Ryan Reynolds is back with a brand new movie, and this time he is teaming up with Kenneth Branagh for a wild Cold War adventure. Their latest film, Mayday, is ready to hit the streaming service soon, and the early reactions are already pouring in. Fans of action and comedy have a lot to look forward to as Apple TV adds this highly anticipated project to its growing catalog of original content.
The streaming platform drops a Cold War buddy comedy this Friday
Mayday officially premieres on September 4, bringing a mix of humor and spy thriller stakes to your living room. Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, the film stars Reynolds as a hotshot Navy pilot who gets shot down in soviet territory. He wakes up in the cabin of an ex-KGB agent, played by Branagh, who turns out to be secretly obsessed with American pop culture.
Instead of a dark survival story, the two form an unlikely bond and try to make a run for it. They end up dealing with car chases, train escapes, and plenty of witty banter along the way. Apple is pushing to offer more than just television shows. While the company already has popular series, it is working hard to prove its movies can be just as entertaining as big theater releases.
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Critics praise the action and wacky chemistry between the two leads
The critical consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Many reviewers point out that the movie feels like a classic blockbuster from the 1980s. Branagh gets special attention for showing off unexpected martial arts skills and stealing scenes. Reynolds plays a more grounded role here, letting his co-star handle a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to both combat and comedy.
Here is what some of the top critics are saying about the film:
- JoBlo: The site called the film the best movie not hitting the big screen this year and one of the top streaming releases available.
- Empire: The publication noted that the movie delivers slick fights, witty quips, and a highly entertaining time that goes beyond simple expectations.
- The Hollywood Reporter: The reviewer highlighted the mismatched comic chemistry between the two leads, saying it proves to be a great diversion.
- Collider: The outlet called the project a giant love letter to the action hits of the Cold War era, praising the phenomenal dynamic between Reynolds and Branagh.
- IGN: The site appreciated the effective action pieces and felt it was an enjoyable take on a classic oddball friendship.
Most streaming movies come and go without making much noise, but this one seems built to stick around. The directors found a smart way to blend silly comedy with genuinely good stunts. If you have been looking for a weekend watch that does not take itself too seriously while still delivering high production value, this might be your best bet.
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