Straight off the bat, I'm going to apologise to anyone that watched the Polar trailer that I linked on the Facebook page yesterday. It was the only one that I could find, and unfortunately, whatever marketing team threw the trailer together decided to spoil many of the set-pieces in the film. So for those that watched it because I linked it, I'm sorry if the film would bring you fewer surprises and enjoyment, and to those that haven't watched it but still intend on checking out the film...avoid the trailer.
Polar is a film adaptation of a noir graphic novel of the same name. The graphic novel in its original form has a complete lack of dialogue, and this is something that is not adhered to in the film but still influences Mad Mikkelsen's character in his stoicism.
Interestingly, one of the most obvious comparisons that will be made with this film is the similarity in stylisation to that of John Wick, but let it be known that the Polar graphic novel preceded the first Wick film by two years. The creators of this film are certainly aware of the similarities and do have a scene that pokes a bit of fun at it.
Polar is split in two, with regards to the style of the film. There are clear visual differences between the protagonists and the antagonists in behaviour, dialogue, wardrobe, and environments. Where theMikkelsen and Vanessa Hudgens protagonist side of the story is dark, gritty, largely non-verbal and serious, Matt Lucas and the other antagonists have a much more outlandishly vibrant portrayal. They are all incredibly colourful and visibly distinctive, residing in more vivid environments, and acting over-the-top in behaviour. It is an aspect that really tries to hit home with that comic book feel but ends up making the film feel unbalanced.
Mikkelsen does a great job in this role, with a look and demeanour that is very Metal Gear Solid meets John Wick, with some very creative gadgets and action scenes that scream James Bond and Daredevil (I'm talking the Netflix series great hallway fights, not Ben Affleck's trainwreck of a film). The antagonists, on the other hand, are practically one-dimensional caricatures, that seem to only have one play, and are otherwise ineffective. But stylistically speaking they are more Suicide Squad (even with the difficult to read pop-up text) with the unnecessarily extravagant violence and gore of Kill Bill. It feels like two completely separate films that were merged into one.
The film takes a while to set itself up and is a little clunky when while it does so, but the premise is actually a reasonably interesting one, not dissimilar to how the Continental raises so many questions about the logistics of things in the John Wick films. It makes you want to learn more about the lore. Once the clunky build up is complete, around 45 minutes in, that is when the movie really becomes a brilliant watch.
Such a fun action film, that has a fair share of gore (and nudity), I genuinely enjoyed several parts. It is simply let down by the inconsistent tone. When you are going up against a rag-tag group of stooges, it is hard to feel any real tension. When your villain is so over-the-top that he is awkward and laughable, you lose your suspense. While it doesn't ruin the film for me, it does detract from something that could have been much better.
I am all about the serious parts of the film that incorporate some nice dramatic elements and intriguing backstory that result in the nice little twist at the end. With some competent villains, this would have been a much higher quality film, but I'd still recommend giving it a view if you are a fan of Mikkelsen.
I'll end with a slightly spoiler-y discussion topic. What is with Mads Mikkelsen and constantly injuring his left eye? Valhalla Rising, Casino Royale, Doctor Strange affected both eyes, something was going on in that Death Standing trailer and now Polar. They must really want the audience staring into (what remains of) his eyes.