‘Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre’ – Review
We’ve been waiting for a very long time for the release of Guy Ritchie’s all-action spy adventure Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre and that old adage of ‘good things take time’ is right on the money with this picture as Operation Fortune makes for one very fun time out at the movies.
Elite spy Orson Fortune (Jason Statham) must track down and stop the sale of a deadly new weapons technology wielded by billionaire arms broker Greg Simmonds (Hugh Grant). Reluctantly teamed up with some of the world’s best operatives, Fortune and his crew recruit Hollywood’s biggest movie star, Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett), to help them on their globe-trotting mission to save the world.
Regarded as the king of machismo action cinema, celebrated filmmaker Guy Ritchie makes his long-awaited return to cinemas with Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, a wickedly fun spy-adventure-thriller that injects a dose of new energy into the genre and will leave audiences grooving in their seats. This is a film that is pure Ritchie, as a crack team of ace spies combats black market dealings, double-crossing mercenaries, vicious gangsters and one very slimy arms dealer in order to save the world. And it’s a rush. Joining forces again with long-time collaborator Jason Statham, hot off their work together on the intense and dark Wrath of Man, Operation Fortune offers Ritchie and Statham a new road to speed down and its cracking pace, bold action and pitch-perfect comedy is what cinema fun is made of.
As one of the best directors working today, Ritchie brings his own brand of creativity to the screen once more and again he mixes things up with Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. This global-spanning spy adventure is packed full of classic flair mixed with some cutting-edge drama, and Ritchie goes to town with this picture. With an equal mix of crackling gunfire, heavy punches, and terrific banter between a whole host of very unique espionage characters, Operation Fortune is the director’s take on the classic spy team-up film, and he keeps his audience’s heart racing the whole way through.
Once again front and centre is Ritchie’s long-time collaborator and good friend Jason Statham, and this time he mixes it up as the intrepid super-spy Orson Fortune, who has some very interesting quirks. This modern-day spy is a dashing man of action who has a real fondness for the good life and who is all too happy to max out his agency’s expense account to enjoy it. But in addition to the tailored suits, private jets and vintage wines, he’s also an exceedingly capable and exceptionally dangerous individual who knows his way around a gun, and Statham brings his usual can-do attitude to the film’s action scenes. Along with kicking ass he also gets to crack plenty of jokes, and it’s very apparent that he had a blast with this one-of-a-kind spy.
Paired with Statham’s Fortune and mixing it up is Aubrey Plaza as the sultry and quick-witted Sarah Fidel, the team’s computer expert and hacker. And this is Plaza in a performance unlike you’ve ever seen her before. Plaza is exceptionally glamorous and alluring as Fidel, but also dangerously astute and she likes nothing better than to push Statham’s button. And the result is comedic brilliance. Plaza also isn’t content to just sit behind a desk either, and she jumps head-first into the fray, and goes all out with the film’s exceptional action scenes.
Continuing in his return to form is Hollywood hunk Josh Hartnett who has been making quite a big comeback as of late and again he turns in another stellar performance here in Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. Cast as Hollywood’s biggest star Danny Francesco, Hartnett portrays an outlandish, childish buffoon who is forced into joining Fortune’s team, after his penchant for debauchery gets him into trouble and soon has to take on the biggest role of his career. Hartnett leans heavily into this over-sexed, drugged-up poser of a movie star and he’s an absolute riot in the role. He also gets some serious time behind the wheel in the film’s stunning car chase and lives out a Steve McQueen fantasy as he slams on the accelerator in a wild chase scene that will flaw audiences.
Finally bringing Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre together is the one and only Hugh Grant and he gives one very naughty performance as the playful, but dangerous billionaire arms dealer Greg Simmons. Brash, uncouth, loud and crass, Grant gives a transformative performance as one of the world’s most dangerous villains who like his money, his cars and his women, and who poses quite a threat in Operation Fortune. From the moment he appears on screen Grant steals every scene that he’s in and his presence is undoubtedly the best part of the film. This is Grant unlike you’ve ever seen him before, and Ritchie knows how to help him take it to the next level, and this is one devious and menacing villain you won’t soon forget.
For those who like their spy films with exotic locations, explosive action and decadent glamour, well, you’ll be very happy with Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre. This is a fast-paced kinetic piece of cinema, and its pure pop energy will absolutely speak to audiences who are looking for a rush. Thanks to his innovative and rapid style of filmmaking, Ritchie invests a real sense of creativity and energy into this picture and the results show on the screen. This is the spy genre done the way we like it, and the end product demands to be seen on the big screen.
From beginning to end, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre is pure class and proves why Guy Ritchie is one of the most exciting and dynamic filmmakers working today. Narrative, action, character and comedy all come together for an exhilarating time at the movies with Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre.
Image: Roadshow Films
