"Hunter Killer"

I'm not sure whether I am missing something, but having read some of the reviews of the latest thriller, I feel I may have been watching a different film. Millennium films and Gerard Butler did work on the truly dire "London Has Fallen", now maybe some of those Critics have gotten rather snobby and just have a grudge against the Creative team.
Having watched "Bad Times at The El Royale" last week, which disappeared from my local Cinema after just one week, it is like history repeating itself, as it is the same scenario with "Hunter Killer" but whilst I could understand why "Bad Times" left quite quick, I am baffled as to why with this Submarine thriller.

As US Sub is tracking a Russian Sub. An explosion occurs on the Soviet vessel, made to have us think it was attacked by the US Sub, and then seconds later the US Sub is torpedoed.
A sub is found that is within range and can investigate what has happened. Newly installed Sub Captain Gerard Butler and his Crew venture to Russain waters to uncover the attack on the US Sub.
Meanwhile above the Russian waters, things are afoot, as the Russian Minister of Defence is plotting a coup to overthrow the President. Clearly the aim is to start something along the lines of World War III.

Capt Joe Glass (Butler) has his Crew arrive at the site of the two Submarine wrecks and discover that the explosion on the Russian Sub was from within, and that the attack on the US Sub was unjustified. Remarkably they find three survivors from the Russian Sub, and despite the protestations and glares of most of his crew he gives them sanctuary. It proves to be a master stroke as the Russian Captain's knowledge will become invaluable later.

Situations escalate, tempers flare, and lives are at risk. The two Submarine Captains, both veterans at what they do, come to realise what is at stake, and work together so that the Sub can liaise with the Covert Ops Team, and get the Russian President away from the mad Defence Minister.

The events of the Coup at he Russian Naval Base are bing relayed back to the US authorities by means of a covert team working on the ground. They get a revised mission which is to rescue the Russian President and get him on board the USS Tampa Bay.

I have always enjoyed Submarine films, it is that sense of confinement which really heightens the tnesion. just rmember great films like "Crimson Tide", "The Abyss", "The Hunt for Red October", "Down Periscope"....hmmm, maybe not that last one.
The film brilliantly combines some great action scenes on the ground with the team led by Toby Stephens, and some tense drama under the water, and some especially scenes between Gerard Butler and Michael Nyqvist as the Sub Captains. It makes for great viewing seeing the two of them on screen together. 

I was more than pleasantly surprised by this excellent thriller. The only weak link are the scenes in America with the likes of Gary Oldman and Common, and a fairly lacklustre female US President. Where's Hillary when you want her??
A great low key performance from Butler, and a fitting tribute to the late Michael Nyqvist...8 out of 10