Boss Level (2021) – A Fun, Funny, and Thrilling Time Loop Action Ride

I've always loved movies with time loops. There's something about them that makes you think. A kind of science fiction that asks: what would I do if I was stuck in the same day over and over? Boss Level takes that question and runs with it. But instead of a romantic comedy or a drama, it's a full-blown action thriller. The protagonist lives the same moments again and again. Each time, he fixes something, learns something, and moves forward. And along the way? There are some genuinely funny moments. It's entertaining, funny, and makes you think. What more could you want?

The Plot: Die, Learn, Repeat, Survive

Roy Pulver (Frank Grillo) is a former special forces agent. And he's trapped in a time loop. Every single day, he wakes up, and by the end of the day, he is murdered. Brutally. By a series of highly skilled assassins.

But here's the twist: Roy remembers every death. Every loop. Every mistake. And each time, he gets a little better. He learns the assassins' patterns. He figures out their weaknesses. He uncovers clues about a secret government project that could unlock the mystery behind his untimely demise.

His ultimate target is Colonel Ventor (Mel Gibson) , the powerful head of the government program. Roy must hunt him down while outrunning ruthless assassins determined to keep him from the truth. Break out of the loop. Save his family. Live again for tomorrow.

What Works: Action, Humor, and Heart

The Action: This is a Joe Carnahan film (The Grey, The A-Team), so the action is top-tier. Gunfights, car chases, hand-to-hand combat—it's all here and done well.

The Humor: Roy dies over and over. But the movie never gets too dark. Instead, it finds comedy in the repetition. He knows what's coming. He jokes about it. He even gets bored of dying. Frank Grillo's deadpan delivery is perfect for this role.

The Heart: Beneath the explosions and gunfire, there's a real story. Roy wants to save his ex-wife (Naomi Watts) and his son. The time loop isn't just a gimmick—it's a metaphor for how we keep trying, keep failing, and keep getting back up.

The Performances: Frank Grillo is fantastic. He carries the movie with physicality and charm. Mel Gibson is menacing as the villain. And Naomi Watts adds emotional weight.

The Themes: Perseverance, Redemption, and Learning from Failure

This movie is about never giving up. Roy dies hundreds of times. Hundreds. But he keeps going. Each death teaches him something new. Each failure brings him closer to success.

It's also about redemption. Roy wasn't a good husband. He wasn't a good father. But the time loop gives him a chance to become better—to fight for his family in a way he never did before.

And on a deeper level, it's about how we grow through repetition. Practice makes perfect. Failure is just a lesson. Keep trying. You'll get there.

The Ratings

• IMDb: 6.8/10 (from 90,000 users)
• Rotten Tomatoes: 73% Critics / 77% Audience

Solid scores all around. Critics appreciated the inventive action and Grillo's performance. Audiences loved the fun, fast-paced energy. It's not a masterpiece, but it's a damn good time.

Final Verdict: A 7/10 Hidden Gem on Hulu

My rating is 7 out of 10. Boss Level is a funny, entertaining, and thrilling science fiction action movie with a side that will make you think. If you enjoy time loop stories like Edge of Tomorrow or Groundhog Day but want more guns and explosions, this is for you. It's not groundbreaking, but it's a hell of a lot of fun.

Recommendation: Stream it on Hulu when you want something undemanding, action-packed, and surprisingly heartfelt.

Have you seen Boss Level? What's your favorite time loop movie—this one, Edge of Tomorrow, or something else? Let me know in the comments!

And suggest a movie for my next review! I'm in the mood for another smart sci-fi or action film.

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