There was a time where each action film released had a common antagonist: the Soviets. That was then and, in 2026, that doesn’t make as much sense as it would have in, say, 1985. Unfortunately, ‘Mayday’ did not get that memo, relying on a plot that comes off as outdated and historically inept. That’s not to say the film as a whole isn’t watchable, it’s just going to have a hard time keeping the attention of an audience in a demographic that was born decades after the Soviet Union fell. ‘Mayday’ is the okayest of ok films, relying on Ryan Reynold’s dulling charm and an absolutely phenomenal performance from Kenneth Branagh to provide audiences with occasionally cool action sequences and a played out plot that should have been left in the 1980s.
The Soviet Union is circling the drain. The United States, aware of the struggles of the USSR, sends a spy plane carrying pilot Troy Kelly to provide surveillance on the situation. Naturally, things go sideways with Kelly plummeting back to Earth and into the arms of Nikolai Usitnov, an ex-KGB agent who absolutely LOVES America. While the buddy elements provide a somewhat charming adventure, ‘Mayday’ rings mostly hollow despite the best efforts of leads, Reynolds and Branagh.
Cliché Comes to Mind
The greatest crime committed by ‘Mayday’ is that this film has been seen before. Time and time again, Hollywood provides an odd couple escaping from…something. Yes, it’s entertaining, but when done repeatedly the genre loses all charm. ‘Mayday’ takes every trope baked into every buddy adventure film and repacks them in a setting that may miss modern audiences. The film would have been cliché had it been released in the era it seeks to emulate albeit more successful given the eras love for films in the same vein as ‘Mayday.’ The film is a singular viewing at best.
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For a film that is supposed to be set in the 1980’s Cold War era, it fails to present that way. ‘Mayday’ could be occurring today, yesterday, or 15 years ago. The film in every facet of it’s presentation is historically disconnected from anything that looks even remotely like the 1980s. This cheapens the overall affect of the film, leaving audiences with a disjointed and confused feeling. It genuinely feels like they had a decent idea for a plot and the only place it made logical sense was Perestroika Soviet Union, so HEY, why not. Outside of the cliché 80’s dialogue, the film fails to accurately represent the era.
Hollow Brilliance
Throughout it’s almost two hour runtime, ‘Mayday’ struggles. This, however, is not due to the cast. Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh find good footing in the world built by the filmmakers. While Reynolds’ shtick is beginning to feel a bit tired and old, it works within the parameters of this film. Reynolds is charming and witty. Always the one for a wisecrack, his wit works perfectly with the silly stoicism of Branagh’s Nick.
Kenneth Branagh. Shakespearian actor. Decorated director. Former KGB Officer obsessed with ‘Top Gun.’ If the industry gave Branagh one word dialogue, he’d give audiences an Oscar worthy performance. With ‘Mayday,’ he provides soul. His stoic, yet silly approach to Nick gives life to a film that is sorely in search of direction. I would be lying if I didn’t say that Branagh is the entire reason for watching this film. It’s endearing to see someone as prolific as Branagh get to have a bit of fun.
Final Thought:
‘Mayday’ likes the pizazz to be anything more than a Friday night popcorn movie with the family. While Branagh and Reynolds provide decent performances, it’s not enough to save ‘Mayday’ from itself.
