Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Donovan Marsh, Lionsgate, M 122 Mins.
The latest release from director Donovan Marsh (‘iNumber Number’) is a thrilling action adventure involving a Hunter Killer, the American attack submarine USS Arkansas under the command of an untested but newly appointed captain Joe Glass (Gerard Butler –‘Geostorm’).
His initial mission is to investigate the disappearance of an American submarine near Russian territorial waters only to find a Russian submarine with three survivors including its Captain Andropov (Michael Nyqvist –‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ trilogy).
Glass later learns that a Russian military coup is underway and Russian President Zakarin (Alexander Diachenko) is being held captive by a rogue General which causes considerable consternation in Washington requiring the top officials to order a rescue mission.
As Glass and his crew head towards the Russian base (with Andropov’s help) the US military has authorised four Navy SEALS to assist in the rescue just as the Russian General increases the military build-up around the area.
After rescuing the badly-wounded President, it then becomes a battle of wits between the superpowers to avoid a World War as a Russian warship pursues the American submarine with its only salvation being the rescued Russian captain Andropov.
Although based on the Don Keith and George Wallace 2012 novel “Firing Point” the suspenseful storyline is attributed to retired submarine captain Wallace, then adapted to the screen by writers Arne L. Schmidt and Jamie Moss.
Besides some splendid settings, considerable credit is due to Marsh for directing such an exciting and suspense-filled action thriller that is both gripping as it is entertaining.
Once again Butler provides an enjoyable performance as the thoughtful submarine captain with Gary Oldman (‘Darkest Hour’) chipping in as the hawkish admiral Donnegan, not to mention the portrayal by Common (‘Selma’) as the level-headed military official Fisk.
Unfortunately for many movie goers this is the last motion picture for renowned Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist who passed away only a few months ago.
Vic’s Verdict: 3 ½ Stars
