Liam Neeson's Retribution is strictly a one-time watch for action star's fans. However, a few of them might get disheartened as well.
Director: Nimród Antal
Cast: Liam Neeson, Matthew Modine, Noma Dumezweni, Embeth Davidtz
Ratings: 2.5 stars
Liam Neeson's films of late have a signature pattern of one-man-army, fighting against all odds to keep his loved ones alive. The Taken star always managed to impress his audience, regardless of how wafer-thin the movie plot is. However, his latest action thriller, Retribution takes a flying start, but by the end, it crashes face first.
Matt Turner (Liam), a skilled financier, trying to balance his busy work life, and personal life, ends up putting himself and his kids in grave danger. While dropping off kids, son Zach Turner (Jack Champion) and daughter Emily Turner (Lilly Aspell) to school in his car, a stranger contacts him over the phone, warning him about a bomb under his seat that will trigger as soon as he will get out of the car. What follows is an interesting cat-and-mouse chase of Matt with the police, protecting the family, and being played as a pawn by the stranger.
The basic premise of Retribution is interesting and quite entertaining. On paper, Retribution is a fine edge-of-the-seat thriller, and that is why it's the third remake of the Spanish movie (2015) of the same name. However, the bland treatment of the subject, the lame execution, and the predictable third act spoil the movie experience.
The first bomb blast in the opening credits grabs your attention right away. Despite no proper introduction or background of the Turners, you feel invested. As the movie progresses, you will feel for poor Matt, who's trying to keep it all together, and at the same time, he's hiding something from his family.
The chase sequences, bomb blast sequences, and car stunts are impressive. These are the only moments in the film, where I felt engaged. However, after a point, the movie becomes predictable, and it ends in the lamest way. It felt like, the director wanted to finish the movie, so he just thought to conclude in the simplest way.
As expected Liam Neeson carries the weak movie on his capable shoulders. Even after being in the limited space of a driver's seat, Liam emotes, pain, agony, and guilt easily, and you will be invested in Matt's journey. Matthew Modine plays Liam's on-screen boss, and he's the second-best thing that happened to the movie. His character has contributed to the narrative and keeps the unpredictability flag high. Lilly Aspell as Emily is a sweetheart, and you will find her brave just like her father.
One of the major shortcomings I found was the lack of background story of the characters. There is no story-building, or even detailed discussion that tell you who Matt is so that you connect with him better. The turning point of the film, where a major revelation happens, is treated so immaturely, that you will predict way before it will happen. Also, the movie ends in a rush, as if Liam had to leave for another shoot. Also, there are a few scenes that will question your intelligence.
Overall, Retribution is strictly a one-time watch for Liam's fans. A few of them might get disheartened as well.
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