TF:
Liam Neeson’s rise as a grizzled action star in the autumn of his career is one of Hollywood’s more intriguing trends. Compare him to certain ’80s action heroes who’ve descended into self-parody: in films like Taken and The Grey, Neeson has brought gravitas to his ageing hard-men roles.
His latest addition to the geri-action genre sees him reunite with Spanish helmer Jaume Collet-Serra, who previously directed Neeson in 2011’s mistaken-identity thriller Unknown. Here, the big guy plays US federal air marshal Bill Marks. Right off the bat, we know he’s got problems, when he slugs back some liquor in the airport parking lot.
Collet-Serra cranks up the tension and keeps it hanging at 35,000 feet – and for two-thirds this is real edge-of-your-seat stuff as you’re left trying to figure out how it all fits together. Neeson keeps us involved, while the support cast is also pleasing – from Linus Roache’s pilot to 12 Years A Slave’s Lupita Nyong’o’s trolley dolly and Scoot McNairy’s passenger.
But just as the film begins to make its descent, it goes wildly off course. For all the fiendish ingenuity behind Marks’ torment, the explanations and motives are utterly lame. Likewise, the emotional journey, as Marks finds redemption for a past emotional trauma, is enough to make you reach for the sick bag. Rarely has a film squandered such promise.
With the new The Crow remake coming soon, we take a look back at the 30-year-old cult classic original–and where the stars are now.
Kaam Chalu Hai Review: Based on true events, this movie is thought-provoking and inspiring
Rebel Moon Part 2 Review: This movie doesn't feel anything new or worth remembering, which is a shame.
