775 reviews
Not as tasty as it sounds.
Like its title, Gunpowder Milkshake comprises of two ingredients: OTT girl-power action and calculated coolness. The problem is that writer/director Navot Papushado only gives us a single scoop of each, and doesn't blend them together very well. A double-scoop of crazy action (actually, make that three scoops, heaped), thoroughly whisked together with several scoops of innovative style, and the results would have been much more tasty.
Papushado borrows from action cinema old and new: assassin Sam's fashion sense is Meiko Kaji, circa Female Prisoner Scorpion (wide brimmed hat worn at an angle and long black coat), the action scenes are inspired by the likes of Tarantino and Woo, the music is pure Spaghetti Western, and the neon lighting is very John Wick (as is the story). Unfortunately, Papushado fails to stamp his own mark on the film, content to mimic others, delivering an unsatisfying pastiche rather than something new and bold to genuinely tantalise one's cinematic tastebuds.
To be fair, a couple of scenes bristle with potential, but the choreography and execution let them down: Sam (Karen Gillan) dealing with several bad guys despite her arms being paralysed is a neat idea, but her enemies are far too cartoonish and spoil the effect; eight year old Emily (Chloe Coleman) steering Sam's Porsche during a chase scene is lacking in edge-of-the-seat thrills; a library makes for a great setting for a shoot-out, but the actual gun-play is disappointing (Carla Gugino firing a mini-gun is all too brief and the damage minimal); and a single-shot, linear tracking, slow-motion fight in a diner is technically impressive but quite dull to watch (with too much CGI blood) .
Don't get me wrong - as a mindless piece of action fluff, this is entertaining enough for a one-time watch - and I've always got time for Gillan (even if she doesn't quite suit the role of bad-ass assassin), but I feel like the film falls short of being the delicious, thick, creamy, full-fat treat it should be (especially given the excellent cast, which also includes Angela Bassett, Lena Headey, Paul Giamatti and kung fu legend Michelle Yeoh).
And, yes, there is a character sporting an eye patch.
5.5/10, generously rounded up to 6 for IMDb.
Papushado borrows from action cinema old and new: assassin Sam's fashion sense is Meiko Kaji, circa Female Prisoner Scorpion (wide brimmed hat worn at an angle and long black coat), the action scenes are inspired by the likes of Tarantino and Woo, the music is pure Spaghetti Western, and the neon lighting is very John Wick (as is the story). Unfortunately, Papushado fails to stamp his own mark on the film, content to mimic others, delivering an unsatisfying pastiche rather than something new and bold to genuinely tantalise one's cinematic tastebuds.
To be fair, a couple of scenes bristle with potential, but the choreography and execution let them down: Sam (Karen Gillan) dealing with several bad guys despite her arms being paralysed is a neat idea, but her enemies are far too cartoonish and spoil the effect; eight year old Emily (Chloe Coleman) steering Sam's Porsche during a chase scene is lacking in edge-of-the-seat thrills; a library makes for a great setting for a shoot-out, but the actual gun-play is disappointing (Carla Gugino firing a mini-gun is all too brief and the damage minimal); and a single-shot, linear tracking, slow-motion fight in a diner is technically impressive but quite dull to watch (with too much CGI blood) .
Don't get me wrong - as a mindless piece of action fluff, this is entertaining enough for a one-time watch - and I've always got time for Gillan (even if she doesn't quite suit the role of bad-ass assassin), but I feel like the film falls short of being the delicious, thick, creamy, full-fat treat it should be (especially given the excellent cast, which also includes Angela Bassett, Lena Headey, Paul Giamatti and kung fu legend Michelle Yeoh).
And, yes, there is a character sporting an eye patch.
5.5/10, generously rounded up to 6 for IMDb.
- BA_Harrison
- Jul 31, 2021
- Permalink
Like "Shoot em up"
If you liked "shoot 'em up" for 2005... It's like a sequel... It just has the added Assassin Organisation trope to go with it... Enjoy the action, comedy and simple storyline...!
- Idle_Hands08
- Jan 19, 2022
- Permalink
Don't overthink it
People like to overthink the quality of movies and they end up ignoring if they enjoyed it. I liked it. It was fun, slick, clever and obviously had a female John Wick flavor to it. But that's not a bad thing. It could have used better, more memorable villains and a stronger, more creative plot. Also, why is it always Russians? But other than that I enjoyed it. That's good enough for me.
- myriahtrothg
- Jul 13, 2021
- Permalink
John Wick Rip Off, but sort of fun
The film gets no points for originality as it's John Wick with girls. That being said, if you like action movies, it's pretty fun. Karen Gillan was good. Not a great movie, but I'll definitely tune in for the sequel. Worth a watch if you are a fan of the genre.
- fischer_patrick
- Jan 19, 2022
- Permalink
IT'S BIRDS OF PREY🦅 " LITE " : With Only -{ HALF }- Its Delectably Whacky Trippy Neon Psychedelic Charm . . But -ALL- Of Its MINDLESS { Dark Comics Style } BRUTALITY & GORE💥
- Radio-1s_Mr-MovieMad-Ami_104-1FM
- Jul 14, 2021
- Permalink
Loved it!
Great movie! Definitely recommend. It's fast-paced and enthralling. Amazing cast! And it's also really funny. One of the best movies i saw in 2021.
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
Thoroughly enjoyed it!
- xconwombats
- Feb 4, 2022
- Permalink
A disappointment
- Leofwine_draca
- Oct 23, 2021
- Permalink
Nice, nice, nice!
I absolutely loved this movie. It has good action, funny, a good Gotham-like mood (nice effects), environments that totally blend in with the mood and a good soundtrack. I can see this movie is not for everyone. But if you like Gotham, if you like Quentin Tarantino movies, then this movie is for you!
- omegasupreme-19537
- Apr 15, 2022
- Permalink
Brainless fun and that's what I loved about it
Ok is this movie great no it's not but if you turn your mind off and just go with it it's a lot of fun.
- jakethesnake-42007
- Jul 23, 2021
- Permalink
Takes a major talent
To ruin a film with such a strong cast, but this proves that a really bad script and clueless direction can do it. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))
- A_Different_Drummer
- Jul 14, 2021
- Permalink
Why so much negativity? This was a banger!
Ignore all the negative reviews on here. This film is exactly what it says on the tin -- essentially, a female John Wick -- and it owns that. The dialogue is snappy, the performances are winking, the actors are having fun, and it's generally just a good time. If you enjoyed Keanu Reeves checking into a hotel with an infinite amount of magic coins and using all sorts of code words for guns to avenge his dog, you can handle Karen Gillan doing the same with classic works of literature to protect a little girl.
- brentage5000
- Jul 14, 2021
- Permalink
Action-Packed, Neon-Filled, Cartoonish Bloodfest
Gunpowder Milkshake is not a movie for the thinkers. It's not a movie that will make you leave the theatre reflecting on what you just saw. The story isn't inventive or impactful, the characters aren't particularly interesting and the dialogue is generic. Or... to put it simply: the writing does not standout... at all.
However, if you know how to manage your expectations, you will have an absolute blast, because the movie gives us everything we could have wanted from an action-thriller. It's stylish, beautiful, action-packed, violent and incredibly fun.
Director Navot Papushado and cinematographer Michael Seresin transform a generic script into a neon-filled blast, making smart uses of lighting, music, production design, make-up and color grading, creating the perfect atmosphere for such a videogamish movie. Scenarios such as the bowling alley and the library are also captivating, giving place to entertaining, expertly-choreographed, hyper-violent, creative action sequences... that unfortunately get worse as the movie progresses, but are pretty fun nonetheless.
In conclusion, Gunpowder Milkshake isn't to be taken seriously. It's fun, simple, violent, captivating and you will wish for more. It's contrivances will certainly affect the more demanding watchers, but if you take the movie as seriously as the movie takes itself, you will have a great time at the theatre.
However, if you know how to manage your expectations, you will have an absolute blast, because the movie gives us everything we could have wanted from an action-thriller. It's stylish, beautiful, action-packed, violent and incredibly fun.
Director Navot Papushado and cinematographer Michael Seresin transform a generic script into a neon-filled blast, making smart uses of lighting, music, production design, make-up and color grading, creating the perfect atmosphere for such a videogamish movie. Scenarios such as the bowling alley and the library are also captivating, giving place to entertaining, expertly-choreographed, hyper-violent, creative action sequences... that unfortunately get worse as the movie progresses, but are pretty fun nonetheless.
In conclusion, Gunpowder Milkshake isn't to be taken seriously. It's fun, simple, violent, captivating and you will wish for more. It's contrivances will certainly affect the more demanding watchers, but if you take the movie as seriously as the movie takes itself, you will have a great time at the theatre.
- tmasterino
- Jul 13, 2021
- Permalink
All style, zero substance
I really liked the cast, though I disliked how the director had Karen Gillan tying to be too deadpan and badass in the first act. It made her seem like a poor actress, but I've seen too much of her so I know it wasn't her fault.
The movie has a neat aesthetic, but it really borrowed far too much from previous movies in a similar genre. There was some John Wick, Shoot 'Em Up, Desperado, The Professional, Kill Bill, and more. The three Librarians even reminded me of the ladies from A Wrinkle In Time.
The hodgepodge story also meant that the tone varied. Far too many scenes that would have been fine in an actual comedy, but then the movie would whiplash back to the borderline drama-action.
I don't totally hate it, but there were some lines at the end that just stuck in my craw as unnecessary. Like some producer somewhere said "Oh yeah, we need to make sure people understand this is about smashing the patriarchy." Didn't actually lower the score, but it rankled after the somewhat mess of a movie had concluded.
Worth a watch once so long as you go in knowing that it will remind you of all the other movies like this.
The movie has a neat aesthetic, but it really borrowed far too much from previous movies in a similar genre. There was some John Wick, Shoot 'Em Up, Desperado, The Professional, Kill Bill, and more. The three Librarians even reminded me of the ladies from A Wrinkle In Time.
The hodgepodge story also meant that the tone varied. Far too many scenes that would have been fine in an actual comedy, but then the movie would whiplash back to the borderline drama-action.
I don't totally hate it, but there were some lines at the end that just stuck in my craw as unnecessary. Like some producer somewhere said "Oh yeah, we need to make sure people understand this is about smashing the patriarchy." Didn't actually lower the score, but it rankled after the somewhat mess of a movie had concluded.
Worth a watch once so long as you go in knowing that it will remind you of all the other movies like this.
- ravencorinncarluk
- Jul 14, 2021
- Permalink
Derivative but stylized visuals
Derivative action thriller that cribs from all sorts of similar movies. Navot Papushado successfully staged a series of fluid, violent, stylized visuals to keep us interested. Gillan and all these women could be your favorite badass female protagonist.
Highly enjoyable action movie...
Well, I must admit that I was having a bit of expectations to the 2021 movie with the odd title "Gunpowder Milkshake". Why? Well, simply given those that were on the cast list.
I must say that I was definitely loving the movie's cover/poster, because it have that retro-feel to it. And that certainly helped sell the movie to me.
"Gunpowder Milkshake" is a great action movie, so thumbs up to writers Navot Papushado and Ehud Lavski for that accomplishment. And it was good entertainment from start to end.
The storyline is good and well-written, offering a heap of action to the viewers, as well as some fair enough character development and character interactions thrown in between the action scenes. So I was definitely more than adequately entertained.
Visually then "Gunpowder Milkshake" was just a blast. The fight scenes were well-choreographed and equally well executed on the screen. It was definitely a joy to watch those action scenes.
And of course it should be noted that "Gunpowder Milkshake" had a fantastic ensemble of actors and actresses to portray the character and bring the story to life on the screen. With the likes of Angela Bassett, Michelle Yeoh, Carla Gugino, Lena Headey and Paul Giamatti, you know it's bound to be good. And I must admit that while I wasn't particularly familiar with lead actress Karen Gillan, then I will say that she definitely carried the movie quite well.
"Gunpowder Milkshake" is a great action movie, kept very much in the spirit of the 1990s action movies, especially those from Hong Kong. But yet, there was something cinema noir about the way the movie was filmed and the cinematography, which surely added a unique touch to the overall feel of it all.
I was very entertained by director Navot Papushado's 2021 movie. My rating of "Gunpowder Milkshake" lands on a seven out of ten stars.
I must say that I was definitely loving the movie's cover/poster, because it have that retro-feel to it. And that certainly helped sell the movie to me.
"Gunpowder Milkshake" is a great action movie, so thumbs up to writers Navot Papushado and Ehud Lavski for that accomplishment. And it was good entertainment from start to end.
The storyline is good and well-written, offering a heap of action to the viewers, as well as some fair enough character development and character interactions thrown in between the action scenes. So I was definitely more than adequately entertained.
Visually then "Gunpowder Milkshake" was just a blast. The fight scenes were well-choreographed and equally well executed on the screen. It was definitely a joy to watch those action scenes.
And of course it should be noted that "Gunpowder Milkshake" had a fantastic ensemble of actors and actresses to portray the character and bring the story to life on the screen. With the likes of Angela Bassett, Michelle Yeoh, Carla Gugino, Lena Headey and Paul Giamatti, you know it's bound to be good. And I must admit that while I wasn't particularly familiar with lead actress Karen Gillan, then I will say that she definitely carried the movie quite well.
"Gunpowder Milkshake" is a great action movie, kept very much in the spirit of the 1990s action movies, especially those from Hong Kong. But yet, there was something cinema noir about the way the movie was filmed and the cinematography, which surely added a unique touch to the overall feel of it all.
I was very entertained by director Navot Papushado's 2021 movie. My rating of "Gunpowder Milkshake" lands on a seven out of ten stars.
- paul_haakonsen
- Jul 22, 2021
- Permalink
Just a very badly made movie :(
I have enjoyed *every one* of these actresses in past performances, and I was so looking forward to some outstanding entertainment, but this was awful!
Bad directing, bad dialog, bad script, lame attempt at comedy, unoriginal ideas heavily "borrowed " from John Wick plots, and Tarantino style which is the worst of it.
Awful!
Bad directing, bad dialog, bad script, lame attempt at comedy, unoriginal ideas heavily "borrowed " from John Wick plots, and Tarantino style which is the worst of it.
Awful!
"Oh, that is so sweet. I'll try not to kill you too."
- classicsoncall
- Jul 15, 2021
- Permalink
Kinda silly. (minor spoilers that don't ruin the ending)
- matt-233-497899
- Jul 13, 2021
- Permalink
Stylish Fun
I think this was probably the most "fun" Iv had watching a movie in a while. It was just like a pure popcorn movie but done really well.
It was stylish and the filmmakers obviously took time and cared about it. It wasn't just like "huge fight" scenes. They thought about shots, sets, lighting and it made the difference.
I didn't love some of the characters at the start because it felt a little too "cartoon" like for me. But they didn't last long and then the movie found it's footing more and eased up on the cheese.
I would also say to make this movie even better, make it 1 hour 30. I think that would have made it flow even better.
It was stylish and the filmmakers obviously took time and cared about it. It wasn't just like "huge fight" scenes. They thought about shots, sets, lighting and it made the difference.
I didn't love some of the characters at the start because it felt a little too "cartoon" like for me. But they didn't last long and then the movie found it's footing more and eased up on the cheese.
I would also say to make this movie even better, make it 1 hour 30. I think that would have made it flow even better.
A Pleasant Surprise
Despite the cast, I went into this with fairly low expectations based on the trailer. I was pleasantly surprised in many ways. The acting was good. The plot was simple but unpretentious. The John Wick comparisons are unavoidable and it falls short of Wick in terms of intensity and choreography but it isn't trying to be the same. It's like a lighter, more self aware Wick with hope in place of despair. The violence is highly stylized which isn't something I'm always a fan of but they make it work well. I definitely recommend this movie, especially if you're a fan of any of the amazing cast members.
- helmholtzwatsonaplus
- Jul 14, 2021
- Permalink
I had a bad time
I rarely have a bad time watching a movie, usually the worst case scenario is me being bored. This one rubbed me the wrong way.
One of the first scenes is 15 years in the past, where young Karen Gillan and her mother are sitting in a diner, cheesy music playing on the background, sharing a milkshake, both having a straw in their mouth while staring deep into each other's eyes, yet not drinking. This indicates that it's not the milkshake they enjoy, but the ritual itself and company of one another. Or perhaps it's in the actresses contracts that they don't have to consume any sugary products, I don't know. At least someone came along and took a sip between shots. I don't know why this bothered me so much.
As for the movie itself, I don't have much to say. I found it meaningless. It's decently shot, but the action is mediocre, Karen Gillan's deadpan performance was fine, but the rest of the cast was pretty bad. I don't blame the actresses though, I blame the script.
I think it tried to be a metaphor for a male dominated world in which women have to fight for change. They pointed out twice that The Firm consists only of men. "There is a group of men called The Firm. They've been running things for a long, long time. They make all the rules and change them when it fits their needs. They think they are untouchable and can get away with anything, but they wont". The thing is, the main character is an assassin working for The Firm and she ends up killing the son of the leader of another organisation. Then she takes another job, she disobeys orders knowing very well the consequences and on top of that she also messes up. She loses the protection of The Firm and now the other organisation is out to get her. They are the main antagonists, not The Firm. So what was the point? Whatever they were going for doesn't work on any level.
Let's just say the Librarians wouldn't recommend her Tolstoy, would they now.
One of the first scenes is 15 years in the past, where young Karen Gillan and her mother are sitting in a diner, cheesy music playing on the background, sharing a milkshake, both having a straw in their mouth while staring deep into each other's eyes, yet not drinking. This indicates that it's not the milkshake they enjoy, but the ritual itself and company of one another. Or perhaps it's in the actresses contracts that they don't have to consume any sugary products, I don't know. At least someone came along and took a sip between shots. I don't know why this bothered me so much.
As for the movie itself, I don't have much to say. I found it meaningless. It's decently shot, but the action is mediocre, Karen Gillan's deadpan performance was fine, but the rest of the cast was pretty bad. I don't blame the actresses though, I blame the script.
I think it tried to be a metaphor for a male dominated world in which women have to fight for change. They pointed out twice that The Firm consists only of men. "There is a group of men called The Firm. They've been running things for a long, long time. They make all the rules and change them when it fits their needs. They think they are untouchable and can get away with anything, but they wont". The thing is, the main character is an assassin working for The Firm and she ends up killing the son of the leader of another organisation. Then she takes another job, she disobeys orders knowing very well the consequences and on top of that she also messes up. She loses the protection of The Firm and now the other organisation is out to get her. They are the main antagonists, not The Firm. So what was the point? Whatever they were going for doesn't work on any level.
Let's just say the Librarians wouldn't recommend her Tolstoy, would they now.
- Aria_Athena
- Jul 14, 2021
- Permalink
I really enjoyed this
Dont get the negative reviews I feel it was people afraid of a female lead cast. The casting was brilliant, the acting was good as was the direction. Loved the style. All in all a good movie. Also it totally owns what it is.
- nyxnightbird
- Sep 28, 2021
- Permalink
Very fun and hilarious with good fight choreography and cinematography
This movie doesn't really seek to reinvent the wheel, but it does what a movie like this should do, and does it well. The main pair of performances are very good.
And most importantly, the fight choreography and cinematography is very clever and entertaining. Longer takes, and wider angles mean we can actually see and appreciate the choreography. The visuals are very beautiful, with the colours just popping out the screen.
Altogether a good movie.
And most importantly, the fight choreography and cinematography is very clever and entertaining. Longer takes, and wider angles mean we can actually see and appreciate the choreography. The visuals are very beautiful, with the colours just popping out the screen.
Altogether a good movie.
Poorly executed ripoff of better movies with less budget
Mindless Action
There is not too much to say here. It's a extremely fun, interesting, girl-power fueled action movie. The characters are all awesome in their own right, the story is intriguing and entertaining, and the ending is a satisfactory one. I don't normally watch action movies, but I would recommend this one.