BOSS LEVEL. Frank Grillo and Mel Gibson in a top-notch sci-fi action film

Not only did Ryan Reynolds feel like a video game hero in Free Guy, but in Boss Level, which also premiered this year, the creators used video game aesthetics to tell a story reminiscent of Groundhog Day, spiced up with action and science fiction. This mix resulted in something I can confidently call the bigg surprise.

I had my doubts before watching. Seeing Frank Grillo topping the cast list suggested uncertain ground. I’ve always believed the guy has a lot of charisma, but creators have been reluctant to tap into it so far. For years, the actor has alternated between appearing in top productions (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), average ones (The Purge: Election Year), and complete flops (Jiu Jitsu). He could compete with the best for the title of an action movie star, but instead, he continues to fritter away his career. However, in Boss Level, he finally got the role he was made for and seized the opportunity. From the first minutes, he captures attention, guiding us through a very interesting, though familiar-sounding, plot.

Grillo is caught up in something like a game or, if you prefer, a time loop. Every day begins and unfolds the same way. He is chased by a group of eccentric hitmen, and he never survives these encounters. After every bullet to the head, he wakes up in his bed next to a woman he met the night before, only to replay the level filled with numerous obstacles once again. His life usually ends at 12:47 PM. After managing to contact his ex-wife, who not only knows what experiment he is involved in but also had a hand in creating it, the hero begins to unravel the trap he’s been caught in.

The mastermind behind the movie and the titular boss the main character must face is Colonel Clive Ventor, played by Mel Gibson (who previously worked with Frank Grillo on Force of Nature). But Gibson isn’t the only big name in this film. Naomi Watts plays the role of the ex-wife, and in supporting roles, we also see Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Ken Jeong (The Hangover series). The actors supporting Frank Grillo performed very well, each getting their five minutes and a few really cool lines to deliver. Although Gibson and Watts are much bigger names than Grillo, I didn’t notice them trying to steal the spotlight even for a moment.

It’s clear that director Joe Carnahan led the production with a steady hand. He knew the effect he wanted to achieve, as he also worked on the script for this film and had been striving to bring it to life for many years. As much as I’ve gotten to know Carnahan’s work (The A-Team, The Grey), I expected Boss Level to be a strong action film that doesn’t shy away from biting humor. Talking about Boss Level, I’m not too keen on delving into the technology featured in the film, as I quickly realized during the screening that it merely serves as an excuse for some good fun. The excellent pacing, skilled cinematography, smooth editing, and some rather surprising plot twists made the viewing experience entirely painless.

In the introduction, I called Boss Level the big surprise. I’ve long known that Frank Grillo can act, but he just needs the right space and a bit of trust to do so. The fact that Mel Gibson can sometimes put his ego aside and deliver what’s required on screen was also no secret to me. Having seen Groundhog Day and its sci-fi adaptations like Source Code and Edge of Tomorrow multiple times, the time-loop plot wasn’t new to me either. What was entirely new, however, was the refreshing, invigorating, and unpretentious way it was all presented to me.

And perhaps the most surprising thing of all was that amidst all the chaos, chases, gunfights, explosions, and pursuits, the creators weren’t afraid to hit the brakes for a moment, introducing us to a sincere story about a lost chance at fatherhood (fun fact: the main character’s son was played by the real-life son of the lead actor, Rio Grillo). Using the terminology of video games, to which Boss Level openly refers, these slow moments were like putting down the controller for a moment to watch a cutscene that adds depth to the whole experience.