Liam Neeson – Ramana's Musings

Run All Night.

I was waiting for this film’s release since it was shown as a trailer in late February and I went to see it today before it is taken off our theaters. Two great actors, Liam Neeson and Ed Harris, one of them the star attraction ably supported by a new face Joel Kinnaman has everything an action movie should offer. Contrary to my experience with other good actors wasting their talents in action movies, here, both Neeson and Harris have plenty of scope to show off their histrionic skills. Throw in excellent direction, amazing camera work, tight editing with a first class storyline and you have a winner all the way.

Last month, I had read that Neeson would be quitting acting in action films and I was delighted. I really believe that he should do only roles where his acting skills can be displayed effectively. Seeing this film however has made me change my mind.

This kind of stories where some acting skills are also called for, have much to offer discerning viewers and I flatter myself that I am one! And this gets a full [rating=6] rating without the slightest hesitation.

I must also share some weird things that happened during the outing. For one, yesterday, despite it being non peak hours both going to and coming from the theater was a trial for massive traffic jams. I suspect that there must have been either a big accident somewhere or some VVIP movement in the city. I am glad that we did not drive and had taken autorickshaws.

When Manjiree went to the counter to purchase the tickets for the show, there was gentleman waiting who noticeably cheered up when he found out that we wanted to see this film. Before our arrival, he was the only one wanting to see the film and the theater was reluctant to show the film for just one person. That gent also remarked that he had seen me the day before yesterday at the theater to see The Gunman and was happy to see that I came to his rescue. We introduced ourselves to each other after the show and look forward to getting to know each other better in the future. It turned out that a few others trooped in later but I was surprised that for a movie of this caliber only such a handful of people turned up!

Taken 3.

I went to see this film because it had Liam Neeson in it. And I was not disappointed with his performance but came away with the feeling that he was wasted in a film in the action genre. His acting talents are not on show as there is little scope for him to show them. But he does a great job of portraying a avenging husband and protective father.

I did not know that there were Taken 3 and Taken before this. I doubt very much that they were shown in India, unless they were during the time when I was preoccupied with my other major occupation earlier in this century. After seeing this I wanted to know about its earlier stories and find that only Taken 2 is available on DVD. I will watch it after I go through my backlog!

“It Ends Here” is the tagline for the posters for the film. The concluding scenes clearly indicate that there will be a sequel!

Suffice it to say that I enjoyed the film, but because it is an action based one using once again the modern villain, the Russian Mafia, I cannot bring myself to give more than[rating=4] rating despite the great performance by Liam Neeson.

A Walk Among The Tombstones.

It is strange that there was never a trailer in any of the recent films that I saw in theaters about the release of this film. So, when I saw the advertisements for it in the newspapers the only thing that attracted to me was the fact that Liam Neeson was acting in it. I have been a fan of his since his Schindler’s List hit Indian theaters.

My friend Ramesh and I have a pact; we must see at least one film a week together followed by a snack or a meal and we have been able to keep that going for quite some time now. So, I rang him up and suggested that we see this together yesterday and we duly did that. We also fulfilled the second part of the pact by having some very nice snacks and tea at the food court in the mall where the theater is located. I was also able to do some long overdue shopping at the mall. All in all a good afternoon’s outing in good company.

This week promises to be more interesting as we both have not seen a highly rated Hindi film and it is likely that we will go to it before the week is over. If it is of some relevance to my regular readers, I shall review that too after seeing it. In the meanwhile, here goes my review of A Walk Among The Tombstones.

Unlike most films, this films does not depend on any female actress for any contribution other than as some background information. That makes it very unusual. It also unapologetically brings in the Twelve Step Program of the Alcoholics Anonymous as part of the background but that fits in perfectly with the story and the characters using that in the storyline.

It is a powerful story told simply and the violence is not over board like many new detective stories now a days tend to be. Characters develop nicely and the director ensures that the actors deliver credible performances. And my favourite actor delivers a memorable performance. I give the film [rating=6]. Having thoroughly enjoyed the film I am contemplating getting the book to read too!

Non Stop.

Just saw one of my favourite actors in an under-utilised film. Liam Neeson was the reason that I chose to see this film as I am not particularly fond of action films. His talents were not used to the extent that they could have been because the plot is loose and the twists and turns while not predictable, quite bizarre.

It is what I would call Time Pass. Nothing more, nothing less. I could have spent the time more fruitfully.