Oscar nomineeLiam Neesonreturns to the action thriller genre inAbsolution, which finds theTakenstar on wonderfully familiar ground as a formerly violent man seeking redemption. Several reviews forAbsolution, which was previously titledThug, have now emerged, so how does Neeson’s latest foray into action movies fare against the likes of theTakenseries,The Marksman, and the rest?
Critics atHollywood.comheaped praise onAbsolution, declaring that the action thriller “Delivers Intense Suspense and Redemption,” and applauding the performances from Neeson, Frankie Shaw and Daniel Diemer.
“Liam Neeson solidifies his status as a powerhouse in action cinema with Absolution. Fans eagerly await this film for its intense storyline and gripping sequences!”
Brian Orndorf ofBlu-ray.comhighlights the mercilessly brooding atmosphere and praisesAbsolutionfor its exploration of Neeson’swounded, aged gangster.
“It’s not feel-good cinema, as Moland stays on the jagged edges of Thug’s decisions and bruised nobility, making for a compelling understanding of a wounded man coming to terms with his mortality.”
Shahrbanoo Golmohamadi ofGazettely, meanwhile, commends Neeson for doing something a little different with one of hisaged action heroes, but found the movie to be a tonal imbalance.
“Absolution marks Neeson’s effort to blend his talents in action films with a more serious dramatic storyline exploring family, regret, and coming to terms with one’s mistakes.”
Absolution Is Set To Be Released in Theaters on November 1
Glenn Garner ofDeadlinedid find a lot to love in the central performances, but ultimately concludes thatAbsolution“leaves something to be desired.”
“Absolution features some beautiful views of Boston and some decent performances from its cast, but it ultimately leaves something to be desired. Maybe don’t go into this film with high expectations (or daddy issues)?”
Finally, Travis Hopson ofPunch Drunk Criticsfound very little to enjoy, callingAbsolution“No Way To End A Career.”
“Things pick up heading into the second hour, but by then Absolution has mostly worn out its welcome.”
AbsolutionseesLiam Neeson reunite withCold PursuitdirectorHans Petter Moland, with the rest of the cast including Yolonda Ross, Frankie Shaw, Daniel Diemer, Javier Molina, Jimmy Gonzales, Josh Drennen, Deanna Nayr Tarraza, Terrence Pulliam, and Ron Perlman. You can check out the official synopsis for the action thriller below.
“In ABSOLUTION, an aging gangster (Neeson) attempts to reconnect with his children and rectify the mistakes in his past, but the criminal underworld won’t loosen their grip willingly.”
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The mention of a career end refers toNeeson’s recent revelationthat he is now considering retiring from action movies. Not that he hasn’t done that multiple times before. Speaking withPeople, Neeson explained:
“I’m 72 — it has to stop at some stage. You can’t fool audiences. I don’t want [stunt collaborator] Mark [Vanselow] to be fighting my fight scenes for me. Maybe the end of next year. I think that’s it.”
Thankfully,Absolutionwill not be his last, with Neeson all set to star inCold Storage, the upcoming sequelThe Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky,Mongoose, and theremake of the action-comedyThe Naked Gun.
Absolution
An aging gangster, played by Liam Neeson, is determined to reconnect with his estranged children and atone for the mistakes of his violent past. However, the criminal underworld isn’t ready to let him walk away, leading to a high-stakes confrontation where old loyalties are tested.
