Big Game is big on fun and action!

I went into the theatre with a lot of skepticism. After all, how can a boy, on the cusp of being a teenager, save the President of The United States (POTUS) from trained assassins, in the middle of snowy wilderness, without adequate training or survival skills?

But once I got out after watching the movie, I was a convert regarding Jalmari Helander’s skills as a supremely confident maker of escapist movies. I predict a big future for him in Hollywood’s bad wide world.

The plot is simple, but fantastic. POTUS William Moore, on his way to a major meeting in Finland aboard Air Force One, gets blindsided and is forced to eject out in an escape pod.

He lands bang in the middle of a forest, the very same woods where young Oskari (Onni Tommila) has wandered into, as part of a coming-of-age ritual. His father, who underwent the same ritual, brought back a bear’s head as a trophy. Aiming to better that, he meets, helps escape and protect the POTUS himself.

Sure, it’s pure escapist fun. But it’s also peppered with some stunning visuals, cutting wit and fast-paced action. For a generation weaned on tales of Marvel’s action heroes, this movie will provide a wonderful alternative experience.

Samuel L Jackson is aptly cast as POTUS and he has a blast. He also shares a great chemistry with his young co-star.

Watch this movie, you will not be disappointed at all.

VERDICT: Finns can make spectacular movies too. Why hadn’t anyone thought of such a premise before? Very entertaining movie, watch it. Eight out of 10.