The Grey

The Grey

We all ask ourselves at one time or another, what would I do if I was alone in the woods being chased down by man-hungry wolves. No? Hmmm…. must be just me then.

Liam Neeson used to be recognised for his talents in films like Schindler’s List, Rob Roy and Michael Collins. But he’s taken on a lot of action films which have almost pigeonholed him today and not in a good way either, especially when you are a part of terrible films like The A Team, Unknown and (gag) Clash of the Titans.

In The Grey he plays Ottway, a professional wolf-killer who protects miners in chilly Alaska. The job title alone is awesome.

When the miners finish their season, they fly back to civilisation only to crash in the middle of nowhere. Seven men survive and find they are not alone. The big bad wolves are out to play and it’s up to Ottway to help them find a way back home. Needless to say, the plot so far kicks ass.

This is not an easy film to watch, especially when it comes to the wolf scenes. I was always on edge and the wolves reminded me of G’mork, the evil werewolf from The Neverending Story, only 100 times worse.

I walked away questioning if Neeson was good enough as the lead and I’ve decided it was a nonplussing performance. Some might find this film camp and funny or like me you will find yourself questioning how you would survive in this situation.

There were times when I was rather meh about stuff, like the cliché characters the men assume. Surely by now, writers can think of something different that doesn’t involve an angry ex-con man with daddy issues in the group. I mean, come on!

Essentially this film asks who is the animal, man or beast. I really liked the film. It tests the limits of how man can handle survival. Well, that and a pack of wolves chasing after ya.

In the end, this film will definitely be one for the lads (or for those ladies who like blokey flicks). Please note this is not a date film. I repeat, not a date film. There is nothing romantic about seeing wolves chomp away at humans, unless that is what you are both into, then totally go see it. I give it 2.5 out of 5.

By KYLAN LUKE-MCKEEN

INFO: Kylan Luke-McKeen is the presenter and film reviewer for Kiss My Arts on JOY94.9 (Mondays 9-10pm). You can view his work and other film reviews at www.kylanmckeen.com

117 mins
Director: Joe Carnahan
Distributor: ICON film distribution
Writers: Joe Carnahan and Ian Mackenzie-Jeffers
Cast: Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo and Dallas Roberts

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