Liam Neeson's New Movie "Retribution" Faces Mixed Reactions, Labeled 'Worst Film of the Year' by Some Critics
Liam Neeson's latest action-packed thriller, Retribution , is stirring up controversy, with some critics dubbing it "the worst film of the year." While Neeson has built a reputation for playing tough, heroic roles, this latest release is struggling to gain favor with audiences and critics alike. The movie, which premiered in August, features the Irish actor as Matt Turner, a financier caught in a terrifying situation when an anonymous bomber targets him while he’s driving his children to school. The film, directed by Nimród Antal, takes audiences on a high-octane ride with car chases, intense gunfights, and plenty of suspense. However, the story, which is based on the 2015 Spanish thriller The Stranger , hasn’t left a positive impression.
Despite Neeson’s familiar role as an action hero, Retribution has been met with sharp critiques from prominent outlets. Rolling Stone labeled the film as disappointing, suggesting that Neeson should consider retiring from playing the everyman action hero. The review remarked, "Retribution is not the worst of his thrillers/action movies – that honor belongs to last year's god-awful Blacklight – but it does suggest that Neeson may want to consider retiring from the everyman action-hero beat for good." The review highlighted the formulaic nature of the film, criticizing it for relying too heavily on clichés of "nameless thugs threatening the safety of a tough guy's offspring."
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Other reviews were just as harsh. The New York Times referred to the film's plot as "frustrating" and pointed out that even Neeson’s presence couldn’t salvage the narrative. Vulture described Retribution as a “paycheck movie,” filled with predictable twists and riddled with plot holes. The film's reception has been so harsh that the NZ Herald went as far as to suggest Retribution could be in the running for the title of “Worst Film of the Year.” However, not all critiques were entirely negative. Some reviewers acknowledged that, despite its flaws, Neeson’s charismatic screen presence and the direction of Nimród Antal did manage to offer moments of entertainment.
In many ways, Retribution feels like a film stuck in a familiar and overdone formula. For Neeson, who has earned fame for his roles in movies like Taken and Non-Stop , his foray into this genre is starting to show signs of fatigue. Critics are beginning to question whether he’s running out of fresh ideas for his action-hero persona, with some even suggesting he may want to try his hand at different genres in the future. While Neeson’s dedicated fan base may still find enjoyment in his films, Retribution seems to be drawing a line between those who appreciate his work and those who believe it’s time for a change.
As the debate over the film’s quality continues, one thing is clear: Liam Neeson’s reputation as an action star is facing a crossroads, and how he chooses to navigate this may determine the direction of his career in the coming years. For now, Retribution may not be a title that will be remembered as one of his best, but it has certainly sparked discussion about his future in the genre.
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