Retribution Movie Review: Liam Neeson’s Latest Action Flick Is More of the Same
Retribution Movie Review Introduction
Liam Neeson has been a staple of action movies for over a decade, ever since he reinvented himself as an action hero with 2008’s Taken. Since then, he has starred in a series of thrillers that often involve him rescuing his family members from various threats, using his skills and wits. Retribution, his latest film, is no exception. It is a remake of the 2015 Spanish film El Desconocido, which has also been adapted in Germany and South Korea.
The premise is simple: Neeson plays a banker who receives a phone call from a mysterious voice that tells him there are bombs under his car seats, and they will explode if he or his kids try to get out. He must follow the instructions of the caller, who wants him to pay for his shady business dealings.
Retribution Movie Review Summary
The film begins with Matt Turner (Neeson), a successful banker in Berlin, who has neglected his wife Heather (Embeth Davidtz) and his two children, Zach (Jack Champion) and Emily (Lilly Aspell). He agrees to drive them to school one morning after Heather insists. Along the way, he receives a call from a burner phone that has been planted in his car, along with the bombs.
The caller (Arian Moayed) tells him that he must transfer hundreds of millions of euros from an offshore account to another account, or else he and his kids will die. He also warns him not to contact the police or anyone else, and to throw away their cell phones.
Matt tries to keep calm and follow the instructions, while also trying to figure out who is behind this and why. He soon realizes that he is being targeted for his involvement in a fraudulent scheme that ruined the lives of many people, including the callers. He also discovers that his best friend and business partner Anders (Matthew Modine) is in on it and that he must kill him as part of the deal.
Matt faces several obstacles and challenges along the way, such as avoiding the police, dealing with traffic jams, finding a way to access money, and coping with his terrified and angry kids. He also learns some secrets about his wife and his past that make him question his life choices.
The film reaches its climax when Matt manages to transfer the money and reach the destination that the caller has given him. There, he confronts the caller face to face and learns his identity and motive. The caller reveals that he is Sylvain, a former employee of Matt’s bank who lost everything because of Matt’s fraud.
He blames Matt for ruining his life, his marriage, and his son’s health. He tells Matt that he has rigged another bomb under Heather’s car seat and that he will detonate it unless Matt kills himself. Matt refuses to do so and tries to reason with Sylvain. He apologizes for what he did and tells him that killing him will not bring back what he lost. He also tells him that he loves his family and that they are innocent. Sylvain hesitates but then decides to press the button anyway.
However, nothing happens. It turns out that Angela (Noma Dumezweni), a police officer who has been tracking Matt’s car, has managed to disable the bomb under Heather’s car. She arrives at the scene with her team and arrests Sylvain. Matt reunites with his family, who have survived the ordeal. He hugs them and tells them that he loves them.
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Retribution Movie Review Analysis
Retribution is a typical Liam Neeson action thriller that does not offer much originality or depth. It relies on a familiar formula of a high-concept premise, a ticking clock scenario, a series of obstacles and twists, and a climactic confrontation. The film does not deviate much from its source material, except for changing the setting from Spain to Germany and adding some minor details and subplots. The film does not explore the themes of retribution, justice, morality, or redemption in any meaningful way. It does not challenge or surprise the audience with its plot or characters.
The film’s main strength is Liam Neeson’s performance as Matt Turner. Neeson delivers a solid and convincing portrayal of a man who is trapped in a desperate situation, and who must use his intelligence and resourcefulness to survive and save his family. He also conveys the emotional turmoil and guilt that Matt feels as he realizes the consequences of his actions and faces his past mistakes. Neeson carries the film with his charisma and presence, even when he is confined in a car for most of the time.
The film’s main weakness is its lack of originality and suspense. The film does not offer anything new or exciting to the genre of action thrillers. It borrows heavily from other films such as Speed (1994), Phone Booth (2002), Cellular (2004), and Buried (2010). It also suffers from a predictable and clichéd plot, with obvious twists and contrived coincidences.
The film does not create enough tension or suspense, as the audience can easily guess what will happen next, and how it will end. The film also fails to develop its supporting characters, such as Matt’s family, his friend Anders, the police officer Angela, and the villain Sylvain. They are either underused, stereotyped, or uninteresting.
Retribution Movie Review Conclusion
Retribution is a mediocre action thriller that does not live up to its potential. It wastes a good premise and a talented lead actor on a formulaic and uninspired story. It does not offer any surprises or insights, and it does not engage the audience emotionally or intellectually. It is a forgettable and disposable film that will appeal only to die-hard fans of Liam Neeson and the genre.
FAQs
- What is Retribution about?
Retribution is about a banker who receives a phone call from a mysterious voice that tells him there are bombs under his car seats, and they will explode if he or his kids try to get out. He must follow the instructions of the caller, who wants him to pay for his shady business dealings.
- Who stars in Retribution?
Retribution stars Liam Neeson as Matt Turner, Noma Dumezweni as Angela Brickmann, Lilly Aspell as Emily Turner, Jack Champion as Zach Turner, Arian Moayed as Sylvain, Embeth Davidtz as Heather Turner, and Matthew Modine as Anders Muller.
- Is Retribution based on a true story?
No, Retribution is not based on a true story. It is a remake of the 2015 Spanish film El Desconocido, which was also fictional.
- Is Retribution worth watching?
Retribution is not worth watching unless you are a fan of Liam Neeson and action thrillers. It is a mediocre and unoriginal film that does not offer anything new or exciting to the genre. It has a predictable and clichéd plot, a lack of suspense and tension, and poorly developed characters. It is a one-time watch that will not leave any lasting impression.
I hope “Retribution Movie Review 2023” this article is enough for you and now you can decide, To go and watch this movie.
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