The Grey

I was hotly anticipating the return of director, Joe Carnahan. After blowing my mind with Narc, Carnahan made Smokin' Aces and then The A-Team. His later films were entertaining(no question), but the startling realism of his earlier triumph was missing.
I'm happy to report that The Grey fills the realism quota(possibly, for the year) - and is a return to form for the director.
The Grey is a survival story, pitting man against the most brutal elements of nature - particularly that of the Alaskan wilderness. Not content with the horrendous weather, Carnahan pits his characters(survivors of an earlier incident) against a pack of wolves. Liam Neeson leads these survivors(about half a dozen men) and we follow his story closest.
The men featured in this film work on a drilling plant and their existence is presented as pretty bleak. The work is hard and with little to keep them occupied after hours, they drink and fight. Not all of them of course - there are no caricatures in this film.
The film is very well cast. Not all of the actors are recognisable, but they all explore their characters fully. Neeson exudes confidence and the men follow him happily(as would I). Carnahan is wise to explore the characters of each cast member. Even the disagreeable ones are presented as human - the reasoning behind their behaviour undeniable, if not always understandable.
I believe this is what raises the film above others of it's genre. We care about these characters, having invested our time and emotion in each and every one - often while sitting at the edge of our seat!
Neeson of course, needs no introduction. One can't help but think of the tragedy Neeson himself faced not long ago. No disrespect to his craft, but I can't imagine he would've had to dig too deep to find this man - it's a very fine performance.
It's not all doom and gloom of course. There is laughter to be had - these are men in the company of men, after-all! Their are some fine visual flourishes - and enough tension to keep you standing up straight for days!
This is a thriller of the highest order - packing an emotional punch, which leaves you rooting for Neeson and his men long after the credits have rolled - 4/5.