Co-writers and directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein helm this action adventure set in 1987 about U.S. Navy pilot Lt. Troy “Assassin” Kelly (Ryan Reynolds), who’s tasked with flying on a recon mission in an SR-71 Blackbird over the USSR as the Cold War rages. When he’s shot down by a MiG and ejects, he’s rescued by former KGB agent Nikolai Ustinov (Kenneth Branagh), who regrets his service and fetishizes the USA, hoping to live there. Soon they’re on a grand adventure to escape from Russia before the KBG and Red Army find them.
There’s plenty of bone-crunching action. Branagh is playing against type as Ustinov, who must save Kelly again and again. Reynolds is his usual glib sarcastic self, and he and Branagh have an easy, charming chemistry as the mismatched buddies. I always enjoy watching Reynolds, but Branagh steals the show. Its ’80s setting and cartoonish USSR villainy are fun, too.
MAYDAY
What’s it rated? PG-13
When? 2026
Where’s it showing? Apple TV
Ultimately, it’s a story of friendship. Sure, Kelly and Ustinov’s budding relationship is strained during their adventure, but both characters have good hearts, and we’re rooting for them to succeed. This light, forgettable romp was a welcome distraction that I might watch again. (111 min.) ∆
This article appears in Sept 17-24, 2026.
