Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023) Movie Review

Guy Ritchie’s “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre” features a star-studded cast, exotic international locations, and a high-speed chase for a MacGuffin with potentially world-ending consequences. Despite all these elements, the film falls flat due to its lack of stakes and eccentricity. While Ritchie’s previous works were known for their nonlinear structures, witty dialogue, and quirky characters, “Operation Fortune” lacks these trademark elements, leaving the audience feeling strangely empty.

Jason Statham plays Orson Fortune, an operative hired by the British government to execute challenging tasks of national importance. His task this time is to track down a stolen briefcase containing a mysterious object that is about to be sold on the black market. Orson puts together a small team consisting of J.J. Davies, who spends a lot of time staring at GPS screens, and Sara Fidel, a computer expert who can hack into anything. Their first mission is to infiltrate a party hosted by billionaire George Simonds, who is in possession of the briefcase. The trio gains access to the party by blackmailing movie star Danny Francesco into accompanying them, hoping that he will be able to draw the attention of the elusive Simonds.

While the premise sounds promising, the execution falls short of expectations. The characters lack depth and fail to engage the audience. Orson, who is supposed to be plagued by phobias, never displays any sign of them, rendering this character trait useless. Similarly, J.J. and Sara are generic and forgettable, and Aubrey Plaza’s talents are wasted as she spends most of the film staring at a computer screen. Even Hugh Grant, who was hilarious in Ritchie’s “The Gentlemen,” fails to impress as the villainous Simonds.

The only character who manages to bring some life to the film is Josh Hartnett’s Danny Francesco. He starts as a typical egotistical movie star but slowly transforms into a different person after being kidnapped by the spies. His journey is the only one that feels genuine and has a character arc, and every time he appears on screen, the mood lightens, bringing some much-needed levity to the otherwise dull proceedings.

The lack of eccentricity in the film is also noticeable. Ritchie’s previous works were filled with quirky characters, but the ones in “Operation Fortune” feel generic and lack the sizzle of conflict or humor. Even the occasional sarcastic quip falls flat, leaving the audience wondering what the point of the film is. The plot itself is predictable and lacks any significant stakes, and the reveal of what’s in the briefcase, meant to be suspenseful, falls short of expectations.

Overall, “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre” is a forgettable caper that fails to live up to its potential. The loaded cast, exotic locations, and high-speed chase are wasted due to the lack of stakes, eccentricity, and engaging characters. While Josh Hartnett’s performance provides some much-needed humor and character development, it’s not enough to save the film from being a limp and uninspired affair.

In conclusion, while Ritchie’s previous works had a unique style and personality, “Operation Fortune” fails to stand out and falls short of expectations. The film lacks the signature nonlinear structure, witty dialogue, and quirky characters that made Ritchie’s earlier works so successful. Instead, it relies on generic characters, a predictable plot, and lackluster humor. While it may have a star-studded cast and exotic locations, “Operation Fortune” ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying caper.