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‘Trainwreck: Poop Cruise’ Trailer Teases the Wild Story of Stranded Passengers

By
Rebecca Murray
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Everything that could go wrong did go wrong on Carnival Triumph’s 2013 cruise to Cozumel, Mexico. The details might be fuzzy to those who weren’t on board, so Netflix’s Trainwreck: Poop Cruise brings the ship’s infamous voyage to life in all its disgusting glory.

Per Netflix: “It was supposed to be a luxury cruise: a four-day round trip from Galveston, Texas to Cozumel, Mexico. But for the 4,000 passengers and crew on board, the reality proves catastrophically different. After an engine room fire destroys electrical cables supplying the entire ship, the boat is left drifting with no power for propulsion, refrigeration, lighting, air-conditioning or… worst of all, flushing toilets. Soon raw sewage leaks out all over the ship, food supplies start dwindling, and passengers begin to revolt. As the cruise company races to control the fallout, a media frenzy ensues. Soon everyone is talking about ‘The Poop Cruise’.”

Trainwreck: Poop Cruise, premiering on June 24, 2025, is just one of eight episodes in the Trainwreck series. James Ross directed Trainwreck: Poop Cruise, and Sheun Adelasoye De Nicola, Alexander Marengo, Tim Wardle, William Swann, and Casey Feldman served as executive producers.

Trainwreck: Poop Cruise
A scene from ‘Trainwreck: Poop Cruise’ (Photo Courtesy of Netflix © 2025)

Details on the Other Trainwreck Episodes, Courtesy of Netflix

The Astroworld Tragedy
Launch Date: June 10, 2025
Synopsis: On November 5, 2021, Travis Scott stepped on stage to perform his set at Astroworld: what would have been the best night of the festival-goers’ lives quickly turned into a catastrophe that left 10 of them dead. The Astroworld Tragedy takes an exclusive look at that night, told from the perspective of the survivors, paramedics, and security staff that were at the center of this catastrophe.

Mayor of Mayhem
Launch Date: June 17, 2025
Synopsis: In the 2010 Toronto Mayoral election, political outsider Rob Ford unexpectedly throws his hat into the ring. Widely dismissed as a joke by other politicians and the media, he defies critics with a shocking landslide victory. But his administration soon becomes a slow-motion trainwreck, with an avalanche of scandals and allegations of hard drug use leading to an international media frenzy.

The Cult of American Apparel
Launch Date: July 1, 2025
Synopsis: In the early 2000s, American Apparel becomes one of the United States’ most successful fashion brands, known for its colourful casual clothing, ethical production and its sexually provocative advertising campaigns. For young staffers it’s an exciting time; a chance to be part of a cult-like company revolutionising the fashion industry, and an opportunity to learn from American Apparel’s charismatic CEO and founder, Dov Charney.

But as the brand quickly expands, the young employees begin to realise that American Apparel’s shiny surface is hiding a darker reality. Charney’s chaotic management starts to hit the company’s finances, and he is accused of sexual harassment by female employees. As problems mount and the company begins to implode, staff members are forced to come to terms with the toxic work environment Charney has created.

The Real Project X
Launch Date: July 8, 2025
Synopsis: In 2012, A teenage girl in the small Dutch town of Haren creates a Facebook event for her sixteenth birthday party, but mistakenly makes it public instead of private. Inspired by a love of the Hollywood movie Project X, Dutch teenagers make the event go viral, and soon tens of thousands of people sign up to come to the party.

Despite warnings, police and local authorities don’t think anyone will turn up. No provisions are made to entertain the masses of young people who arrive in Haren, and the party soon explodes into a full-blown riot.

Balloon Boy
Launch Date: July 15, 2025
Synopsis: On October 15, 2009, a father in Fort Collins Colorado calls 911, claiming that his home-made flying saucer has escaped from the back yard, carrying his six-year-old son inside. This stranger-than-fiction claim is backed up by footage from a news helicopter, which catches up with the balloon and is live-streaming the chase. What starts as a local emergency quickly escalates into a national one, as everyone from the National Guard, to the Sheriff, and Homeland Security, struggles to come up with a plan to safely rescue ‘Balloon Boy’.

As the balloon softly lands, people pray for a miracle reunion – but instead they discover no boy inside. What appears to be a tragedy takes a sharp turn into something else. Public sympathy quickly turns into righteous outrage, as Balloon Boy quickly becomes one of America’s most infamous, and bizarre news stories.

P.I. Moms
Launch Date: July 22, 2025
Synopsis: In 2010, Lifetime Channel commissions a reality TV series about a private investigation agency staffed by soccer moms. Everyone is convinced they have the next big hit on their hands, until the production crew starts to notice something is off. The moms’ investigations keep falling apart, leading to allegations of sabotage. At the same time, a mysterious informant accuses the agency’s boss of running an illegal drug operation on the side, abetted by a corrupt cop. For both the TV series and the criminals dealing drugs, it is only a matter of time before things fall disastrously apart.

Storm Area 51
Launch Date: July 29, 2025
Synopsis: This is the story of the greatest sh*tpost ever made. When 20-year old Matty Roberts creates a Facebook event inviting people to storm the classified Air Force facility Area 51 in the Nevada desert, the post quickly goes viral, with hundreds and then thousands saying they’ll join the event that stated “They can’t stop all of us”.

This prompts the US Air Force, FBI officials and the Federal Aviation Administration to strongly advise against anyone illegally trying to access the base, and the Military warns that they stand ready to protect America and its assets with deadly force. The meme continues to go viral and spread to other social media apps and soon millions have signed up to attend…

Some joke, “If we Naruto run we can move faster than their bullets” but will a crazy party in the desert turn into a deadly confrontation? Featuring an epic ensemble cast of meme lords, military commanders, UFO hunters, sexy aliens and YouTubers, this is the ultimate story of the internet bursting into the real world.




‘Please Don’t Feed the Children’ with Michelle Dockery Set for Tubi Debut

By
Rebecca Murray
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Please Don't Feed the Children
Giancarlo Esposito and Michelle Dockery in ‘Please Don’t Feed the Children’ (Photo Courtesy: Shane Sigler)

Tubi’s picked up the horror thriller Please Don’t Feed the Children and has set a Friday, June 27, 2025 streaming release. The film marks the feature directorial debut of Steven Spielberg’s daughter Destry Allyn Spielberg and stars Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey, The Gentlemen) and Giancarlo Esposito (Better Call Saul).

The cast also includes Zoe Colletti (Only Murders In The Building), Andrew Liner (Ransom Canyon), Dean Scott Vazquez (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts) Regan Aliyah (XO, Kitty), Emma Meisel (Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.), Josh Melnick (Saint X), and Vernon Davis (A Day To Die).

“Please Don’t Feed the Children takes place in a not-so-distant future where society contends with a pervasive virus that afflicts the entire adult population,” reads Tubi’s synopsis. “After the deadly viral outbreak, a group of orphans flee in search of a new life, only to be taken hostage by a woman hiding a sinister secret.”

Paul Bertino wrote the screenplay, and Jason Dubin, Josh Kesselman, Michael Hagerty, Daniel Ryniker, and Bill Kenwright served as producers. Executive producers include Dockery, Phil Hunt Compton, Ross Daniel Negret, Will Clarke, Andy Mayson, Mike Runagall, David Gilbery, Naomi George, Ben Kaye, Steven Schneider, Joe Health, and Owen King.

“I am incredibly grateful to be doing what I love with a hardworking cast and crew. It has been a wild ride getting here, and I can’t wait to share this film with everyone,” stated director Destry Allyn Spielberg.

“We cannot wait to premiere Please Don’t Feed the Children on Tubi and introduce viewers to Destry’s incredible work as a first-time filmmaker,” said Tubi SVP, Content Acquisitions & Partnerships Samuel Harowitz. “Featuring a captivating young cast, relentless suspense, and Michelle Dockery as a sinister antagonist, horror-thriller fans are in for a chilling experience. We’re grateful that Destry and Paul chose Tubi as the best home to showcase this unique film, and we are excited to bring their vision to Tubi audiences.”




‘Hallow Road’ Thriller with Rosamund Pike and Matthew Rhys Sets US Release

By
Rebecca Murray
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XYZ Films confirmed SXSW standout Hallow Road will have a US theatrical release. The psychological thriller starring Oscar nominee Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn) and Emmy winner Matthew Rhys (The Americans, Perry Mason) opened in the UK on May 16, 2025 and will arrive in US theaters this fall.

The thriller, which currently sits at 92% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, also stars Megan McDonnell (Normal People). BAFTA winner Babak Anvari (Under the Shadow) directed and William Gillies wrote the screenplay.

“In the film, two parents enter a race against time when they receive a distressing late-night phone call from their daughter,” reads XYZ Films’ synopsis. “As they head deeper into the night, disturbing revelations threaten to tear the family apart as they realize they might not be the only ones driving down Hallow Road.”

Two & Two Pictures’ Lucan Toh, London Film & TV’s Ian Henry, and XYZ Films produced.

Rosamund Pike’s credits include The Wheel of Time, Moominvalley, and People Who Knew Me. Pike recently finished up work on In the Green, from writer/director Guy Ritchie and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Henry Cavill, and Eiza González. Pike also has Now You See Me: Now You Don’t opening in theaters this November.

Matthew Rhys followed up his riveting run as a Russian spy in The Americans with A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Perry Mason, and Saturday Night. Rhys will next be seen in the Netflix limited series The Beast in Me along with Claire Danes, Brittany Snow, Natalie Morales, and David Lyons.

Hallow Road Poster
Poster for ‘Hallow Road’ (Photo Credit: XYZ Films)

‘Haunted Hotel’ Animated Series Confirms Voice Cast

By
Rebecca Murray
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Haunted Hotel Voice Cast
A scene from ‘Haunted Hotel’ (Photo Credit: Netflix)

Netflix just released new details on Haunted Hotel, Rick & Morty‘s Matt Roller new animated series. The animated comedy will feature the voices of Will Forte, Eliza Coupe, Skyler Gisondo, Natalie Palamides. and Jimmi Simpson.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Netflix and an amazingly talented cast and crew to bring to life the stories of the dead, the evil, and the struggling hospitality workers at the Undervale Hotel,” said Roller.

The casting announcement was accompanied by the first four stills from the animated series previously titled The Undervale. Netflix has set a September 19, 2025 release date.

Still from Netflix's New Animated Series
Photo Credit: Netflix

Rick & Morty‘s Erica Hayes is the supervising director, and Roller, Steve Levy (Rick and Morty, Community), Chris McKenna (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Spider-Man: Far From Home), and Dan Harmon (Rick and Morty, Community) executive produce. Titmouse’s Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Antonio Canobbio, and Ben Kalina also serve as executive producers.

“Haunted Hotel is wildly inventive and I’m very grateful to Matt, Chris, Dan, and their team for bringing their talents to Netflix,” stated Billy Wee, Netflix Director of Adult Animation to Tudum. “They are phenomenal collaborators, and I can’t wait for fans all over the world to experience this hilarious show.”

Haunted Hotel
Photo Credit: Netflix
Animated Still
Photo Credit: Netflix

‘Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale’ Teaser – The Crawleys Take Their Final Bow

By
Rebecca Murray
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Grab the tissues. The teaser trailer for Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale has fans teary-eyed and confessing to not being prepared to say goodbye to the Crawleys.

The third and final feature film stars original cast members Hugh Bonneville as Robert Crawley, Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, Elizabeth McGovern as Cora Crawley, Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes, and Penelope Wilton as Isobel Merton. Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Paul Copley, Sophie McShera, and Douglas Reith also return for the third film.

Dominic West reprises his role as Guy Dexter from Downton Abbey: A New Era, and Paul Giamatti returns as Cora Grantham’s brother Harold Levinson. New additions include Joely Richardson, Alessandro Nivola, Simon Russell Beale, and Arty Froushan.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Cast
Laura Carmichael, Harry Hadden-Paton, Elizabeth McGovern, Hugh Bonneville, and Michelle Dockery in ‘DOWNTON ABBEY: The Grand Finale’ (Credit: Rory Mulvey / © 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLC)

“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s,” reads Focus Features’ synopsis. “As the beloved cast of characters navigates how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, they must embrace change and welcome a new chapter.”

Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes wrote the screenplay, and Simon Curtis directed. Fellowes, Gareth Neame, and Liz Trubridge are the producers, with Nigel Marchant executive producing.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale will open in theaters on Friday, September 12, 2025.

Downton Abbey 3 Cast
Raquel Cassidy stars as Miss Baxter, Kevin Doyle as Mr. Molesley, Sophie McShera as Daisy Parker, Phyllis Logan as Mrs. Hughes, Lesley Nicol as Mrs. Patmore, Jim Carter as Mr. Carson, Brendan Coyle as Mr. Bates, and Joanne Froggatt as Anna Bates (Credit: Rory Mulvey / © 2025 FOCUS FEATURES LLC)



‘Nobody Wants This’ Sets Season 2 Premiere Date

By
Rebecca Murray
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Kristen Bell and Adam Brody in Nobody Wants This
Kristen Bell as Joanne and Adam Brody as Noah in ‘Nobody Wants This’ season 1 (Photo Courtesy of Netflix © 2024)

Netflix’s critically acclaimed relationship comedy Nobody Wants This will kick off season two on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Kristen Bell and Adam Brody return to star, reprising their roles as Joanne and Noah.

Returning cast members also include Justine Lupe as Morgan, Timothy Simons as Sasha, and Jackie Tohn as Esther. Season two guest stars include Leighton Meester as Abby, Joanne’s middle school nemesis who is now an Instagram mommy influencer; Miles Fowler as Lenny, Noah’s Matzah Ballers teammate who gets set up with Morgan; and Alex Karpovsky as Big Noah, an overly confident rabbi at Noah’s temple.

Arian Moayed guest stars as Dr. Andy, a charming, highly regarded (particularly by himself) psychotherapist who might just be the perfect match for Morgan.

“An agnostic podcast host and an unconventional rabbi on the rebound walk into a party. When they walk out — together — the unlikely pair, Joanne and Noah, can tell there is something between them,” reads Netflix’s synopsis. “But also potentially between them, with their differing outlooks on life, all of the modern obstacles to love, and their sometimes well-meaning, sometimes sabotaging families — including her sister Morgan and his brother Sasha.”

Erin Foster created the series and serves as writer and executive producer. Jenni Konner and Bruce Eric Kaplan are co-showrunners and executive producers. Additional executive producers include Kristen Bell, Sara Foster, Steven Levitan, Danielle Stokdyk, Jeff Morton, Oly Obst, and Nora Silver.





Young the Giant Announce 2025 Acoustic Tour Dates

By
Rebecca Murray
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Young the Giant Tour Dates

Young the Giant will be hitting the road for their In The Open 2025 Acoustic Tour beginning on August 15 at Waikiki Shell in Honolulu, HI. The tour stops in cities including Los Angeles, Tucson, and Washington DC before wrapping up on October 7 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO.

“‘In The Open’ has been our superpower as a band since we started playing music together. There’s something so thrilling about reimagining our music in a way that’s more improvised, less controlled, and in a place you wouldn’t expect,” stated Young the Giant. “We’re hoping to bring this feeling to you in our new tour Young the Giant: In The Open. While we can’t play a full set for you under a bridge or on a cliffside, we hope these beautiful intimate venues will give you the same feeling.”

Tickets for the acoustic tour, described as “an intimate concert experience performed in beautiful spaces,” will go on sale on June 6, 2025 at 10am local time. Special presales take place on June 3-5.

Young the Giant is made up of Sameer Gadhia (vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Francois Comtois (drums) and Payam Doostzadeh (bass). The group will be teaming up with REVERB on their acoustic tour, supporting the nonprofit’s Music Decarbonization Project.

Young the Giant North American Tour Dates

June 6 – Let’s Go Music Festival – Crownsville, MD #
June 27 – Hard Rock Casino – Cincinnati, OH (w/ Joywave)
June 28 – Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI #
July 11 – Citi Field – Queens, NY (Supporting The Lumineers)
July 12 – Tropicana Atlantic City – Atlantic City, NJ
July 13 – Freeman Arts Pavilion – Selbyville, DE
July 17 – Fenway Park – Boston, MA (Supporting The Lumineers)
July 19 – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino – Niagara Falls, NY
August 15 – Waikiki Shell – Honolulu, HI (w/ Cold War Kids)
September 4 – The Troubadour – Los Angeles, CA (performing debut album)
September 5 – The Troubadour – Los Angeles, CA (performing Mind Over Matter)
September 6 – Meritage Resort – Napa, CA *
September 9 – Quarry Amphitheater – Santa Cruz, CA *
September 10 – Pappy & Harriet’s – Pioneertown, CA *
September 12 – OC Fair – Costa Mesa, CA (w/ Wilderado)
September 13 – Whale Rock Music & Arts Festival – Templeton, CA #
September 15 – Rialto Theatre – Tucson, AZ *
September 18 – Fountain Street Church – Grand Rapids, MI *
September 21 – Lincoln Theatre – Washington, DC *
September 22 – Lincoln Theatre – Washington, DC *
September 25 – The National – Richmond, VA *
September 26 – Firefly Distillery – Charleston, SC *
September 27 – The Coves Amphitheater – Union Hall, VA *
September 27-28 – Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival – Franklin, TN #
October 2 – Athenaeum Center – Chicago, IL *
October 3 – Athenaeum Center – Chicago, IL *
October 5 – Uptown Theater – Kansas City, MO *
October 7 – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO (w/ Saint Motel)

# festival date
*w/ special guest Cassandra Coleman

‘Smurfs’ Soundtrack Features Rihanna, Cardi B, and Tyla

By
Rebecca Murray
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Paramount Animation’s Smurfs unveiled its full soundtrack list just days ahead of its June 13, 2025 release. The soundtrack’s 14 tracks include songs from Rihanna, Tyla, DJ Khaled, Cardi B, and Shenseea. Rihanna also stars as Smurfette in the family friendly feature film opening in theaters on July 18th.

The cast also includes John Goodman, James Corden, Nick Offerman, JP Karliak, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Jimmy Kimmel, and Octavia Spencer. In addition, Nick Kroll, Hannah Waddingham, Alex Winter, Maya Erskine, Billie Lourd, Xolo Maridueña, Marshmello, and Kurt Russell voice characters in the latest entry of the long-running franchise.

“When Papa Smurf (Goodman) is mysteriously taken by evil wizards, Razamel and Gargamel, Smurfette (Rihanna) leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save him,” reads Paramount Animation’s synopsis. “With the help of new friends, the Smurfs must discover what defines their destiny to save the universe.”

Smurfs Movie Soundtrack
‘Smurfs’ soundtrack

SMURFS MOVIE SOUNDTRACK TRACKLIST

1. Milenge by Natania
2. Celebrate by Natania
3. Friend Of Mine by Rihanna
4. Higher Love by DESI TRILL feat. DJ Khaled, Cardi B, Natania and Subhi
5. Liar For A Living by Natania
6. It Takes A Village by Natania and The Indian Connect
7. Big Dreams by James Fauntleroy
8. To Me by Lous and the Yakuza
9. Did We by Natania
10. Balle Balouza by Natania, Subhi and The Indian Connect
11. Everything Goes With Blue by Tyla
12. It’s My Party by Shenseea
13. Always On The Outside by James Corden
14. Higher Calling by The Indian Connect

Chris Miller directs and Pam Brady wrote the screenplay. Producers include Jay Brown, Ty Ty Smith, Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and Ryan Harris. Pete Chiappetta, Anthony Tittanegro, and Andrew Lary serve as executive producers.




‘Murderbot’ Episode 5 Preview: Clip, Photos, and Air Date

By
Rebecca Murray
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Apple TV+’s preview clip of Murderbot episode five shows the titular character shocked to discover it’s engaging in a real conversation. Episode five, “Rogue War Tracker Infinite,” will stream on Friday, June 6, 2025.

“Rogue War Tracker Infinite” Plot: Back at the habitat, the PresAux team, now joined by the lone DeltFall survivor Leebeebee (guest star Anna Konkle), works to save the injured Murderbot. Gurathin begins to unravel some of the SecUnit’s secrets. Mensah and Murderbot risk all to save the others.

The series stars Alexander Skarsgård as the titular character, Noma Dumezweni (Presumed Innocent) as Mensah, David Dastmalchian (Oppenheimer) as Gurathin, Sabrina Wu (Joy Ride) as Pin-Lee, Akshay Khanna (Critical Incident) as Ratthi, Tattiawna Jones (The Handmaid’s Tale) as Arada, and Tamara Podemski (Outer Range) as Bharadwaj. Skarsgård also executive produces along with series creators Chris and Paul Weitz.

Murderbot Episode 5
Akshay Khanna, Alexander Skarsgård and Sabrina Wu in ‘Murderbot’ episode 5 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)

Murderbot Season 1 Description:

Based on Martha Wells’ bestselling Hugo and Nebula Award-winning book series, Murderbot is a sci-fi comedic thriller about a self-hacking security construct who is horrified by human emotion yet drawn to its vulnerable clients. Murderbot (Skarsgård) must hide its free will and complete a dangerous assignment when all it really wants is to be left alone to watch futuristic soap operas and figure out its place in the universe.

Alexander Skarsgård, Akshay Khanna, Tamara Podemski, Anna Konkle, Sabrina Wu, Tattiawna Jones and David Dastmalchian
Alexander Skarsgård, Akshay Khanna, Tamara Podemski, Anna Konkle, Sabrina Wu, Tattiawna Jones and David Dastmalchian in episode 5 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
Tamara Podemski, Alexander Skarsgård, Akshay Khanna, Noma Dumezweni, David Dastmalchian and Sabrina Wu
Tamara Podemski, Alexander Skarsgård, Akshay Khanna, Noma Dumezweni, David Dastmalchian and Sabrina Wu in episode 5 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
Tamara Podemski and Alexander Skarsgård
Tamara Podemski and Alexander Skarsgård in episode 5 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)
Tattiawna Jones, Anna Konkle and Noma Dumezweni
Tattiawna Jones, Anna Konkle and Noma Dumezweni in episode 5 (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)

‘Fountain of Youth’ Review: A Muddled Quest

By
Rebecca Murray
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Fountain of Youth Review
John Krasinski, Domhnall Gleeson and Natalie Portman in ‘Fountain of Youth’ (Photo Credit: Apple TV+)

Despite a big-name cast, Guy Ritchie’s latest action-adventure, Fountain of Youth, is a surprisingly shallow experience. The film tries for a fun, witty vibe but misses the mark entirely, coming off as a watered-down version of far better treasure-hunt movies. At its best, it’s a sort of National Treasure-lite, but those brief moments don’t come close to justifying the two-hour runtime, which feels like a real grind.

Four-time Emmy nominee John Krasinski’s normally able to lift average material, but not in this case. Oscar winner Natalie Portman also doesn’t inject anything special into the globe-trotting adventure. The fight scenes feel generic, and the stunts give off a serious “been there, done that” vibe. And Fountain of Youth‘s fantastical setups, while expected to be outlandish in this genre, are just so weirdly staged that nothing ever really comes together coherently.

The film opens with Luke (Krasinski) being chased through the streets of Bangkok on a scooter as his pursuers attempt to steal a tube off his back. Luke drives up and down flights of stairs, through a marketplace, and winds up stealing a different scooter with a flaming cart attached before making an improbable escape onto a moving train.

From there, the plot, which involves a quest for the titular mythical spring, quickly devolves into a series of frenetic set pieces.

The hijinks continue on board the train when Luke meets a woman (Eiza González, 3 Body Problem) who knows his name but won’t give hers (we eventually learn it’s Esme). She’s after the painting inside his tube, which leads to a flirty skirmish between them while a much larger fight rages on around them.

The action then awkwardly shifts to Charlotte (Portman) in Trafalgar Square, dealing with a nasty divorce and custody battle over her son. Her brother, Luke, pops in, surprising her at her museum job. He tries to get her to relive their “great adventures,” and she reminds him they’ve had to grow up. But of course, her protestations mean nothing when she joins him and their dad’s old team in their hunt for the Fountain of Youth.

John Krasinski and Natalie Portman absolutely do not sell the sibling connection. Laz Alonso (The Boys) and Carmen Ejogo (The Penguin) play underdeveloped fellow treasure hunters who were part of Luke and Charlotte’s dad’s old team. Domhnall Gleeson (The Patient) doesn’t fare any better as Owen, a billionaire who convinces the team that the Fountain of Youth is real and funds their hunt. Additional supporting players include Arian Moayed as an Interpol agent and Benjamin Chivers as Charlotte’s precocious son, Thomas. Stanley Tucci cameos as Esme’s boss, the only really intriguing character in the film.

Fountain of Youth‘s attempts at humor often fall flat, and the lack of engaging characters among the leads is a hurdle that even the intense action sequences can’t overcome. And speaking of the action sequences, as the story progresses, the characters find themselves involved in increasingly outlandish scenarios, which is, again, par for the genre’s course. But the bounds of credulity are stretched way too far with a deeply questionable underwater recovery operation.

Although Fountain of Youth offers a few stunning visual effects, these fleeting moments are quickly overshadowed by a plot that just doesn’t hold up. The movie’s pacing is all over the place, and throwing in that impending divorce storyline feels completely out of left field and unnecessary.

The overarching mystery ultimately proves difficult to invest in. Fountain of Youth boasts a talented cast and some ambitious set pieces, but a muddled script, uninspired action, and a sense of trying too hard kill the fun.

GRADE: D+

Rating: PG-13
Release Date: May 23, 2025, streaming on Apple TV+
Running Time: 2 hours 5 minutes




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