'Mayday': Kenneth Branagh and Ryan Reynolds' new movie is must-see Apple TV

"Mayday" just landed on Apple TV on September 4, and we happened to stumble across it. Before we knew it, we were completely hooked. It is smart, thrilling, funny with no wasted moments and I think you will love it!

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Ryan Reynolds stars as a hotshot U.S. Navy pilot who crash-lands in Soviet territory during the Cold War and winds up being rescued by Kenneth Branagh, who plays a wonderfully eccentric former KGB agent. From there, the two become the most unlikely of buddies as they try to make their way out of trouble. 

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We didn’t even recognize Branagh at first. He is almost unrecognizable in the role. The hair, beard, accent and character are so different from the Branagh we're used to seeing that we just kept watching without making the connection at first. And then he starts doing some of the action sequences and becomes even more fun to watch. 

Think Top Gun meets an old-fashioned ’80s buddy adventure, with a Cold War backdrop, plenty of action, lots of laughs and just enough heart. The film is very deliberately a love letter to that era, and critics have also noted its Top Gun influence and throwback buddy-comedy feel. 

Ryan Reynolds delivers the swagger and wisecracks we have come to expect. But Branagh actually steals the movie. His character’s fascination with American pop culture, especially Top Gun, is hilarious, and his chemistry with Reynolds keeps the whole thing moving. The Los Angeles Times even noted how much fun the two stars appear to be having, and that enjoyment is infectious. (Los Angeles Times)

What I loved most is that the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously. There are plane crashes, chases, fights, escapes and plenty of Cold War intrigue, but the humor keeps it from becoming heavy.

And it just moves. No endless scenes that make you check the clock. No complicated backstory that takes forever to explain. Something is always happening.

And here is my only complaint: We wanted more. There has been no official announcement of a sequel, but considering how entertaining these two are together, I certainly wouldn’t complain if Apple decided to give us another adventure.