“Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre” is Guy Ritchie’s latest foray into the world of high-octane action thriller, and has all the hallmarks of his usual work — dry humour, plenty of action, and a stellar ensemble cast to go with it. When a new piece of deadly weapons tech — known only as ‘The Handle’ — hits the market and threatens to destabilise the global economy, super spy Orson Fortune (Jason Statham) must lead a team of specialist agents to save the day. Of course, with any Guy Ritchie film there is always a catch, and “Operation Fortune” is no exception. The team must not only compete against a rival group of operatives, but somehow outwit the extremely wealthy yet villainous Greg Simmonds (Hugh Grant). What follows is an extremely classy, often humorous, cat-and-mouse game as the trio of competitors seek to outdo one another.
Admittedly this is a role you’ll have seen Jason Statham in before, but if it isn’t broke don’t fix it springs to mind. Fortune is a man of class, fine tastes, and is as intelligent as he is deadly. Statham is at home in the role, delivering plenty of quick wit, dry humour, and action. When you couple this with the multifaceted, sharp wit, and direct, zero cares given attitude of the often zany, yet brilliant Sarah (Aubrey Plaza), the results are hilarious. Throwing in Nathan (Carl Elwes) and JJ (Bugzy Malone) only adds fuel to the fire. The team are a bunch of refined misfits, somehow elegant yet rough around the edges. They are functional but unafraid to throw insults around, often at one another’s expense and to the delight of the audience.
A High-Energy, Cat-and-Mouse Game
The plot thickens when the team need an in with Greg, and to do so go undercover at a charity auction with his favourite actor Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnet). What ensues is a chess like cat-and-mouse game of infiltration, blackmail, and ultimately a high speed car chase when their cover is blown. Hartnett is hilarious here. Not only does it feel like he is making fun of all actors, but also himself. It’s a lighthearted role in a relatively lighthearted movie. And when Francesco and Simmonds hit it off and become each other’s super fans, the comic relief is only pushed further. He’s an actor, going undercover in a criminal underworld… what could possibly go wrong?
Despite having all the ingredients of a top tier action film, it does feel with “Operation Fortune” like something is missing. The film is funny, but often the jokes fall short, or don’t land as hard as we’d like. The first hour of the film moves so fast it snatches your attention from the get go, keeping your attention throughout. However, this tapers off during the last hour and there are parts where the film loses some pace, which leaves its audience feeling disengaged.
‘Operation Fortune’ Has Some Pieces Missing
Aubrey Plaza and Josh Hartnett in “Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre.” (Photo: Dan Smith/Lionsgate).
Added to this, the film includes some scenes simply for comic relief that don’t often work or bring anything to the storytelling process. This has a slightly jarring effect on the overall pace of the second half, and again leaves us bemused at best and disinterested at worst. That said the finale — while slightly predictable — is thoroughly entertaining. Of course with a little blackmail the good guys are able to get what they want, but that’s not without a highly energised gunfight, a helicopter thrown in, and seeing Statham do what he does best, namely kicking ass.
All in all, “Operation Fortune” isn’t Ritchie’s best film. There are times when elements of it seem to be pulling in opposite directions or just don’t work as well as they should. Likewise it’s not a film that is going to change your life: but that’s not what it intends to be. What you do have however, is a stylishly shot, lighthearted action-comedy, which packs a punch and is highly entertaining. The movie doesn’t take itself seriously and that’s refreshing, but it will provide you with ample amounts of entertainment.
“Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre” is available to watch on multiple streaming networks. Check listings for more info.
