The Grey

Starring: Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo, Dallas Roberts, Joe Anderson, James Badge Dale
Directed by: Joe Carnahan
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
2012

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: After a plane crash in Alaska, a group of survivors fight against a pack of wolves hunting them down.

Review:

Tim: I was pretty excited about The Grey- Liam Neeson verses wolves? I'm so totally there. I went into the movie with some pretty high expectations, but Joe Carnahan's film surpassed even those lofty ideals. This is a survival movie that isn't only about man verses nature. That is a huge element, but I was shocked to see unexpected themes- about life and death, faith and religion, family, forgiveness, self-reliance, and redemption. It's far too easy to dismiss this as a "wolf" movie, when it's really so much more.

I'll start with the wolves, though, because that is the most apparent aspect of the film. I'll just say I love the idea of a band of plane crash survivors fighting against a menacing pack of hungry wolves. The very idea gets me excited and interested to see that story. The depiction of that man verses beast battle is pretty frightening. Carnahan does a terrific job of showing the stealth and speed of the wolves- they are able to attack with very little warning, and be extremely deadly. It was nerveracking, intense, and fun to watch those battles for survival take place.

The man verses the elements aspect was great entertainment as well. We watch our six survivors try to come to grips that they just lived through a plane crash- only to discover they're stranded in one of the more inhospitable places in the world. The wind, the snow, and the cold are all front and center here and it's pretty exciting to watch that fight for survival when it seems like the entire world is set against you.

While I loved those aspects of the film, I was blown away by the unexpected elements. The movie gives us some interesting characters and situations. It is certainly a movie about survival- but not only survival against the external forces bent on our destruction, but survival against our internal weaknesses and fears. In some ways, the inner demons can be just as terrifying as the ones around us. I loved how the movie depicted those elements. I also loved the approach to faith and religion. The movie never felt preachy, instead posing some questions and letting the audience mull it over. One of my favorite scenes of the film is when Liam Neeson screams to the heavens for help, and his declaration when his prayers seem to go unanswered. That scene was so crucial for me. The movie also examines what it takes to survive in such trying circumstances- what is it that keeps us going? Is it family? Love? Guilt? Those aspects of the film were fascinating to watch.

I have to give Liam Neeson credit, because he's incredibly fun to watch here. I love how he's reinvented himself as this big action actor. He brings so much class and talent to these films- his presence automatically improves the film. He's very good in this film. I love how he didn't always need to be the center of attention- there's a few powerful scenes in the movie where he's just standing in the background, letting the other cast members have their moments to shine. He was terrific, though.

I hoped I would like The Grey, but I didn't expect how much I would love it. It's everything you could ask for in an action adventure movie, but it has an unexpected depth that elevates it above the genre. This is a powerful, memorable, surprisingly beautiful movie, and one of the best films I've seen in 2012.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 8


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