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 Absolution
review by Bobby Blakey

Ever since his Taken series I am all here for anything with Liam Neeson kicking some butt. Sure, not all are winners, but I will always be there to find out. As of late he has backed away from the more physical action roles, but still bringing more options to the genre. His latest film, Absolution reteams him with Cold Pursuit director Hans Petter Moland but could this film offer up more of what we love about Neeson, or will it be something more forgetful?
 

Absolution follows an aging gangster who attempts to reconnect with his children and rectify the mistakes in his past, but the criminal underworld won't loosen their grip willingly. The film features Yolonda Ross, Frankie Shaw, Daniel Diemer, Javier Molina, Jimmy Gonzales, Josh Drennen, Deanna Nayr Tarraza, Terrence Pulliam, and Ron Perlman.

 

I know that a lot of Neeson’s more recent action films have been hit and miss but he took a step back to something grounded and deep with his last film In the Land of Saints and Sinners which was fantastic. This latest film feels more in that same territory in overall tone and execution, once again bringing something more grounded and dramatic to his action pieces. I wasn’t sure what the tone was going to be here, but the drama takes center stage to deliver a strong film.

 

Neeson is so good here with him having to walk the line of his usual tough persona through the lens of an aging mob guy but also showing the depths of his struggles with the issues with his memory. This film reminds me in some ways of the recent film Knocks Goes Away with elements of Memento that really pulls into the drama in this world of violence. This film goes all in to embrace it and never loses its focus trying to be an action movie, but instead just brings some action moments that fit together perfectly.

 

I was surprised how much it focused on his day-to-day life drama, and it really gave the film that edge it needs for you to invest into this character that could have just been another mobster type. There are multiple stories that are intertwining here in his family life, love life and work life that is perfectly balanced across the board. Neeson is at his best here with balancing the health issues and still being the tough guy. He gets the chance to let the softer side shine through at times before we are reminded that he is a violent guy.

The few action sequences here are all well handled and allow him to play his age without trying to make him a superhero and way more believable. We all know he can carry these action beats, but his best moments here are the sadness, confusion and despair he goes through trying to fight his own mind and body from betraying itself. Its sad to watch at times, but really brings the narrative home and makes the decisions and directions all the stronger.

As much as I love seeing Neeson kick ass I hope we get to see him head in more of this direction in the future because he fits it to perfection. Decide for yourself and check out Absolution in theaters now from Samuel Goldwyn Films.

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