Guy Ritchie’s latest film, Fountain of Youth, is an ambitious, globe-trotting caper that delivers plenty of style but struggles to find its footing as a cohesive adventure. Written by James Vanderbilt and packed with A-list stars, high-octane set pieces and Ritchie’s trademark wit, the film has all the ingredients of a blockbuster—yet somehow ends up feeling less than the sum of its parts.
The story follows estranged siblings Luke and Charlotte Purdue (played by Natalie Portman and John Krasinski), as they reluctantly team up to hunt down the mythical Fountain of Youth for dying billionaire Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson) before a ruthless cabal of mercenaries beats them to it. Their journey takes them from crumbling ancient temples to high-security vaults, with much of the action unfolding against the backdrop of a gorgeously shot London. Ritchie’s direction ensures the film looks the part—every frame is polished, every explosion meticulously timed—but beneath the glossy surface, the narrative feels frustratingly thin.
Portman and Krasinski make for a compelling duo, their bickering sibling dynamic providing some of the film’s best moments. Portman, in particular, shines as the more pragmatic of the two, while Krasinski brings his usual everyman charm, even if his character’s arc feels underdeveloped. The supporting cast, including Eiza González as a morally ambiguous mercenary and Stanley Tucci as a shadowy Vatican figure, add flair to the proceedings, though the script doesn’t always give them enough to do.
Ritchie’s signature fast-paced editing and snappy dialogue are present and as impressive as ever, and when the action works, it really works. A mid-film heist sequence, in particular, is a standout—cleverly choreographed and brimming with tension. However, the film’s pacing is uneven, with a sluggish second act that saps momentum just as the adventure should be ramping up. The plot also relies, perhaps, too heavily on contrivances, asking the audience to swallow one too many convenient coincidences.
Tonally, Fountain of Youth sits in an awkward middle ground—too dark for a family-friendly Indiana Jones-style romp, yet not quite gritty enough to appeal to fans of Ritchie’s earlier, more visceral work. There are moments of genuine menace, particularly in the villain’s brutal methods, which feel at odds with the otherwise breezy tone. This inconsistency makes it hard to pin down who the film is really for.
Is it aiming for the adventure crowd? The action aficionados? Or is it simply Ritchie indulging in a passion project? The lack of clarity hurts the overall experience.
That said, there’s still fun to be had. Ritchie seems invigorated by stepping outside his usual gangster-laden comfort zone, and the film’s sheer audacity is a breath of fresh air.
The production design is sumptuous, the locations are breath-taking, and the chemistry between the leads keeps things engaging even when the plot falters. It’s just a shame that the script doesn’t match the ambition of the direction.
Ultimately, Fountain of Youth is a mixed bag—a visually stunning, occasionally thrilling adventure that never quite lives up to its potential. It’s entertaining enough to justify a watch, especially for fans of Ritchie’s style, but don’t expect it to linger in the memory.
