THE PLOT THUS FAR
Martin, a mercenary, is sent from Europe by a mysterious biotech company to the Tasmanian wilderness on a hunt for the last Tasmanian tiger.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“The Hunter” focuses on Martin David, a gun-for-hire who is enlisted by a mysterious military-based biotechnology firm, Red Leaf, to secretly hunt and bring back samples of the Tasmanian Tiger, a creature with near mythical status which is believed to be extinct. Martin is a fastidious man with few attachments to weigh him down and whose life consists of going from one job to the next. The early opening shots of his hotel room with his handful of belongings lined up meticulously establish a man in whom an almost militant sense of order is ingrained.
The motives of Sam Neil’s character are achingly unclear. What we initially assume about Jack doesn’t eventuate and then his surprise alignment is never explained. His part is so superfluous that it could have really been played by anyone or cut altogether. I was disappointed that he was wasted in this film. Compounding these narrative issues is the lack of real conflict and drama. Apart from an improbable climax, the film is dull. We rarely feel the weight of the terrain overcoming Martin. There are also far too many scenes of him driving aimlessly, coupled with moments of trap making and the domestic scenes, which don’t satisfy.
The Blu-Ray comes with a commentary, deleted scenes, featurettes and a trailer. The 1080p transfer is pretty sharp, even though the footage jumps around based on source material. The DTS-HD 5.1 master audio track is sharp enough for the focused action. Still, it’s an independent flick with a very focused soundstage. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!
