The allure of G20 lies in its intriguing premise and impressive cast. Viola Davis stands out as one of Hollywood’s finest actresses, and after witnessing her remarkable performance in The Woman King, I was excited to see how she would embody the role of the President of the United States. Traditionally, cinematic portrayals often depict presidents in need of rescue; however, I relish narratives that flip this dynamic. Davis consistently infuses her characters with gravitas, making it all the more captivating to see how she would juxtapose with Antony Starr’s character, who serves as the film’s antagonist.
As a fan of The Boys, I advocate for Antony Starr’s presence in every project, and the prospect of him playing opposite Davis thrilled me. His role as Rutledge, unlike the infamous Homelander, promised a distinct portrayal of villainy. While the cast certainly piqued my interest, the film’s central concept—wherein the leaders of the globe’s most economically influential nations are taken hostage during an annual G20 Summit—captured my attention even more. I have always appreciated action films, especially those presenting fresh dynamics, so this storyline offered plenty of potential.
G20 Delivers Thrilling Action, Yet Lacks Surprises
My anticipation for G20 centered around the action sequences. I am pleased to report that the film delivered engaging fight scenes. Although the script is unremarkable, it cleverly introduces action in unexpected settings and features characters not typically associated with firearms. Surprisingly, some of the action moments proved to be more unpredictable than the film’s plot twists.
With key world leaders under duress, G20 had a prime opportunity to critique the interplay between political leadership and economic decisions regarding warfare. However, the film fell short in delivering profound commentary on these pressing issues.
Davis’s portrayal of President Danielle Sutton and Starr’s Rutledge engaged audiences across various action-packed scenes filled with intense moments. Yet, I found the character of Manny Ruiz, played by Ramón Rodríguez, to be the standout during these sequences. His unwavering support for President Sutton, even in perilous circumstances, added emotional depth. G20 effectively developed the camaraderie between Danielle and Manny, especially through their military backgrounds woven into the action.
Despite the film’s emphasis on action, a significant element was missing which would have elevated G20. The narrative aimed to address how governments manage war funding at the citizens’ expense, but the execution felt too formulaic, lacking genuine impact in its attempts at critique.
Viola Davis’ President Sutton Emerges as a Formidable Force
Antony Starr’s Rutledge: Untapped Potential
I appreciated the complex dynamics of the Sutton family, particularly between Davis’s character and her daughter, portrayed by Marsai Martin. Their evolving relationship felt authentic, and the film provided a satisfying resolution to their arc. Anthony Anderson’s character, Derek, allowed Danielle to engage in combat while ensuring their children were safe, adding an interesting layer to the family’s dynamic.
However, I felt the film missed an opportunity to explore Rutledge’s background. To enhance our emotional connection and understanding of his motivations, flashbacks illustrating his journey to villainy would have added much-needed depth to his character.
While Rodríguez’s Manny was charismatic and compelling, Sabrina Impacciatore’s Elena Romano also brought a vibrant energy to her role, enriching the overall experience and injecting moments of levity into the film.
Though the film attempted to portray Rutledge as more than a mere villain motivated by greed, the execution failed to fully flesh out his character and the significance of his motivations. Starr’s performance shone through the limited material available, creating a palpable sense of threat. Ultimately, G20 houses some intriguing ideas and shocking moments, but its predictable twists led to a diminished impression. Despite aspirations for social commentary, it ultimately conforms to a formulaic action film narrative.