The Grey: Movie Review & Rough-Cut Press Junket Interview

Posted by: "Prinz" Lee Romero  Posted: 01-27-2012 Print Article Email to a friend RSS Twitter Facebook

Official CorrienteLatina Rating: 5 / 5

I’m fully aware the year just started, but I don’t care…I’m going to say it anyway! After screening it twice, “The Grey” is clearly the best thriller so far this year. I don’t think I have enough words to describe how much I love and respect this film. Shot in harsh terrain in 40 days without all the fancy Hollywood common hoopla, displays the amount of professionalism from cast, crew, and everyone else in-between!

I’m sure for most who have come across this film via TV spot or poster or on-line promo…the common thought is “Oh, here’s another one of those plane crash survival films like “Alive,” with a twist resembling “The Thing.”” Perhaps there might be some mirroring toward those films, but the difference with the “The Grey” is a much more intelligent script presented by Co-Writer, Director Joe Carnahan, while blessing the darkened, grungy, frostbitten substance with the rugged Liam Neeson.

“The Grey” is a an easy story to follow in which an Alaskan oil drilling team find themselves experiencing pretty much everyone’s worst nightmare in not only a plane crash, but one of few alive to discover themselves in a white abyss-like world of knee-deep, snowy terrain which happens to be inhabited by territorial, hungry wolves.

My friends, that’s basically all one needs to know, however, the brilliance in this film comes when following the ball-busting, somewhat insecure, testicular fortitude group of “tough guys,” being led by a troubled man (Neeson) who forcefully finds himself as not only a leader sharing smarts from his past (including one pertaining to his wife), but also a savior while maintaining sanity when confronting both life and death.

This is more than just a film about a bunch of guys stranded in the woods. Each character has their little moment to develop, and erupts with their own personal reaction – some more accepting and docile than others – but within the core of every character, there’s flesh which keeps their desire to survive warm and heart pumping.

The film may come off a little too long as there are moments which I felt could have been edited, however, in hindsight…considering a situation where mankind finds themselves going against nature…it isn’t easy to come up with decisions when no matter where you look seems like “Destination No Where” and that’s where one’s mind starts to twitch. And Carnahan catches those moments sporadically – with results – when although everyone finds themselves wanting to keep going, forces even the toughest of guys cannot control leads to thoughts of perhaps just giving up! Psychological battles of life vs. death. No matter what the outcome, it’s a choice with harsh results, as it the affect would run all the way back to what’s obvious…those waiting for them on the other side.  

In many ways, although Neeson carries the film – and does a flawless job doing it – those who surround him, also serve as strings of survival consciousness. This, too, is artistically caught in scenes where simply based on gesture, he’s curious to know about who he’s with, what reasons they seek to survive, and last but not least, a form of sanity to keep himself busy with company, support, will and power. (This is where the film’s mini subplot hits as cutbacks between his current life and a harsh past between his wife and childhood is exposed.) Playing over and over within Neeson’s character, there’s a morph beyond what I think anyone expects which leaves the film to be interpreted in any way, shape or form the audience sees fit.

From start to finish, scenery which happens to be completely breathtaking, also displays how hard it must have been when shooting this film, as there wasn’t any studio back-lot involved on any exterior scenes. It was a brutal all-for-one approach when shooting “The Grey,” which I believe serves as redemption for Carnahan’s “The A – Team.”

Overall, “The Grey” isn’t just a film with cutting-to-the-chase dialog, cool cinematography and respectable, emotional, intelligence…leading to questioning life, faith, will etc., but also a badass film with so much dick-swinging, attitude, I think it’s impossible to leave the theater “NOT liking” it. “The Grey” is definitely a film that’ll engrave itself in your mind, body and soul for days, because what makes this film stand out is the fact that harsh situations presented in this film CAN happen in real life!

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GRADE: A / GENRE: Action/Adventure, Thriller / RATED: R / RUN TIME: 1 Hr. 57 Min.

STARRING: Liam Neeson, Dallas Roberts, James Badge Dale, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo, Nonso Anozie

DIRECTOR: Joe Carnahan

ADDITONAL: Unedited, Round-Table, Press Junket Interview

NYC Press junket/screenings for “The Grey” started in early January – pretty much first week! I was extended an invite, screened it and was scheduled for a round-table interview with Director Joe Carnahan and Liam Neeson on the 16^th, along side four other media writers.

We’re only allowed to use audio-recorders during round-tables for notes/transcribing purposes, but I was given the green light to post my entire file. I had too much going on to edit, and enjoyed it all how it turned out. It’s real. It’s rough. It’s pretty much the best example of what a round-table interview is like.

I’ve done several of these in the past and noticed how pretty much other writers wind up in awe due to sitting in front of talent, however, I take the other approach and treat them like they’re just another person, and hit’em off like I’d talk to pretty much anyone in my family or friends. Therefore, while the other four writers were twirling their brains regarding what to say about the film while in the presence of Carnahan and Neeson…I just went off!

Therefore, being quite "the yapper," I pretty much start the convo, carry some of it in between and end it. You’ll see what I mean. Overall, it was pretty balanced, interesting, fun and I walked out happy.

WARNING: There’s a spoiler or two, so if you’re sensitive…stay away!