We know him mainly from partly grandiose and partly rather kitschy rom-coms. In addition to his biggest hits like Nothing Hill, Love Actually, Four Weddings, and a Funeral, he starred in almost 50 other films. Of course, we are talking about the charmer Hugh Grant. Most recently, we got to see him in a hilarious cameo in Glass Onion. In general, he seems to like playing rather dubious characters lately. Also, once again in Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham’s latest action spectacle: Operation Fortune.
WHAT IS OPERATION FORTUNE ABOUT? AND, WHO PLAYS?
Orson Fortune (Jason Statham) is a super-agent in the style of James Bond and Ethan Hunt. Really? Well, not quite! Because Fortune has strong competition from within its own ranks. Agent Mike (Peter Ferdinando) keeps thwarting Fortune’s plans again and again.
When Orson is hired by the Agency to prevent a mysterious tech deal, he not only has to assemble a new team (Aubrey Plaza and Bugzy Malone). Moreover, he must also recruit a well-known actor.
There is a good reason for this move. Because the ominous arms dealer Greg Simmonds (Hugh Grant), the target of Orson Fortune’s assignment, is a big fan of action movie star Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett). Therefore, only with Danny can the secret agents infiltrate Simmonds’ network at the gangster’s party.
So, the professionals and the actor team up, all of them rather reluctantly, and embark on the adventurous Operation Fortune.
This is where Danny smells real danger for the first time. However, he finds additionally a great source of inspiration in the charming gangster Greg.
CONCLUSION
There’s no other way to put it, Operation Fortune already starts off simply great. The opening is a treat for all film fans. Not just for those who like action movies.
Basically, the story isn’t new. What is new, however, is the wildly mixed team that provides lots of laughter and fun. The humor doesn’t apply in all cases but in most ones. The quite provocative allusions to the partly exaggerated gender campaigns of the last few years also hit the mark and ensure carefree joy.
No question, the action moves at the highest level. As is usual with Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham films. There is nothing to complain about in Operation Fortune either. Fans of the genre will be fully satisfied.
The actors do a good job. Only Josh Hartnett looks a bit lost as if he is in front of the camera for the first time.
The absolute highlight of Operation Fortune, however, is Greg Simmonds a.k.a. Hugh Grant. Grant plays the aged gangster with such charm and wit that you can’t really blame his character’s lewdness and criminal intentions.
Grant always benefits from his British humor. From his first appearance, he’s just plain fun to watch, right through to the big showdown. And, also beyond.
All in all, Operation Fortune offers very good entertainment for action fans. In addition, fans of crazy comedies will also get their money’s worth. Because fun is the focus of Operation Fortune. Thus, grab a few good friends and your favorite popcorn and off to the cinema. We like Operation Fortune and give good 7 points.
Text: Marco Kokkot
Images: LEONINE/MIRAMAX 2022. All Rights Reserved.
