When it comes to blockbusters, Netflix is leading the way for pulling in the big Hollywood stars. Case in point is Red Notice, a mega comedy action-adventure heist movie staring Dwayne the rock Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot.
Running at nearly two hours, it's tough to create a movie that is both relentless in pace and yet still makes you laugh – a lot. But that's exactly what you get with Red Notice.
What Is Red Notice About?
Here's the plot. Ryan Reynolds is Nolan Booth, one of the world's best art thieves. He is bested only by ‘The Bishop' (Gal Gadot) and both are being hunted and chased down by FBI profiler John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson, Central Intelligence).
The story goes that 2000 years ago, on her wedding day, Cleopatra was gifted with three golden eggs from Marc Anthony. Over the years, two have been discovered – one in a museum and the other as part of a private collection. The whereabouts of the third is unknown.
However, an Egyptian billionaire is now offering $300 million dollars to anybody who can return the three eggs so he can present them at his own daughter's wedding. So the chase is on to steal the first two eggs and find the third.
The problem is that there is an Interpol issued Red Notice out on art thief Nolan Booth. John Hartley is then framed by The Bishop and also becomes a wanted man. So the duo reluctantly teams up to avoid capture from Inspector Das the Interpol agent (Ritu Arya, Umbrella Academy)and beat The Bishop to the third egg.
The high-flying adventure that ensues takes the trio around the world, across the dance floor, trapped in a secluded prison, into the jungle and, worst of all for them, constantly into each other's company.
Red Notice Official Trailer
Is Red Notice Worth Watching?
Red Notice is very clever in that as well being an all out action-packed movie, it is also a satire of a typical action movie. It is peppered with funny one-liners, largely from Ryan Reynolds in his unique comedic style, has plenty of twists, great fight scenes and a brilliant cameo at the end.
Other than a bit of bad language, it is a great family movie if your kids are a little bit older and the two-hour running time whizzes by. It doesn't take itself too seriously, is brilliantly ridiculous and is very entertaining.
Where Can You Watch Red Notice?
Red Notice is a Netflix original and so can only be watched on that streaming platform.
How Much Did Red Notice Cost To Make?
Written and directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, Red Notice was acquired by Netflix for distribution and was released in cinemas a week before it was streamed.
The estimated production budget was $160 million but by the time it was released the reported cost had reached $200 million. That makes it the most-costly movie in Netflix's history.
In order for it to be deemed a success for Netflix, it will need to be watched by at least 80 million people but according to the main cast of Ryan Reynolds, Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot, the movie is well on its way.
All three tweeted that it was the biggest opening for a film. So maybe the $200m was worth it! And judging by the fact that a Red Notice sequel is on the cards, Netflix must have been very happy.
