Skyscraper (2018)

User Review

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  TheMovieDiorama

  6 / 10

  Skyscraper allows Johnson to tower over a script that doesn't set this superstructure on fire. There are films so stupid yet serious that the implausibility of any situation leaves a sour aftertaste. Conversely, there are films that relish in its improbability and cranks up its self-awareness to colossal heights. Skyscraper is just that. Absolutely bonkers. Zero believability. Yet, contagiously entertaining throughout. A former agent must rescue his family from the tallest building in the world after terrorists set it alight. Think 'Die Hard' meets 'The Towering Inferno'. Obviously not as revolutionary as the former but there is buoyancy to this action film. Writer/Director Thurber allows the film to acknowledge its own preposterous scenarios. Whether it be an amputee sprinting across a crane and leaping into a fiery structure (ridiculously brilliant) or using duct tape to traverse the exterior edges of the skyscraper in order to advance further (even more ridiculously brilliant). It's such an infectious sense of popcorn entertainment, you end up just rolling with it. Let's all lighten up a tad! It's not trying to be significant or monumental. Just derivative blockbusting fun. Johnson's charisma elevates his already eternal likability to gargantuan heights. He is the father you always wanted. The man can tackle any subject matter and make it amusing. It's a testament to his star power. Great to see Campbell and Han have some screen prominence also. The skyscraper's modernistic architecture was pleasant and encapsulated contemporary design very well. The 80s/90s action essence is there, however Thurber's script doesn't utilise it fully. The cheesy one liners are present but the abundance of exposition results in the dialogue becoming functional rather than developed. The villain was generic, although I would argue the focus is on Johnson saving his family, and it's conclusion was slightly underwhelming. But despite the glaring criticisms, it's another pleasing blockbuster from Johnson who ensures this tower rises above other average action films. Just don't expect blazing revolutionary thrills.

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