MAYDAY
A Cold War action comedy packed with fast-paced, expertly choreographed fight scenes.
Should You Watch It?
Yes, but keep your seatbelt fastened and your discernment switched on. If you seek classic Ryan Reynolds comedic relief, this movie delivers solid humor and patriotic character growth in the middle of a Cold War action film.
The contrasting dynamic between the two leads shines, and the whole movie plays like a throwback tribute to classic 80s and 90s action blockbusters, right down to the buddy banter and the practical stunt work.
Beyond the beautifully choreographed fight scenes and escape sequences, you will appreciate genuine conversations about national loyalty as two men discover that neither of their respective nations holds perfection.
Expect a feel-good buddy adventure that builds real trust between sworn enemies and challenges you to think deeper about your views of other countries and your own. However, you will encounter bloody stitches, gunshots, stabbings, coarse language, an escort reference, and a brief mention of a lesbian character, so if any of that gives you pause, go in with your eyes open.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESAn American fighter pilot nicknamed "Assassin" crashes during a black-ops spy mission behind Soviet lines. Wounded in the crash, a quirky Russian man living in a remote cabin filled with American memorabilia and dreams of democracy rescues him. After patching the pilot up and tying him down, the man, who seems to know a little too much about the KGB, offers help. Because America can't extract a pilot whose mission officially never existed, the unlikely pair teams up to reach safety without Soviet military capture.
Is It Any Good?
This one earns a well deserved four stars. This action comedy pairs high-stakes tension with genuine character growth, and Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh carry that growth together through nearly every scene. Reynolds brings his usual sharp wit and quick delivery, while Branagh grounds each exchange with real gravity, and the contrast works.
Neither actor overshadows the other. Instead, they play off each other's rhythm, and the banter between them never feels like a gimmick bolted onto the plot. The production value shines in its technical execution too.
Hand-to-hand combat sequences and escape scenes carry remarkably choreographed detail that keeps the momentum going, and Reynolds and Branagh sell every physical beat, so the action never loses the character work underneath it. The sharp comedic timing adds the necessary light to the intensity, and quick jokes cut through the stakes without ever deflating them.
The Worldview
The movie carries a strong moral worldview with a heavy patriotic stance, stressing biblical themes like hospitality, compassion, and understanding. It leans hard into pro-democracy values, yet also challenges nationalistic idolatry, as the two leads recognize their countries' flaws and discover their shared humanity.
That critique never tips into an anti-American message. The pilot's flaws stem from pride and blind duty, not the American system, and the Russian dreamer's admiration for democracy stays sincere. The film draws a clear line between healthy patriotism and blind nationalism, honoring love of country while exposing the danger of worshiping a flag over its values.
Still, the leads engage in theft, brawls, deceit, and frequent violence, including hand-to-hand combat, gunfights, and stabbings, in their scramble to reach American soil, plus a brief mention of a lesbian character worth a parent's discretion. The story never lets these choices off easy, though, keeping its moral compass intact.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Strong moral worldview with a heavy patriotic stance emphasizing biblical themes such as hospitality, compassion, and generosity. Pro-democracy elements while challenging nationalistic idolatry as the main characters begin to recognize the systemic flaws present within both of their respective countries, discovering their shared humanity along the wayy; Language: Ten uses of profane language including the "f" word, three "sh" words and "a" word, two "d" words, and one “Oh God”
Violence
Frequent action violence throughout such as people pointing guns at each other, being shot, stabbed, chokes, and intense hand-to-hand combat
Sex
One reference to an STD jokingly, talks of sexual acts, a woman who identifies as a lesbian, and a man hiring an escort
Alcohol Use
Moderate alcohol consumption throughout; scenes set in bars and a wine cellar, men shown drinking heavily, and characters drunkenly singing, laughing, and consuming large amounts of vodka
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
No smoking or drug abuse;
Miscellaneous Immorality
Characters engage in breaking and entering, theft, holding people hostage, frequent name-calling, crude humor, and general criminal acts throughout.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
An impoverished Russian couple takes in two freezing, hungry strangers without hesitation, prompting the question of whether we would do the same. How does scripture challenge us to practice radical hospitality? - Hebrews 13:2
The main character confesses that , as a boy, he looked at pilots as "gods," highlighting how easily admiration can turn into idolatry. How can we make sure that our ambitions don’t redirect our worship? Exodus 20:3
In their attempt to get to safety, the characters engage in many criminal acts. How can we encourage ourselves when we don’t feel safe to stay anchored in our values? Proverbs 18:10
The Final Word
Some movies know exactly what makes a Cold War action romp worth reviving, and MAYDAY is one of them. Sharp comedy, choreographed fight scenes, and real chemistry between Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh give this action comedy plenty of heart beneath the stunts. Theft, brawls, and deceit call for mature discernment, but underneath it all, the movie honors love of country while it exposes the danger of blind nationalism. A fun throwback for fans of classic buddy-action movies, but the violence and mature content make it a pass for kids and sensitive viewers.
