Showing posts with label Retribution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Retribution. Show all posts

Friday 6 October 2023

REVIEW: Retribution (2023) - Starring Liam Neeson

Review by Jon Donnis
"Retribution," directed by Nimród Antal and written by Chris Salmanpour, is a gripping action thriller that attempts to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The film, a remake of the 2015 Spanish film "El desconocido," stars Liam Neeson as Matt Turner, a father pushed to his limits when faced with a life-threatening situation involving a bomb in his car.

Following Matt Turner, a successful Berlin based American businessman, and a doting father whose life takes a terrifying turn when driving his kids to school one morning he finds himself trapped in his car with a bomb under his seat, it will detonate unless he completes a specific series of tasks, and fast. The gripping narrative unfolds as Matt is forced to follow the bomber's instructions to protect his family. The plot weaves a tale of suspense, intrigue, and betrayal as Matt races against time to uncover the truth and save his loved ones.


In a clever twist, the film unveils a web of deceit and embezzlement, ultimately revealing the true identity of the mastermind behind the bombings.

If you're a fan of Liam Neeson's iconic portrayal of the 'angry dad' action hero, "Retribution" is tailor-made for you. Neeson's performance as Matt Turner delivers the intensity and grit expected of such a role. The film effectively uses close-up shots to convey Matt's emotional struggle and the precarious situation of his two children, portrayed by Lilly Aspell and Jack Champion.


The direction by Nimród Antal successfully infuses the narrative with suspense and emotion. Antal skilfully navigates the thriller's pacing, building tension throughout the film. The focus on character dynamics and the family's plight enhances the emotional connection, making the stakes feel even higher.

Liam Neeson's recurring depiction of the 'angry dad' action hero can make the plot feel formulaic at times. The familiarity of this archetype might lead some viewers to feel like they've seen similar portrayals from Neeson in his previous films. Additionally, the movie does lean into some clichés, particularly in the portrayal of character backgrounds, where information is presented through somewhat obvious 'info dumps.'


While Neeson's fans may overlook this, a more innovative approach to storytelling and character development could have elevated the film beyond its predictable moments.

The cast delivers solid performances, with Liam Neeson anchoring the film as Matt Turner. Noma Dumezweni, Lilly Aspell, Jack Champion, Embeth Davidtz, Matthew Modine, and Arian Moayed complement Neeson's performance, contributing to a well-rounded cast.

In conclusion, "Retribution" is a satisfying thriller that will resonate particularly well with fans of Liam Neeson's action hero roles. While it adheres to certain action movie conventions, the film succeeds in delivering tension and emotion, making it an engaging watch for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping cinematic experience.

I score Retribution a fair 7 out of 10. I like Liam Neeson and I enjoy Angry Hero Dad films.

Out Now on Digital at https://apple.co/3tjHdai

Friday 30 June 2023

TRAILER: Liam Neeson takes us on a high-octane ride of redemption and revenge in Sky film Retribution

Prepare for an exhilarating ride as the official trailer for the Sky Original film Retribution, featuring Liam Neeson (Taken), is unleashed. From the producers of Non-Stop and The Commuter, this immersive ticking clock thriller is set to captivate audiences.

Joining Neeson in the cast are Noma Dumezweni (The Little Mermaid), Lilly Aspell (Wonder Woman: 1984), Jack Champion (Avatar: The Way of Water), Embeth Davidtz (The Amazing Spider-Man 2), and Matthew Modine (Stranger Things).

In the film, Neeson portrays Matt Turner, a successful American businessman residing in Berlin, who skilfully manages a thriving financial career alongside his family responsibilities. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he receives a mysterious phone call while driving his children to school. The caller reveals a chilling truth: there's a bomb planted under Matt's seat, poised to detonate unless he swiftly completes a series of specific tasks. Trapped in a relentless high-speed chase throughout the city, Matt must navigate the escalating dangers dictated by the enigmatic voice, racing against time to protect his loved ones and unravel the unfolding mystery that unfolds over the course of a single day.

Directed by Nimród Antal and written by Alberto Marini, with a screenplay by Christopher Salmanpour, Retribution is a gripping adaptation of the film El Desconocido. Producers Andrew Rona, Alex Heineman, Jaume Collet-Serra, and Juan Sola come together to bring this thrilling story to life. The film is a collaborative effort between STUDIOCANAL, The Picture Company, Ombra Films, TF1 Films Production Studio Babelsberg, with the participation of Canal+, Cine+, TF1, and TMC.

Audiences can look forward to experiencing Retribution as it hits the screens this autumn, releasing on Sky Cinema, streaming service NOW, and in cinemas.

Tuesday 6 January 2015

Competition Win Retribution on DVD

To celebrate the release of Retribution on DVD on January 12th, we have got a great competition for you and 3 copies to give away on DVD

Synopsis:
Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul stars in this white-knuckle thriller about a father and his out of control teenage son set against the high-risk world of motocross.

Obsessed with heavy metal and seething with rebellious anger, 13-year-old Jacob (Josh Wiggins, Lost in the Sun) finds release in the exhilarating world of motocross but his increasingly reckless behaviour is threatening to spin out of control.

Its up to his hard-drinking father, Hollis (two-time Emmy Award-winner Aaron Paul) to get him back on track before he does something he cant take back.

Win This
Retribution (Amazon Link)

Competition Closed
Winners will be chosen randomly and will be informed via email.