Seeing Liam Neeson's name on the poster, we expect to see a familiar movie on the screen, most likely featuring a plot where one of the protagonist's close ones falls into the hands of enemies, and he must bravely rescue them. Everyone knows him, if not from the talking-on-the-phone meme with Neeson. He certainly never gets old. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the hero saving his family.
"Retribution": cozy action movie starring Liam Neeson
Director Nimród Antal, known for directing several action films with notable film stars, has recently worked on TV series, including "Pines," "Stranger Things," and "Servant."
Despite this, he successfully accomplished the task of creating a short (just over 1.5 hours, a bit nonsensical!) yet impactful and robust action film with a star. The question remains whether this film, resembling its predecessors, was necessary.
Related topic: Preparing for Christmas: two movies ideal for family watching
What is this film about?
Successful businessman Matt Turner is getting ready for work in the morning. His wife (Amber Davidtz) reminds him that today he's taking the kids to school. The teenagers (too young for an almost old man like him) argue, turning the morning routine into a nightmare. After barely getting the kids into the Mercedes, the father confidently drives through the streets of Berlin.
At that moment, a modified voice on the other end of the phone informs him that there are bombs under the driver's and passengers' seats. They were activated as soon as someone sat on them. There is no way out; all that's left is to listen to the kidnapper.
Tense dialogues
Gradually, the director reveals the character to us, and he turns out not to be such a good husband, father, and businessman after all. Clients' money actually rests in a hidden account, and he must give it to the kidnapper. This can only be done with a partner, whom the voice directs our hero towards.
On the way to demonstrate his intentions, Matt encounters another employee's car. It explodes, taking the lives of the driver and passenger, and the hero is forced to agree to the antagonist's conditions. The tension here lies not in the race through the streets of Berlin and spectacular explosion scenes but in negotiations with a person who knows exactly what he wants, raising the level of passion.
Revealing the further plot due to spoilers is not possible, but the tension of the dialogues eventually breaks out of the car. The resolution is sudden, spectacular, inevitable, and will leave no one indifferent.
Verdict
You can't step into the same river twice (although this is far from the fifth time), unless it's a pool of tears of admiration for the genre and the actor.
If you want to see your favorite character in new settings, this is your option.
If you're looking for undemanding action for a leisurely evening watch, this is your option.
If you want a bit of tension and emotions from the film but at the same time the feeling of "cozy home slippers," this is 100% your option.
Related topics:
This film, a cozy action movie titled "Retribution," is set in the world of Cinema, featuring Liam Neeson as the main character. After watching this movie, one might find themselves appreciating Neeson's timeless acting skills and the thrilling dialogue-driven action scenes.
