Hunter Killer review: Gerard Butlers action thriller is a fun watch but another run-of-the-mill blockbuster
Gerard Butler is on a mission to save the Russian president.
Thats the thrilling yet complex situation in which Gerards latest character finds himself in new action movie, Hunter Killer.
Directed by Donovan Marsh, Gerard, 48, stars as Captain Joe Glass, a brilliant commander, who must lead a submarine full of US Navy Seals into the dark depths of Russian territorial waters to save a convoy of trapped Russians who are under attack in another sub.
Before long, Glass realises he then needs to save the Russian president above water after one of the leaders generals goes rogue for power.
Its a risky decision that could cause World War III – but could also prevent it.
The premise of Hunter Killer is undeniably run-of-the-mill. You know the blockbuster, a race against time to save the president except this time, the stereotype is turned on its head with the US making the unprecedented move of actually helping out a country with which they have a frosty relationship.
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Given real life political events with Russia in recent months, Hunter Killer couldnt be more aptly timed and its interesting to watch how the line between fact and fiction draws close together.
References to Syria and, of course, the prospect that Glass could be sending them straight into World War III, make for fairly obvious attempts at making this thriller seem relatable.
While Hunter Killer of course has its faults, its certainly a fun watch if you use the suspension of disbelief.
Gerard of course has played this role before. With films like Olympus Has Fallen – and all its sequels – and the recent Geostorm, hes become a master at full-throttle action, beat-the-clock type blockbusters.
While Hunter Killer falls into this category, its also a change of pace for Gerard who, as Commander Glass, spends most of his time confined on one submarine with very dialogue-heavy scenes. Whether thats reeling off a spiel of technical codes or engaging in gritty conversations with Russian Captain Andropov, played by the late Michael Nyqvist.
Its these encounters between Glass and Andropov that provide the most fascinating moments in Hunter Killer.
See, Glass isnt the most well-rounded character – really, all we know is that hes an esteemed commander with eternal optimism driven by hope for a united future. But his steeliness and determination to do the right thing, even if that means saving the opposition, is the thread of Hunter Killer.
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This is where he clashes with Andropov – the two men are both powerful in their roles as leaders yet polar opposites in their outlook on the world.
Glass tells the Russian commander: Its about the future and that they are brothers not enemies.
Yet sceptical about the idea of Russia and the US being allies, Andropov dead-pan tells him to fuck off.
As the frosty relationship between the men progressively thaws under the ice-cold depths of the Arctic Ocean, it becomes clear that this is the saving grace of Hunter Killer, which is simply otherwise a routine action thriller.
Albeit, gripping viewing at times.
Genuine moments of suspense unfold above water just as much as below with the ground team tracking the Russian president with the plan of saving his life from a general in his own cabinet who is trying to claim the leader position.
Over in the US, the legend that is Gary Oldman is holding court and monitoring events from the situation room.
More: Gerard Butler
Its a shame that the Oscar-winner is used so sparingly considering he has top-billing, but when he does appear, its of course a show-stealer. Although, its still rather restrained stacked up against his previous performances.
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Donovans thriller is an enjoyable watch but its not a standout moment in Gerards filmography.
Hunter Killer, which also stars Common and Linda Cardellini, is out in UK cinemas now.
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