ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Mayday: Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh in 1980s Cold War Comedy

other · 2026-09-02

The film 'Mayday' features Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh as a buddy duo in a 1980s Cold War comedy. The plot follows a US pilot who crashes behind Soviet lines, leading to a series of retro action thrills. The film is noted for its gleeful indulgence in period-specific action sequences, though critics suggest the premise is stretched too thin as the narrative progresses. The review, published in the Financial Times, highlights the film's nostalgic appeal and the chemistry between the leads, but ultimately finds the execution uneven. The movie is set against the backdrop of the Cold War, with the pilot's predicament serving as the central conflict. Branagh and Reynolds deliver performances that blend humor and tension, but the film's reliance on retro tropes may limit its broader appeal. The review does not specify a release date or director, focusing instead on the film's thematic and stylistic elements.

Key facts

  • Film titled 'Mayday' features Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh.
  • Genre: 1980s Cold War comedy.
  • Plot: US pilot falls behind Soviet lines.
  • Film indulges in retro action thrills.
  • Premise is stretched too thin according to the review.
  • Review published in Financial Times.
  • Setting: Cold War era.
  • Central conflict: pilot's predicament behind enemy lines.

Entities

Artists

  • Ryan Reynolds
  • Kenneth Branagh
  • John Francis Daley
  • Jonathan Goldstein
  • Marcin Dorociński
  • Maria Bakalova
  • David Morse
  • Lindsey Bahr
  • Frank Scheck
  • Barry Hertz
  • Sophie Butcher
  • Brian Tallerico
  • Nick Schager
  • Monica Castillo
  • Matt Singer

Institutions

  • Financial Times
  • Rotten Tomatoes
  • The Associated Press
  • The Hollywood Reporter
  • The Globe and Mail
  • Empire Magazine
  • RogerEbert
  • The Daily Beast
  • AV Club
  • ScreenCrush
  • Apple TV

Locations

  • Russia
  • United States

Sources