In a cinematic landscape where action-packed thrillers often dominate, the newly released film G20 on Prime Video attempts to carve its niche by featuring Viola Davis as the U.S. President, Danielle Sutton. Davis, an accomplished actress with an EGOT status, takes on a role that, while ambitious, has garnered mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The film, directed by Patricia Riggen, showcases President Sutton as a war hero who has transitioned into politics, aiming to tackle global hunger at the G20 summit held in Cape Town, South Africa. However, the summit quickly spirals into chaos when a group of masked terrorists, led by a character named Rutledge, played by Antony Starr, takes world leaders hostage. Rutledge's goal? To disrupt the global economy by promoting cryptocurrency as an alternative to traditional currency.
Despite the film's high-stakes premise, critics have been less than kind. The film debuted with a 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, later improving to 53% as more reviews trickled in. Audience reactions have also fluctuated, starting at 60% but dropping to 56% over time. Many viewers have expressed their disappointment with the plot, which they found lacking in depth and coherence.
Viola Davis, however, remains a bright spot in the film. Known for her powerful performances, she embodies the role of President Sutton with both strength and vulnerability. In interviews, Davis emphasized that she performed most of her stunts, stating, "Believe it or not. I’m a masochist. I needed some fun at this point in my life." Her commitment to the role is evident, as she trained rigorously for the physical demands of the character.
Joining Davis in the film are Anthony Anderson as her husband, Derek, and Marsai Martin as their rebellious daughter, Serena. The family dynamics add a layer of relatability to the otherwise chaotic narrative. However, some critics noted that the portrayal of Serena as a typical rebellious teenager detracted from the film's overall impact.
As the plot unfolds, Danielle Sutton must navigate a series of challenges to rescue her family and the other hostages while confronting her own limitations as a leader. The film attempts to blend action with political commentary, but many critics argue that it fails to deliver a coherent message. One review noted, "G20 isn’t just another streaming movie that feels designed to be half-watched; at times, it only feels half-made, too." This sentiment echoes throughout various reviews, highlighting the film's struggle to balance action with meaningful storytelling.
Despite its shortcomings, G20 has sparked some interest among viewers. Online reactions have been mixed, with some praising the film as a fun popcorn flick, while others criticized its pacing and plot. One viewer remarked, "I wanted to enjoy the G20 movie, but it ended up being sloppy because of the conflicting tones and cringy with some questionable dialogue, plot, and character choices."
Interestingly, the film's release comes at a time when audiences are increasingly drawn to action films featuring strong female leads. Davis's role as President Sutton aims to inspire young Black girls, a mission she articulated in her interviews. She shared, "When you see it, you can believe it. But the pressure of seeing something within yourself without seeing the evidence of it in the world, that’s tough." This message resonates with many, especially as Davis has expressed her desire to empower the next generation.
In terms of representation, the film features a diverse cast, with all the heroes portrayed by actors of color, contrasting with the predominantly white villains. This choice has been noted as a positive aspect of the film, albeit one overshadowed by its overall execution.
As the film continues to stream on Prime Video, it remains to be seen whether G20 will gain traction among audiences or fade into the background of forgettable action films. With its mix of political intrigue, family dynamics, and action sequences, the film certainly has the components for success, but the execution leaves much to be desired.
In the end, G20 serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by filmmakers in creating a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences while also delivering thrilling action. For fans of Viola Davis, the film may still be worth a watch, if only to see her command the screen as a powerful leader in a chaotic world.
