Retribution takes Liam Neeson on a wild ride, but as always Neeson isn’t takin’ a backseat to anyone! Again Liam’s character has a specific set of skills only this time they may have gotten him into trouble. What do you do when not only your own life but those of your kids are on the line? Whatever it takes.
Synopsis: Matt (Liam Neeson), a succesful bank executive, receives a bomb threat while driving his children to school. He is told that if he or his children exit the vehicle it will trigger the pressure sensative devise under the seat. If Matt refuses to do anything the caller asks the bomb can also be detonated remotely.
The premise is simple enough in this one. Most of the 90-minutes takes place inside the car. Matt drives to locations the caller specifies in hopes that the madman will let his kids go free. It soon becomes apparent that the caller wants two things. A lot of cash and to frame Matt for all the carnage along the way. And there is carnage. Enough that the entire police force is after Matt now.
Though the film is predictable and at times very formulaic, it still keeps you engaged and nervous. We are used to seeing Neeson in charge so watching his at the mercy of another is different. There are several decent car chases, and a mystery that stays under wraps until the very end.
It is hind site that will frustrate you with this one. Once it is over you reallize that much of the film was convenient to move the plot. I had questions that I assumed had obvious answers. Only to find out my doubts were legitimate after all. But I get it. Things are in place to heighten the excitement and peril. It makes for a solid movie experience, just don’t think too much about it later.
The story relies a lot on our naivety about technology and big brother. We are fine with the concept that anyone can see us no matter where we are, and is able to know all that is going on inside our car. Again, if you allow the plotholes to ruin it they will. If you overlook them the film isn’t a bad ride.
Is it worth your hard earned money at the box office? Maybe if you find a cheap matinee or if your theater has a discount time. Other than that this one will hit just as well when it comes to 4k and streaming. If you feel like waiting you won’t be worse off.
Retribution is rated R for some language and intense moments. Neeson is great in this roles. He summons emotion and anger in good balance. Everyone else in the film are literal passengers with him squarely in the drivers seat.
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