Netflix R-Rated Dark Comedy Action Thriller Goes For John Wick Fans
John Wick changed the action film landscape so thoroughly that it became a part of our cinematic lexicon…for example, when you want to describe a movie built around big celebrities, epic fights, and intricate worldbuilding, you might say something like “Nobody is Bob Odenkirk’s John Wick.” There is currently no shortage of these movie homages, and some are inevitably better than others. One of the best such films is Gunpowder Milkshake, a John Wick clone with a girl power twist now streaming on Netflix.
A Cross Between Fire Power And Star Power
What is Gunpowder Milkshake about, exactly? This is mostly the story of a veteran hit-woman who works for a mysterious organization and can handle almost any job with ease. But when she has to protect the young girl of one of her victim’s fathers, she must reunite with her estranged mother and recruit some unexpected allies if she wants to have any hope of survival.
As with the John Wick films, a large part of Gunpowder Milkshake’s appeal is its cast of quirky actors. Karen Gillan (best known as a fan-favorite Companion Amy on Doctor Who) plays our chief hit-woman protagonist, and Lena Headey (best known as Cersei on Game of Thrones) plays her estranged mother turned professional killer. Other big names in this great cast include Paul Giamatti as a shady assassin employer, and Michelle Yeoh as a member of a very special sisterhood of warriors.
A Perfect Mix Of Violence And Charisma
While it’s not quite as good as John Wick (more on this later), Gunpowder Milkshake does a good job of emulating that film’s best characteristics. For example, the fights are well-choreographed and complex, and every single bullet fired helps to propel the narrative relentlessly forward. All of the cast has great chemistry, and the organic worldbuilding in the script is reminiscent of killer action films like Mad Max: Fury Road.
When Gunpowder Milkshake debuted on Netflix, it made a big splash, establishing itself as the most-watched film in America that week. This positive buzz was enough for a sequel to be announced in 2021, but there hasn’t been any real movement or announcements since then. Fingers crossed for more of this strange cinematic universe, but the lack of updates has me worried that this particular milkshake machine may be broken (the McDonald’s curse strikes again?).
Mixed Reception Despite High Viewership
Gunpowder Milkshake may have been a highly-streamed hit when it came out, but critics were a bit mixed in their opinions. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie currently has a 60 percent critical rating, meaning that it barely eked into “fresh” territory. Critics generally praised the colorful and entertaining universe and its stylish ultra-violence but noted that, like a more conventional milkshake, it might be nothing more than a sugar-filled rush of empty calories.
Good, But Not Better Than The Best
I think that’s a generally correct assessment, and I feel the same way about Gunpowder Milkshake. It’s not as good as John Wick, but that isn’t meant as a slam…if we’re being honest, that Keanu Reeves genre-defining classic is better than most movies. But this newer film notably manages to deliver Wick-style thrills and charismatic characters while taking some very big swings to establish its own unique cinematic identity.
Stream Gunpowder Milkshake On Netflix
GFR SCORE
Gunpowder Milkshake is ultimately a great film for anyone who likes great action scenes, and if you happen to love Gillan, Headey, and Yeoh (honestly, who doesn’t?), it’s even better. Of course, milkshakes aren’t for everyone, and you won’t know if this is your new favorite sugar bomb or just a bomb in general until you stream it on Netflix. Fair warning: if you’re a Doctor Who fan like me, you might spend half the movie singing “Amy’s got a gun” to the dulcet tones of Aerosmith.
