Spoiler-Free Review of "Retribution" in Theaters: A Decent, but Familiar Thriller

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Aug 26

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

"I need you to do your thing..."

Retribution released in theaters on August 25th 2023. The action film stars Liam Neeson, Jack Champion, Embeth Davidtz, Matthew Modine, and Noma Dumezweni. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty minutes.

While driving his two kids to school, Matt Turner receives a call from an unknown enemy who informs him that there is a bomb under his car and he must do what he says to keep him and his children alive.

Here is the trailer:

Retribution is your standard Liam Neeson film with solid pacing and plenty of intense moments, but does it do enough to earn a watch? Let's find out...

The Pros:

A quick watch.

I've seen my fair share of Liam Neeson movies and some are a lot better than others. But I always love seeing him in these action-thrillers and I appreciated that this one didn't mess around with unnecessary fluff or set-up.

We got right into things and I didn't look at the time once. There were plenty of edge-of-your-seat and intense moments built into this one, making it an entertaining thriller...although don't expect it to do anything too extraordinary.

Believable performances.

I expect Liam Neeson to be amazing even in mediocre movies. After all, that's what keeps me coming back to the movies for more. He delivered in this one and met my expectations.

The kid characters were actually really likable, which surprised me. I thought they both did a good job and they helped me connect to the movie a little more.

The Cons:

Predictable...

I think that the previews revealed a little bit too much. Some moments might have been a bit more shocking if they hadn't been included in the trailer. We did get a twist thrown our way, but I wouldn't say it was that shocking and everything just felt a little bit too safe and standard.

So am I in or out?

I'm in about 75 percent...

I'm in for Liam Neeson and this was a good enough thriller, but I guess I was expecting a little bit more here. We're still chasing after another Taken and I'm not sure that any of his new thrillers will ever come close to that, but maybe we need some more shock value added in to throw us for a loop.

Either way, if you like Liam Neeson movies, you'll get what you expect in this one.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Retribution in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON'T TAKE THE JOB...

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe. Thanks for your support!