Silent Night (2023) Movie Drinking Game
Do a Shot: when the radio delivers exposition.
Take a Drink: for every person shot.
Do a Shot: for every car crash.
Take a Drink: every time “Silent Night” is played.
By: Movie Snurb (Four Beers) –
After a long hiatus, John Woo is back making a Hollywood film. His long-awaited return is welcomed by every action fan in the States. I expect this film to do well opening weekend from those fans alone.
Joel Kinnaman plays a man whose child is killed in a drive-by shooting on Christmas Eve. A year later he seeks revenge from everyone responsible, even if that means alienating everyone in his life, including his wife.
A Toast
The best action films have simple stories. It’s why Die Hard became a blueprint for so many action films that came after it. It was such an easy pitch, Speed: Die Hard on a bus, Sudden Death: Die Hard at the Stanley Cup. The story is so simple that the film can focus on the action rather than exposition and complex stories.
This film is almost a silent film. Woo and co. do such a good job at conveying what the characters are going through that we do not need dialogue. Films are a visual medium, show, don’t tell. This would be a pain to watch if we had to sit through unnecessary voice over.
This is also well done by Joel. Joel has been an action star for many years now and this film proves why he keeps getting these roles. Joel channels Steve McQueen in this role, saying everything his character is thinking with his face.
I don’t like to give the MCU credit for anything, but one good thing they gave us is more rated R action films thanks to Deadpool proving they are financially viable. Woo does not shy away from the blood and gruesomeness that would be the reality of this situation.
Woo used more CGI than I have seen in any of his films. Of course I haven’t watched his later Hong Kong films. But the chase sequences are stunning and some of the crashes use CGI but it’s blended nicely with real world stunt driving.
Beer Two
Though this is Woo’s signature genre, at no point did this feel like a John Woo film. If I didn’t know he made this and watched it, I’d assume it was a for hire person. Woo has such a signature style that we love and none of it appears here. There aren’t even any doves, which deserves an entire beer on its own.
Beer Three
I know some people will find it cool that this film is basically a silent film, but if you are impressed with this feat, please watched some Silent Era films. We have like nearly 40 years of silent films and some still hold up as the best films ever made.
Beer Four
Also, if you’re going to be dialogue free, then your film needs to be tighter. There were times in the middle of the film where it dragged bad. The opening sequence and closing 30 minutes are great, between that is an hour slog.
Verdict
The excitement I had for John Woo’s return led to high expectations. Unfortunately this is missing Woo’s signature style; even if there are some compelling action sequences, it’s a bit of a disappointment.
