Skip to main content

Sisu (2023)

 


Sisu is about a retired soldier during World War II who finds gold during a Nazi occupation and his fight to get himself and others home safely.

Written and directed by Jalmari Helander, the film is heavily inspired by Grindhouse and similar style films. There are many times you would think: surely that would kill a person, but it doesn't. So there is a bit of suspension of disbelief and after a while, you're just waiting to see how he survives this next scene rather than thinking there are stakes. It's fun, but you wouldn't want to watch it again.

Jorma Tommila is the main character and has this rugged look to him that makes you believe that he's seen some stuff. He doesn't really change in terms of character growth, but then again you're not really looking for that sort of arc in this film. He hasn't been in anything you've heard of but over there he's been in a bunch.

Aksel Hennie plays the lead Nazi and main bad guy. He's Norwegian but that doesn't mean you haven't seen him in anything. He was in The Martian and The Cloverfield Paradox. He does a great job, all things considered, even with the accent. He's ruthless in his pursuit, and the writers give him a reason to want to get the gold Sisu found.

The film is watchable and if you turn your brain off it works well. Result: B-


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Shelter (2026)

Shelter (2026) follows a former special operative forced to take down the same organization that once employed him. The story is cookie cutter and very familiar, so the burden falls on the acting and character moments to keep things engaging. It borrows heavily from the John Wick style of action design, and while it never reaches those highs, it stays watchable. The ,  Ric Roman Waugh,  keeps the pacing tight and the action clear, even if the storytelling never rises above standard protection thriller territory. The film understands its lane and does not try to reinvent it, which helps prevent it from completely falling apart when the script goes predictable. Jason Statham , known for The Transporter and The Beekeeper , does exactly what you expect. He brings physical credibility and efficient screen presence to the role. The emotional side of the character is thinner, but the action work carries his performance and keeps the film moving. Bodhi Rae Breathnach , recognized...

Mercy (2026)

Mercy (2026) is a near future thriller built around the idea of an AI acting as judge, jury, and executioner. The premise is familiar but effective, and the film moves at a steady pace as a wrongfully convicted man races to prove his innocence. It feels like the kind of mid budget sci fi thriller that used to be more common, especially in early year release windows. Timur Bekmambetov , known for Wanted and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter , directs the film with a functional but uneven hand. His hit or miss track record continues here. The movie is cleanly shot and easy to follow, but there are few moments of visual flair or tension that elevate it beyond its concept. Chris Pratt , recognizable from Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World , plays the wrongly convicted father and detective. He does a solid job with the emotional beats and sells the desperation well. His portrayal of alcoholism, however, never fully convinces and feels more implied than lived in. Rebecca Ferguson...

Talk to Me (2023)

  Talk to Me is an Australian horror film about a group of friends who discover how to speak to the dead. Or do they?  Directed by the brothers Michael and  Danny Philippou, Talk to Me is their first attempt at a feature film. It was a pretty decent introduction too as they made the transition from shorts and clips to movies. When you see their channel you don't really tend to think they'll do well in horror but they did have some help writing with Daley Pearson.  Parents will know him as Rocko  from the kid's show Bluey .  Sophie Wilde  plays the main teenager Mia. At first, she comes across as an angsty teen but as you get to know her through the writing and dialogue, you tend to understand more why she is so distant from her father and holding onto her few friends. This was her film debut and she did a great job. Also, she came up with the concept for the film too. The most recognizable person in the film is Miranda Otto  who is better known fo...