‘Retribution’ Review – Liam Neeson Movie Running On All Cylinders?

I have a huge bias when it comes to Liam Neeson movies. If a Neeson flick crosses my path, there is a good chance I will watch it. Nimrod Antal (Vacancy, Predators) is a talented director, and I was looking forward to their collaboration on Retribution. For the most part, this movie works and is a recommended watch. That said . . .

Matt Turner (Liam Neeson) is a rich bank executive whose devotion to his career may have fractured his relationship with his wife (Embeth Davidtz) and his children (Jack Champion, Lilly Aspell).

How bad of a family man is Matt? He complains about bringing the kids to school due to an important business call. Matt may be even closer to his boss (Matthew Modine) than his own family, and convincing a client not to bail on their investment is his most pressing engagement.

Things change when Matt receives an anonymous phone call while his kids are in the back seat. The caller threatens that a bomb will explode if he and his children leave the car. The rest of the narrative deals with Matt’s doing the stranger’s bidding while figuring out a way to outwit his adversary.

Retribution is a slick, visually enticing thriller and that credit goes to filmmaker Nimrod Antal. He succcessfully delivers an entertaining movie with Neeson, Champion, and Aspell situated in a vehicle for most of the picture. Credit goes to accomplishing that challenging feat.

Check out my Retribution review on our CinemAddicts YouTube Channel:

Unfortunately, the movie is partially let down by Christopher Salmanpour’s script. The twist is obvious from a mile away, and the dialogue, at times, felt by the numbers. Thanks to Antal’s skillful directing and Neeson’s always locked in performance, Retribution still succeeds as a worthwhile watch.

***I review Retribution on the latest episode of CinemAddicts:

My mother is also a big Liam Neeson fan and she absolutely loved the movie. I told her it was entertaining but a bit too obvious, and she disagreed! So hopefully your experience will be just as positive!

Retribution hits theaters Friday, August 25 via Roadside Attractions. Let us know your thoughts on the film once you see it!

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