Fountain of Youth (2025) - Film Review

      Fountain of Youth, 2025.

      Directed by Guy Ritchie.

      Starring John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson, Carmen Ejogo, Arian Moayed, Stanley Tucci, Laz Alonso, Benjamin Chivers, Daniel De Bourg, Steve Tran, Russell Balogh, and Michael Epp.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Two estranged siblings team up to find the legendary Fountain of Youth. Armed with historical clues, they embark on an adventurous quest. If they succeed, the mythical fountain could bestow immortality upon them.

      A persistent question throughout the lackluster Fountain of Youth is whether Guy Ritchie fervently wished to direct an adaptation of Uncharted (or even an Indiana Jones installment, given that the inspiration seems to stem more from the recent reimagining of mythological treasure hunts and adventures), but was denied, leading him to create this misguided imitation featuring John Krasinski, who closely resembles that franchise's hero, dons a similar wardrobe, and often makes quips, albeit lacking the flawless delivery and charm exhibited by voice actor Nolan North, who managed to convey those under strain while facing dire odds. Compounding the issue is that the film, penned by James Vanderbilt, also crams in the typical clichés of streaming movies about family while drowning in over-the-top green-screen environments that frequently mar these viewing experiences.

      The narrative centers on Luke Purdue (John Krasinski), who, from the outset, draws the attention of assassins, Interpol agents, and mysterious figures seeking to reclaim a stolen religious painting—not just to return it to a museum, but also because of his intention to use it to decode a series of clues leading to the Fountain of Youth. Inheriting his father’s adventurous spirit, he resists growing up or settling into a predictable life. He has been tasked by the terminally ill billionaire Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson) to locate the legendary fountain, believing its restorative powers can cure his cancer.

      Luke believes he needs his sister Charlotte’s (Natalie Portman) help, asserting that as an art curator, she is unsuitable for domesticity and should accompany him and his team (which includes one-dimensional characters played by Laz Alonso and Carmen Ejogo) to recapture that sense of adventure. They almost compel her to join them, with the wealthy Oliver promising he can fund her custody of her young child, Thomas (Benjamin Chivers).

      As they travel the globe searching for clues, Luke wonders if Esme (Eiza González), a "protector" assigned by Stanley Tucci’s The Elder to prevent the discovery of the fountain, secretly harbors feelings for him during their weightless confrontations aimed at hindering his progress. Krasinski already lacks charm in this role, and any chemistry the filmmakers intend between him and Eiza González is painfully awkward. Moreover, this is a film where viewers find themselves disliking the protagonist and wishing he would let his sister live her own life rather than nagging her to team up again to continue their father’s legacy.

      The family previously unraveled many mysteries in their heyday (if Apple is eager to invest, a prequel is likely to emerge). Their father championed the idea that the journey mattered more than the destination, which explains why Luke seeks the Fountain of Youth on behalf of another. However, this cinematic journey is pure agony. Even the numerous puzzles leading to the fountain are ludicrously trivial, often more about providing tasks for supporting characters. The fight scenes and various chases lack urgency, fluidity, or excitement, and are edited in a quick-cut style that disrupts any continuity.

      It becomes increasingly frustrating that the material takes on an annoyingly playful tone, yet all of Guy Ritchie's signature styles are astonishingly absent. Regardless of whether you enjoy his fast-paced dialogue and stylish flair or not, the reality is that this is an exceedingly generic output from a renowned filmmaker. So, not only does Fountain of Youth lack any indication of Guy Ritchie’s unique directorial style, but its clumsy imitations of popular franchises like Uncharted and Indiana Jones are puzzling. This film represents a laughable, algorithm-driven take that fails to grasp the essence of what constitutes an enjoyable, epic adventure.

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

      Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association, Critics Choice Association, and Online Film Critics Society. He serves as the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews and follow my BlueSky or Letterboxd.