"Retribution" by-the-numbers but watchable as Neeson Action Vehicles go

Retribution (2023)

Not counting the neo-noir “Marlowe” from earlier this year, how is it that we’re just now getting the inaugural Liam Neeson action vehicle of 2023? Would anyone be able to differentiate all of the seasoned action star’s movies with a gun to their head? Most likely not. “Retribution” is ever so slightly different in that Neeson gets to play an everyman and not another one-man army with a very particular set of skills. And he’s in a car and on the phone. Set in real time, this race-against-the-clock thriller is by-the-numbers but watchable, and it’s better than the actor’s last two one-word titled actioners that felt downright interchangeable (“Blacklight” and “Memory”).

Neeson plays Matt Turner, a high-up American banker living in Berlin with his wife Heather (Embeth Davidtz) and two kids, Zach (Jack Champion) and Emily (Lilly Aspell). Matt is always busy working, and his family resents him for it. On this particular morning, Heather makes him take the kids to school for once. On the way, he hears a phone ringing from the center console of his Mercedes SUV. The modulated voice on the other end threatens Matt—but doesn’t ask him for his favorite scary movie—and informs him that there’s an armed bomb under his seat. Pressure triggers underneath the seats won’t allow anyone out of the car, or the bomb will detonate. The all-seeing, all-knowing caller has also targeted Matt’s associates and best friend (Matthew Modine), framing Matt to make him look like a terrorist. All Matt can do is follow instructions and make a money transfer, or he and his family will all end up in pieces on the Berlin streets. 

“Retribution” is a remake of the Spanish film "El Desconocido," but really it’s “Speed,” “Phone Booth,” and “Cellular” in a blender with a little Neesoning. Newbie screenwriter Christopher Salmanpour’s script almost avoids coloring outside the lines, but at least it’s served better by the direction. Director Jaume Collet-Serra seems to make the best use of Liam Neeson, but he only serves as producer here. Instead, Neeson works with director Nimród Antal (who made the underrated "Predators" and "Vacancy"). Antal does infuse confident style and dynamic camera movements into this close-quarters scenario. A 360-degree shot inside Matt’s vehicle is particularly notable. Read the full review at GuyAtTheMovies.com

Grade: C +

Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions are releasing “Retribution” (90 min.) in theaters on August 25, 2023.