The Trailer Promised Treasure, But Did It Deliver?
It's here. I can feel it.
But can I really?
Apple TV just dropped the first official trailer for Fountain of Youth, a Guy Ritchie-directed adventure film starring John Krasinski and Natalie Portman. It's got all the ingredients of a blockbuster: an Indiana Jones-style treasure hunt, estranged siblings on a high-stakes quest, and a cast that includes Stanley Tucci (potentially chewing the scenery as a villain). But something about the trailer feels…off.
If you were hoping for a thrill ride packed with pulse-pounding action and dazzling spectacle, you might need to adjust your expectations. This trailer doesn't quite crack the whip like Indiana Jones, nor does it have the National Treasure-level charm it seems to be aiming for.
So, what's missing?
A Treasure Hunt Without the Thrill?
For a movie about the Fountain of Youth, this trailer feels surprisingly…aged.
Sure, it introduces us to the film's core concept—two estranged siblings (Krasinski & Portman) teaming up for a global heist in search of eternal life. The stakes are high. The premise is fun. But the energy? It's strangely absent.
Guy Ritchie, the man behind Snatch and The Gentlemen, is known for his kinetic, fast-talking, high-energy storytelling. This trailer, however, lacks that signature punch. The pacing feels sluggish, the dialogue is stiff, and the action sequences are surprisingly tame for a film that should be brimming with excitement.
It's as if someone found a lost Indiana Jones script, stripped out the humor, and handed it over to an AI trained on generic adventure movie clichés.
The Cast: A Powerhouse Duo or an Odd Pairing?
John Krasinski and Natalie Portman are undeniably talented. But do they have the sibling chemistry needed to carry this film?
The trailer gives us only a handful of interactions between them, and none of them scream “dynamic duo.” Krasinski, fresh off his Jack Ryan stint, seems like he's still in serious action-hero mode. Portman, fresh from Thor: Love and Thunder, appears to be in her scholarly adventurer era. But together? They lack the banter, the tension, the playfulness that makes these kinds of partnerships work (see: Nicolas Cage & Justin Bartha in National Treasure).
Maybe the full movie will flesh out their relationship, but based on the trailer alone, their dynamic feels as lifeless as a forgotten artifact in a museum basement.
A Missed Opportunity for a Grand Visual Spectacle
One of the best things about adventure movies is their ability to transport audiences to breathtaking locations—ancient ruins, hidden temples, lost cities.
Yet, Fountain of Youth doesn't seem interested in wowing us with its world.
The trailer gives us dimly lit interiors, nondescript cityscapes, and a few generic action shots. Where's the grandeur? Where's the sense of awe? If you're making a film about one of history's greatest myths, why not lean into the epic nature of it all?
Compare this to Uncharted (which, despite its flaws, at least delivered on visual spectacle) or National Treasure (which made history feel alive and thrilling). Fountain of Youth seems visually restrained in a way that dampens its potential impact.
Can Guy Ritchie Still Bring the Magic?
Guy Ritchie is a director who thrives in the world of crime capers and gritty action. He's at his best when crafting fast-talking antiheroes and chaotic, witty narratives. But when it comes to grand adventure films? His track record is a bit hit-or-miss (King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, anyone?).
The screenplay, written by James Vanderbilt (Zodiac, White House Down), suggests the potential for sharp dialogue and tight pacing. But whether Ritchie can translate that into an engaging adventure remains to be seen.
The trailer, unfortunately, doesn't showcase much of his usual flair. It feels like an Apple TV-approved version of a Guy Ritchie movie—polished but lacking grit, ambitious but oddly restrained.
So, Should We Still Be Excited?
Despite a lackluster trailer, Fountain of Youth still has some promising elements:
- A strong cast (even if the chemistry isn't immediately apparent)
- A fun premise (treasure hunts and historical mysteries are always a win)
- Guy Ritchie's storytelling (when he's at his best, he delivers)
If the full movie leans into the Indiana Jones meets National Treasure vibe it's aiming for, it could still be a fun ride. But if it sticks too closely to the muted energy of the trailer, we might be in for an adventure that feels more like a history lecture than a thrilling heist.
Apple TV+ debuts Fountain of Youth on May 23rd, 2025. Until then, let's hope there's a second trailer that truly makes us feel it.
FAQs
Does Fountain of Youth have a theatrical release?
No, the film is skipping theaters and will stream exclusively on Apple TV+ starting May 23rd, 2025.
Who are the main stars of Fountain of Youth?
The film stars John Krasinski, Natalie Portman, Eiza González, Domhnall Gleeson, and Stanley Tucci.
Is Fountain of Youth similar to Indiana Jones?
It draws clear inspiration from Indiana Jones, National Treasure, and Uncharted, though its execution (based on the trailer) appears more subdued.
Who directed Fountain of Youth?
Guy Ritchie, known for Snatch, Sherlock Holmes, and The Gentlemen, is directing the film.
Is Stanley Tucci playing the villain?
The trailer hints at it, but his exact role remains unclear.
Will there be more trailers before the release?
Most likely—Apple TV+ will probably release a second trailer closer to the premiere date.
Final Verdict: Cautious Optimism (with a Side of Disappointment)
If Fountain of Youth wants to make a splash, it needs to bring more energy, more chemistry, and more spectacle. The concept is strong, the talent is there, but the trailer leaves much to be desired. Here's hoping the final film doesn't just drip with potential—it overflows.
Will you be watching? Or are you waiting for something with a bit more adventure? Drop your thoughts below!
