Feeling Overwhelmed by the News? Take a Break with G20
Tired of the constant stream of negative news? Or perhaps you want a temporary escape from political strife? If substance abuse isn’t your choice, Amazon Prime Video has just released a new film entitled G20. This film takes you to an imaginative world where a Black woman serves as president, embodying heroic integrity, and the United States is a respected ally on the global stage. Although it may require some suspension of disbelief, watching this ludicrous action thriller for over 90 minutes could be a fun distraction.
Meet President Danielle Sutton
In this fictional setting, President Danielle Sutton, played by Viola Davis, wants you to focus less on her impressive career as an EGOT winner and more on her physical transformation, poised to take down an array of villains. But Danielle isn’t just any president; she’s also a mother and a war hero. With an ambitious mission to eliminate world hunger via digital currency, she heads to the G20 summit in Cape Town, South Africa, for her first major international appearance. Her treasury secretary cautions her against being too aggressive with other leaders, giving the film a farcical twist on diplomacy. Yet, when shadowy adversaries descend upon the summit and take everyone hostage, it’s up to her to save the day.
Action Hero Presidents: A Familiar Trope
This film fits neatly into a specific genre of movies where the president transforms into an action hero. Historical examples include Harrison Ford in Air Force One, Jamie Foxx in White House Down, and Aaron Eckhart battling North Korean fighters in Olympus Has Fallen. These films depict a president who, against all odds, must become a bold fighter to rescue their nation from peril.
Mixed Reactions to G20
As an Australian who recently returned to the U.S., I wonder if these films hold the same meaning as before. G20 aims to inspire patriotism through action, yet it feels release at a time when America is often perceived as a global antagonist. The notion of portraying a president as the ‘leader of the free world’ feels not only tone-deaf but deeply insensitive considering the current political climate and international relations.
The Flimsy Script and Unclear Motives
The script’s coherence is questionable; the villains’ reasons for their actions remain vague, encompassing grievances over wealth redistribution, revenge for the “Big Lie” surrounding Sutton’s election, and profit through cryptocurrency theft. The narrative falls apart when bad guys return from the dead due to the protagonist forgetting basic survival tactics. The only believable element is the casual racism exhibited by one villain towards Asian individuals, highlighting an uncomfortable reality.
A Few Quirky Moments
Here’s a miscellaneous assortment of notable film details:
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A character sees a poster in jail labeled “CRIME.”
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Sutton and her Secret Service agent relieve stress by fighting each other in the White House Rose Garden.
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Notable dialogue includes, “Place the crypto wallet under the kneeler!” and “You need this Bitcoin for your plan to work!”
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Upon arrival at the summit, Sutton learns she needs a wristband to enter her hotel room, akin to a resort stay.
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Another line that stands out is, “In a world where disinformation is more powerful than misinformation, this will look very damning!”
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A bystander filming the action on Instagram Live is concurrently viewed by U.S. officials staying informed in the Situation Room.
In Conclusion
While I admire Viola Davis, G20 misses the mark significantly. Dubbed as embarrassing, it reflects the absurdity of the current socio-political moment when the chief antagonist scathingly dismisses the protagonist with, “You’re no hero. I see you for what you are. You’re a fake. You’re a fraud. You’re a fake president.” The film attempts to be a feel-good narrative in a chaotic world, but in light of recent events, it feels not only mis-timed but also deeply offensive.
