Skyscraper (2018) is an action-thriller film directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as Will Sawyer, a former FBI Hostage Rescue Team leader turned security consultant. The movie centers on Sawyer’s desperate attempt to rescue his family from a burning, towering skyscraper in Hong Kong, called “The Pearl,” after it is taken over by terrorists.

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Plot Summary:

The film’s premise is simple but effective for an action spectacle. The Pearl, a state-of-the-art, 240-story skyscraper, catches fire, and Sawyer must navigate a series of increasingly dangerous challenges to save his family, trapped on the upper floors. Meanwhile, a criminal organization seeks to destroy the building to retrieve incriminating data from its billionaire owner, played by Chin Han.

Action and Visual Effects:

Skyscraper is unapologetically a popcorn movie, with non-stop action sequences that rely heavily on CGI. One of the standout scenes involves Johnson’s character scaling the exterior of the skyscraper, leaping from a crane, and maneuvering through shattered glass windows. These sequences showcase impressive stunts and visual effects, designed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The towering inferno and futuristic design of The Pearl are well-realized, making the skyscraper itself feel like a character in the film.

Performance:

Dwayne Johnson’s performance as Will Sawyer is solid, leaning on his charisma and physicality to drive the film. His portrayal of a vulnerable yet determined hero adds a layer of emotional weight, especially with his character’s disability—Sawyer has a prosthetic leg, which the film uses in both dramatic and action sequences. Johnson’s performance is the heart of the movie, providing both humor and sincerity in an otherwise formulaic story.

Criticism:

Critically, Skyscraper was seen as derivative, often compared to Die Hard (1988) due to its similar plot involving a lone hero fighting terrorists in a confined location. Many felt that the film lacked originality, with predictable plot twists and one-dimensional villains. The screenplay is serviceable but doesn’t offer much in terms of depth or complexity, with most characters fitting neatly into standard action-film archetypes.

The film’s over-reliance on CGI was another point of contention for some critics. While visually impressive, certain sequences felt implausible, even within the heightened reality of an action film. These moments sometimes undermined the tension, as audiences could feel the gap between the action and reality.

Reception:

Skyscraper received mixed reviews from critics, with a 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While praised for its thrilling action scenes and Dwayne Johnson’s performance, the movie was criticized for its lack of originality and thin plot. Audiences, however, were generally more forgiving, with the film serving as an enjoyable summer blockbuster for fans of large-scale action movies.

Conclusion:

Skyscraper is an entertaining, high-octane action film that delivers on its promise of big stunts and thrilling sequences. However, it offers little in terms of originality or character development. Fans of Dwayne Johnson and those looking for a straightforward action-packed spectacle will likely enjoy the film, but it doesn’t reach the heights of the classics in the genre like Die Hard.