Retribution film overview & movie abstract (2023)

If “Retribution” had been the form of standard-issue VOD drag—the sort headlined by somebody with a vaguely recognizable identify whose profession by no means fairly panned out—I suppose that may have been simpler with the whole chintziness “Retribution” demonstrates on just about each degree. However that is not the case right here. When given materials worthy of his abilities, Neeson can nonetheless ship robust and stirring performances, and Davidtz and Modine have additionally performed spectacular work previously. 

Antal will not be precisely a slouch both—he did a really fascinating 2003 movie known as “Management,” labored on a few episodes of “Stranger Issues,” and I do know individuals who will stand by such earlier options as “Emptiness” (2007), “Armored” (2009) and “Predators” (2010). These are all proficient individuals engaged on “Retribution.” I suppose it is a measure of their dogged professionalism (if not their style in materials) that they might drag themselves again to the set day after day, lengthy after they should have identified there was just about no probability it could lead to one thing even remotely satisfactory. 

“Retribution” is a dud destined to be erased from our cultural reminiscence as soon as it presumably departs theaters in a few weeks. In keeping with the press launch, the movie guarantees “an immersive ticking clock thriller that straps audiences in for a high-octane trip of redemption and revenge.” It just about fails to ship on all counts. Look, if you wish to see a thriller remake starring Neeson that is value your time this weekend, permit me to level you towards “Chilly Pursuit,” wherein Neeson performs a snowplow driver in a small Colorado city who makes use of his abilities to destroy the drug ring that murdered his son. Though no masterpiece, it gave Neeson issues to do, and the oddball mixture of motion, drama, and Coen Brothers-style darkish humor made for sturdy B-movie leisure. As compared, “Retribution” appears much more of a whole waste of time, effort, and power than it already is. 

Now enjoying in theaters.