Retribution movie review. Liam Neeson, who received Oscar nominations and left his mark on the 90s with films such as Schindler’s List, Rob Roy, and Les Miserables, turned into an action star as the 2000s progressed and cannot be stopped even though he is getting older! His latest film, Retribution (Unstoppable), also took its place in movie theaters.
Neeson is accompanied by names such as Lilly Aspell, Jack Champion, Embeth Davidtz and Matthew Modine in the leading roles. Directed by Nimrod Antal, whom we know mostly from the TV world, the film will be waiting for its audience in the theaters as an entertaining option with its 90-minute duration, a scenario that does not require much thought, and a non-stop pace. Those who are fans of even the worst of Liam Neeson action will enjoy this 90 minutes. Because Neeson’s screen time and the movie’s duration are almost the same.
The movie is similar to the crime/speed themed movies that started with the Speed craze and occasionally hit the cinemas. Neeson, who has never escaped trouble with the characters he has played throughout his career, finds a bomb in his car this time. He gets caught in this situation with his two children in the backseat, and as you can imagine, if he does something crazy, the bomb will explode.
As you know, he is not allowed to leave the car or call the police. In this situation, he is trying to save the lives of his children and therefore his own life. Of course, like every Neeson character, although he initially adapts to the situation, the “hero” within him gradually emerges and he rebels and begins to do his own thing. We are making predictions about how the finale will be (one of your three predictions will definitely come true), and we are waiting for Neeson’s classy look at the camera. The rest is plenty of action and adventure…
The movie is, as expected, a bundle of action clichés. It is not difficult to guess most of these clichés as the story progresses. There are choices that resemble TV action from the 90s. For the film, which takes place in a single location, even in a car, the most important subject and point of praise is definitely its tempo. Because, tempo is of great importance for films set in a single location, especially if they are action genres. I can say that the movie is successful in this regard. Its duration is 90 minutes and the tempo uses this time very well.
After a five-minute introduction, the action begins and the intriguing story immediately draws the audience in. In the middle of the movie, he makes his big maneuver (the movie never stops until this moment), then he takes his first break and the necessary conditions for the finale are created. We can say that it is a formula movie, but the audience has always loved movies that take place in a single location.
Also, if there is a race against time or options with limited conditions, do not touch the fun. That’s the big trick of this movie. The actors provide the necessary service to the film with mediocre and not bad performances. Of course, Liam Neeson is at a point where we can say he’s good. It’s always a pleasure to watch him.
There are scenario unraveling on the way to the finale. Although it is not difficult to guess, the maneuvers in the course of the story manage to keep the excitement alive in the hope of a surprise. Perhaps the finale will be a surprise for some viewers. Because this is what is intended to be created with some scenes. If we evaluate it in terms of content, it is possible to draw forced messages such as the brokers who make money from people’s hopes and the system built on lies, but of course this is not the main purpose of the film.
The aim is to use Liam Neeson’s popularity and please action enthusiasts. It is possible to say that he achieved this. We are adding a new one to the Neeson action that started after Taken. In terms of style, we can say that those who like the movie The Commuter will enjoy it more. A car instead of a train, a family instead of passengers, and again, absolutely no stopping. In the final analysis, it would be right to say that action and Neeson lovers will be satisfied, but you should not expect too much.
Retribution (2023)
Directed by: Nimród Antal
Starring: Liam Neeson, Noma Dumezweni, Lilly Aspell, Jack Champion, Embeth Davidtz, Matthew Modine, Arian Moayed, Emily Kusche, Jerry Kwarteng, Christian Koerner, Nedy John Cross
Screenplay by: Chris Salmanpour
Production Design by: David Scheunemann
Cinematography by: Flavio Labiano
Film Editing by: Steven Mirkovich
Costume Design by: Mona May
Set Decoration by: Hanna Bowe, Elias Emde
Art Direction by: Patrick Herzberg, Adorjan Portik, Ralf Schreck
Music by: Harry Gregson-Williams
MPAA Rating: R for some language and violence.
Distributed by: Lionsgate Films, Roadside Attractions
Release Date: August 25, 2023
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