Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre – Film Review

Elite spy Orson Fortune must track down and stop the sale of a deadly new weapons technology wielded by billionaire arms broker Greg Simmonds. Reluctantly teamed up with some of the world’s best operatives, Fortune and his crew recruit Hollywood’s biggest movie star, Danny Francesco, to help them on their globe-trotting mission to save the world.

Who doesn’t love a good old spy action film? It seems like we don’t really get those kinds of movies anymore, unfortunately, but whenever we do, you better believe that I’m always first in line to check it out. Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre is not only a fun and bold title for a film, but it’s also a film that’s directed by the legendary Guy Ritchie.

Previously, he directed the critically acclaimed Wrath of Man and The Gentlemen, as well as a plethora of other witty, exciting movies. Now, here we are back again with Ritchie teaming up with Jason Statham once again for Operation Fortune, a movie I wanted to like a whole lot more than I did. Sadly, it’s not that good at all.

This is a nearly two-hour movie in which not a whole lot of intrigue happens. This is probably the most bland film that Ritchie has made in ages. It quite literally feels like it lacks a soul or any sense of personality. Nothing about this movie reminded me of the witty, sly, action-heavy, hilarious movies that the acclaimed filmmaker usually crafts.

You could’ve told me that this was made by a first-time director and I would’ve believed you had I not researched the film beforehand. The stakes aren’t that high in this film, and even when the screenwriters try their best to raise them, they fail miserably. The third act is the only time in which I actually felt a little bit of excitement and fun, but it was too little too late.

This movie does have a handful of action scenes peppered throughout the course of its running time, but unfortunately, they, too, are nothing to rave about. At least they are competently filmed and they’re not jarring to watch. They just don’t have any sense of fun, sadly.

One thing that is solid about this film is the performances across the board. Of course, Statham portrays the exact same character he portrays in every movie, but Aubrey Plaza is the real standout star of this film in the role of Sarah Fidel. She adds a sense of vibrancy to the film that, without her, would’ve been lacking.

This film feels like it was trying to be a more classy, suave version of Ocean’s Eleven but ended up being one of the blandest action spy movies in years, ultimately. It’s not unwatchable by any means, but it’s certainly not something you should go out of your way to see.

Because of an extremely bland script, flat direction, and a lack of stakes, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre is one of the blandest Guy Ritchie films in ages.