Jaimari Helander's Big Game is a coming-of-age tale that exploits the stylistic successes of the "˜80s and presents them with a new beam of life. But somehow, amidst all the nostalgia, it forges its own path, crafting a fun, exciting and flat out entertaining adventure that, though not perfect, contains just enough to be considered a great time!
amuel L. Jackson serves as the leader of the free world, and his approval ratings aren't much to be envied. But when Air Force One is shot down by a group of terrorists over the rugged countryside of Finland, all hell breaks loose. Thankfully the highly incompetent President has a local boy, currently on his quest to prove his manhood, by his side; otherwise, this film would have been no more than ten minutes long.
The film, which is Helander's second foray into feature directing, understands itself to the nine. Not only is it a classic throwback to the world of "˜80s action, but its rogue presentation is top notch. It never takes itself as credible and therefore allows the audience to sit back and fully understand what it is about to experience. And, by doing so, expectations are accurately placed"¦and met.
That being said, the performances as a whole are not great. I'm not sure if it was purposely done this way, but each actor's delivery is often flat and the in-film interactions rarely show any signs of emotion. That isn't to say that there aren't some great one liners laced within the story; there are. However, one must fully understand (and appreciate) the witty undertone to fully grasp the irony that the entire film is built around.
Helander does a solid job at utilizing his surroundings, creating a small bubble that allows his story to flourish. Primarily taking place within the rough Finland mountains, the film presents a layered concept that showcases two men on different journeys growing as an effect of their time with the other. It's a cliché broad take on the unlikely best buddies storyline, but somehow Helander gets it to work in a cool, fresh form.
On the big scale, Big Game is not a high octane thrill ride that will have you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails and nervous for the eventual outcome. But in some ways, its simplistic nature and refusal to overdo any one aspect of its story is what makes it so enjoyable. The film is not a bonafide blockbuster by any means, but it sure is fun.
