Sometimes action
movies are dumb and fun, like pretty much all of the buddy cop films from the
1980s, especially those starring Sylvester Stallone. Sometimes they are
highbrow like the Bourne franchise or most adapted from Tom Clancy novels.
Rarely are there movies that are able to capture both the intelligence of
thoughtful action paired with the excitement of innovative spectacle. The Guest isn’t so much one of these
movies as it is a hodgepodge of collected sequences and referential nods to
many influential films of the past. Despite the clear tendency to borrow from
other films, or perhaps because of it, The
Guest is pulsing with an undeniable energy and sense of spectacle.
The movie begins
with the unnerving arrival of recently discharged soldier David Collins (Dan
Stevens) on the doorstep of the Peterson family. Having recently lost their son
overseas, the family is quick to embrace one of members of their son’s platoon,
taking it on faith that he is being honest about their friendship. Only the
daughter, Anna (Maika Monroe), has suspicions that David is more than he seems.
Even though the plot seems somewhat predictable and familiar at first, the
approach The Guest takes in slowly
hinting at more complex twists is half of the enjoyment. What begins as a
simple scenario turns into a roller coaster ride of bad-ass fun.
Director Adam
Wingard and scribe Simon Barrett previously tackled the horror genre in a
similar manner with the home invasion thriller, You’re Next. This time they seem determined to capture the essence
of early John Carpenter with a heavily synthesized score and blend of action
and sci-fi thriller. The greatest success in the film comes from the simplicity
of the premise, including no pretense at being something more than it is. These
seem to be the successful R-rated action films these days, especially paired
alongside this year’s release of John Wick.
The Blu-ray
combo pack comes with a DVD and digital HD copy of the film, as well as a
handful of extras. The highlight of the special features is a feature
commentary track with Wingard and Barrett, though there is also a Q&A with
Stevens and some deleted scenes.
Entertainment Value:
9.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 7/10
Special Features: 7.5/10
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