We are living in an era where everything needs to be bigger and more complex. During the 1980s, Action movies did not rely on big sets or complicated storylines. Yet, they were successful in giving wholesome entertainment to audiences. In recent times, there have not been many action films that avoid trying to change the world or bury their characters in layers of mythology. And that is exactly where Apple TV's new movie Mayday feels different, as it goes back to the basics and delivers an action-packed movie without making things unnecessarily complicated.

Directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, Mayday chronicles the journey of US Navy pilot Troy "Assassin" Kelly (played by Ryan Reynolds), who finds himself stranded behind enemy lines after a secret mission in Soviet territory goes terrifyingly wrong. However, things go from bad to worse when Troy is discovered by Nikolai Ustinov (played by Kenneth Branagh), a former KGB officer living in the Russian wilderness.

For a moment, Troy believes that things are only going to get more dangerous from here. However, things take a U-turn when he gets to meet the real Nikolai. Nik is not the kind of enemy Troy expected to meet. The former KGB officer has a fascination with the USA and loves its movies, music, and culture. As things get more intense, they find themselves running from the KGB together and finding ways to stay alive.

What begins as a survival story quickly turns into a buddy adventure with a warm heart.

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The narrative of Mayday is not particularly unfamiliar. We have seen the mismatched-partners formula countless times, and Mayday does not attempt to disguise the fact that it is borrowing from that tradition. What makes that formula work is the brilliant chemistry between Branagh and Reynolds.

Reynolds does what he does best: play his character with sarcastic confidence that viewers have come to expect from him. There are several moments where we get to see him using witty one-liners and quick remarks that make his character likable, but interestingly, the performance does not completely turn Troy into someone that the actor has already played in his earlier projects. His character is more grounded here, so is his portrayal. And most of that happens because of Branagh's Nik. He is such an unusual character that you instantly fall in love with him.

Branagh seems to be having the time of his life. Nik could have easily become an underwhelming caricature of a Russian who loves everything American, but Branagh brings a sincerity to his character and makes him genuinely endearing. His enthusiasm for Top Gun, American music, and the idea of life across the Iron Curtain gives the film much of its comedy. More importantly, Branagh brings an unexpected physicality to the role. At 65, the actor did not shy away from throwing himself into the physical demands of an action role with enthusiasm that is hard not to enjoy. It is refreshing to see an actor known for Shakespeare and prestige dramas immerse himself in action sequences. For me, it was one of the film's greatest pleasures.

Another strong aspect of the movie lies in the contrast between the two main characters. Troy's idea of the Soviet Union is pretty specific, and he believes that the country only represents a certain set of stereotypes and beliefs. Nik, meanwhile, has built his own romanticized image of the USA. Neither man's understanding is entirely accurate. And that's where the film gets really interesting. Beneath all the humor, Mayday is all about how governments and their propaganda can turn ordinary people into stereotypes of one another. Both characters, Troy and Nik, initially see each other through these stereotypes, but spending time together forces them to look beyond them.

But the best decision made by the directors is that they do not make the film overly political, which is honestly the right decision. It makes its point and keeps moving ahead.

The action sequences are where Mayday really earns its place as a satisfying throwback. There are chases, aerial battles, and several brutal hand-to-hand fights, which enhance the viewing experience. The film doesn't always have the visual polish of a major theatrical blockbuster, but it compensates with energy.

But this film is not without its flaws. Occasionally, it feels too comfortable with its formula. The story beats are familiar, and some supporting characters do not receive enough room to develop. Moreover, most of the film's visuals are too clean in quality, which prevents the movie from completely feeling like the gritty 1980s adventure it is trying to evoke. And while the '80s music works well, the film walks a fine line between loving that period and leaning on nostalgia. Still, these are relatively minor complaints because Mayday understands the most important rule of this kind of filmmaking: keep the audience entertained.

Most importantly, it gives Branagh and Reynolds a pairing that deserves another movie. Both are pretty different from each other. Yet, their contrasting nature complements each other remarkably well. There are moments when it feels like the movie should have been released in theaters rather than on a streaming platform. It feels like a movie coming from a different era altogether, not because it is stuck in the past, but because it showcases that action films could simply be fun.

All in all, Mayday is an enjoyable throwback. It does not reinvent the genre, and it does not need to. With two charismatic leads, brilliant action sequences, and a warm relationship between two men, it delivers exactly the kind of entertaining escape it promises. It wants you to sit back, enjoy the ride, and have a good time. And that is what makes Mayday such an enjoyable experience.

Mayday premieres exclusively on Apple TV+ on September 4.

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Are you excited to see Mayday? Let us know your thoughts.