Looking for a truly original movie with a plot that keeps you guessing? Well, you won’t find it in Prime Video’s new release, “G20.” However, if you’re in the mood for a fun, predictable action movie—the kind you can watch without having to think too hard—”G20″ delivers guaranteed entertainment. It’s one of those movies that, precisely because it’s predictable, remains enjoyable, and its formula continues to be used time and time again.
Starring the acclaimed Viola Davis as U.S. President Danielle Sutton, the film throws the audience headfirst into a crisis that threatens to destabilize the global order. Set against the backdrop of the G20 summit in Cape Town, South Africa, “G20” weaves a narrative of terrorism, betrayal, and the unwavering determination of a leader resolved to protect her family and the world.
The Plot: A Summit Under Siege
U.S. President Danielle Sutton, a decorated war veteran turned politician, embarks on a crucial trip to the G20 summit in Cape Town. Her main goal is to secure support for her ambitious plan to eradicate world hunger by implementing a digital currency initiative designed to empower struggling farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Accompanying her on this vital diplomatic mission is her family: her husband Derek, played by Anthony Anderson, her teenage daughter Serena, played by Marsai Martin, and her son Demetrius, played by Christopher Farrar. What begins as a critical gathering of the world’s most powerful leaders soon descends into chaos when the heavily fortified hotel hosting the summit is violently seized by a group of mercenaries. The attack is orchestrated by Edward Rutledge, played by Antony Starr, a former Australian Special Forces corporal with a profound disillusionment with global leadership and a sophisticated plan to exploit global financial markets. Rutledge’s scheme involves creating deepfake videos of world leaders, aiming to sow chaos and steer investments into cryptocurrencies, thus enriching himself. Amidst the turmoil, President Sutton, drawing on her military training and leadership skills, manages to evade capture, along with her dedicated Secret Service agent Manny Ruiz, played by Ramón Rodríguez, and a small contingent of other dignitaries. As President Sutton navigates the besieged hotel, her daughter Serena’s tech expertise becomes a vital asset in countering Rutledge’s digital manipulation tactics.
Behind the Camera and On Screen: The Talent Behind the Thrills
“G20” is the result of the collaborative efforts of a talented team both behind and in front of the camera. The film was brought to life under the direction of Patricia Riggen, a director known for her varied filmography, including the drama “The 33,” which chronicles the true story of the Chilean mining disaster, and the Disney Channel musical “Lemonade Mouth.” The screenplay for “G20” was written by a team of writers that includes Caitlin Parrish, known for her work on the television series “Supergirl,” Erica Weiss, and the brother duo Logan Miller and Noah Miller, who previously wrote the crime drama “White Boy Rick.”
Leading the cast is the formidable Viola Davis, who plays the role of President Danielle Sutton. Davis, an EGOT winner, is celebrated for her powerful performances. Her previous forays into action with “The Woman King” and “Widows” have already showcased her ability to take on physically demanding roles.
Joining Davis is Antony Starr, who plays the menacing antagonist Rutledge. Starr is widely recognized for his chilling portrayal of Homelander in the Prime Video series “The Boys,” a role that has solidified his talent for playing complex and morally ambiguous characters. The film also features a reunion of “Black-ish” stars Anthony Anderson, who plays President Sutton’s husband, Derek, and Marsai Martin, who plays their daughter Serena.
The supporting cast includes Ramón Rodríguez as the steadfast Secret Service agent Manny Ruiz, Douglas Hodge as British Prime Minister Oliver Everett, Elizabeth Marvel as the deceptive Secretary of the Treasury Joanna Worth, Sabrina Impacciatore as Elena Romano, and Clark Gregg as Vice President Harold Mosely.
Our Verdict
Who doesn’t love a good Bruce Willis flick, like “Die Hard”? You might not be action fans; maybe you’re into 1950s and 60s neorealism. Well, “G20” has absolutely nothing to do with neorealism. Instead, it gives the audience what it wants: a plot absurd enough not to take seriously, so you can focus on what really matters: entertainment. The action scenes, combined with cutting-edge technology, will delight viewers looking for an entertaining movie with no greater ambition than that.
It has some good ideas, though, and the writers have done a solid job with the “deepfake” aspect, which is coherent and genuinely scary in terms of what can be done with AI.
“G20” is a generic movie of the kind we’ve seen a thousand times, and that, apparently, we never get tired of seeing repeated over and over again.
Or so Prime Video thinks.
Enjoy the show.
Where to Watch “G20”
