"They have an army, all I have is time". - Roy Pulver
Boss Level is a 2021 sci-fi action comedy from director Joe Carnahan, the man who brought us The Grey and Smokin' Aces. Carnahan co-wrote the film with Chris and Eddie Borley. He came up with the idea after filming The Grey (2011), which also starred Frank Grillo alongside Liam Neeson, and wrote this film with him in mind as the lead. Boss Level tells the story of a retired special forces officer played by Grillo who is stuck in a time-loop that always ends in his violent death, and he can't seem to figure out why.
The film co-stars Mel Gibson, Naomi Watts, Michelle Yeoh, Annabelle Wallis, and Ken Jeong. Filming took place in Atlanta, where Carnahan and Grillo shared a home they rented during filming (don't worry, it was pre-COVID). Boss Level was originally announced in 2012 with the title “Continue”, but it was shelved until it was eventually picked up by Hulu with a March 5th, 2021 release date.
THE GOOD/OUR THOUGHTS
Overall:
I was invited to a pre-release screener so let me get this out of the way first, Boss Level is one hell of a thrill ride that never really slows down. Before you even see a title screen, you are knee deep in the craziness that is an un-explainable time-loop that leads to the death of the main character, regardless of what he does to try and change the outcome. It plays similar all our favorite videogame cut scenes that you just want to watch over and over again. It's not about a complex plot or a storyline that will suck you in, this is about over-the-top mayhem, on repeat.
And I'm not saying that the film isn't well-written, because it is, and the way that they were able to include a genuinely emotional backstory about family was damn impressive if you ask me. I felt the connection the main character had to his ex and the mother of his son, and it felt real which added some emotional depth to the characters. My biggest thing with a film like this is I want to be so damn entertained that I don't even dare reach into my bowl of popcorn for fear of missing something epic, and that was certainly the case here. The adrenaline-infused action rarely takes a breather, and you never really know when the next bullet or samurai sword is going to enter the picture (or the main characters head, to be more specific).
Acting:
Most people don’t realize this, but actor Frank Grillo didn't really get his shot as an actor until he was already 40 and is now 55 years old! As of late, most people know him as Brock Rumlow from the MCU. I mean, dude is jacked, he looks like Ronnie at the start of Jersey Shore before he starts drinking heavily and eating after midnight on a regular basis. I couldn't believe he was 55. Even though he got a late start to his career similar to his MCU co-star Jeremy Renner, he never gave up. Grillo is fantastic in this movie, and plays the role similar to a Ryan Reynolds/Wade Wilson type character (that would be Deadpool, of course).
Now I'm not comparing the two, because nobody can compare to Reynolds' portrayal of the iconic foul-mouthed anti-hero, but they share a military background, and more importantly a similar energy and "go f*#k yourself" sort of attitude. It is obvious from start to finish that Grillo enjoyed making this movie. Grillo's son is played by his real-life son Rio, and I thought that was sort of a cool thing. Grillo said that when he tried giving him advice, he would say he'd only talk to the director, which is of course hilarious. Impressed with his performance, he told him he should pursue other opportunities as an actor, but his reply was he is too busy with his gaming and will only consider it if Spielberg or Marvel calls. Typical 10-year old.
Frank Grillo and director Joe Carnahan are longtime friends and share a production company together called War Party Films. Boss Level was released under that umbrella, as well as the Netflix films Point Blank and Wheelman, both starring Grillo. When I think about him as an actor I picture The Purge: Anarchy, he is such a badass in that. Feel free to go on a Frank Grillo binge-watching session, it'll be good for you. The gorgeous Naomi Watts and the legend that is Mel Gibson, handle their business as usual.
Boss Level also includes some great cameos, including Super Bowl winner and notable NFL traitor (sorry, I'm still bitter) Rob Gronkowski, as well as UFC stars Rashad Evans, and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
Technical (cinematography, choreography etc):
Boss Level is the perfect example of a team of people getting together to make a movie because it's what they love to do. This film just feels like a project every actor would love to be a part of, because more than anything else, you love going to work. I mean the days can be grueling sure, like the epic sword fight scene at the end for example that Joe Carnahan said took a week to put together. Frank Grillo also said that was easily his favorite part of the film. The point I am trying to make is from the cast to the guys behind the scenes, everything felt laid back and fun.
Joe Carnahan is on point with his directing style here, and even said that he intended for the film to have the feel of 80's era videogames with the "scrolling" technique where the camera would almost seamlessly shift from the apartment to the bar, for example. Right from the start I felt the film played out like a videogame, and he said that it was his goal was for it to feel like a love letter to old school videogames. I also thought the score was great, and the choreography was amazing. The fight scenes all feel very intense and, in your face, and at times I got a real John Wick type vibe which is definitely a compliment.
The Bad
You will remember the action sequences and satisfying kills more than you will the storyline, but is that really a bad thing? I don’t think so.
The Verdict
Edge of Tomorrow meets Smokin' Aces, Joe Carnahan's time-loop action comedy Boss Level, starring a yolked Frank Grillo, is an absolute blast. This is a movie that will warrant multiple viewings to fully appreciate the endless action sequences, and it will likely get better every time. Highly recommended.
TED TAKES RATING - 8/10
Boss Level will be available to stream exclusively on Hulu March 5th. Check out the trailer below.