What to Watch This Weekend – Fountain of Youth

Fountain of Youth is the story of adventurers seeking fortune and glory. Owen Carver (Domhnall Gleeson) is dying. Despite his massive wealth, he’s unable to stop the inevitable with traditional means. But legend has told of the Fountain of Youth—a hidden treasure with the ability to heal and grant eternal life. As such, Carver has employed Luke Purdue (John Krasinski), an archeologist who obtains his relics through somewhat questionable means. Luke believes the key to finding the Fountain is through the acquisition and study of several rare paintings. However, the real art expert in the family is Luke’s younger sister, Charlotte (Natalie Portman). Through some not-so-subtle prodding, Luke eventually convinces Charlotte to go on the global quest with his team. However, the Purdues are unaware that several other dangerous parties also seek The Fountain.

What works in Fountain of Youth is the energy and unabashed joy. Krasinski and Portman have boatloads of fun as charismatic squabbling siblings. They consistently entertain as Luke, the swashbuckling action hero who can slip out of any sticky situation, and Charlotte who prefers thinking her way out of the box rather than trying to charm it. They travel the world visiting gorgeous and iconic locations, always getting into an absurd amount of trouble. And as the action steadily ramps up, their self-awareness at the ridiculousness of their pursuits is a signal to the audience: don’t overthink this plot, just enjoy it. Director Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes, Snatch) loves pulp, and it is on full display with Fountain of Youth.

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People who feel as though the adventure genre has become saturated may find Fountain of Youth too derivative for their liking. Character names like “Harrison Purdue,” are admittedly groan-worthy and the aftershock is either a grin or an eyeroll. In terms of tone, Fountain of Youth trades logic and real-world consequences for entertainment, an exchange that could frustrate some. In addition, Fountain of Youth is unlikely to surprise anyone in terms of story beats. The twists are well telegraphed for anyone who’s ever seen a heist movie, and the characters all end up pretty much where one would guess. As such, it’s fair to question what Fountain of Youth adds to the field aside from fun performances and nifty set pieces.

Fountain of Youth desperately wants you to have a good time. And for patrons who can accept that the film knows it’s standing on the shoulders of giants, the movie works well. This is thanks in part to Krasinski’s clear enjoyment in every scene, which becomes highly infectious. You could do a lot worse for an entertaining movie night. Recommended.

Recommended if you enjoyed: The Mummy Returns, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Sahara

Fountain of Youth is now available to watch exclusively on Apple TV+.

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