(L to R) Natalie Portman and John Krasinski in ‘Fountain of Youth,’ premiering May 23, 2025 on Apple TV+.
‘Fountain of Youth’ Rated 5.5 Out of 10 Stars
Coming to Apple TV+ on May 23rd, ‘Fountain of Youth’ promises an exhilarating adventure with a twist of mythology. Directed by Guy Ritchie (known for ‘Aladdin’), this film follows a brother-sister duo on a quest to find the legendary waters that grant eternal youth.
Starring the likes of John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, and Eiza González, the film promises to tug at your heartstrings while serving up hearty doses of adventure.
Setting the Scene
John Krasinski in ‘Fountain of Youth,’ premiering May 23, 2025 on Apple TV+.
Remember the exhilarating escapades of the 1990s, where A-list actors took on thrilling adventures that left us gasping for breath? Those days brought us joy rides in treasure-laden lands amid life-threatening escapades and witty repartees, not to mention iconic stunts that we still cherish today.
However, that same thrill seems elusive in today’s landscape, often wavering between direct-to-streaming mediocrity and flat-out misses. So, does ‘Fountain of Youth’ manage to reignite that spark?
Script and Direction: A Missed Opportunity
(L to R) Director Guy Ritchie and star John Krasinski behind-the-scenes of ‘Fountain of Youth,’ premiering May 23, 2025 on Apple TV+.
One of the **film’s biggest pitfalls** lies in its screenplay, penned by the often versatile James Vanderbilt. His previous accolades range from the critically acclaimed **‘Zodiac’** to the popcorn action of **‘White House Down’** and the complete flop of **‘Independence Day: Resurgence.’** Unfortunately, ‘Fountain of Youth’ falls somewhere between those extremes, sputtering where it should soar.
Attempting to combine elements from high-octane franchises such as **‘Indiana Jones’** and **‘Mission: Impossible,’** coupled with the intricate plots reminiscent of Dan Brown’s works, Vanderbilt often misses the mark. While globe-trotting action sequences and witty banter surface occasionally, the execution feels like an uninspired patchwork of well-trodden tropes.
It’s admirable to pay homage to film legends – Krasinski and Portman’s characters are cheekily named Harrison and Purdue – but without offer something fresh in return, it feels like a hollow reverberation of greater adventures. Our heroes’ seemingly endless escapes and reversals grow tiresome, led by a plot that tests the limits of believability.
(L to R) Natalie Portman, Benjamin Chivers, John Krasinski, Domhnall Gleeson and Michael Epp in ‘Fountain of Youth,’ premiering May 23, 2025 on Apple TV+.
Ritchie’s directorial flair is muted here. While he’s prone to energetic storytelling when given freedom, ‘Fountain of Youth’ feels too restrained. A few well-choreographed stunts shine through, but ultimately, they fail to distract from an underwhelming and monotonous experience.
Cast and Performances: Bright Spots Amidst Dullness
(L to R) Natalie Portman, John Krasinski, Domhnall Gleeson, Carmen Ejogo and Laz Alonso in ‘Fountain of Youth,’ premiering May 23, 2025 on Apple TV+.
John Krasinski brings a charismatic presence as Luke Purdue, successfully blending his likeable persona from **‘Jack Ryan’** with the adventurous spirit of a treasure hunter. While he delivers solid moments, the character often feels a bit one-dimensional, lacking the depth that could have elevated his role. His dynamic with **Natalie Portman** shines through in their sibling banter, providing some much-needed levity.
Portman’s inclusion feels unexpected and raises curiosity. She certainly generates chemistry with Krasinski, but her role offers little more than fleeting moments of charm. The decision to dive into a light-hearted adventure seems more driven by the appeal of working alongside Krasinski and the lure of a hefty paycheck than by a gripping narrative.
Eiza González in ‘Fountain of Youth,’ premiering May 23, 2025 on Apple TV+.
Eiza González completes the trio well enough, breathing life into her otherwise generic character, Esme. She delivers competent action sequences but ultimately cannot transcend the limitations of the script. Domhnall Gleeson, too, gets overshadowed as Owen Carver, the wealthy benefactor—his talents squandered on a lackluster role that barely scratches the surface of his capabilities.
Supporting characters, such as Laz Alonso and Carmen Ejogo, serving as Luke’s support team, remain painfully underdeveloped, mainly relegated to delivering exposition in cumbersome chunks. Despite some redeeming moments from Arian Moayed’s Inspector Abbas, the overall cast struggles to make an impact through a formulaic narrative.
Final Thoughts: A Nostalgic Disappointment
(L to R) John Krasinski, Domhnall Gleeson and Natalie Portman in ‘Fountain of Youth,’ premiering May 23, 2025 on Apple TV+.
So, does ‘Fountain of Youth’ rejuvenate the spirit of classic adventure films from the 1980s and 1990s? Unfortunately, it falls short. It boasts a few promising moments and clever lines but ultimately succumbs to the weight of its repetitive storytelling. With the nostalgia factor only providing a faint glimmer of hope, this film evokes a sense of “could have been” rather than delivering a memorable cinematic experience.
You might find some enjoyment in it, but chances are, you’ll feel that you’ve chosen… poorly.
What’s the story of ‘Fountain of Youth’?
The narrative revolves around two estranged siblings, portrayed by John Krasinski and Natalie Portman, embarking on a global heist to uncover the mythical Fountain of Youth. Their quest intertwines history and adventure, leading them through a life-altering journey in search of immortality.
Who is in the cast of ‘Fountain of Youth’?
- John Krasinski as Luke Purdue
- Natalie Portman as Charlotte Purdue
- Eiza González as Esme
- Domhnall Gleeson as Owen Carver
- Laz Alonso as Patrick “Murph” Murphy
- Arian Moayed as Inspector Jamal Abbas
- Carmen Ejogo as Deb McCall
- Stanley Tucci as The Elder
- Benjamin Chivers as Thomas
(L to R) Eiza González, John Krasinski and Natalie Portman in ‘Fountain of Youth,’ premiering May 23, 2025 on Apple TV+.
