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Apple TV+’s ‘Fountain of Youth’: A Predictable, Algorithm-Driven Action Movie You Can Skip!

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If you’re curious about the potential consequences if AI develops consciousness, you might want to check out Apple TV+’s extravagant and repetitive show, “Fountain of Youth“. This action-adventure series shamelessly combines elements from shows like “National Treasure”, “The Mummy”, “The Da Vinci Code” and the “Indiana Jones” franchise. In fact, the famous archaeologist idolized by its main characters is called Harrison. There’s no denying that this worldwide journeying creature is mechanical in nature, as it sends an unlikely duo, John Krasinski and Natalie Portman, to Thailand, England, Austria, Egypt, and various other locations where Apple TV+ likely seeks more subscribers.

Director Guy Ritchie deviates from his popular Cockney gangster comedies, venturing instead into unfettered territory with this production. However, it’s important to note that Ritchie does have a knack for maintaining pace. Unfortunately, the film Fountain of Youth quickly becomes tiresome due to James Vanderbilt’s heavy-handed script. Here, character motivations are heavily emphasized through excessive, contrived dialogue. For instance, at one point, Portman’s character states, “Let me clarify the elephant in the room,” which sounds more fitting for a stage performance of Hercule Poirot. Vanderbilt isn’t shy about employing screenwriting techniques, and he uses them liberally, often repetitively. (If you’re curious about how many times Portman’s character, Luke’s estranged sister Charlotte, resists an action only to perform it immediately afterward, the answer is three.) The film, which careens from one intense action sequence to another with such fervor that it occasionally loses sight of its purpose, is a clear example of algorithmic filmmaking. However, the positive takeaway for creativity and humanity as a whole is that the algorithm ultimately fails.

A Sibling Team With No Chemistry

Movies are most effective when the leading actor imbues a flat character with a distinctive spin. For instance, Harrison Ford’s Indy exuded old-school charm from Saturday matinees, while even toned-down Nicolas Cage added unpredictable flair to the National Treasure franchise. However, in this film, Krasinski primarily employs sarcastic expressions as Luke, which prevents the movie from having a powerful emotional core. At the outset, Luke is seen on a scooter in Bangkok, fleeing Thai villains with a stolen painting hidden under his arm; cinematographer Ed Wild infuses street-level vitality into the chase sequence, but that raw energy dissipates from thereon.

This film revolves around expensive masterpieces and takes place within grand historical sites and renowned art galleries. It’s here that Luke unexpectedly visits his sister Charlotte, who he hasn’t seen in a year. The chemistry between Krasinski and Portman seems awkward because of their different acting styles – Krasinski emanates a casual, flirtatious vibe while Portman exudes an elegant demeanor that doesn’t quite suit Luke, suggesting she might be out of her league or perhaps settling for less. Their bickering starts right away as Charlotte disapproves of Luke’s actions following their father’s death. She’s even more upset when he steals a painting from her museum, leading to her losing her job. After becoming jobless, Charlotte locates Luke and finds out that he’s been swiping priceless artworks because they contain hints about the location of the legendary Fountain of Youth. This fountain is sought after by a terminally ill billionaire, Owen Carter (Domhnall Gleeson), who believes it can cure his cancer.

An Unwanted Lesson in Timeless Artwork

Instead of the typical romantic dynamic, this action-adventure story opts for siblings as the main characters, removing any romantic tension or expected developments. However, the new character, Vanderbilt’s replacement, primarily showcases Luke and Charlotte arguing, particularly over their father’s cherished saying that the journey holds more value than the destination. The narrative doesn’t ask or offer much emotional investment, despite Charlotte having an 11-year-old son named Thomas (Benjamin Chivers) and a wayward husband. Charlotte’s primary role in the story is to express her intention to abandon the mission only to change her mind, a situation that occurs frequently as Luke and Charlotte navigate their perilous quest for clues. Their journey takes them across continents, from the remnants of the Lusitania to the National Library in Vienna, where Thomas demonstrates his cleverness during an intriguing encounter with Owen.

One delightful aspect of the movie National Treasure lies in its skillful and unassuming integration of bits of American history. On the other hand, Fountain of Youth, perhaps due to its need to reference artists like Caravaggio and El Greco, lacks this feature. However, even considering it from a purely action-adventure perspective, the way Luke and his team effortlessly dispense historical facts and use their computer abilities to discover clues and escape predicaments is amusing. It seems almost far-fetched that months of detective work can be completed with just a few keystrokes, and it’s hard to imagine a loud symphony could divert attention – though it does provide editor James Herbert some stunning music to complement an action sequence.

Too Many Special Effects, Too Little Sense

For Ritchie, the “Fountain of Youth” project seems devoid of the raw, unfiltered, and lively style characteristic of his finest work. As Luke and Charlotte embark on their quest for the legendary spring, they are persistently trailed by a band of non-player characters (NPCs), headed by a woman (Eiza González); she’s capable of dishing out blows and fending off Luke’s advances, yet her true identity remains intriguingly elusive. Furthermore, the film’s concluding 20 minutes are puzzlingly filled with a jumble of special effects that fail to provide a satisfying resolution. To add insult to injury, “Fountain of Youth” audaciously ends on the insincere note of hinting at more adventures in a potential sequel. However, this is one spring you might want to turn off.

As a cinephile eagerly anticipating the latest releases, I’m thrilled to announce that “Fountain of Youth,” an exciting collaboration between Apple Studios, Skydance Media, Vinson Films, Toff Guy Films, Project X Entertainment, and Radio Silence Productions, is set to premiere on AppleTV+ on May 23. This promises to be a captivating journey you won’t want to miss!

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2025-05-22 19:05

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