Quick take
Mayday is the kind of movie that winks at the audience while actually trying to be good. It’s a buddy-action-comedy that knows its homework, blends laughs with slick filmmaking, and—surprise—doesn’t rely solely on star improv to carry it.
What to expect
Think 1980s buddy-movie energy filtered through modern craft: witty banter, set pieces that feel designed not thrown together, and a clear affection for the genres it riffs on. It’s built to entertain first, but it’s also proudly made like someone cared about story and style.
Goldstein & Daley’s vibe
The directing duo behind hits like Vacation, Game Night, and Dungeons & Dragons bring their signature mix of sharp writing and visual playfulness. They treat jokes and action as parts of the same machine, so the film never feels like two different movies smooshed together. The result is confident, clever, and surprisingly meticulous.
Standout performances
Kenneth Branagh chews scenery with a grin and steals a lot of scenes without trying too hard. Ryan Reynolds tones things down now and then, showing he can share the spotlight instead of hogging it. The chemistry is real, and the cast makes the movie feel like a group project where everyone actually did their homework.
Why it lands
Mayday works because it respects both comedy and action. It isn’t content with cheap gags or lazy explosions; it wants the laughs to land and the stakes to feel earned. That combination makes it feel like a proper movie rather than a string of skits.
Final verdict
If you like your buddy films nostalgic but tidy, with a strong script and playful direction, Mayday is worth a watch—whether it arrives in theaters or finds you on a screen at home. It’s fun, self-aware, and made by people who clearly enjoy making movies.