Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023)

"Guy Ritchie tried to steal the spy movie crown, but instead we got Jason Statham in God Mode and Hugh Grant charming his way into another paycheck."

 

Episode Description

In this episode of Movie Memory Machine, Landen and Truman dive headfirst into Guy Ritchie's Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre—a film that somehow combines spy hijinks with NFT-level convolutions. From Jason Statham's invincible persona to Hugh Grant's unexpected charm, we unpack the movie's attempt at reinventing the suave spy archetype and debate whether it’s a slick spy thriller or just an overlong wine commercial with explosions.

 

Major Cast and Crew

• Director: Guy Ritchie
• Writers: Guy Ritchie, Ivan Atkinson, Marn Davies
• Main Cast:
  • Jason Statham as Orson Fortune
  • Aubrey Plaza as Sarah Ravin
  • Hugh Grant as Greg Simons
  • Josh Hartnett as Danny Francesco
  • Cary Elwes as Nathan Jasmine
  • Bugzy Malone as JJ

 

Film Synopsis

After a mysterious device known as "The Handle" is stolen, freelance spy Orson Fortune (Jason Statham) is recruited to save the day alongside tech wizard Sarah Ravin (Aubrey Plaza) and Hollywood star Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett). Together, they face billionaire arms dealer Greg Simons (Hugh Grant) in a mission that involves video game logic, fine wine, and a lot of testicle abuse.

 

Episode Highlights

• The evolution of spy films from Cary Grant's North by Northwest to Operation Fortune.
• Why Jason Statham's "perfect spy" feels like he’s in God Mode.
• A breakdown of Hugh Grant’s bizarrely charming arms dealer character.
• A look at how wine, wit, and Aubrey Plaza steal the spotlight in a world of Jason Statham's action dominance.
• A toast (and roast) of the film’s fixation on fine wines.

 

What’s your favorite Guy Ritchie movie, and where does Operation Fortune rank for you? Let us know in the comments or on social media!

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