Gunpowder Milkshake: A Missed Opportunity for Female Empowerment

Like mother like daughter.

Sam (Karen Gillan) has taken over the family business left by her mom: killing She works as an assassin for The Firm. Her mom, Scarlet (Lena Headey) ran away from this life and Sam has never forgiven her for the abandonment. A few bad mistakes leave a child, Emily, in Sam's care and she must turn to the librarians for help.

Gunpowder Milkshake balances being an action movie while also handling a mother-daughter relationship. Sam's world is visually striking with kitschy elements and neon lights. The bold production design outshines the cast making the performances feel flat.

With so many stellar talents in this film, most of them don't get to showcase their talents until the end. Filled with awkward dialogue the characters never seem to be on the same page.

The film is a female-led action film but to succeed in this world the women must be deadly. It relies on these violent scenes to speak of female empowerment. It is doing too much to balance being an action film and a relationship between a mother and daughter that neither plot has the chance to be fully developed.