Apple TV+’s latest adventure movie, Fountain of Youth, starring John Krasinski and Natalie Portman, is quickly becoming a streaming powerhouse, even though critical reception remains lukewarm. The film, directed by Guy Ritchie, blends high-stakes treasure hunting with his signature action style, aiming to capture the spirit of classic adventure movie plots.
Natalie Portman, a veteran of the film industry known for iconic roles in the Star Wars and Marvel franchises, brings her proven action chops to this new role. Paired with John Krasinski—best known for his breakout comedic role in The Office and his later success in action-driven projects like Amazon Prime’s Jack Ryan and the horror hit A Quiet Place—the duo provides strong star power to the production.
Despite this, Fountain of Youth currently holds a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics criticizing the movie for its derivative story and awkwardly constructed narrative. Yet, the film’s pulse-pounding sequences and globe-trotting quest for eternal life offer a nod to fans of the adventure genre, reinforcing the movie’s thematic ties to classic adventure movie plots.
On the streaming front, the movie’s reception tells a different story. Released on May 23, Fountain of Youth rapidly soared to the top of Apple TV+’s Top 10 movies list, outperforming titles like the sci-fi thriller The Gorge, starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy. This swift rise highlights the magnetic pull of Krasinski and Portman’s star appeal, as well as Guy Ritchie’s influence in the film industry.
Industry observers note that while it’s not unusual for new releases to spike in popularity initially, sustaining this momentum is the true challenge. Apple TV+’s current number two movie, The Gorge, faced a similar trajectory: receiving mixed reviews but dominating streaming charts for months after its February release, proving that star power and audience interest can often outweigh critical consensus.
As audiences continue to tune in, it remains to be seen whether Fountain of Youth can maintain its streaming success and silence its detractors. In today’s entertainment landscape, where viewers increasingly prioritize compelling characters and thrilling narratives over critic scores, this movie could yet carve out a lasting legacy.
