SVT’s Redemption After the ADHD Flop

A U.S. Army pilot crashes over Russia, a former KGB agent who loves America rescues him, and Ryan Reynolds delivers another fast-talking, charming hero. “Mayday” clearly knows what kind of movie it wants to be, at least at first.

Set in 1987, the action comedy presents itself as a tribute to the United States, “Top Gun” and friendship across national borders. Troy, the American pilot, goes down during a reconnaissance mission and survives because a former KGB man comes to his aid. The premise is deliberately silly, and for much of its 1-hour-51-minute running time, that works in the film’s favor.

Reynolds plays a familiar version of himself, a quick-witted and confident professional who is the best at what he does. Kenneth Branagh provides a useful contrast as the more restrained KGB character, clearly enjoying the role’s dry humor.

The problem comes when “Mayday” unexpectedly starts taking itself seriously. It is not a good film, the review argues, but it is entertaining and unusually expensive-looking for a production of this type. The film is available on Apple TV from Sept. 4.