Each actor skilfully creates comical edges, although the plot's convolutions prevent them from adding depth that would draw the audience in. So only a few become likeable. While Statham is effortlessly beefy, tetchy and dismissive, Plaza combines superb layers of intelligence and charm, diving gleefully into the action. Hartnett has a hapless quality that's engagingly ridiculous. And Grant is especially good fun, oozing rough-hewn charisma as the swaggering cockney villain.

There's a playful riff on Bond here, as this British government espionage agency has to use outsiders to do its work, requiring inventive solutions to the clashes that ensue. This feels very present-day, as does the rather dull world-threatening tech at the centre of the caper and the fact that there's an actor involved in the mayhem. The script never even remotely grapples with any of this, which leaves the movie feeling rather forgettable. But for a bit of slick, mindless entertainment, it might just do the trick.

themes, language, violence

27.Feb.23

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