Action movies that focus on high speeds in closed spaces always bring audiences the most dramatic moments of entertainment. For example, Speed (1994), Non-Stop (2014) or The Commuter (2018) are a series of works that once “made waves” on the big screen.
With the return of Liam Neeson and the producer of Non-Stop and The Commuter, Retribution (Title Viet: Punishment ) is no exception, possessing many chases and intense mind battles.
Retribution is opening in theaters nationwide
The main character of Retribution is financial expert Matt Turner (Liam Neeson). Because he is engrossed in work at an investment fund, his marriage with his wife Heather (Embeth Davidtz) is on the verge of breaking up.
One day, Matt was taking his two children Emily (Lilly Aspell) and Zack (Jack Champion) to school when he suddenly received a call from a mysterious number.
He claimed to have planted a bomb under the seats of all three father and son. If they stand up, the car will immediately explode.
He forced Matt to follow a series of instructions and targeted 208 million Euros of money from Dubai investors.
Under the terrorist’s threat and the police’s pursuit, Matt was forced to find a way to protect his family’s life and at the same time clear his name of the crime.
Dramatic high-speed chase
In fact, Retribution is a remake of the French film of the same name. Previously, the film was remade by Germany and Korea with Don’t. Get. Out! (2018) and Hard Hit (2021).
That’s enough to show the appeal of the extremely attractive high-speed action element. Liam Neeson’s version retains the best of the original work, while incorporating many new elements.
The film puts Matt Turner in a difficult situation when father and son are trapped in a cramped car.
They have no way to escape as the bomb will immediately explode and can only do as the terrorist says.
The drama gradually increased when he in turn killed all of Matt’s colleagues related to the 208 million Euro.
Then when the police got involved, the movie suddenly sped up its pace. Tense chase scenes continuously appear when Matt is forced to avoid police capture.
Because if he just stopped, his life and that of his two children would almost end. The movie is not just a normal car race but also Matt’s race against time before the bomb explodes.
Scenario with many twists and turns
After the villain’s phone call, the mysteries surrounding Matt’s work and the sum of 208 million Euros were gradually revealed. However, things always go in unexpected directions.
One by one, Matt’s colleagues died. Like Matt, the audience also had countless questions about the identity of the villain, why he knew the above amount of money or was able to plant bombs on a series of people.
At one point, it seemed like all the evidence pointed to Matt being the one behind the “deep acting” to set everything up. Is this true or is there another horrifying mystery?
Under the pressure of both the bomb and the mysterious villain, Matt’s every action left viewers breathless as they were unclear what would happen next.
Talented acting by Liam Neeson
Due to participating in many action movies, audiences accidentally forget that Liam Neeson is also a talented actor who has received nominations for Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe and Tony Awards.
With Retribution , he had the opportunity to show his inner acting ability through the image of a father forced to do everything to protect his child.
Matt Turner is always busy with work and forgets to spend time with his wife and children.
It was the incident that helped him realize what he had lost and appreciate the short time he had left.
The film has emotional scenes when Matt has to fight between the lives of his family and those around him.
Every look, tearful action, pain, torment and determination to find the culprit were all excellently expressed by the 71-year-old actor.
Besides, Jack Champion – the actor who just made his mark in Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) – and child star Lilly Aspell also delivered an impressive performance.
Overall, Retribution deserves to be a top action movie for those who are passionate about the thriller genre with fast pace and many attractive plot twists.