Skyscraper: A Towering Inferno of Clichés
“Skyscraper” is a run-of-the-mill action thriller about a former special operative who must rescue his family from a skyscraper seized by criminals. It’s a blockbuster that ticks all the boxes but doesn’t quite reach the heights it aspires to.
The film stars Dwayne Johnson as Will Sawyer, a former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader. A botched rescue operation leaves him with a prosthetic leg and a new career as a security consultant. Ten years later, Sawyer is hired to assess the security of “The Pearl,” the tallest skyscraper in the world, located in Hong Kong. His family, wife Sarah (Neve Campbell) and their two children, are among the first residents. When terrorists, led by the ruthless mercenary Botha (Roland Møller), seize control of the building and set it ablaze, Sawyer must overcome his disability and impossible odds to save his loved ones.
From Comedy to Catastrophe: Director Rawson Marshall Thurber’s Gamble
Director Rawson Marshall Thurber, known for the action-comedy “Central Intelligence” with Dwayne Johnson, takes a sharp turn with “Skyscraper.” This film is a dramatic thriller blended with a disaster movie, a new genre for the director. The question is: can Thurber handle the transition to a bigger, more serious Hollywood production?
A Competent but Uninspired Thrill Ride
“Skyscraper” is a competent genre film that wastes little time on exposition and maintains a brisk pace from start to finish. The villains are villainous, the skyscraper is ablaze, and the heroic Will defies his disability to scale walls, leap across chasms, and rescue his children.
Sarah Sawyer is more than just a damsel in distress. With her own special forces training, she’s a “mama bear” who fights alongside her husband. While Will takes the lead, Sarah’s efforts are crucial to their survival, making the film a potential family-friendly option. However, due to its intense content, it may be more suitable for older audiences.
Cracks in the Facade: A Closer Look Reveals the Flaws
Upon closer inspection, “Skyscraper” reveals its absurdity. The premise of a single person conducting a security audit for a massive building strains credulity. The action sequences, while plentiful, lack the inventiveness expected of a modern blockbuster. Johnson’s character relies more on athleticism than strategic combat skills.
Missing the “Die Hard” Spark
Unlike “Die Hard,” which “Skyscraper” clearly draws inspiration from, Will spends more time navigating obstacles than engaging in actual combat. He’s scaling ledges, holding up collapsing bridges, and breaking through reinforced windows. These feats, while impressive, lack suspense because we expect nothing less from Dwayne Johnson.
Weak Villains and Missed Opportunities
The film’s villains fail to provide a compelling challenge. Unlike the memorable antagonists in films like “The Running Man” or “Die Hard,” Botha and his henchmen lack charisma and presence. They feel like placeholders rather than genuine threats.
The Prosthetic Paradox
While the prosthetic leg could have been a source of vulnerability for Will, Thurber opts for an empowering narrative. The metal leg becomes an asset rather than a hindrance, diminishing the dramatic tension. Sawyer seems even more invincible than in Johnson’s other action roles, making it difficult to believe his life is ever truly in danger.
A Lack of Humor and a Missed Opportunity for Irony
“Skyscraper” takes itself too seriously, with only a few jokes scattered throughout the film. The running gag involving duct tape provides some levity and is one of the film’s highlights, along with the stunning visual design of “The Pearl.” However, thrillers are not primarily about humor or architecture. While the film delivers on action and family values, it lacks originality, suspense, and plausibility.