MOVIE REVIEW: The Rock Stands Tall in SKYSCRAPER

Release Date: July 13, 2018
Running Time: 1 hour and 42 minutes
Rated PG-13
Grade: B
Directed By: Rawson Marshall Thurber

Light a man’s house on fire and you’ll find out what he truly loves

Will Sawyer is a former US war veteran and FBI Hostage Rescue Team Leader who now runs a security assessment business from home. He is honored when his former FBI teammate, Ben, recommends him for employment to Zhao Long Ji in Hong Kong. Ji has built the world’s tallest super structure and named it The Pearl. Referenced by Ji as the world’s 8^th wonder, The Pearl stands 240 stories high and is a self-contained city with a very unique Panic Room in the Penthouse. Sawyer brings his family along and they are housed on the 97^th floor.  After his inspection, Sawyer deems that the fire and safety systems are impeccable, so he heads out to the off-site location to complete his assessment. When Sawyer and his companions are intercepted along the way, he realizes that something is horribly wrong.  His suspicion is reinforced when he sees that The Pearl’s 96^th floor has been set ablaze and he has been framed for the destruction.  Sawyer confronts Ji to inquire as to why anyone would want to sabotage The Pearl, only to learn that the path to saving his family is paved with the determination of some of the world’s worst people.

It’s okay to be scared in order to be brave

Yes, it is true that Dwayne Johnson has released roughly one or two action movies per year lately. I, too, was curious to see if Skyscraper is more of the same or escalates The Rock to new heights. The hard cold truth is that it does! Dwayne Johnson takes a vaguely familiar plot and makes a movie that is as solid as a ‘rock’.  This WWE wrestler turned action movie star never relents when it comes to spectacular actions scenes and sincere performances. The Rock fans all over the world should be pleased with Universal Studios most recent release.

The supporting actors all pull their own weight as well, but Johnson carries this film on his gigantic shoulders. Although, I did not have the pleasure to see this one in 3D, given the breathtaking camera work which used Arri Alexa 65, Arri Alexa XT Plus, Panavision C-Series, ATZ and AWZ2 Lenses, I would dare say that the up-charge would be well worth it. As Rawson Marshall Thurber’s and Dwayne Johnson’s second collaboration together (the first being Central Intelligence), it is clear that the two professionals work well together with this one being Thurber’s first non-comedic directorial accomplishment.

The audience in my screening reacted as if they were on a roller coaster ride as soon as the back story was completed. They oohed, awed, cheered, and laughed throughout the film. I highly recommend that you be brave and run into the theater to see this one on the big screen. The sky is the limit when it comes to the action, thrills, and entertainment that Skyscraper has to offer. Go see it!  ~Movie Buffette

Starring:
Dwayne Johnson as Will Sawyer
Neve Campbell as Sarah Sawyer
Chin Han as Zhao Long Ji
Roland Moller as Kores Botha
Pablo Schieber as Ben
Bryon Mann as Inspector Wu
Noah Taylor as Mr. Pierce
Hannah Quinlivin as Xia