'The Grey' Is Gritty, Good, and Packs a Big Bite

Liam Neeson and a bunch of roughneck oil riggers go down in a plane crash in the frozen Alaska wilderness in "The Grey."

Neeson plays John Ottway, a loner and the alpha dog, of sorts, among the surviving men of the crash. They are forced to stay together to battle the elements and a pack of wolves, set on making them the next meal. A supporting cast includes Dallas Roberts as the smart sensitive guy, Dermot Mulroney as the sad dad missing his kid, and Frank Grillo as the Latino hothead. They face frostbite, wolf bite, drowning, and falling from great heights. Harsh outcomes for both man and beast.

In the middle of this life and death situation there's time for conversation among the men. We get to know their back story and learn that they are not simply a group of victims. Neeson's Ottway character is of course the most complex. On the brink of suicide just before the crash he now clings fiercely to it.

"The Grey" is a delightful surprise. Director Joe Carnahan does a good job of not tipping his hand about who's living and who's dying. The wolves were, at times, a bit over the top with the computer-generated imagery look, but, overall not a bad film.

So the flick-o-meter gives "The Grey" three out of five.

It's a decent adventure tale. It seemed to me to be a bit too digitally enhanced. A CGI snowstorm is ok, but giant hulking CGI wolves? Not so much.

Hey, we're social here on the show. Head to my fanpage on Facebook: It's THEBRETTSIDE. Go there and click like.

Location:

“The Grey” can be found in our Smyrna-Vinings Patch at  at 3101 Cobb Parkway. Daily Show times are at 11:00 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 7:15 p.m., and 10:05 p.m.

After the Movie: 

Hungry? To kick off ’s "A Taste of New Orleans" special menu Feb. 2-11, the restaurant is hosting its next "Linger & Learn" experience - "Big Easy Cocktails" - on Wednesday from 5 - 7:30 p.m.

Learn step-by-step how to mix the perfect Hurricane, Romas Gin Fizz and Sazerac cocktails from the expert bartenders at SCKV.

Of course, y'all will get to sample and sip these delicious concoctions while you nibble on classic New Orleans dishes like crispy fried boudin with Creole mustard, alligator & andouille beignets, oysters en brochuette with house-cured bacon and riz juane (Cajun fried rice).

The cost is $25 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and seating is limited. Heck, they'll even give you 15 percent off if you chose to stay for dinner. Boo-yah! To reserve your spots, call 770-435-0700.

Then beginning Thursday through Feb. 11, SCKV celebrates a favorite Southern tradition, Mardi Gras, with a limited-time-only menu featuring the flavors and cooking styles found only in the Crescent City.

These special dishes, including Creole barbequed shrimp, oyster stew, and gulf crab cake just to list a few, will be available in addition to the regular menu. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

SCKV is located at 1675 Cumberland Parkway in One Ivy Walk. See here for more information.

Download the movie