Oscar nominee Liam Neeson returns to the action thriller genre in Absolution, which finds the Taken star on wonderfully familiar ground as a formerly violent man seeking redemption. Several reviews for Absolution, which was previously titled Thug, have now emerged, so how does Neeson’s latest foray into action movies fare against the likes of the Taken series, The Marksman, and the rest?
Critics at Hollywood.com heaped praise on Absolution, 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 of Blu-ray.com highlights the mercilessly brooding atmosphere and praises Absolution for its exploration of Neeson’s wounded, 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 of Gazettely, meanwhile, commends Neeson for doing something a little different with one of his aged 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 of Deadline did find a lot to love in the central performances, but ultimately concludes that Absolution “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 of Punch Drunk Critics found very little to enjoy, calling Absolution “No Way To End A Career.”
“Things pick up heading into the second hour, but by then Absolution has mostly worn out its welcome.”
Absolution sees Liam Neeson reunite with Cold Pursuit director Hans 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 to Neeson’s recent revelation that he is now considering retiring from action movies. Not that he hasn’t done that multiple times before. Speaking with People, 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, Absolution will not be his last, with Neeson all set to star in Cold Storage, the upcoming sequel The Ice Road 2: Road to the Sky, Mongoose, and the remake of the action-comedy The Naked Gun.
- Release Date
- November 1, 2024
- Director
- Hans Petter Moland
- Cast
- Liam Neeson , Ron Perlman , Daniel Diemer , Yolonda Ross , Omar Moustafa Ghonim , Tom Kemp , Ryan Homchick , William Xifaras , Josh Drennen , Kris Eivers , Ryan Caraway , Terrence Pulliam , Ghia Truesdale , Kayla Kohla
- Runtime
- 122 Minutes