G20 Movie Review: A High-Octane Thriller That Plays It Safe – Viola Davis Shines, Antony Starr Steals the Show
In the movie G20, the director [Name] casts Oscar winner Viola Davis opposite Antony Starr (The Boys) in what seems like a political thriller masquerading as a globetrotting adventure. It is a half-hearted synthesis of two classics: Mission: Impossible and Air Force One, which in itself lacks creativity. While the movie has great action and performances, it does not go beyond its tired plot. Here is my analysis without giving out spoilers.
Plot Summary: Global Leaders, Terrorists, and the Clock is Ticking
When Starr’s cold-blooded mercenary group hijacks a state of the art airplane during a G20 summit, U.S. President Viola Davis is left with the task of using her diplomacy, grit, and well-placed grenades to outsmart her captors. Imagine Die Hard, but instead of an office, the setting is a political arena, and the titular character is a woman.
Highlights: The Viola Davis Effect
What Works
Davis’ Command: She is a commanding presence on screen, balancing presidential subtlety with Widows-grade intensity.
Starr’s Menace: The Homelander actor is having a ball playing the role of a villain, delightfully unhinged.
Set Pieces: Incredibly tense bomb-defusing moments and mid-air helicopter brawls so frantic they will keep your eyes glued to the screen.
What Doesn’t: Predictable Plot Construction
Clichés Galore: “We’re not so different, Madam President” type lines, techno whiz tropes, and an easily forecasted “betrayal” in the third act.
Underwritten Side Characters: The cabinet members and terrorists are just shallow caricatures.
Pacing Issues: The second half becomes especially sluggish before the climax which has a fast pace.
Audience Reactions: Divided Opinions
“Viola deserves an Oscar for making even exposition sound epic!” – @MovieBuff25
“Starr’s villain is scarier than Homelander. But the plot? Zzzzzz.” – @CinemaSkeptic
“Good for a Netflix night, but easily forgotten.” – @CasualViewer
Why G20 Still Earns a Watch
Davis and Starr’s debate is ferocious. Their negotiation scene over a glass of whiskey is worthy of an Oscar.
Spectacle Factor: $200 million is evident in the CGI-packed explosions and car crashes.
Relevance: AI warfares alongside political corruption get a surface level treatment, but are present.
The Verdict: Sit Back With Popcorn and Enjoy, but Not One for the Classics
With all its thrilling glory, G20 delivers a shaky rollercoaster of a cinematic experience – utterly unforgettable post-viewing. While Davis and Starr do fiercely contend and drive the material, it’s painfully clear the script could desperately use a rewrite.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 / 5 – “Enjoy if you value the leads, but don’t look out for The Dark Knight”)
