It’s taken some effort to dethrone Prime Video’s original action-comedy “The Wrecking Crew,” which had been clinging tightly to the No. 1 spot for some time now. But this week, another movie in the same genre has managed to knock it off its perch, muscling its way to the summit of the streaming service’s top 10 list. That movie is “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre,” a 2023 caper that sees Jason Statham step into yet another spy role.
I’ll admit, I didn’t catch “Operation Fortune” when it first landed in theaters. In fact, I barely registered its existence until it popped up while I was scrolling through Prime Video. A globe-trotting spy caper from Guy Ritchie starring Statham sounded like exactly the kind of slick, wisecracking action movie we’ve seen a dozen times before. But clearly its purpose is to provide pure popcorn entertainment, and it never pretends to be anything more than that.
If you’re after something thrilling and fun to stream this week or want to know whether "Operation Fortune” is worth your time, here’s everything to know about this movie now that it’s No. 1 on Prime Video.
What is ‘Operation Fortune’ about?
“Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre” follows elite operative Orson Fortune (Jason Statham), a super-spy recruited by British intelligence to recover a stolen high-tech device known as “The Handle” before it can be sold to dangerous buyers. Fortune assembles a team including tech specialist Sarah Fidel (Aubrey Plaza), sharp-shooting agent J.J. Davies (Bugzy Malone), and MI6 handler Nathan Jasmine (Cary Elwes) to track leads from Madrid to the French Riviera and beyond.
When billionaire arms dealer Greg Simmonds (Hugh Grant) becomes the prime suspect in the device’s sale, the team blackmails Hollywood star Danny Francesco (Josh Hartnett) into their plan because Simmonds is a huge fan. Posing as Francesco’s associates, they infiltrate high-profile events and confront rival mercenary Mike (Peter Ferdinando), who also seeks the device. Fortune and his crew must work to intercept the transfer of the Handle before it’s too late.
Should you stream ‘Operation Fortune’ on Prime Video?
When you settle in for a Hollywood action-comedy with a star-studded cast, you usually know what to expect. There’s plenty of high-speed chases, silly (but funny) jokes, and a team of improbably skilled professionals taking on a mostly incompetent villain. “Operation Fortune” naturally hits all of those notes. It doesn’t try to bring anything new to the spy-action genre or offer anything groundbreaking, but it doesn’t need to because it’s exactly the kind of slick, entertaining popcorn movie that delivers on every promise.
The story of “Operation Fortune” is every bit as twisty and convoluted as you’d expect, but honestly, it doesn’t really matter. The plot is straightforward enough to follow, serving mostly as a flimsy excuse to watch the cast look effortlessly cool, pull off daring stunts, and travel to beautiful locations around the globe. Some parts are a little predictable, but they’re still entertaining and it’s a testament to Ritchie’s knack for giving action fans exactly what they want. Extra points go to Aubrey Plaza, who brings plenty of energy and charm.
Simply put, “Operation Fortune” is a solid dose of fun that plays best if you don’t expect anything too serious. The action is a bit lighter than you’d expect, and with characters so thinly sketched, it’s tough to feel invested even when they’re in danger. That said, the movie still offers a healthy dose of witty exchanges to keep you engaged until the end. This crime caper is a perfectly ridiculous showcase for everyone involved, and it’s clear they’re all having an absolute blast.
“Operation Fortune” had mixed reviews when it first hit theaters, earning a 51% score from critics, though audiences were far kinder, giving it an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The site’s critics consensus reads: “Operation Fortune can't keep up with the best modern action movies, but it's got just enough firepower for viewers seeking a few undemanding thrills.” Overall, it’s an entertaining ride, full of laughs, action, and stars clearly in their element. It’s classic Guy Ritchie, and that’s what audiences are here for.
Stream "Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre" on Prime Video
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