Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse.
Ghosted is a 2023 spy thriller rom-com, that stars Ana de Armas and Chris Evans, it is directed by Dexter Fletcher and is an Apple TV exclusive film. The story follows Cole who falls head over heels for enigmatic Sadie, but then makes the shocking discovery that she’s a secret agent. Before they can decide on a second date, Cole and Sadie are swept away on an international adventure to save the world.
UNDER THE LENS: Chris Evans and Action Setpeices
Chris Evans: Chris Evans is a good actor and in Ghosted he gets the chance to return to the role that everyone likes him in, the all-American do-gooder who is a bit nieve but has a heart of gold. In many ways the role of Cole is basically Captain America but without all the military training. Evans appears to be having the time of his life filming this picture, he owns every scene and hams it up when needed. He is a character most everyone can relate to, an average joe, being forced into the world of high-stakes espionage.
Action Setpeices: One element of Ghosted that works well and was a bit surprising to me, was its large Action Setpeices. Two, in particular, are the car chase in the desert and the finale in the spinning restaurant. The car chase is well shot and very exciting, we get exploding trucks, hand-to-hand combat, and LOTS of gunfire! It’s large and loud fun as hell. The final fight is set in a large spinning restaurant, all our heroes and villains meet for a weapon exchange, and things go sideways! The restaurant is damaged and starts to spin like a top, throwing our characters around as the fight. It was a truly unexpected and large-scale action scene that was very well done.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Ghosted has a lot of celebrity cameos, and they are all played for laughs and are really well-placed.
- Adrien Brody hams it up as the over-the-top villain and is good for his limited screen time.
- The picture is very violent for a PG-13 film but balances it well.
QUOTABLE QUOTE
Cole Turner: It’s the sub-lie of the first original lie.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Have you ever been Ghosted by someone you really felt like you had a connection to? What happened and how did you deal with it?
CONCLUSION
Overall Ghosted is a violent, and comedic romp through the world of espionage and love, Ana de Armas is well cast and brings a physicality to the role that she has become known for. Chris Evans is lovable as the totally out-of-his-element Cole, and you will be rooting for them to work out their differences and save the world at the same time.
Sadly Ghosted does fall victim to a one-dimensional villain and a very generic arms-dealing plot. However, while things parts are weak, the picture’s fun action and great chemistry between its stars more than makeup for its sins. Ghosted delivers an action-packed rom-com, that is fun and funny, it’s a perfect date night picture. So call up your significant other, pop some popcorn, and grab a blanket, Ghosted will give you a fun night.
