John Woo Returns to Hollywood After 20 Years with a Divisive New Film
John Woo returns to Hollywood after 20 years with Silent Night, sparking mixed fan reviews for the highly-anticipated film
Director John Woo, well-known for his cinematic hits like Face/Off and Mission: Impossible 2, took a hiatus from Hollywood for almost two decades. Now, his latest film Silent Night has been met with mixed reactions and reviews as it marks his return to the industry after 20 years.
The official synopsis for the movie states: "On Christmas Eve, a man tragically witnesses the death of his young son in the crossfire of warring gangs. After recovering from a wound that left him voiceless, he sets out on a relentless and violent mission to seek vengeance against those accountable." As the release date for the John Woo film approaches on December 1, 2023, there is already a mixed response from fans.
New John Woo movie Silent Night gets divisive fan reaction
Ahead of the release of John Woo’s new movie Silent Night, first fan reactions seem to be dividing opinion.
The movie is currently ranking at 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, meaning it’s just shy of being awarded Certified Fresh status.
Kristy Puchko of Mashable described "Silent Night" as taking its absurd premise far too seriously, and even John Woo's signature carnage can't distract from the film's cliches. Meanwhile, David Ehrlich of IndieWire remarked that John Woo's latest film lacks the boldness and energy characteristic of his work.
Peter Debruge from Variety has a different opinion, stating: "Although it may seem silly, Silent Night gives audiences a reason to be excited about the Hong Kong innovator once again. It's one of the few Christmas counter-programmers since Die Hard that feels deserving of repeat viewings." Meanwhile, fans on X/Twitter are showing much more enthusiasm for John Woo's newest film.
"Joel Kinnaman delivers an outstanding performance in John Woo's SILENT NIGHT, offering an action-packed spectacle that delves deep into the emotional struggles of its characters with a level of seriousness rarely seen in the genre. Each blow hits hard, evoking a visceral response due to the high stakes and raw emotion. A thrilling experience!" one user exclaimed.
"SILENT NIGHT expertly unfolds its mostly dialogue-free narrative, maximizing the impact of John Woo's signature action style. Joel Kinnaman rises to the challenge both emotionally and physically. It's a no-holds-barred holiday revenge film, packed with intense action and stunning slow-motion sequences," added another.
"Silent Night is a successful action experiment for me. With minimal dialogue, it creates unexpectedly poignant moments. The direction by John Woo is impressive, proving he still has the talent after all these years. And Joel Kinnaman delivers a standout performance." A third voice added their thoughts.
Silent Night will be in theaters on December 1. Be sure to explore our other upcoming movie and TV hubs below.
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Editor's P/S
John Woo, the legendary director behind classic action movies like Face/Off and Mission: Impossible 2, has finally returned to Hollywood after a 20-year hiatus. His latest film, Silent Night, has garnered mixed reactions from fans, with some praising its intense action sequences and emotional depth, while others criticizing its cliches and lack of boldness.
As a fan of John Woo's work, I am thrilled to see him back in action. Silent Night may not be his best film, but it still packs a punch with its stylish visuals and hard-hitting action. The film's premise is simple yet effective, and it allows Woo to explore his signature themes of violence, revenge, and redemption. The cast is solid, with Joel Kinnaman delivering a standout performance as the grieving father seeking vengeance.
Overall, Silent Night is a solid return to form for John Woo. While it may not be as groundbreaking as his earlier work, it still offers enough action and emotion to satisfy fans of the genre. I, for one, can't wait to see what Woo does next.
