The Rookies (2019)

The Rookies is the kind of movie that wins you over with sheer momentum: a globe-trotting, Budapest-set action-comedy that treats “bigger” as a philosophy and “why not?” as a punchline. Director Alan Yuen throws himself into the spectacle with real passion—stunts, chases, and chaotic set pieces arrive with such breathless enthusiasm that you can feel the filmmakers grinning behind the camera. Milla Jovovich brings a cool, professional edge as the seasoned agent, while the mismatched amateurs around her supply the scrappy, anything-can-go vibe that keeps the danger light on its feet. It’s not for viewers craving realism or tight plotting, but if you want a loud, lively ride that commits fully to being thrilling and hilarious, this one delivers more often than you’d expect.

The Rookies is clearly trying to be a globetrotting action-comedy where a mismatched team of amateurs stumbles into spy-level chaos, with big stunts and a light, goofy vibe. The problem is it rarely lands the jokes, and the story feels stitched together from half-baked set pieces, so the tone whiplashes between “serious threat” and “sitcom nonsense” without earning either. The pacing can drag despite the constant noise, and the action often plays more overblown than exciting, which makes the whole thing oddly tiring. If you’re happy with loud, glossy, logic-optional fun and can coast on Milla Jovovich’s presence and a few energetic moments, you might get by—but if you want sharp comedy, coherent plotting, or stylish action, this likely isn’t your night.