‘Fountain of Youth’ Review: John Krasinski and Natalie Portman Bicker Their Way to Immortality

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In a continuous battle among streaming services, Apple’s movie “Fountain of Youth” is often criticized for feeling more like a streamed production rather than a genuine film. Director Guy Ritchie attempts to blend various recognizable elements into a swiftly moving and occasionally creative “adventure movie” mix, but screenwriter James Vanderbilt’s retelling of anecdotes from his personal family history fails to consistently strike the perfect balance between realistic drama and lighthearted escapism that such a globetrotting treasure hunt requires. The chemistry between leads John Krasinski and Natalie Portman may be up for debate, although strong supporting performances add unexpected twists to an otherwise predictable storyline.

John Krasinski portrays Luke Purdue, a rebellious and disreputable son of an archaeologist who inherited his father’s knack for acquiring precious artifacts. His sister Charlotte (Natalie Portman), entangled in a bitter divorce, has settled into a monotonous life as a mother and museum curator. One day, Luke bursts into her museum and steals a priceless Rembrandt, dragging Charlotte unwillingly into his escapades. This leads to her losing her job, jeopardizing her custody of her son Thomas (Benjamin Chivers), and attracting the attention of Interpol inspector Jamal Abbass (Arian Moayed). To resolve her predicament, Luke proposes a billion-dollar solution: team up with him and their father’s group of researchers and explorers. If they successfully locate the mythical fountain of youth, their ultra-rich, terminally ill benefactor, Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson), will fund Charlotte’s legal battles against her ex-husband. The catch? They must find the legendary fountain of youth.

Pursued relentlessly by Interpol, Luke and Charlotte embark on a complex journey tracing clues from Ireland, Switzerland, and Egypt. As they inch towards what appears to be their legendary goal, they face resistance from Esme (Eiza González) and her guardians who have shielded the fountain for centuries. With the location of the world’s last hidden marvel seemingly within grasp, Luke and Charlotte ponder Owen’s intentions for finding the fountain initially, and must decide whether to exploit its enigmatic benefits if it truly exists.

The film “Fountain of Youth” skillfully incorporates elements from several well-known movies throughout its two-hour span, with notable references to the “Indiana Jones” series, especially “Last Crusade”, as well as “National Treasure”, “Tomb Raider”, and the “Da Vinci Code” series. While it’s not unusual for action films today to draw inspiration from other works, this serves as a guide for what viewers might anticipate. Unfortunately, the film also leans heavily on another frequently used trait – Krasinski’s charismatic yet overly clever character – which was previously portrayed on TV. This attempt to present it as fresh and entertaining falls flat as his character in this movie carelessly disregards his sister and others who try to hinder his journey to the fountain.

In a casual and understandable manner:

Luke, who seems to live by the idea that “life is all about adventure,” frequently disregards or scolds Charlotte’s responsibilities towards her job and taking care of her son, suggesting instead that she should be on an exciting journey. This character, played by Krasinski, shares similarities with his memorable role in “The Office,” often confusing brashness for charm. The script doesn’t give much consideration to Charlotte’s perspective, consistently validating Luke’s adventurous spirit. Portman portrays Charlotte as a frustrated, unemployed mother who reluctantly goes along with her bossy brother’s crazy scheme. While their interactions are realistic and argumentative, they aren’t particularly enjoyable to watch.

The secondary actors often save scenes. For instance, González plays Esme, a devout follower ready to go to any lengths – even kill – to safeguard the fountain’s secrets. Her performance is captivating and steady, and her responses to Krasinski’s arrogant advances create an exciting tension between them and Luke. Similarly, Moayed as Inspector Abbass offers a compelling portrayal of the film’s main critic, with his initial meeting with Charlotte suggesting a possible romantic connection, but also showcasing his versatility in the role. As for Gleeson, he brings a gentle and sincere quality to Owen, the Purdues’ wealthy supporter. However, you might find yourself slightly let down when the storyline becomes more serious due to his convincing performance.

Director Ritchie, known for his growing expertise in global action films, continues to skillfully incorporate the dry wit from his early productions, even while working on larger scales. He elegantly arranges fight and chase sequences in clear, user-friendly set pieces, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps audiences engaged without delving too deeply into the film’s internal logic. However, the script by Vanderbilt (or maybe James Herbert during editing) leaves several plot threads dangling, some of which remain unresolved or only partially explained in hindsight, much like an intricate path leading to a fountain that doesn’t always provide satisfying conclusions.

In Ritchie’s movie, he gains extra points for using Yamasuki’s “Yama Yama,” and Loulou Bontemps impresses with lavish floral prints, velvets, and corduroys in the costumes. However, some might argue that the film exploits Vanderbilt’s family history (such as his great-grandfather’s real death on the Lusitania) for commercial purposes. While it’s his prerogative to use his family name as he sees fit, the movie fails to delve deeply into the idea of resurrecting the past to serve one’s personal goals, whether symbolically or literally.

Instead of serving as an engaging distraction, “Fountain of Youth” might suffice for some, but those seeking a profound examination of the pursuit of everlasting life may find it less enlightening than a broken clock.

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2025-05-22 19:31