Viola Davis stars as President Danielle Sutton, newly inaugurated and attending her first G20 summit in South Africa. Unknown to her, a team of cryptocurrency-driven terrorists is planning to kidnap the world’s leaders. Despite these villains day-trading their way into chaos, they’ve underestimated President Sutton, a decorated war hero with mixed martial arts skills, honed even with an injured knee.
President Sutton’s family also plays a significant role. The First Gentleman, portrayed by Anthony Anderson, and their computer-savvy daughter, Marsai Martin, become inadvertently embroiled in the chaos. Their son, played by Christopher Farrar, adds to the mix. Though instructed to stay out of trouble, they find it impossible as events unfold.
On the political front, President Sutton aims to combat world hunger utilizing cutting-edge crypto technology, a blend of liberal and conservative ideals that steer clear of culture war debates. Nevertheless, her identity as a Black woman who’s worked “twice as hard” is crucial characterization.
The climax begins when Top Baddie, played by Antony Starr, launches the attack as part of a compromised security team. Starr’s character evolves into someone both entertainingly theatrical and loss-driven, offering memorable lines like “fire the missiles; that’s what they are there for!”
President Sutton, alongside her trusted bodyman Manny, escapes the initial attack. In her company are Sabrina Impacciatore’s Italian IMF head, MeeWha Alana Lee’s South Korean First Lady, and Douglas Hodge’s British Prime Minister, all presenting intriguing caricatures. These characters collectively face adversity with humor and tenacity.
As the plot thickens, President Sutton channels action hero vibes à la Rambo, confronting adversaries twice her size—embodying American exceptionalism at its most exaggerated. Meanwhile, her children outmaneuver a high-tech dampened communication system, showcasing the next generation’s tech savviness.
Despite its implausibility, G20 thrives on its entertaining premise. Critics might argue its realism, but Viola Davis’s portrayal as an action-packed leader in a world on the brink offers a spirited adventure. President Viola Davis charging into action with automatic weapons and grenades provides a thrill that defies logic and embraces cinematic fun. Grade: B
