OPERATION FORTUNE: RUSE DE GUERRE – A Review by Jenn Rohm
There is something about a well-dressed man, with a British accent, saving the world. Add in a classic American muscle car chase and I am all in.
Guy Ritchie brings us his new film Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre. As Ritchie likes to do, he works with actors he is familiar with to bring his vision to us. And in this case, even the grill from The Gentlemen makes an appearance.
Nathan (Carey Elwes) is called in by a British Government Official to reclaim a stolen “something”. Nathan pulls in his best for the job with, Orson Fortune (Jason Statham) to lead the way. Nathan also ensures Fortune has his required extravagances, such as an 1982 Chateau Margaux, and a good support crew with Sarah (Aubrey Plaza) and JJ (Bugzy Malone). Together they are out to save the day.
Aubrey Plaza was a strong choice for Sarah. I remember her as Cat on four episodes of Criminal Minds and liked her very dry delivery. In this film, she does not back down in proving her worth to the team, while still having fun with them as seen when she sings along to “Raindrops keep falling on my head.” A strong female co-lead, given the freedom to be smart and effective with a bit of sass who isn’t just eye candy, was refreshing.
With the leading men, bringing what we have come to expect from them, there are others who round out the cast and bring their own to the story. Eddie Marsan is Knighton, the Government Official. Hugh Grant as Greg has more money and connections than he knows what to do with. Josh Hartnett is Danny, an American Movie Star, whom everyone wants to meet, helps to open some doors.
There is also a car chase involving a classic Ford Mustang. True, Bullitt had a ’68 and this one is a ’66. It is still a nice homage toward one of the greatest car chase scenes in movie history.
Props to the costume design team who did a wonderful job with the tailoring of the quality suits. There is also a red dress that Sarah wears to a fundraiser that reminded me of Julia Roberts’ opera dress in Pretty Woman, simply stunning.
This is a spy/action movie. It was a good choice for an escape from everyday life and I will see it again… and most likely buy the DVD when available to watch when I want.
Cast: Jason Statham, Aubrey Plaza, Cary Elwes, Josh Hartnett, Bugzy Malone, Hugh Grant
Director: Guy Ritchie
MPAA Rating: R (Language and Violence)
Genres: Drama, Music
Selig Rating: 4.5 stars
Runtime: 1h 45m
Release Date: 03/03/2023
Movie Site: Operation Fortune Ruse De Guerre Official Web Site
Trailer: Operation Fortune Ruse De Guerre Official Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well there was nothing else . . .
1 Star – Total waste of time.
