G20 Review: An Entertaining Look – Empire Magazine
is Antipodean accent as Rutledge, a cookie-cutter baddie seeking to pull off a cryptocurrency coup. Since Starr is adept at oozing menace — see The Boys’ super-bad super-man, Homelander — he can do this kind of thing with his eyes closed.
Most importantly, the action is largely well-staged — not up to the exceptional levels of a John Wick, but not cut to ribbons like so many mid-tier action films either. Director Patricia Riggen keeps it clear where everyone is and what they’re doing, while the fight choreography has just enough oomph. Try not to grin when Davis rips off the bottom half of her evening dress; all the better to kick bad guys in the face.
It is nonsense, and subject to the usual pitfalls of streaming actioners: every external shot looks green-screened to hell; the dialogue feels dumbed down for second-screen viewing (“You created all of this, with your corrupt wars and your profiteering!” goes Rutledge’s villain monologue); and the plot feels like a topical jumble of buzzwords (AI! Deepfakes! Bitcoin!).
But, disposable as it all is, G20 delivers exactly what it sets out to: decent sofa-plex thrills that’ll go down easy on a Friday night, in which the President snaps a mercenary’s neck with a machine gun. She’s got our vote.
G20 may not be the pinnacle of action movies, but it’s certainly entertaining, thanks in large part to Viola Davis. The movie’s mix of solid action, fast pace, and Davis’ star power makes it a fun and engaging watch. Davis shines as both President and action hero, bringing a level of believability and gusto that elevates the film.
The G20 summit provides a unique backdrop for this Die Hard-lite action-thriller, with Davis’ character taking charge and leading a diverse group of global leaders. The cast of characters, including British Prime Minister Oliver Everett, Italian figurehead Elena, and South Korean First Lady Han Min-Seo, adds interesting dynamics to the story. Antony Starr’s portrayal of the antagonist Rutledge adds a layer of menace to the mix.
While G20 may have its flaws, such as noticeable green-screen effects and simplified dialogue, it delivers on its promise of providing enjoyable action-packed entertainment. So, if you’re looking for a Friday night movie that’s easy to digest and full of thrilling moments, G20 might just be the ticket. And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to see the President take down the bad guys in style?