Review of Skyscraper (2018) by Brennan D — 18 Jul 2018

'Skyscraper' is directed and written by Rawson Marshall Thurber ('Central Intelligence', 'We're the Millers'). The film follows Johnson, who plays an FBI Agent and U.S army vet, and his family. Johnson's character, 'Will Sawyer' is sent to examine the safety of a new tower being built in Hong Kong. Upon his travels, shenanigans ensue and he must save the day. 'Skyscraper' offered a very simple story line that was covered with predictable twists and clichéd villains. Despite these very clear structures within the film, 'Skyscraper' was actually a solid popcorn flick. I enjoyed the movie mainly due to the well inserted intensity and some very solid action sequences. The dynamic of having the film be centered around a skyscraper seemed very silly in the trailers and TV spots but upon watching this film I can attest to it actually making for some cool scenes. I did end up seeing this film in 3D due to the great things I heard about how it looked. I was not disappointed and the 3D definitely enhanced my experience and enjoyment in 'Skyscraper.' That being said, 3D is not a necessity for this movie and it can still be watched and enjoyed in standard 2D.

'Skyscraper' has a plot that is simple enough to follow but not enough to really feel a connection with the film at all. There were times in this movie where certain dialogue was used that was absolutely unnecessary and cheesy, definitely one of the years weakest scripts. At times certain lines even took me out of the movie. One positive thing about 'Skyscraper' I can confidently say is that it did not go out of its way to throw silly jokes in. This is something that other summer blockbusters always go for and it can often feel very misplaced.

As previously stated, Johnson rocks in the action scenes and director Rawson Marshall Thurber did a great job at constructing some very entertaining sequences. At times I felt I had to just turn my brain off and not question some rather convenient moments but that being said I was not taken out of the action sequences all that much. The special effects were great in this movie and some of the rooms in the skyscraper look so damn cool.

Dwayne Johnson delivers a very Dwayne Johnson performance in this movie and his charisma and charm in the lead role continues to be a draw. Not much of the supporting cast did much to enhance this film but the family rescue scenario worked out pretty well. Neve Campbell is in this film and she does a swell job at portraying the mother in the family, she even does a solid job during the action scenes as well. Most of the cast does a good job especially working with the dialogue they had. The score definitely could have been better, thinking back in this film I don't even recall hearing music at all. It's important that a score leaves its touch and enhances intensity but Steve Jablonsky's score in this film did not do that.