Viola Davis Anchors an Uneven Thriller in "G20"
In the cinematic landscape of action thrillers, G20 emerges as a bold attempt, reminiscent of geopolitical classics like Die Hard. Directed by Patricia Riggen, this film features Viola Davis as President Danielle Sutton, a formidable leader who must embrace her military background when terrorists seize control of a high-stakes G20 summit in Cape Town. While the premise is undeniably engaging, the execution falters, leaving behind a film that packs more formula than fireworks.
A Gripping Setup
The stage is set for drama as President Danielle Sutton, portrayed with gravitas by Viola Davis, finds herself engulfed in a deadly siege during an international summit. As mercenaries led by the cunning Edward Rutledge (played by Antony Starr) storm the venue, Sutton’s military prowess is put to the ultimate test. With world leaders, her family, and global stability at stake, she must pivot from politics to warfare.
At the heart of G20 is Viola Davis, whose nuanced performance elevates every scene, even those marred by cliché dialogues. Whether navigating through a tense standoff or delivering a passionate address on economic equity, Davis adeptly blends ferocity with diplomacy, preventing the film from descending into mediocrity. However, even her stellar presence cannot salvage a screenplay that struggles under the weight of its own ambition.
The Weakness of the Script
Writers Caitlin Parrish, Erica Weiss, and the Miller brothers attempt to address contemporary issues such as cryptocurrency, global corruption, and misinformation. Yet, these significant themes are largely superficial, serving more as background noise than as in-depth explorations. Instead of engaging audiences with meaningful commentary, the screenplay provides a patchy narrative that feels hurried and disjointed.
Action Sequences Lacking Inventiveness
While G20 offers competent action sequences, they often lack originality. The choreography feels formulaic, characterized by standard shootouts and explosions without any standout moments to propel the narrative. A climactic helicopter scene showcases a glimpse of the potential for grandeur, but by that point, viewer fatigue has already set in.
Pacing Problems
The pacing in G20 also poses challenges, fluctuating awkwardly between personal drama, political negotiations, and action-packed confrontations. The first act is bogged down by excessive exposition and flimsy character development, especially concerning Sutton’s family members—her children, Serena (played by Marsai Martin) and Demetrius (played by Christopher Farrar), as well as her husband, Derek (played by Anthony Anderson). Their relationships add emotional stakes; however, their characterization often feels flat and underexplored.
Underutilized Supporting Actors
Though the cast is brimming with talent, including Antony Starr and Elizabeth Marvel (as Treasury Secretary Joanna Worth), their characters often slip into the background. Starr’s portrayal of Rutledge has the potential for depth, rooted in betrayal and grief, yet the film reduces his motivations to mere plot devices.
Ramón Rodríguez (Agent Manny Ruiz) and Clark Gregg contribute skilled performances but serve little purpose beyond being sidelined, resulting in a sense of wasted potential throughout the ensemble.
Direction Lacking Flair
Patricia Riggen, known for her previous work on The 33, directs with competence but fails to inject her vision with flair. The cinematography lacks visual excitement, and the hotel setting appears bland, diluting the film’s urgency. Although the score features dramatic elements, it often fails to evoke the desired emotional impact.
Viola Davis: The Film’s Anchor
Despite its shortcomings, G20 finds its strength in Viola Davis. Her powerful portrayal adds weight to the narrative, making the unbelievable feel momentarily attainable. Unfortunately, the film surrounding her struggles to rise to the same level of excellence.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity
Ultimately, G20 encapsulates what could have been an exhilarating political action-thriller. With an exceptional lead and a concept rooted in contemporary relevance, the film holds promise. However, clunky writing and lackluster direction prevent it from realizing its full potential. It stands as a modest offering that may satisfy fans of films like Air Force One and The Woman King, but it doesn’t quite deliver the explosiveness or depth one might hope for.
Summary Ratings
Acting: 5/10
Cinematography/Visual Effects: 4.5/10
Plot/Screenplay: 5/10
Setting/Theme: 6/10
Watchability: 5/10
Rewatchability: 3/10
In short, while G20 starts with an ambitious premise and a compelling performance, it ultimately falters in its execution, resulting in an action-thriller that fails to ignite.
