Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong
Writer/Director Jalmari Helander brings his latest, an Finnish/English Movie in BIG GAME, to the big screen and it translates to some big fun! It is endlessly-entertaining from start to finish, with plenty of over-the-top action sequences which we can’t get enough of.
Big Game focuses on of-age Oskari (Onni Tommila) as he is tasked with the responsibility from his father and village to go into the woods and bring back a trophy kill. However, Oskari’s Father doesn’t quite believe he can do it, even though he is determined to prove him wrong. Meanwhile, the Movie switches focus to William Alan Moore (Samuel L. Jackson) the President of the United States as he is Helsinki-bound for a conference, until his plane gets attacked and goes down in Finland. Thankfully however, Morris (Ray Stevenson) gets the President into a capsule and assures his safety on the ground. This leaves William Moore stranded in a locked capsule in the middle of the woods, which is until Oskari stumbles upon him. However, Oksari and William Moore are not out of the woods yet, as the attackers, led by Hazar (Mehmet Kurtulus), are hunting the President. With Oskari’s knowledge, the President stands a better chance, but the attackers are also well-equipped should anything get in their way.
The true star of Big Game is Onni Tommila, who steals the spotlight from big stars like Ray Stevenson and Samuel L. Jackson. He manages to deliver his performance with such commitment that the future certainly looks bright for this young talent. Samuel L. Jackson also delivers in his character, as he commands the role of playing the most powerful man in the free world. However on the other hand our notable bad guy, Mehmet Kurtulus delivers a noteworthy performance as he spews some believable hatred and anger.
Make no mistake, Big Game is oodles of fun start to – pardon the pun – Finnish. The performances grab our attention, while the action whisks everyone away to a place of sheer enjoyment.
Elevation Pictures releases Big Game in select theatres Friday, July 10, 2015.
For advertising opportunites please contact mrwill@mrwillwong.com