Around 15 years ago, Liam Neeson took on the role of Bryan Mills, a hardened ex-CIA agent in the movie “Taken.” This film was a game-changer for Neeson’s career, propelling him into the unexpected role of an action star in a series of low-budget European thrillers. These movies, like “Non-Stop” on a plane or “The Commuter” on a train, became known for their simple premises.
In his latest film, “Retribution,” Neeson plays a financier named Matt Turner who finds himself trapped in a car with his children. If anyone leaves the vehicle, it will explode—reminiscent of the 1994 film “Speed.” However, unlike “Taken,” where Neeson’s character boasted about his particular set of skills, Matt in “Retribution” is weakly pleading for his life.
Before his action star transformation, Neeson had an extensive filmography that included various genres, serious biopics, and even an Oscar nomination for “Schindler’s List.” Unlike Keanu Reeves, who relied on his acrobatic abilities in “John Wick,” Neeson’s action films lacked intense fight scenes. Despite this, he brought a haunted quality to his characters, elevating them beyond their shallow plots.
In “Retribution,” the director Nimród Antal fails to capture the claustrophobic atmosphere of Matt’s situation, unlike Neeson’s frequent collaborator Jaume Collet-Serra. Collet-Serra, on the other hand, seems to have lost his touch, directing lackluster blockbusters. This raises concerns about the future of quality mid-budget movies that propelled Neeson’s career resurgence.
While Neeson has admirably portrayed gritty and intense characters in mid-budget films, it may be time for him to retire the trope of the skilled tough guy.
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