I recently watched the film "The Grey" from 2011, and I have to say, it was quite an experience. This movie is definitely not for the faint of heart, as it is packed with intense action and testosterone-fueled scenes that will leave you on the edge of your seat. From the very beginning, we are introduced to a group of oil workers in Alaska who blow off some steam by engaging in a wild and drunken brawl, complete with chairs being smashed over heads. It's a scene that exudes masculinity to the extreme, so if you're a woman, you might want to skip this part, as the sheer amount of male hormone on screen might just result in an unexpected pregnancy. Yes, it's that intense!
But that's just the beginning. The film then takes us on a thrilling journey as a plane crash occurs, promising to deliver a visually stunning scene comparable to the one in "Alive." However, the movie cheats us out of this spectacle by cutting to Liam Neeson's character, Ottway, having a dream about his wife, and then suddenly finding himself lying on the ground. It's a bit disappointing, as we are left wondering how Ottway ended up several hundred yards away from the wreckage and miraculously survived the crash. Perhaps the production budget had something to do with it, but it's a detail that is never explained.
As the story progresses, we witness Ottway's severe lack of common sense, which can only be attributed to the brain damage he suffered from the crash. Firstly, he tells a dying man that he's going to die and not to worry about it. Secondly, he urges everyone to build a fire to avoid freezing to death, completely disregarding the fact that there is an abundance of unburnt plane fuel nearby. And thirdly, when he learns that they are surrounded by wolves that pose a deadly threat, he orders everyone to seek refuge in a faraway forest. But why would that be safer? Well, it seems that without this decision, we wouldn't have a film, so we'll just have to accept it.
One of the major criticisms of "The Grey" is the portrayal of the wolves, and I must say, I agree. These are not the majestic creatures we see on National Geographic; instead, they resemble the wolves from old films starring Lon Chaney Jr. In fact, they go even further, as Ottway informs us that these wolves have a hunting radius of 300 miles and a kill radius of 30. Hmm, interesting. So, if you trek into a distant forest, you'll be safe from both their hunting and kill radius? It's a bit hard to believe.
Furthermore, the film lacks logical consistency. Ottway claims that they will never be found because the rescue authorities would need to send 50 planes to locate them. But wouldn't the authorities already know where the plane crashed based on its disappearance from the radar? Additionally, someone in the group has a watch with a GPS beacon, emitting a signal that could potentially lead to their rescue. Survival books always emphasize the importance of staying with the wreckage, as venturing into the unknown is the worst thing one can do. It seems the screenwriters overlooked this crucial detail.
Despite its flaws, "The Grey" does attempt to explore a humanist element. The film suggests that relying on God for salvation may lead to disappointment, and individuals must take charge of their own lives without relying on miracles. However, the characters in the film are so idiotic that any humanist message becomes painfully ironic. In fact, one could argue that their foolishness is a prime example of Darwinism in action, and the wolves deserve their feast. Bon appétit, wolfie!
Overall, I would rate "The Grey" a 6 out of 10. While it may not be a perfect film, it certainly offers a unique and intense viewing experience. If you're a fan of action-packed thrillers and can overlook some questionable plot choices, then this film might just be right up your alley. So grab some popcorn, buckle up, and prepare yourself for a wild ride with "The Grey."
But that's just the beginning. The film then takes us on a thrilling journey as a plane crash occurs, promising to deliver a visually stunning scene comparable to the one in "Alive." However, the movie cheats us out of this spectacle by cutting to Liam Neeson's character, Ottway, having a dream about his wife, and then suddenly finding himself lying on the ground. It's a bit disappointing, as we are left wondering how Ottway ended up several hundred yards away from the wreckage and miraculously survived the crash. Perhaps the production budget had something to do with it, but it's a detail that is never explained.
As the story progresses, we witness Ottway's severe lack of common sense, which can only be attributed to the brain damage he suffered from the crash. Firstly, he tells a dying man that he's going to die and not to worry about it. Secondly, he urges everyone to build a fire to avoid freezing to death, completely disregarding the fact that there is an abundance of unburnt plane fuel nearby. And thirdly, when he learns that they are surrounded by wolves that pose a deadly threat, he orders everyone to seek refuge in a faraway forest. But why would that be safer? Well, it seems that without this decision, we wouldn't have a film, so we'll just have to accept it.
One of the major criticisms of "The Grey" is the portrayal of the wolves, and I must say, I agree. These are not the majestic creatures we see on National Geographic; instead, they resemble the wolves from old films starring Lon Chaney Jr. In fact, they go even further, as Ottway informs us that these wolves have a hunting radius of 300 miles and a kill radius of 30. Hmm, interesting. So, if you trek into a distant forest, you'll be safe from both their hunting and kill radius? It's a bit hard to believe.
Furthermore, the film lacks logical consistency. Ottway claims that they will never be found because the rescue authorities would need to send 50 planes to locate them. But wouldn't the authorities already know where the plane crashed based on its disappearance from the radar? Additionally, someone in the group has a watch with a GPS beacon, emitting a signal that could potentially lead to their rescue. Survival books always emphasize the importance of staying with the wreckage, as venturing into the unknown is the worst thing one can do. It seems the screenwriters overlooked this crucial detail.
Despite its flaws, "The Grey" does attempt to explore a humanist element. The film suggests that relying on God for salvation may lead to disappointment, and individuals must take charge of their own lives without relying on miracles. However, the characters in the film are so idiotic that any humanist message becomes painfully ironic. In fact, one could argue that their foolishness is a prime example of Darwinism in action, and the wolves deserve their feast. Bon appétit, wolfie!
Overall, I would rate "The Grey" a 6 out of 10. While it may not be a perfect film, it certainly offers a unique and intense viewing experience. If you're a fan of action-packed thrillers and can overlook some questionable plot choices, then this film might just be right up your alley. So grab some popcorn, buckle up, and prepare yourself for a wild ride with "The Grey."