There is something about being out in the great outdoors during a snow that reminds you how close we are to our frontiersman forebears. And after seeing, “The Grey” you realize that the old days may not have really sucked.

Liam Neeson continues to amaze. Improving with age, he’s also moved toward more unusual roles. At 60, he’s slowly turned himself into a plausible action star with his performance in “The Grey” and “Taken.”

But Neeson remains a compelling actor. Even in this outing – and the machismo of oil riggers facing off against wolves in the deep forest could have drifted into farce – Neeson manages his tone perfectly ranging from despair to a calm range.

But before you pack the kids in the car for a “Call of the Wild” type of affair, keep in mind that wildlife isn’t always pretty. The movie gets gruesome in those instances where the wolves have the upper hand.

And while this creepy offering may be a bit predictable for some, the journey is filled with self-reliant creepy goodness. It’s a fun ride.