Aged action hero emerges: Jorma Tommila relentless in Sisu sequel. [Image Source: MOVIEWEBIMAGES]
A new figure has emerged in the action genre, taking the mantle from previous icons like Liam Neeson with a dazzling 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film, an action thriller sequel, has captivated audiences with its intense revenge-driven plot, carving out its own place in the legacy of aged action heroes.
The standout movie earning this acclaim is Sisu: Road to Revenge, featuring Finnish actor Jorma Tommila as a former World War II commando determined to avenge the brutal murder of his family. Critics have praised this film for its relentless energy and inventive action scenes, marking it as a worthy continuation of the franchise. MovieWeb’s Zachary Lee described it as
“the Bonkers, Bloodsoaked Sequel Fans Have Been Waiting For.”
Adding to the film’s shock value, reviews highlight its extraordinary set pieces that defy physical laws. Lee elaborated,
“If you’re wondering who might win in a fight between a cargo truck and a fighter plane, this film provides the gory, blood-soaked answer — laws of physics be damned.”
Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com noted that Sisu: Road to Revenge improves on the original film by expanding its chaotic action rather than simply replicating it. He said,
“’Road to Revenge’ reimagines everything that worked about ‘Sisu,’ but it does what an action sequel should do and builds on it instead of just repeating the same barely-controlled chaos. This movie rules.”
Audience excitement is further fueled by Sean Boelman of FandomWire, who commended the sequel for
“increasing the number of insane (and satisfying) set pieces the likes of which only Helander and this newly built franchise can deliver.”
A Daring and Inventive Approach to Action
The distinct style of Sisu: Road to Revenge continues to attract attention for its blend of gore and unexpected humor. Slant Magazine’s Rocco T. Thompson observed that much of the film feels like a “spectacularly gory silent film,” with Tommila’s character taking on Red Army soldiers through scenes that mix innovation with a touch of dark comedy. Complementing this, Meagan Navarro from Bloody Disgusting drew comparisons to the action-packed chaos of Mad Max, stating,
Image of: Liam Neeson
“Helander channels George Miller in his raucous Mad Max-like road thriller that gives a big, bloody middle finger to reality in favor of crowd-pleasing action carnage.”
The Storyline and Characters Driving Sisu’s Revenge
Written and directed by Jalmari Helander, Sisu: Road to Revenge continues the narrative from the 2022 hit Sisu. Jorma Tommila returns as Aatami Korpi, a relentless man whose family was murdered during the war. The plot intensifies when Stephen Lang joins the cast as Igor Draganov, the Soviet Red Army officer responsible for the atrocity. The film chronicles Aatami’s mission to move his family’s home and rebuild it safely, sparking a dangerous chase as Draganov pursues him to finish what he started.
The official synopsis reveals the high stakes and relentless pace of the film:
“SISU: ROAD TO REVENGE is a wall-to-wall cinematic action event, a sequel to the original sleeper hit SISU. Returning to the house where his family was brutally murdered during the war, ‘the man who refuses to die’ (Jorma Tommila) dismantles it, loads it on a truck, and is determined to rebuild it somewhere safe in their honor. When the Red Army commander who killed his family (Stephen Lang from DON’T BREATHE) comes back hellbent on finishing the job, a relentless, eye-popping cross-country chase ensues – a fight to the death, full of clever, unbelievable action set pieces.”
Main Cast and Key Roles in the Film
The film’s cast brings these intense characters to life with powerful performances. Jorma Tommila stars as the protagonist, Aatami, whose quest for vengeance drives the story. Stephen Lang features as the menacing antagonist, Igor Draganov. Supporting roles include Einar Haraldsson as a soldier and Jaakko Hutchings portraying a Soviet soldier, both adding depth to the wartime setting and tension.
Cast Highlights:
Jorma Tommila as Aatami Korpi, the determined former commando seeking revenge.
Stephen Lang as Igor Draganov, the ruthless Soviet officer pursuing Aatami.
Einar Haraldsson in the role of a soldier, contributing to the war’s backdrop.
Jaakko Hutchings as a Soviet soldier, enhancing the intensity of the conflict scenes.
Anticipated Impact and Release Details
Sisu: Road to Revenge is set for release in the United States on November 21, promising to deliver a high-octane, unconventional action experience that expands the evolving archetype of the aged action hero. With its perfect Rotten Tomatoes score and strong critical acclaim, the film is poised to have a significant influence on the genre, raising expectations for creative storytelling married with spectacular action sequences.
The film’s combination of historical revenge themes and inventive, unorthodox combat sequences ensures it stands out in a crowded marketplace, appealing to fans of intense, visceral cinema. Its success also highlights Finnish actor Jorma Tommila’s rising status and director Jalmari Helander’s skill in pushing the boundaries of action filmmaking.
