I thought MAYDAY was genuinely fantastic. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with non-stop action, but without ever feeling like you are just watching an endless, hour-long fight scene between two people. The pacing is spot-on, as it never drags or feels rushed.
| Mayday Score Card | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Spy Action Thriller |
| Star of the Show | Ryan Reynolds |
| Vibe Comparison | John Wick meets Mission: Impossible |
| Final Rating | 5 out of 5 Stars |
Ryan Reynolds, Finally Out of One Gear
I am usually not a huge Ryan Reynolds fan. His standard on-screen persona often feels like "Deadpool in a nutshell," and it sometimes seems like the only gear he has. But somehow, that classic style actually fits his character here perfectly without feeling like a recycled carbon copy. It genuinely feels like he is this person.
Also, Kenneth Branagh did an amazing job playing his Russian ally. Their chemistry on screen was top-tier, and honestly, the scenes where the two of them share the screen are some of the best in the whole movie.
Stunts, Sound & Believability
The stunts were extraordinarily executed and demand your full attention. The audio, lighting, set props, costumes, and overall action believability were incredible. You can tell every department brought their A-game, because nothing on screen ever snaps you out of the moment.
Honestly, I usually have at least one critique or something I would tweak, even for movies I love, but I cannot think of a single thing to complain about here. That almost never happens.
Plot Twists & That Post-Credits Scene
There are several great plot twists throughout the film, and between you and me: make sure you stay for the post-credits scene. It plays a critical role in the movie and explains why he is an assassin. Do not be the person who bails when the credits start rolling.
The Verdict
Sadly, this skipped a traditional theatrical run and is currently only streaming on Apple TV+. I really wish I could have experienced this on the big screen because it is one of the few recent releases that truly deserves it, but it was still a blast to experience with a full home theater surround sound setup. Absolute chef's kiss!
My Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
Have you seen Mayday yet, and did you catch that post-credits scene? Let me know in the comments below, and until next time, share a smile - they're contagious! Must-watch!