If “Retribution” had been the type of standard-issue VOD drag—the sort headlined by somebody with a vaguely recognizable identify whose profession by no means fairly panned out—I suppose that may have been simpler with the entire chintziness “Retribution” demonstrates on nearly each stage. However that is not the case right here. When given materials worthy of his abilities, Neeson can nonetheless ship sturdy and stirring performances, and Davidtz and Modine have additionally finished spectacular work previously.
Antal will not be precisely a slouch both—he did a really attention-grabbing 2003 movie referred to as “Management,” labored on a few episodes of “Stranger Issues,” and I do know individuals who will stand by such earlier options as “Emptiness” (2007), “Armored” (2009) and “Predators” (2010). These are all proficient folks engaged on “Retribution.” I suppose it is a measure of their dogged professionalism (if not their style in materials) that they may drag themselves again to the set day after day, lengthy after they should have recognized there was nearly no probability it could lead to one thing even remotely satisfactory.
“Retribution” is a dud destined to be erased from our cultural reminiscence as soon as it presumably departs theaters in a few weeks. Based on the press launch, the movie guarantees “an immersive ticking clock thriller that straps audiences in for a high-octane experience of redemption and revenge.” It just about fails to ship on all counts. Look, if you wish to see a thriller remake starring Neeson that is value your time this weekend, permit me to level you towards “Chilly Pursuit,” through which Neeson performs a snowplow driver in a small Colorado city who makes use of his expertise to destroy the drug ring that murdered his son. Though no masterpiece, it gave Neeson issues to do, and the oddball mixture of motion, drama, and Coen Brothers-style darkish humor made for sturdy B-movie leisure. As compared, “Retribution” appears much more of a whole waste of time, effort, and power than it already is.
Now enjoying in theaters.
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