GUNNER is a feature film directed by Dimitri Logothetis (Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxer: Retaliation) and written by Gary Scott Thompson (The Fast and The Furious). It stars Luke Hemsworth and Morgan Freeman. We open with Morgan Freeman (Kendrick Ryker) behind bars and Luke Hemsworth (Lee Gunner) working in a bar.
The set up shows Gunner trying to reconnect with his two young sons by taking them camping with their Uncle John. The foursome happen upon some unexpected company in the woods and there is a shoot out, where the muzzle flash was volcanic! Light streaks were added to represent the bullets zinging toward our hero who successfully dodges them. This let me know that I was watching a unique kind of action movie given such added details.
Structurally, this story is on point. Thompson wrote interesting characters worth following and Logothetis made good use of various locations for a quality production. Many camera shots are quite brilliant, kudos to the team!
Overall, I consider GUNNER a high concept action movie that delivers a lot of heart. It is about a father trying to handle things for his family. And, we have MORGAN FREEMAN cast in a key role too! Though his performance is mostly enjoyed in the second half of the film, he’s got an important role and delivers a nice performance, generously giving a lot for Hemsworth to react to.
There are moments in the film where Gunner overcomes extreme odds in a way that adds to his legendary status. His resourcefulness and cleverness remind me of the Road Runner’s unlikely escapes from Wile E. Coyote. While the villains may have been skilled marksmen, they were no match for Gunner’s wit and determination.
The filmmakers clearly knew how to use music to shape the tone of the movie. While some music cues had a campy feel, which I thoroughly enjoyed, the majority of the soundtrack heightened the seriousness and intensity of the story—adding to the film’s entertainment value.
If you’re a fan of action, a bit of gore, and a gripping finale, you’ll enjoy GUNNER. The film is a fun ride, and while there are a couple of moments that require suspension of disbelief (such as characters suddenly sporting goggles in an unlikely situation—safety first!), these minor details won’t detract from your enjoyment.
Hemsworth shines in the role, showcasing his range as an actor. The subtle character arc he undergoes adds a nice touch, making the film feel complete. Watching Gunner’s subtle arc was the cherry on top for this Sundae of a treat! I hope you watch it and agree that GUNNER has a lot to offer!
GUNNER is now available to stream on Amazon in the USA. GUNNER will be available in the UK for digital download on December 9 at the following: AppleTV, Amazon, Skystore, Rakuten, Virgin Media, YouTube and Microsoft.
Melody Lopez, Producer Filmmaker Mixer Podcast (posted by Madelyn, Filmmaker Mixer Correspondent)