Solid action-by-numbers with heaps of Jason Momoa.
In many ways this is probably more representative of him branching out into film production than anything new as an actor. There’s a heartfelt set-up story about an ageing father, a cute daughter (not Momoa’s own, but the onscreen chemistry is great), and a complication involving drug-running in a cabin in the icy woods. Much shooting, fighting and survival tactics ensue. I kind of wanted to be able to say it was sacrilege that this didn’t get a cinema release, but I guess it’s not quite up there.
Like I said, nothing gobsmacking or novel, except perhaps the ending to the final showdown… that was really weird. Plenty of bow and arrows and hatchet throwing. Shooting. Punching on. Like I said, action-by-numbers. Not amazing, not bad.
Where it does have strength is in setting – the whole thing is set in the snow. I can’t remember the last time I saw a film so wholly snowbound, except perhaps Everest where everyone froze to death. This isn’t a desolate mountain, it’s a snow-spangled forest with a cabin in the woods and snowy mountains and rocks and icy boulders on the oceanic coastline. I was quite taken with the scenery.
J* gives it 3 stars.
PS. My partner was all “Oh yeah, tit-man” and I was all “nah, it’s set in the snow, I don’t reckon he takes his shirt off once.” I was wrong. They found a way.
<review written in 2018>
Now the big question is: Sweaty wood-chopping scene or “oops I tore off my shirt in a fight?”
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Hahaha – it is even wetter and wilder than that. And are I say it, incredibly cold looking.
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If you scroll right to the end of this incredibly long photo essay-ish thing, you’ll get the idea.
https://me.popsugar.com/celebrity/Jason-Momoa-Braven-Pictures-44557283?stream_view=1#photo-44557400
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I have no idea what is happening there, but I approve
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