Liam Neeson in “The Grey”
Liam Neeson has a new offering today.
My colleague Jake Hamilton asked, “doesn’t Neeson seem to always have a January movie release?”
He may be right. I am going on the record as saying this is probably his best performance in awhile.
I’m not alone in that review. The studio releasing “The Grey” has said they would reissue the film later this year in hopes of getting Neeson as Oscar nod in 2013 for his performance. He’s THAT good.
“The Grey” is full of action and suspense. That may sound cliche’, but this time I mean it. No, really. Suspense, while at times a bit predictable, is definitely packed into the 1 hour and 54 minute thrill ride.
The movie is about a group of oil riggers working in Alaska who are forced to survive on their instincts after their plane crashes (if you have a fear of flying, you might want to close your eyes) in the middle of nowhere. And by nowhere, I DO mean nowhere. The elements of snow packed Alaska are the enemy. Wild wolves are also foes. Did I mention they are HUGE? And angry.
Neeson’s character, Ottway, happens to be along with the crew of oil workers when the plane goes down in inclement weather. Ottway (Neeson) is a sharpshooter who works in the Alaska wild “protecting” workers from said wolves. Lucky for the “survivors” he is along for the ride.
Yes, the movie is about survival. But we also learn about Ottway’s (Neeson) personal struggles with himself. At one point, he almost “cashes in all his chips.” It is how he deals with himself and others that Neeson really shines in “The Grey.” Already known for his gritty hardcore characters, Neeson is, for lack of a better term, a REAL badass in “The Grey.”
One other note- the landscape is incredible in the film. My first reaction leaving the theater was what an awesome tourism piece this movie is for the state of Alaska. That was until I learned it was shot in Canada. Regardless, you really feel the cold and bitterness of trying to stay alive in a wintry sub zero environment. This much is extremely believable.
If, in fact, “The Grey” does get a reissue later this year for a Neeson Oscar consideration, he’ll deserve it.
Thumbs up on “The Grey”.
