REVIEW: ‘Fountain Of Youth’ Is A Glossy Quest That Eventually Runs Dry
- Kevin Verma
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Fountain of Youth arrives this week on Apple TV+ as a high-profile streaming original, boasting an A-list cast, a seasoned director in Guy Ritchie, and glossy production values typically reserved for theatrical blockbusters. That it's bypassing cinemas entirely is notable, especially for a fantasy adventure, a genre that’s become increasingly rare in the streaming age. Once a staple of big-screen escapism, fantasy adventures have taken a backseat to superhero franchises and gritty dramas, making this film’s existence—and its direct-to-streaming release—a curious and intriguing proposition.
This one is written by James Vanderbilt and has an ensemble cast that includes John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza Gonzalez, Carmen Ejogo, Laz Alonso, Stanley Tucci and Domhnall Gleeson. It follows "two estranged siblings (Krasinski and Portman) who partner on a global heist to find the mythological Fountain of Youth. They must use their knowledge of history to follow clues on an epic adventure that will change their lives … and possibly lead to immortality."
The film sets up what should feel like a high-stakes adventure—after all, we're talking about the legendary Fountain of Youth, arguably the most valuable and powerful artifact in existence, as the movie often reminds us. But despite the premise, the story never quite delivers that sense of urgency or weight. Instead, it plays out in a much breezier, light-hearted tone that undercuts the epic scale the concept promises.
The plot also makes it sound like it's a 2-hander with Krasinski and Portman, but it's not. This is very much Krassinski's movie, and he is the heart and soul of this ride without question. He stars as a roguish adventurer chasing the Fountain of Youth, with Natalie Portman along for the ride as a brainy counterpart. After years in darker roles like Jack Ryan and A Quiet Place, he brings a welcome levity here, and it's great to see him in a charming and stylish role like this. Portman, on the other hand, is less fortunate. Her character feels underwritten and largely sidelined, despite her obvious star power. The script doesn’t give her much to do beyond exposition and reaction shots, a real missed opportunity.
Supporting talents like Domhnall Gleeson and Carmen Ejogo suffer the same fate, relegated to underdeveloped side roles. Laz Alonso is barely present — blink and you’ll miss him, while Tucci gives the smallest cameo possible with no impact or significance. Eiza González gets more action, both literally and figuratively. She has the coolest sequences and a few fun moments opposite Krasinski, and the two share decent chemistry.
The plot unfolds at a brisk clip, with virtually no fat or filler. The lean pacing works in its favor — the movie never drags and clocks in at just over two hours, which is increasingly rare for the genre. The dialogue is sharp and often genuinely funny, giving the first two acts a zippy, almost screwball energy that’s refreshing in a genre bogged down by self-seriousness.
Krasinski's comedic timing, charisma, and effortless screen presence make him the film’s anchor — and he carries it with ease. He’s clearly having fun, and it’s infectious.
Stylistically, the film doesn't feel like a quintessential Ritchie film, but has shades of it with the witty banter, kinetic action, and a dash of visual flair. However, the editing is choppy, occasionally robbing scenes of their rhythm or impact. The score, at least, is a high point: energetic, well-matched to the tone, and helps propel the film forward. Unfortunately, the third act is where it falters. What began as a brisk, cheeky romp devolves into a CGI-fest that leans on spectacle instead of character or stakes. The villain reveal, which should be a twist, is so clearly telegraphed early on that it lands with a shrug.
Fountain of Youth doesn’t overstay its welcome, delivers a handful of cool moments, and gives Krasinski the runway to swagger with charm, and wit. Krasinski owns the screen like he knows it’s already his. Despite all its obvious flaws, there's still some fun to be had here. It’s far from a classic, but as a slick, fast-paced streaming adventure? It goes down easily — just don’t expect to remember much about it after the credits roll.
Rating: ★★½
About Fountain of Youth
Premiere Date: May 23, 2025
Writer: James Vanderbilt
Director: Guy Ritchie
Production: Toff Guy, Skydance
Distribution: Apple TV+
Cast: John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza Gonzalez, Carmen Ejogo, Laz Alonso, Stanley Tucci and Domhnall Gleeson
Synopsis: “Fountain of Youth” follows two estranged siblings (John Krasinski and Academy Award winner Natalie Portman) who partner on a global heist to find the mythological Fountain of Youth. They must use their knowledge of history to follow clues on an epic adventure that will change their lives … and possibly lead to immortality.