GUNPOWDER MILKSHAKE REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Gunpowder Milkshake was one of my most anticipated films of this year, mainly because of its cast and the action packed story. It was released in cinemas and on Netflix in the United States in July and, unfortunately, received a mixed response with critics saying that it “runs dangerously close to being a pure sugar rush with no substance”. Despite this, I was still looking forward to watching Gunpowder Milkshake 
Sam (Karen Gillan) was only 12 years old when her mother Scarlet (Lena Headey), an elite assassin, was forced to abandon her. Sam was raised by The Firm, the ruthless crime syndicate her mother worked for. Now, 15 years later, Sam has followed in her mother's footsteps and grown into a fierce hit-woman. She uses her 'talents' to clean up The Firm's most dangerous messes. She's as efficient as she is loyal.  But when a high-risk job goes wrong, Sam must choose between serving The Firm or protecting the life of an innocent 8-year-old girl, Emily (Chloe Coleman). With a target on her back, Sam has only one chance to survive: Reunite with her mother and her lethal associates: The Librarians, Anna May (Angela Bassett), Florence (Michelle Yeoh) and Madeleine (Carla Gugino).  These three generations of women must now learn to trust each other, stand up to The Firm and their army of henchmen, and raise hell against those who could take everything from them.

Although it’s not as great as it could have been, due to a weak and predictable story, Gunpowder Milkshake is still worth watching for its thrilling action and strong performances by its talented cast. The film is at its best during the action sequences, most of which involves Sam and Emily. An early scene that takes place in a bowling alley is easily one of the highlights as it sees Sam fighting off a trio of henchmen sent by her boss, Nathan (Paul Giamatti), after she fails to return his stolen money. Director Navot Papushado doesn’t shy away from the gruesome violence. Those who are squeamish are best off avoiding Gunpowder Milkshake as it’s filled with violent fights. A stand out action sequence sees Emily forced to help Sam drive after a doctor numbs her arms. Despite her age of eight and three quarters, Emily gets involved in some of the action. 

Gunpowder Milkshake features a cast of talented actors who each leave a lasting impression. Since appearing on Doctor Who as Amy Pond in 2010, Gillan has successfully made the transition from television to the cinema by portraying Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy and its sequel, Vol. 2, and as video game character, Ruby Roundhouse, in both of the Jumanji sequels, Welcome to the Jungle and The Next Level. In Gunpowder Milkshake, Gillan portrays Sam as a bad-ass fighter but also a caring sisterly figure for Emily. Like Gillan, Headey is also best known for her work on television, after appearing as Cersei Lannister in the epic fantasy series, Game of Thrones. As Scarlet, Headey delivers a fierce performance. Bassett, Yeoh and Gugino are equally as impressive as three librarians.

What I admired the most about Gunpowder Milkshake was that it focuses on women who team up to defeat the antagonists. For far too long in films, women have simply been included as the love interest for the male main character. It’s refreshing to watch a film like Gunpowder Milkshake where women aren’t love interests and are interesting individuals. Although the characters are underdeveloped, I still enjoyed watching them all in action, especially during a shoot-out that takes place in the library. The cast are all clearly having a lot of fun working together and making the film and, as a result, I had fun watching them. 

Following my watch of Gunpowder Milkshake, I’m surprised by the lukewarm reception it’s received since its release. Although I agree that both the story and character development could have been improved, I still thoroughly enjoyed the fast-paced and exciting action and seeing women teaming up and getting involved in the action.

7/10