Boss Level (2021), Dir Joe Carnahan, Amazon Prime Video: 4****: Matthew Alicoon

Boss Level (2021), 4****

Amazon Prime Video

Running Time: 94 Minutes

Review: Matthew Alicoon, Sunday 29th August 2021

Boss Level follows a retired special forces soldier (Frank Grillo) as he tries to escape a never-ending time loop that results in his death.

The plot is reminiscent of Groundhog Day but the film excels due to how fast-paced and compelling the story is. There is so much enjoyment watching the journey of Frank Grillo's character, as you really root for him. He gives one of his strongest performances.

The film has a strong supporting cast too with a great villain in Mel Gibson. However, one of the standouts was Selina Lo, as she provided more comedic moments than expected. Her scenes were so funny yet entertaining to watch.

As for the explanation behind the time loop in the film it made perfect sense and it was good that the creative team did not go for something over convoluted.

The soundtrack by Clinton Hauser was so dynamic in relation to the story. Director Joe Carnahan proves he can make a very unique and enjoyable action film. It is going to be exciting seeing what the collaborative duo of Joe Carnahan and Frank Grillo do next, as after Netflix's Wheelman and now this, they have done well so far.

The only real problems are at times the narration could be seen as a little too much. Also, maybe expanding the films runtime would have been practical, as the ending felt a little ambitious and would have liked to have had a more definitive conclusion.

Cast

Frank Grillo as Roy Pulver

Mel Gibson as Colonel Clive Ventor

Naomi Watts as Jemma Wells

Annabelle Wallis as Alice

Selina Lo as Guan Yin