The recent release of “Fountain of Youth,” directed by Guy Ritchie, has turned heads for all the wrong reasons. This new feature film produced by Apple TV+ has officially marked itself as the platform’s lowest-rated original movie, receiving a disheartening 36% from critics and 44% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.
Dan Barrett, a TV critic who writes the “Always Be Watching” newsletter, articulated a shared sentiment among viewers. In a recent edition, he humorously noted how he struggled to stay awake while watching the film, highlighting the film’s lack of engagement despite the presence of a talented cast that includes John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson, and Stanley Tucci. Typically known for its high-quality programming, Apple seems to fall short on the cinematic front with this release.
The plot of “Fountain of Youth” revolves around those estranged siblings, played by Krasinski and Portman, as they embark on a globe-trotting adventure in pursuit of immortality. The film attempts to blend elements from beloved franchises like “National Treasure” and “Indiana Jones,” yet ultimately fails to deliver a coherent or entertaining experience. Critics and audiences alike have scathingly reviewed the film, with descriptions ranging from an obvious candidate for the Razzies to a generic film devoid of meaningful content.
Audience reactions highlight a disconnect between Apple’s success in producing quality television, such as series like “Murderbot,” and its struggles in the film arena. Many now argue that if Apple wants to achieve similar acclaim in film, it must prioritize and refine its approach to filmmaking, transcending beyond star-studded casts and adventurous premises.
As Apple prepares for more significant feature releases like “Echo Valley” and “F1” slated for June, there is hope that it’ll learn from the reception of “Fountain of Youth.” With a focus on enhancing storytelling quality and engagement, Apple could reinvigorate potential in its movie offerings, just as it has with its television shows. While this debut may be disappointing, it could serve as a catalyst for improvement within Apple’s film division.