“Review: "Ghosted" – A Rom-Com Spy Action Hybrid That Misses the Mark
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Review: "Ghosted" – A Rom-Com Spy Action Hybrid That Misses the Mark
"Ghosted," the 2023 action-comedy directed by Dexter Fletcher, attempts to blend the charm of a classic rom-com with the high-stakes thrills of a spy thriller. Starring Chris Evans and Ana de Armas, the film promises a whirlwind of romance, globe-trotting adventures, and explosive action sequences. However, despite the star power and ambitious premise, "Ghosted" ultimately falls short of its potential, delivering a predictable, tonally inconsistent, and largely uninspired experience.
Synopsis:
The film centers on Cole Turner (Chris Evans), an unassuming farmer who falls head-over-heels for Sadie Rhodes (Ana de Armas) after a chance encounter. Their connection is instant, and they spend a magical 24 hours together. However, after Sadie abruptly cuts off all contact, Cole, convinced that she’s been "ghosting" him, impulsively flies to London to surprise her. He soon discovers that Sadie is not who she seems; she’s a highly skilled CIA operative on a dangerous mission to stop a bio-weapon from falling into the wrong hands. Cole is thrust into a world of espionage, international intrigue, and deadly assassins, forcing him to team up with Sadie to save the world – and maybe their budding romance.
The Promise and the Disappointment:
The initial premise of "Ghosted" is undeniably appealing. The idea of a regular guy stumbling into the world of espionage due to a romantic misunderstanding offers ample opportunity for humor and exciting action sequences. The pairing of Chris Evans and Ana de Armas, both known for their charisma and action chops, further fuels expectations. The film seems poised to deliver a fun, lighthearted, and engaging adventure.
Unfortunately, "Ghosted" fails to capitalize on its potential. The film suffers from a lack of originality, relying heavily on tired tropes and predictable plot points. The humor often feels forced and uninspired, and the action sequences, while competently executed, lack the creativity and excitement needed to elevate the film above mediocrity.
Performances:
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Chris Evans as Cole Turner: Evans, known for his portrayal of Captain America, attempts to shed his superhero image and embrace the role of a bumbling, naive everyman. While he delivers a likable performance, his comedic timing occasionally feels off, and his portrayal of Cole lacks the depth needed to make him a truly compelling character.
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Ana de Armas as Sadie Rhodes: De Armas, fresh off her acclaimed performances in "Knives Out" and "No Time to Die," brings her trademark charisma and physicality to the role of Sadie. She handles the action sequences with ease and delivers some of the film’s more memorable moments. However, even her talents are not enough to overcome the limitations of the script.
Supporting Cast: The film features a supporting cast of familiar faces, including Adrien Brody as the villainous Leveque, Mike Moh, Tim Blake Nelson, and Amy Sedaris. While these actors deliver solid performances, their characters are largely underdeveloped and serve primarily as plot devices.
Strengths:
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Chemistry Between Evans and de Armas: Despite the film’s shortcomings, the chemistry between Chris Evans and Ana de Armas is undeniable. Their banter is often entertaining, and they share a natural rapport that helps to elevate some of the weaker scenes.
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Action Sequences: While not particularly innovative, the action sequences in "Ghosted" are competently executed. The film features a variety of stunts, fight choreography, and explosions that provide some moments of excitement.
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Visuals: The film boasts impressive visuals, with stunning locations and slick cinematography. The exotic locales add a sense of scale and adventure to the story.
Weaknesses:
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Predictable Plot: The plot of "Ghosted" is disappointingly predictable, following a well-worn formula of mistaken identities, double-crosses, and last-minute saves. There are few surprises to be found, and the film’s narrative arc feels generic and uninspired.
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Inconsistent Tone: The film struggles to find a consistent tone, vacillating between lighthearted comedy and serious action. The tonal shifts often feel jarring and undermine the film’s overall effectiveness.
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Uninspired Humor: The humor in "Ghosted" is often forced and uninspired, relying on tired gags and predictable punchlines. Many of the jokes fall flat, and the film lacks the wit and cleverness needed to make it a truly funny experience.
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Underdeveloped Characters: The characters in "Ghosted" are largely underdeveloped, lacking the depth and complexity needed to make them truly compelling. Cole and Sadie’s relationship feels rushed and unconvincing, and the supporting characters are little more than caricatures.
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Weak Villain: Adrien Brody’s portrayal of the villainous Leveque is underwhelming. The character lacks the menace and complexity needed to make him a truly memorable antagonist.
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Product Placement: The film is rife with blatant product placement, which often feels intrusive and distracting.
Themes:
"Ghosted" touches on themes of trust, identity, and the challenges of balancing personal relationships with professional obligations. However, the film fails to explore these themes in any meaningful depth, opting instead for superficial treatment.
Overall Impression:
"Ghosted" is a disappointing attempt to blend the genres of romantic comedy and spy thriller. Despite the star power of Chris Evans and Ana de Armas, the film suffers from a predictable plot, inconsistent tone, uninspired humor, and underdeveloped characters. While the action sequences are competently executed and the chemistry between the leads is undeniable, these elements are not enough to overcome the film’s fundamental flaws.
"Ghosted" feels like a missed opportunity. With a more original script, a more consistent tone, and a greater emphasis on character development, the film could have been a fun and engaging adventure. As it stands, however, "Ghosted" is a forgettable and ultimately disappointing experience.
Recommendation:
Unless you are a die-hard fan of Chris Evans or Ana de Armas, "Ghosted" is not worth your time. There are far better romantic comedies and spy thrillers available. This film is best left unseen.
Rating:
2 out of 5 stars.
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