In Alaska, a group of oil-drillers are looking to go home after the rotation has been made. They pack up, get in the plane, but things quickly go haywire as the plane crashes. If that’s not enough a pack of hungry, vengeful wolves are picking off the survivors one after another and it’s up to one man to try and help them survive as they battle the cold, mortal injuries and the pack of wolves. The question however is whether or not they’ll all make it out alive at the end of the day as their numbers dwindle and their chances become slimmer after each death.
The Grey is a fantastic film that gives the viewer the opportunity to walk a mile in the shoes of a survivalist who’s fighting to stay alive after a tough life and an even tougher heartache he carries around on his shoulders. Liam Neeson (Taken, Schindler’s List) is able to capture the essence of his character perfectly as all of the various horrendous things get thrown his way. You never know what to expect as the suspense build up as these wolves advance closer to the survivors and you will always wonder who’ll die next… Also starring Frank Grillo (Minority Report), Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend’s Wedding, Zodiac), Dallas Roberts (Walk the Line, Joshua) and Joe Anderson (Across the Universe, The Crazies).
As far as the film’s quality goes, I’d say it’s excellent and although CGI is not necessarily something one wants to see in films, the only other option would have been to get real wolves involved and that would not have been a good thing for the species. Prospective viewers need to take note that The Grey definitely has its moments where animal cruelty is concerned and those who are not fans of that type of violence might have to sit this one out. However, these are CGI wolves and puppets, not the real thing, so bear that in mind as well. There are definitely a few squeamish parts in the film, but in the long run The Grey is about surviving the elements and Mother Nature, who’s a complete bitch at times.
What makes The Grey such a thrilling experience is the poem that is used from the middle of the film. It gives a certain haunting quality to the film and also makes for a good theme. Along the lines of an Irish prayer, this poem sets the tone of the film and gives a little extra to The Grey, much like the Irish prayer did in The Boondock Saints.
All in all, I’d say give it at least a watch. Rent The Grey if you’re unsure as to whether or not you want to buy the DVD/Blu-Ray, but from a personal perspective I’m glad I have it in my collection, because it is a good film that one will re-watch. Click on the image to get your copy now, you won’t be sorry.
With DVD special features, which gives the film so much more after the movie has finished, it’s definitely an entertaining little gem. Bonus features includes:
* Encounter in the Snow
* Dragging Flannery
* Looting the Wreck
* At War with Weather
* Extended Campfire
* To Build a Campfire
