Gunpowder Milkshake: A Stylish Tribute or a Mere Imitation?
Gunpowder Milkshake burst onto Netflix this summer, boasting an all-star female cast and a flashy style. However, when you strip away the glitz and glamour, the film is essentially a John Wick clone. Since John Wick hit theaters in 2014, it has revolutionized the action movie genre, with fewer films relying on rapid cuts to hide stunt doubles and more embracing the stylish world-building of The Continental. Gunpowder Milkshake follows suit, centering on Sam, a 12-year-old trained by The Firm, a ruthless crime syndicate her mother worked for. When a big job goes awry, Sam turns to her mother’s trusted associates, The Librarians, for help. While Gunpowder Milkshake proudly wears its John Wick influences on its sleeve, it does little to differentiate itself from its predecessor or other action films.
Style Over Substance: The Gunpowder Milkshake Experience
Gunpowder Milkshake may not bring anything new to the table, but it’s hard to deny the infectious energy it exudes. The stunning cinematography, thrilling action sequences, and snappy dialogue keep you engaged throughout its nearly two-hour runtime. However, the action, while entertaining, is nothing groundbreaking. The climactic library brawl is a standout moment, but it lacks the tension needed to truly captivate the audience. Sam’s survival never feels in doubt, partly due to the film’s feminist themes.
Feminism in Gunpowder Milkshake: Empowerment or Division?
Gunpowder Milkshake doesn’t shy away from its feminist stance, but it doesn’t beat you over the head with it like Charlie’s Angels or Black Christmas. However, the film’s insistence on drawing a line between men and women can be off-putting. The only decent male character is quickly killed off by Sam, and his daughter shows no remorse for his death. While the film makes it clear that their relationship was strained, her lack of emotion is still jarring. The film’s focus on female empowerment comes at the expense of male characters, which can be just as problematic as ultra-macho films that degrade women. Strong female characters can be celebrated without tearing down their male counterparts, as seen in Atomic Blonde and Netflix’s The Old Guard.
Performances: A Mixed Bag in Gunpowder Milkshake
Karen Gillan’s performance in Gunpowder Milkshake feels off. Her stone-faced demeanor throughout the film lacks charisma and energy, which is surprising given her impressive work in Jumanji and Guardians of the Galaxy. While she’s clearly aiming for the emotionless assassin archetype, it ultimately falls flat and detracts from the film. Thankfully, her co-stars, particularly Michelle Yeoh and Lena Headey, shine in their roles, and Chloe Coleman delivers a strong performance as well.
Final Verdict: A Fun but Formulaic Ride
Despite its shortcomings, Gunpowder Milkshake is an enjoyable watch. The film never feels dull and moves at a brisk pace, even if it follows a predictable path. If you’re looking for a stylish John Wick clone with a feminist twist, give Gunpowder Milkshake a shot. Just don’t expect it to break any new ground or linger in your memory once the credits roll.
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