G20 (2025) - Film Critique

      G20, 2024.

      Directed by Patricia Riggen.

      Featuring Viola Davis, Anthony Anderson, Marsai Martin, Antony Starr, and Clark Gregg.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Terrorists seize the G20 summit, and President Sutton must leverage her governmental and military expertise to protect her family, her company, and the world.

      In G20, Viola Davis portrays a president who is truly inspiring, providing a refreshing contrast to the current political climate in the U.S. Unfortunately, the movie surrounding her dedicated performance is rather clichéd and forgettable. G20 lacks the excitement found in president-versus-terrorist films like Air Force One (1997) and Olympus Has Fallen (2013).

      Davis plays President Danielle Sutton, who attends the G20 summit in South Africa along with her husband Derek (Anthony Anderson) and their young children. A terrorist named Rutledge (Antony Starr) overtakes the event, taking world leaders hostage while demanding they broadcast falsehoods to their citizens so he can profit from a cryptocurrency wallet. Sutton must rely on her military training to thwart Rutledge and save the world.

      Patricia Riggen directs G20 lacking a unique style, and cinematographer Checco Varese gives the film a television-like appearance, resulting in a serviceable but uninspired action-thriller. The action sequences are lively, featuring elevator battles and car explosions; however, the film only fully embraces its absurdity in the final act. Until then, it plays out too seriously considering its ridiculous premise.

      While Davis deserves superior material, it is enjoyable to see her in an action role in G20. The Oscar-winning actress is typically recognized for her dramatic performances in films like Fences (2016) and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2020), but she has recently ventured into action with titles like The Woman King (2022) and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023). At 59, Davis appears fit and fierce as she takes down villains—presumably with assistance from a stunt performer as well.

      Starr seems to relish his role as the villain. With his slicked-back hair and broad smile, he consistently imbues his evil characters with a magnetic presence. While Rutledge may not rival Homelander, Starr manages to imbue him with depth and charisma that a lesser actor might not achieve.

      Despite the strong performances from Davis and Starr, G20 is a streaming film that doesn't do justice to their abilities. An action-packed movie about a president combating terrorists should be highly entertaining, yet G20 often feels tedious and formulaic. We’re far removed from the days of Harrison Ford tossing villains out of planes.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Daniel Rester is a freelance film critic and a member of the Hollywood Creative Alliance. He holds a bachelor's degree with a dual major in Film/TV and Emerging Media and Digital Arts.