Retribution review: Another mundane Liam Neeson action “thriller”

Liam Neeson isn’t an everyman, though he seems to target that audience with his roles. His relatable quality connects him with viewers; often, he portrays heroic figures who prioritize the safety of loved ones, particularly women who eventually become significant to him.

Regrettably, he has recently veered towards creating duplicates that rival Steven Seagal’s work. How can an actor who starred in Schindler’s List also be behind disappointments like Blacklight, Ice Road, and The Marksman? His films in this century resemble the quote where Bo Catlett tells Harry Zimmer that he’s seen better films about teeth.

Neeson’s newest film, Retribution, falls into the same pattern of plot holes filled with clichés and adhering to the exhausted formula of action thrillers step by step.

Retribution review and plot summary

The story centers on Matt Turner (Neeson), a banking corporate officer, driving his two children to school when he suddenly receives a threatening phone call. The voice on the other end informs him that a bomb is somewhere in his car. Should he attempt to halt or exit the vehicle, they will trigger the explosive, resulting in the deaths of everyone, including his children.

The plot “attempts” to weave tension around this premise as the antagonists subject Matt to a sequence of instructions and demands, even involving people close to him. Matt must utilize his smarts and wits to maintain his children’s composure and devise a strategy to survive the perilous weekday morning commute.

Retribution is another mundane Liam Neeson action thriller

I had raised my hopes that Retribution would finally break Neeson’s streak of poorly made action films. To begin with, a movie like this has a premise that contributes to building natural suspense and tension, effectively masking plot flaws that might otherwise undermine those implausible moments. However, that hardly happens here.

Much like hits such as Speed and tension-filled independent films like Tom Hardy’s Locke and Frank Grillo’s Wheelman, these movies are primarily meant for entertainment. The other film is helmed by Hungarian filmmaker Nimród Antal, who played a role in some of the finest Stranger Things episodes.

This typical Neeson offering tends to frustrate the audience more than it excites. The most dangerous aspect of the plot lies in the moments of dialogue that fall flat, swift, and hard, leaving those who hear them emotionally injured just from hearing them.

The script by Alberto Marini and Christopher Salmanpour is an adaptation of the Spanish-French thriller El Desconocido by Alberto Marini. Having seen both versions, I share the same critique, as the film notably lacks cinematic complexities that would render the story engaging and riveting.

Is Retribution good or bad?

While I would label Retribution as a lousy thriller, it’s important to acknowledge that this movie isn’t designed for mass audiences but for casual thriller enthusiasts and younger demographics seeking exposure to the genre. The audience, not the critics, ultimately shapes the lasting appeal of any picture. However, there are far too many movies like this one, and the lack of star power for youth to connect with, makes Retribution forgettable.

Is Retribution worth watching?

Retribution is only worth considering if you’re a die-hard fan of Liam Neeson’s action filmography, a follower of the genre, or someone with a casual interest in thrillers.

Verdict: “Retribution is another lousy Liam Neeson thriller that only generates jaw-dropping yawns and little excitement.” 1.5/5 stars