Movie Review: Red Notice (2021)

*Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber

*Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot

*Genre: Action-Comedy, Heist

*Rating: 6.3/10 (IMDb), 36% (Rotten Tomatoes)

Overview

*Red Notice* is a globetrotting action-comedy heist film that brings together three of Hollywood's biggest stars—Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot—in a high-stakes treasure hunt for priceless artifacts. While the movie delivers on star power and slick action sequences, it suffers from a predictable plot and over-reliance on quippy humor.

Strengths

✅ Star Chemistry: The trio of Johnson, Reynolds, and Gadot is undeniably entertaining. Reynolds' fast-talking, sarcastic thief (Nolan Booth) plays well off Johnson's straight-laced FBI profiler (John Hartley), while Gadot shines as the cunning and glamorous rival thief, "The Bishop."

✅ Glossy Production & Action: The film looks expensive, with lavish set pieces, exotic locations (Rome, Bali, Argentina), and well-choreographed action scenes. The heist sequences are fun, if not groundbreaking.

✅ Pacing & Entertainment Value: At 118 minutes, *Red Notice* moves briskly, never taking itself too seriously. It’s an easy, popcorn flick with enough humor and twists to keep casual viewers engaged.

Weaknesses

❌ Predictable Plot: The story follows a familiar heist-movie formula with twists that are telegraphed early. If you've seen *National Treasure* or *Ocean’s Eleven*, you’ll recognize the beats.

❌Overuse of Ryan Reynolds’ Schtick: While Reynolds is funny, his constant one-liners can feel repetitive, almost like a watered-down Deadpool. Some jokes land, but others feel forced.

❌Lack of Depth: Character development is minimal, and the emotional stakes feel artificial. The film prioritizes style over substance, making it forgettable despite its star power

Verdict

*Red Notice* is a slick, entertaining but ultimately forgettable action-comedy. It’s worth watching if you enjoy the leads or want a mindless, fun heist movie, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.