The Big Picture
Cameos in films can be distracting, taking the audience out of the moment and breaking the fourth wall.
The presence of Chris Evans' celebrity friends in Ghosted, like Ryan Reynolds, Sebastian Stan, and Anthony Mackie, proves to be distracting and lacking in humor. These cameos unfortunately function more as promotional spots for Apple TV+ rather than enhancing the film's independent merit.
Even when used correctly, a cameo has the ability to remove the audience from the current moment in a film. Alfred Hitchcock's well-known cameos in his directed movies were a playful acknowledgement to viewers that he was the true creative genius behind each adventure, while Bill Murray's hilarious cameo in Zombieland implied that the fictional world of the film was not supremely different from our own reality. Even the most expected cameos in recent Marvel or DC films, which hint at future appearances by various characters, are intended to engage the audience in a broader storyline. Cameos serve as enjoyable and mischievous ways to break the fourth wall, but they can also become distractions for those who are simply looking to enjoy a film on its own merits. The new romantic comedy Ghosted on Apple TV+ exemplifies the worst qualities of cameos - they are diverting, lacking in humor, and downright cynical.
Why ‘Ghosted’ Doesn’t Work
Image via Apple TV+
Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the filmmaker behind Rocketman and Eddie the Eagle, Ghosted offers a contemporary take on True Lies, with a hefty dose of Apple product placement. Chris Evans takes on the role of Cole, a charming yet lonely florist who can't seem to find love, which is just one of the many unbelievable aspects of this film. Ana de Armas joins the cast as Sadie, a new customer who quickly becomes Cole's dream woman. However, Cole's romantic fantasies take a detour when he discovers that Sadie is actually a undercover CIA agent. Obsessed with her, Cole uses Apple products to track her down, leading him to catch the attention of the ruthless French crime lord, Leveque (Adrien Brody), who mistakenly believes Cole is the notorious "The Taxman," a legendary CIA assassin.
The problem with the film revolves around Evans himself; despite showcasing his versatility as an actor in films like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and Snowpiercer, Evans has struggled to distinguish himself from the character of Steve Rogers in his post-Avengers: Endgame roles. A director like Rian Johnson cleverly utilizes Evans' charm, casting him against type as a selfish and greedy villain in Knives Out. However, Ghosted attempts to argue that Evans' character, Cole, is relatable and ordinary. This is challenging for someone like Evans, who is blessed with good looks and exceptional physical abilities, especially in a film like Ghosted where he frequently displays his expert fighting skills reminiscent of Captain America. Furthermore, Cole feels even less like an "average Joe" when Evans invites a few of his celebrity friends to make cameo appearances in the film, which only adds to its increasing appeal.
The Cameos in ‘Ghosted’ Are Distracting
Image via Apple TV+
In Ghosted, there is a moment when Evans starts embodying the character of Cole. As Sadie faces the threat of terrorist forces, Cole realizes his lack of preparation and experience in such situations, making him feel more vulnerable. While on the run without Sadie's protection, Cole unexpectedly encounters one of the villains targeting "The Taxman," portrayed by none other than Anthony Mackie, Evans' frequent co-star from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Mackie's appearance instantly diminishes any tension the scene might have had. Since Mackie's role wasn't promoted as a major one in the film, it becomes clear that it is merely a brief cameo with no significant impact on the plot. Furthermore, it suggests that Cole is in no immediate danger, turning the entire sequence into an extended joke. Even if the audience was briefly invested in Evans' portrayal of Cole, the sight of "Falcon and Captain America" together onscreen again reminds them of how unbelievable Evans was as an "average Joe" in the first place.
Mackie's appearance adds some comedic relief to an otherwise unfunny film, but Sebastian Stan's role as another assassin named "God" is even more distracting. Mackie's scene feels like a brief diversion, but Stan's cameo undermines any attempt the film had to stand on its own. It serves as a disappointing reminder that Ghosted is essentially an extended advertisement for Apple TV+, featuring famous people in small roles. Seeing Captain America stars Evans, Mackie, and Stan together on screen using Apple products feels like a celebrity cameo in a TV commercial, lacking originality. Stan and Mackie's appearances interrupt the tension during an exciting action sequence, but thankfully, they disappear before the climax. However, the film couldn't resist throwing in another cameo with Ryan Reynolds as Sadie's ex-boyfriend and ally, Jonas, during the actual climax where Cole and Sadie are risking their lives. While Stan and Mackie's cameos at least felt somewhat connected due to their association with Evans, Reynolds' cameo feels out of place. At the very least, Stan and Mackie had side characters that contributed to the plot (even if not taken seriously), while Reynolds is there for an easy joke since Evans and de Armas lacked chemistry in the scene.
Like many other big-budget films created exclusively for streaming platforms (including another collaboration between Evans and de Armas, The Gray Man), Ghosted is likely to age poorly in the coming years. The Apple products showcased in the film will become outdated, and the connection between Evans and his fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe co-stars will appear less relevant to viewers who have moved on. Although the cameos in Ghosted may have been a clever strategy to generate attention for the movie in the short term, they ultimately fail to benefit its long-term prospects.
Ghosted
Release Date April 21, 2023Director Dexter FletcherCast Chris Evans, Scarlett JohanssonGenres Action, Adventure, Comedy
