Big Game

Finland is known for many things. Vodka, beer, saunas, the strange language, hot women, but most of all, the one thing people know most about Finland is that they love metal. Bands like Nighwish, Apocalyptica, Lordi, and many more, prove that in Finland they love summer. I have visited Finland 2 times so far, but only on cruise ships. It is very popular to go on cruising ships in Sweden to Finland, for 2 reasons.

1. To get drunk.
2. To get even more drunk.

So it is not hard to understand that people of Finland love Sweden for buying a lot of vodka and beer. I realise that there is a lot to see and experience in Finland, so maybe one day i will visit and learn more about the country. Speaking of Finland, i actually voted for Finland in Eurovision Song Contest 2015, with their band Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät. These guys were bad ass, and so hard, they destroyed the nuts of Charlotte Perelli , in the first chorus. I will be honest and say i have not seen many films made from Finland. In fact, in all these years, i might have seen 5 of them, so i really don´t know much at all about the films coming out. Until about 5 months ago, when i read that legendary actor Samuel L. Jackson was going to be in a new film called Big Game. A finnish action adventure film, taking place in the wilderness of Finland. The combination sounded really fun, and after watching the trailer i got really excited. Finally a film that i had no idea was coming, but seemed to surprise me in a good way. So when i finally got a chance to see Big Game, i could not miss the chance. Is this one of the best films i have seen Finland release, or was the trailer the only good thing about the film itself ?

Air Force One is on the way to Helsinki, Finland, where the President of the Unted States, William Allan Moore ( Samuel L. Jackson ) will be attending a meeting. On the way, the plane gets shot down by terrorists. Luckily the president managed to escape, before the plane crashes, as he lands in the wilderness of Finland. A young boy named Oskari ( Onni Tommila ), finds the president at his landing location, and offer to help him, but only if he follow his rules. Oskari is actually becoming a real man, a hunter like his father and many other in his family. President William agree to let Oskari lead the way, but everything is not going the way they have planned, when the terrorists find out that the president have survived, and have a helper. They are now on the run, while back home in America, the Pentagon officials is doing everything they can to bring their president back home.

If you were hoping to see an emotional drama, or a Woody Allen inspired story, you are in the wrong place. Big Game is kind of a tribute to classic action films of the 80´s and 90´s, but presented in a old school stylish way. It is hard to compare this film with one certain film, because there are so many influences here from many classics. But the combination of these ingredients mix well together, that you kind of feel a nostalgia feeling in your spine. The story may not have anything unique, but it is the action scenes where Big Game works best. It is cheesy, and you can tell that the budget is not the typical Hollywood release, but the combination gets the job done. Remember the 90´s film Air Force One, and the Stallone film Cliffhanger ? This is sort of what Big Game is, but without any original ideas. Even though i wish we could have had some more surprises, it is fun to see Samuel L. Jackson running around in Finland wilderness, as the president. Director Jalmari Helander, have only directed one feature film in the past, called Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale. I have not seen this film, so i really can´t say anything about his previous work. But you can tell he likes classic action films, since Big Game is influenced by movies we all grew up watching on VHS. The story is very simple, so you really don´t need to think alot, this is more of an popcorn and beer moment, where it is all about entertainment. Big Game may have a few problems, but i still found myself having a good time with this strange duo. Samuel L. Jackson is about the same as he always is, but the coolest character is without a doubt Oskari, played by actor Onni Tommila. He is the actual reason why you have a good time, since he takes everything so serious. Are you tired of smöriga swedish tv showings of Wallander ? Then i suggest you rent Big Game, and show your respect to Finland, or there might be a risk they will kick your ass.

Rating: DDD