sense of scale and adventure. The action scenes are well choreographed, though they occasionally stretch believability, a common feature in films of this type. The mix of heists, shootouts, and puzzle-solving sequences keeps the pace brisk, though at times the story seems to rush to fit everything in.
One of the film's strengths lies in its characters. Krasinski and Portman have a good rapport, bringing life and a bit of warmth to the treasure-hunting siblings. Their banter and occasional conflict ground the story, making the stakes feel more personal. Esme is a compelling villain, not simply a one-dimensional threat but someone with clear motivations to protect the Fountain's secret. Carver's arc offers a neat twist on the usual 'wealthy patron' trope, adding a layer of tension when his true intentions emerge.
However, originality is not Fountain of Youth's strong suit. The film treads familiar ground with its treasure hunt and secret society themes, and the plot twists follow expected patterns. If you have seen films like National Treasure or Indiana Jones, you might feel a sense of déjà vu. Still, the movie knows its audience well, providing enough fun, humour, and excitement to keep you entertained. The humour, in particular, helps lighten the mood when the plot risks becoming too dense or predictable.
The film's ending wraps things up well and without spoiling the key reveals, it does well to maintain a sense of mystery about the true nature and danger of the Fountain itself. This leaves room for potential sequels, should the filmmakers choose to explore further adventures with the Purdue siblings. The blend of action, mythology, and family dynamics keeps the door open for more stories, which will likely appeal to fans of the genre.
Fountain of Youth is a solid, entertaining addition to the action-adventure heist category. It may not break new ground or redefine its genre, but it offers a satisfying and well-paced ride with enjoyable performances and engaging set pieces. If you are looking for a film that combines treasure hunting with a bit of humour and thrilling moments, this one fits the bill nicely. I would give Fountain of Youth a 7.5 out of 10. It may feel familiar, but it delivers enough fun and flair to make the journey worthwhile.
Out Now on
Apple TV - https://apple.co/4dStzOI
