Frank Grillo is continuing to steadily raise his profile as a leading action star. More and more he is sliding into roles with bigger audiences and performing alongside already established talent. His latest example of this is Boss Level. Now though Boss Level apparently had some distribution issues and even some legal disputes, it has still managed to find a home on a few subscription platforms. With Boss Level, Grillo was afforded the opportunity to rub shoulders with talent like Ken Jeong, Naomi Watts, and even the legendary Mel Gibson. This may just be enough to make him a hot ticket.
Boss Level is a movie that comes from mixing the styles of Groundhog Day and The Edge of Tomorrow, and then overlaying it with the concept of video games.
Boss Level is a movie that comes from mixing the styles of Groundhog Day and The Edge of Tomorrow, and then overlaying it with the concept of video games. Grillo is ex Special Forces operative Roy. Roy likes to binge drink and have sex with a new woman every night. He does however have an ex-lover of which he shares a son, he of whom he rarely ever spends time with. His former flame Jemma (Watts) works for an organization that is working on a top secret project that requires her expertise, eventually implicating Roy against his will. As a result, Roy mysteriously ends up in a time loop where he is murdered every day, waking up each morning after to do it all over again.
In reference to the films that this one closely emulates, it’s important to note that there are plenty of differences. The time loop plotline of Groundhog Day has been fiercely debated since its release, but Boss Level provides an explanation and closure. The Edge of Tomorrow deals with extraterrestrial activity, whereas Boss Level deals with technology. The choice to implement video games into the mix by the writers is a unique one, though the idea of dying and getting unlimited chances to try again makes this decision a correct one (the title also providing some clarity). The fight scenes are above industry standard, in part thanks to Grillo’s extensive training in mixed martial arts. Carnahan’s directing compliments this, as Grillo and his in scene collaborators are made to look incredible during the action sequences. Actors Ken Jeong and Sheaun McKinney make for amusing additions to the cast. Their time on screen is limited but they do serve to be useful as comedic relief, keeping Boss Level more in line with action flicks like Deadpool.
In addition to Grillo and the other actors mentioned previously, Boss Level has numerous smaller roles that allow many a fresh face to showcase themselves. It may be just another action movie, but it’s an action movie that has opened up the playing field for newcomers and has allowed those who were once massive stars to come back to the limelight. If that’s not enough, there’s still plenty of violence, quick witted one liners, and a touch of sexiness to keep viewers engaged the whole way through. Check it out now on Hulu or in some areas, HBO GO.
