Movie Review: "Boss Level"
"Boss Level" kicks off with a stylish shot of a fancy watch on a Maneki-Neko cat jewelry holder. This serene scene quickly shifts into chaos—typical for a Joe Carnahan movie.
Non-Stop Action**
Roy Pulver (played by Frank Grillo) starts his day in a very unusual way: a machete slices into his bed, and he fights off an attacker while the woman beside him runs away. Things escalate quickly as a helicopter with a Gatling gun shows up, forcing Roy to jump out of his building and carjack a souped-up vehicle.
The Loop
Roy explains through voiceover that this insane scenario happens every day. He’s stuck in a time loop where an army of bad guys is trying to kill him. Each time he dies, the day resets. He compares it to being stuck on a video game level he can't beat. Hence, the movie’s title: "Boss Level."
The Quest for Answers
After over a hundred tries, Roy realizes he needs to figure out why this is happening. His quest leads him to his estranged wife (Naomi Watts), a scientist working for a shady mega-corporation run by a villainous Mel Gibson. The key to breaking the loop involves a machine that can bend time and space, potentially causing an apocalypse.
Packed and Fast-Paced
The movie crams a lot into its 100-minute runtime, but it keeps you hooked with its fast pace and intense action. Along the way, Roy’s relationship with his young son, whom he barely knows, becomes a driving force, pushing him to become a better man while he repeats his deadly day, solves mysteries, and performs heroic feats.
Balancing Act
The film tries to mix action with a heartfelt storyline about fatherhood. While it sometimes feels like a nod to "mature" filmmaking, it mostly works. The movie retains plenty of fun and immaturity, from cringeworthy lines to Mel Gibson's entertaining villainy, and some creatively explosive ways Roy deals with his enemies.
A Blend of Favorites
"Boss Level" feels like a mix of "Groundhog Day," "Edge of Tomorrow," "Smokin’ Aces," "Ready Player One," and "Mortal Kombat." If that sounds like a fun ride to you, you’ll probably enjoy it.
Conclusion
"Boss Level" is now available on Hulu. If you’re in the mood for a high-energy, action-packed movie with a touch of humor and heart, give it a watch.