Liam Neeson enhances his ever increasing billing as Hollywood's leading action man in 'The Grey', a movie adaptation of a short story.
Neeson stars as Ottway, an oil rig worker in Alaska who's role is to hunt the wolves that attack the drillers.
From the onset it's clear that he is a troubled man contemplating suicide and his only means of solace in such a lonely environment are his thoughts and mental images of his wife.
He is a loner and rather than mix with his fellow workers, he opts to sit alone struggling to complete a letter to his beloved.
Tragedy strikes for the crew on a flight home as their plane crashes into the Alaskan wilderness.
Ottway and a handful of co-workers miraculously survive the incident and immediately it's apparent that they are not alone.
The plane has landed in a territory inhabited by ferocious wolves and they see the survivors as intruders.
As Ottway is an expert at reading the wolves traits, he's the obvious choice to take on the role as team leader.
This comes with it's drawbacks!
The majority of the crew are fine with this - bar Diaz (Frank Grillo), who sets about immediately to defy all his orders.
After one near fatal incident involving a sudden wolf attack on the camp, Diaz sees the error of his ways and starts to respond to Ottway's mindset.
The crew (including an unrecognisable Dermot Mulroney) know that in order to survive they need to stick together and try move as far and as quick as possible from their current position to a more secure area beyond the trees.
And so begins a battle of wits between the injured, tired and hungry crew and the clever, strong and vicious wolves.
There are many obstacles ahead of them - torrential snow storms, fatigue, frostbite but most of all - Wolves!
What lies in store for the viewer is an edge of the seat thriller with plenty of action. The stunts and the CGI effects are excellent - plus the scenery is breathtaking.
The only time the momentum let's up is over a group bonding session where they discuss their personal issues, which is very corny but hey - they are human after all!
The Grey is a breath of fresh air as it's released at a time where the cinemas are full of Oscar contenders, which aren't always up to much.
Ultimately the real stars of the movie are The Wolves but Neeson gives them a run for their money?
Score: 8/10
I was apprehensive about seeing this movie as i have a major fear of flying but i need not have worried about a plane crash as the wolves were far scarier! in saying that, th crash scene was quite horrific. I though Neeson was fantastic in the role although Im sure it was tough for him to replay a man who had lost his wife. I agree the scenery, special effects and cgi are amazing. I quite liked the 'corny' part as it did bring the humane element and you get more familiarised with the charaters so its even more sad to see them losing their lives in such a way. I would actually give it 9 out of 10. I quess because i didnt expect to like it so much, i was pleasantly surprised!
ReplyDelete