Chris Evans and Ana de Armas have reteamed once again–this time in the new spy comedy, Ghosted, streaming on Apple TV+.
On paper, the idea is predictable. A guy falls for a girl, gets ghosted, goes after her, and gets kidnapped before learning she’s a spy. It’s one of those ideas where, if put on screen, it really depends on the casting. Suffice it to say, they made great decisions in teaming up Evans and de Armas. The two have amazing chemistry going back to Knives Out and The Gray Man. Obviously, Evans was the antagonist in the latter but the chemistry is still there. In addition, both of them can kick ass on screen. We especially saw this from de Armas in her short but memorable appearance in No Time to Die. If you’re expecting more romance than action, you’re in the wrong place. If you’re looking for some old-fashioned filmmaking, sit back and enjoy the ride!
In short: Cole Turner (Chris Evans) falls for Sadie Rhodes (Ana de Armas) after their first date. Oh yeah, he also finds out that she’s a secret agent! But before a second date can even take place, Cole gets kidnapped and soon finds himself on an international adventure with Sadie.
Before meeting Sadie at the family farm stand, Cole hadn’t really had much luck in the love department. But in spite of bad luck, the chemistry is there as soon as they meet. Cole thinks that she might even be the one. Unfortunately, she doesn’t respond to any of his texts, including the emojis, which still count as a text. Not getting any responses, Cole’s mother (Amy Sedaris), father (Tate Donovan) and sister Mattie (Lizze Broadway) all urge him to track down Sadie. Next thing you know, Cole heads to London under the thought that Sadie is an art dealer, not a spy. What happens next is that black-market arms dealer Leveque (Adrien Brody) suspects Cole of being “The Taxman” and wants the passcodes for Aztec. He takes Cole hostage until Sadie later comes to his rescue and frees him.
Cole and Sadie so terribly mismatched with each other but that’s where the comedy comes from. She’s an elite CIA agent with no shortage of hits under her belt. In any event, their journey takes them from Afghanistan and Pakistan to an island, and then back to DC, where business stays in the car trunk. All the while, they fight off Leveque, Wagner (Mike Moh), and anyone else chasing after them.
Dexter Fletcher might not have been my first choice for director because he’s never done an action film. However, the filmmaker has got a solid grasp for directing action. Plus, his brand of humor also adds to the film in how he approaches the comedy. It certainly helps that the film already has a solid set of screenwriters on hand. At first we think we’re watching a romantic comedy and then BOOM, it’s a global action-adventure comedy.
Anyone familiar with the spy genre knows to expect some fun set pieces. The chase with the bus is one of those memorable chase sequences that is bound to become iconic. There’s another sequence at a revolving restaurant in Washington, DC. Watching the stunt and fight work in this film is a reminder that the Academy is long overdue in adding a Best Stunt Ensemble category.
I won’t spoil any particulars but the best thing about the film is how some of its secrets were still secrets following Tuesday night’s world premiere. Usually, these things leak ahead of time! Put it this way, I had to rewind the screener to confirm that my eyes didn’t deceive me. In any event, it only added to the fun in watching Ghosted! Well-played!
While spy comedies always offer franchise potential, there are no mid- or post-credit scenes that suggest a sequel is on the way. That’s not to say that a sequel won’t happen as the door is certainly open. In any event, I like the chemistry between Evans and de Armas and hope a sequel is in the works. If not a sequel, then definitely another film that pairs the duo on screen.
Ghosted is elevated by the chemistry between Chris Evans and Ana de Armas as they are always fun to watch and might very well become this generation’s Tracy and Hepburn.
DIRECTOR: Dexter Fletcher
SCREENWRITERS: Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick and Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers
CAST: Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Adrien Brody, Mike Moh, Amy Sedaris, Tate Donovan, Tim Blake Nelson, Marwan Kenzari, Anna Deavere Smith, Lizze Broadway
Apple will launch Ghosted on April 21, 2023. Grade: 3.5/5
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