Ryan Reynolds stars in the 1980s Cold War spy comedy “Mayday,” which became available for streaming on Apple TV starting September 4, 2026. Directed by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, the film follows Reynolds’ character, Lt. Troy “Assassin” Kelly, a U.S. Navy pilot whose espionage mission in Russia goes awry, leading to an unexpected alliance with an ex-KGB agent played by Kenneth Branagh. The two bond over their shared appreciation of American culture despite the tense geopolitical backdrop. The movie also features Marcin Dorociński, Maria Bakalova, and David Morse.

“Mayday” has received mostly positive reviews, earning an 86% “fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 44 critics. Many reviewers praise the film’s blend of comedy and action, as well as the strong chemistry between Reynolds and Branagh. Critics highlight the movie’s slick production values and entertaining, self-aware humor, describing it as a fun and fast-paced buddy comedy reminiscent of classics like “Top Gun” and “Midnight Run.” The film’s direction and fight choreography also garnered commendation for keeping audiences engaged.

However, some reviews were more critical, noting the challenge of balancing humor with the serious historical context of Cold War tensions. Certain critics considered the geopolitical jokes misplaced, characterizing the film as lacking in depth and weighed down by incessant one-liners. For example, reviews from The Daily Beast and AV Club labeled the movie a “mirthless mess” and felt it failed to effectively capture the retro era’s humor, despite nostalgic references to 1980s pop culture.

Overall, “Mayday” offers viewers an amusing and stylish take on Cold War espionage, saved by the likable performances and witty rapport between its leads. Rated PG-13, the film’s mix of action and humor appeals to fans looking for a lighthearted spy story. Streaming exclusively on Apple TV, it reflects a modern approach to classic spy buddy tropes while stirring some debate over its comedic handling of complex historical themes.