Review : Whiteout (2009)

Via dvdactive.com

A US marshal comes to Antarctica after a botched up operation in Miami and is thrust into an operation which will test her to the limit as the sun is about to set for six months.....


First things first. Kate Beckinsale is hot. And that's why there's a shower scene right at the start of the movie. And that's a real good way to start. Cos she's the protagonist ,the no nonsense marshal who has to uncover the truth.  And that's the only scene which tells us she's beautiful. And from then on she's covered head to toe commanding male colleagues and fighting off attackers in the unforgiving and brutal terrain of Antarctica. Also losing her fingers in the process. A pretty nice kick ass female protagonist for a change. And the backdrop of the poles and the impending six months of darkness makes for a scary ride. So some new things to look forward to.


Director Dominic Sena(Gone In Sixty Seconds, Swordfish) has made an interesting movie. As I said, the backdrop of the poles with their polarizing weather is something new for me. He with screenwriters Jon and Eric Hoeber(Battleship, Red, Red 2) creates a human drama which for once looks much less bleak when compared to the surroundings. For once we realize that the nature wins and humans however unkind and cruel are nothing but playthings. Some beautiful scenery and equally harsh weather makes the task of the people very daunting. And seeing the struggle as the level 5 snowstorm blows in their face makes for very tense and gripping moments. Although the story is nothing new, the setting gives it a new meaning altogether. Nice!!

Via comicbookmovie.com

  



 As for the acting Kate(Carrie) plays her part with absolute authority. Her Carrie carries a haunting baggage which refuses to unload. She plays the conflict with aplomb as we sympathize with her even with minimal backstory. But support she does get, and wonderfully from Gabriel Macht(Robert Pryce), Tom Skerritt(John Fury) and Columbus Short(Delfy). These four toughened characters fight it out against time and nature to find the killer. And Antarctica plays a very important role as a very hardcore villain so acting credits to The Pole as well. Although there are only a few engaging fight scenes, the human drama against the backdrop of the snowy hinterland makes for a engaging view. And for that I give full credit to these fine actors. Especially Kate. Well done...


Cinematography is a very strong point.Capturing the beauty and the beast side of the same entity. Aurora Australis is such a beautiful sight. And the endless snow capped mountains are breathtaking. Filmed in Boucherville,Quebec,Canada. Editing and music are decent and work up the magic. 


HighTension Verdict: A movie with an unforgiving terrain which adds to the story and makes it more scary than it would have been in LA. A hot and full of attitude female protagonist. An awesome supporting cast. A not so new story but with a pacy screenplay using the weather elements makes for an engaging view. Ignore IMDb and go for it....


HighTension Meter: 8/10


Best QUOTE:

Carrie Stetko: How bad is it?

Delfy: Bad enough that you don't want to see.

How Antarctica was recreated in Canada