Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley have quietly become two of the most reliable filmmakers in Hollywood. After a rocky start with the Vacation reboot, they bounced back with the cult favorite Game Night and the surprisingly delightful Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Now, they're taking on their biggest challenge yet: an Apple TV+ original called Mayday, a Cold War-era action-comedy that pairs Ryan Reynolds with Kenneth Branagh. And once again, they've delivered a winner.
Set in 1987, Mayday follows Lieutenant Troy "Assassin" Kelly (Reynolds), a cocky Navy pilot who gets shot down over Soviet territory during a secret mission. Rescued by Nikolai Ustinov (Branagh), a Russian who dreams of defecting to America, the two form an unlikely alliance to escape the KGB. It's a setup that could easily veer into cliché, but Goldstein and Daley infuse it with enough wit and heart to keep things fresh.
The film wears its '80s influences on its sleeve, from the Top Gun-style opening to the Die Hard-esque stakes and the Lethal Weapon-style banter. But what sets Mayday apart is its nuanced take on the Cold War. Instead of painting the U.S. as heroes and the Soviets as villains, the script treats every character as an individual. Maria Bakalova appears in a small but memorable role as a Russian citizen fighting for a better world, and Marcin Dorocinski plays a government official with motivations that are more complex than they first appear.
One of the biggest surprises here is Kenneth Branagh. Known primarily for his Shakespearean roles and his work as Hercule Poirot, Branagh proves he can hold his own in action sequences. His character, Nikolai, is a former KGB officer, so it makes sense that he's the one throwing punches. And Branagh does so with a grace that rivals John Wick. Meanwhile, Reynolds, who usually dominates with his quips, takes a backseat and lets Branagh shine. The chemistry between the two is palpable, and it's a joy to watch them play off each other.
Visually, Mayday is a treat. Cinematographer Barry Peterson, who worked with Goldstein and Daley on Game Night, brings the same inventive eye to the action scenes. A bar fight and a train chase are standout moments, shot with a clarity and creativity that keep you on the edge of your seat. There are a few CGI-heavy moments that feel a bit overdone, but they're easy to overlook when the practical stunts are this good.
Goldstein and Daley have a knack for making movies that feel both familiar and fresh. Mayday is no exception. It's a thrilling, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt adventure that showcases new sides of both Reynolds and Branagh. If you're looking for a fun escape, this is one of the best action-comedies of the year. And with Apple TV+ continuing to deliver quality content like Black Bird's prison thriller, it's clear the streamer is a force to be reckoned with.
For fans of the genre, Mayday is a must-watch. It's a reminder that even in a world of superheroes and franchises, there's still room for original, well-crafted entertainment. And with Goldstein and Daley set to tackle Star Trek next, we can't wait to see what they do with that universe.
