Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre Parent Guide

Something rather nasty and extremely important has been stolen. The British government isn’t sure exactly what it is. Nor do they know who will want to sell or buy the unidentified item. What they do know is the possibility of possessing the mysterious loot has black market baddies around the world making bids in the billions of dollars.

Regardless of the heist’s hazy details, secret serviceman Nathan (Cary Elwes) has a clear action plan to clean up the problem: Hire a private contractor to do the needed dirty work. No stranger to staffing these kinds of discreet missions, Nathan has a list of possible candidates, and at its top is Orson Fortune (Jason Statham). This man-for-hire comes with a presumptuous attitude, expensive tastes, and criminal talents. Still, his number one quality, seemingly worthy of recommendation, is his patriotism for King and Country.

The skilled operative is paired with the beautiful, tech savvy Sarah (Aubrey Plaza) and all-round tough guy JJ (Bugsy Malone). Orson’s equally dubious co-works help with the investigation that quickly leads to Greg Simmonds (Hugh Grant), a seasoned arms dealer. So the trio must come up with a plan to get themselves invited into Greg’s inner circle. A little bit of research reveals the shady businessman is a big fan of a movie star named Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett). A bit more digging uncovers enough dirt on Danny to coerce the celebrity into joining their cause. Yes, using the actor as bait and expecting him to be part of a real undercover sting is a bit unconventional– but it is just the “ruse de guerre” needed to get the show on the road.

And show it is. Bigger-than-life scenes of bullets, bombs, fist fights and car chases pervade the screen from beginning to end. Despite it all, the globe-hopping adventure never takes itself too seriously. The action is mostly bloodless. (The movie’s R-rating is most likely earned from the script’s inclusion of 20-plus sexual expletives). Jason Statham plays the invincible Jason Statham (as seen in the Fast and Furious franchise, The Expendables franchise, and The Transporter franchise), pulling punches and punchlines in the same breath. Aubrey Plaza’s Sarah adds ample sexual innuendo. Even Hugh Grant’s angel-of-death character comes with enough wry humor that he appears like a good guy.

While this comedy might account for some of the film’s charm, it may also contribute to its greatest harm. The frequent killings are depicted with a casualness akin to swatting mosquitos. Sexual harassment is treated like a joke. Meting out justice is a matter of personal retribution. And heroes bend ethics and rules to fit their convenience. Nevertheless, there is a good chance this operation will have the fortune of becoming Jason Statham’s next franchise.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.