Film Review – Mayday (2026)

      **Mayday, 2026**

      **Written and Directed by:** John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein

      **Starring:** Ryan Reynolds, Kenneth Branagh, Maria Bakalova, Marcin Dorociński, David Morse, Lovell Adams-Gray, Louis Cancelmi

      **SYNOPSIS:**

      Lieutenant Troy Brennan's reconnaissance mission over Soviet land takes an unexpected turn, resulting in a crash landing and a battle for survival in the Russian wilderness while he avoids capture or rescue.

      This film offers a twist on a well-known 1980s movie about friendship and flying, with writers and directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein putting their own spin on mismatched buddy antics. Mayday serves as an action-comedy that continually uncovers new layers. It's probably best experienced without prior knowledge, aside from recognizing the starring roles of Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, as suggested by the duo lying in the snow depicted on the poster. Given the filmmakers' background with *Game Night*, which expertly blurred genre lines and expanded its premise, high expectations are reasonable.

      Set during the peak of the Cold War, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Troy Kelly (played by Ryan Reynolds) carries the callsign "assassin" (there's a humorous reason for this). He is brave and highly skilled, willing to risk his life in the air for a fellow soldier. With little time for friendships or relationships, he primarily looks after his ailing father, Harold (David Morse), or expresses his patriotism with his team. America stands as the "good guys," and he can't fathom the idea of a virtuous Russian civilian opposing Mikhail Gorbachev's regime.

      Consequently, he's completely on board with a covert reconnaissance operation alongside a new partner, Sanders (Louis Cancelmi), who aspires to become a Colonel. The humor flows naturally, and the filmmakers provide the perfect lines, even though Ryan Reynolds' comedic style may feel familiar, echoing his role as Deadpool in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the mission takes a wrong turn, leaving Troy stranded behind enemy lines, aided by an eccentric Russian Top Gun enthusiast (continuously revisiting a pirated VHS in another funny moment) who idolizes America. His name is Nikolai Ustinov (shortened to Nick), and he has no desire to remain in Russia but is trapped by his past actions. His estranged daughter, Anna (Maria Bakalova), complicates this predicament further.

      Anyone who has seen a Ryan Reynolds film in the last two decades knows what to expect: a character filled with quips, even in dangerous circumstances that don't necessarily call for humor. Yet, his charm and mostly funny dialogue ensure that these moments work well, like his amusing reaction to finding cigarettes in unexpected household items. Despite his comedic persona, he plays the role of the straight man, quickly growing weary of Nick's incessant chatter and quirks. Viewers likely have a good sense of their tolerance for this type of character and whether the film aligns with their tastes (though it's highly advisable for even those who don't usually enjoy Ryan Reynolds’ style to give this one a shot).

      The surprise, however, is that Nick is more than just a comedic character, which shouldn't be revealed (although the trailers may have already spoiled it). Alongside Troy's expertise, the film continuously shifts while maintaining a steady tone; it starts with aerial spectacle (though it lacks the polish of *Top Gun: Maverick* or even the original *Top Gun*, much of it appearing with an unappealing green screen typical of streaming films), then evolves the buddy comedy into a more action-driven narrative that touches on emotional moments. Kenneth Branagh, complete with an accent, delivers a comedic performance that finds real character depth beneath the surface of one that could have easily been a mere joke in a less thoughtful screenplay.

      Their journey involves teaming up to locate a specific Russian radio that remains untraceable when contacting the embassy for help, all while evading a high-ranking Russian antagonist (Marcin Dorociński). This villain, while forgettable, serves the plot adequately. Nick dreams of tasting McDonald's for the first time and starting fresh, willing to join Troy on this mission once he secures his daughter's safety. Yet, it also serves as a lesson for Nick to demystify the allure of the American Dream, teaching Troy a thing or two about the darker sides of his own nation.

      The film also critiques the jingoistic themes of movies like *Top Gun*, weaving thoughtful commentary into its narrative. This, combined with skillfully choreographed action scenes and an exhilarating, era-appropriate vehicle chase featuring heavy artillery, keeps engagement high, thanks to the delightful chemistry between its leads. There’s no need to signal for help while enjoying this film.

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

      **Robert Kojder**