Red Notice
(PG-13 / 1h 57m / Netflix)
Overview: In the world of international crime, an Interpol agent attempts to hunt down and capture the world’s most wanted art thief.
Verdict: Thanks to a stellar A-list cast led by Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot, Red Notice is just the lightweight heist romp we need right now—whether you’re stressing over the state of the world or the holidays in general—it’s a turn-off-your-brain-and-enjoy flick that will treat your eyes and tickle your funny bone.
When no-nonsense FBI profiler John Hartley (Johnson) is forced into a faux partnership with quippy cat burglar Nolan Booth (Reynolds) to steal Cleopatra’s treasure, they must race against the clock before slick, sleek master art thief The Bishop (Gadot) beats them to the taking of the golden, bejeweled artifacts.
As one expects, the treasure-hunting trio globe-trots everywhere from Rome to Egypt in their pursuit of the treasure, well-dressed and sharp-tongued at every twist and turn. Red Notice is reminiscent of fun, fast-paced adventure flicks like Romancing the Stone, National Treasure, and the like.
The stunts are marvelous, the fight choreography is fast and furious, and the jokes are goofy and good-natured—it’s a welcome relief to see a comedy that doesn’t resort to potty humor and foul language. I’m not saying Red Notice is Shakespeare by any means, but at least it’s not Dumber and Dumber: Treasure Hunters.