Review by Dennis D. McDonald

BOSS LEVEL is a big, sloppy, oversize, fun-loving, ultra-violent slobbery puppy dog of a film that you can’t help but love despite its illusory but incessant lack of self-control.

Frank Grillo excels as the wisecracking and buff “retired special forces” hero who must repeat each day after he’s killed to solve a mystery. He knows that each day he will survive just a bit longer as he learns how to overcome each obstacle fate throws his way.

His goal: reach the final “boss level,” solve the mystery, rescue his family — and as a side benefit, save the world from total annihilation. All in a day’s work.

Mel Gibson, Naomi Watts, and Michelle Yeoh are along for the ride but this is Grillo’s film. He’s the best wisecracking combat hero I’ve seen since prime Schwarzenegger. The stunts are endless with a seamless blending of live action and CGI. Reviewing the IMDB full credits listing you won’t be surprised to see over 80 individuals credited with stunts.

Is the movie derivative? Absolutely. Time loop films and TV series are a dime a dozen these days; think GROUNDHOG DAY and EDGE OF TOMORROW. Even Japanese anime series like SUMMER TIME RENDERING make use of the gimmick. But here the gimmick plays out well and is held together by Carnahan’s tight direction, Grillo’s performance, terrific production design, and a constant forward momentum. Recommended.

Review copyright (c) 2023 by Dennis D. McDonald

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