| Overall Grade: |
A |
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| Story: |
A- |
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| Acting: |
B+ |
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| Direction: |
A |
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|
| Visuals: |
A |
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Realistically dangerous
by Jon (movies profile)
Jan 30, 2009
101
of
112 people found this review helpful
This is a realistically brutal film about a father hunting down those who kidnapped his daughter for sale in a white slavery ring. Liam Neeson is shows both his character's past as a spy and concealed rage at the same time until he needs to cut loose vicious efficiency.
Liam Neeson does a very solid job, having been trained by a former member of the SAS, at handling the physicality of the role. Maggie Grace, who first gained visibility on Lost, plays a sheltered and pandered to 17 year old well for being 25. She is a vastly underrated talent. Famke Janssen and Xander Berkeley are, regrettably, afterthoughts in this film. Both are very capable actors with Xander having been a true journeyman character actor and director in his career. I have great respect for these four actors.
The direction is solid on this film. The flash and spin of a car chase is handled, almost mimicked, like Paul Greengrass handled the Bourne films. This film is steeped in realism and the visuals kept in that framework.
Make no mistake, there is a point to this film other than "the end justifies the means" or "a father needs to save his little girl". It also sheds light on the very real threat of young women traveling overseas who get taken for white slavery rings. Do the research on this topic and you may find jarring reports and articles on the subject. This is a very telling and appropriate film for a topic such as this.
Go See It. We, as people in the US, need to see this film to help vent our frustrations on where things are with this country. Call it sympathetic aggression relief if you will. The need to exult at someone doing all that is necessary to save someone they love, someone they would die for, is great right now.
My final review: While I admit to using a VIP coupon from the theater chain I saw the film at, I would pay full price to this film. A matinee showing is an exceptional deal. This is not a "must wait for the dollar theater to see it" type of film unless you are financially strapped. I fully intend to see this film again and to pay full price. |
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