Retribution (2023)

Retribution, released in theaters on August 25th, 2023, is an action film featuring Liam Neeson, Jack Champion, Embeth Davidtz, Matthew Modine, and Noma Dumezweni. Running for approximately an hour and thirty minutes, it delivers a straightforward cinematic experience.

The story follows Matt Turner, who faces a life-threatening situation while driving his children to school when an unknown adversary reveals the presence of a bomb under his car. Forced to comply with the enemy’s demands to ensure his and his children’s safety, Matt’s life takes a perilous turn.

Retribution follows the classic Liam Neeson film formula, characterized by well-maintained pacing and intense sequences. It wastes no time on unnecessary exposition, diving straight into the action. The film’s runtime keeps viewers engaged without any distracting fluff, providing an entertaining thriller experience, though it doesn’t venture into groundbreaking territory.

Liam Neeson, a staple in action-thrillers, delivers a reliable performance, meeting the expectations that audiences have come to associate with his roles. Surprisingly, the young actors portraying the kids bring likable characters to life, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

However, some predictability seeps into the narrative, partly due to revealing moments in the previews. While the film attempts to introduce a twist, it may not be as shocking as expected, adhering to a somewhat safe and conventional approach.

Retribution offers a satisfying thriller for fans of Liam Neeson’s work. It may not reach the heights of his iconic roles like “Taken,” but it delivers an enjoyable cinematic experience that aligns with the expectations of a Liam Neeson action film.