Can you tell the difference between “Retribution” and every other Liam Neeson movie?

Genres: Thriller Action Crime Drama

Amidst the beautiful backdrop of Berlin, Retribution unfurls a tale as old as time: a father’s relentless pursuit to protect his children. It’s a frightening ride that leans heavily on Liam Neeson’s performance as the terrified yet tenacious Matt Turner.

Director Nimród Antal attempts to do something different in this overused plotline, and while there are some good moments, one can’t help but notice the shadows of better films lurking just behind.

Storyline: When a mysterious caller revealed there’s a bomb under his car seat, Matt Turner begins a high-speed trek across the city to complete a specific series of tasks. With his kids trapped in the backseat and a bomb that will explode if they get out of the car, an everyday commute becomes a twisted game of life or death as Matt follows the stranger’s increasingly dangerous instructions in a race against time to save his family.

The film received mostly negative reviews from critics, with RogerEbert.com saying, “Retribution is a dud destined to be erased from our cultural memory.” The movie scored 25% on Rotten Tomatoes, with an audience rating of 67%.

White a shadow of Keanu Reeves’ ‘Speed’ the premise isn’t entirely novel. Moreover, we’ve seen Neeson as a frantic father before. But what sets Retribution apart is its almost claustrophobic setting—a man, his kids, and a bomb in a car. The high-speed chase across Berlin offers some high points, and the premise’s simplicity allows for some genuinely nail-biting sequences.

Noma Dumezweni shines as Angela Brickmann, adding some much-needed complexity to the plot, while Lilly Aspell and Jack Champion give convincing, if a bit annoying, performances as the children trapped in this life-or-death situation. Their fear and vulnerability make for some of the film’s most emotional moments.

Yet, despite Neeson’s intensity and the car chases, Retribution falls into the pit of predictability. The connection between Matt’s struggling business and his current explosive dilemma feels convoluted at best and only serves to muddle the story, taking viewers out of the high stakes and into a confusing web of financial jargon.

Nevertheless, “Antal’s direction manages to eke out tension and emotion from the most basic of shots,” notes Bilge Ebiri of Vulture.com. The intimate focus on Matt and his children brings a predictable intensity to the film, making even the most obvious plot points believable.

The score by Harry Gregson-Williams lends an atmospheric tension that amplifies the suspense, making even familiar scenes feel new again.

In essence, Retribution is a bit like the action-packed rides at an amusement park. You know what to expect; you’ve been on similar ones before, but the excitement still hits, especially when you’re locked into that seat. It’s a film that capitalizes on Neeson’s proven formula but struggles to add anything new to the mix.

Neeson’s portrayal of Turner reminds us of the raw, primal instincts that come alive when family is threatened. While Retribution may not be groundbreaking, Neeson still manages to deliver. Still, it’s a movie best enjoyed with a large tub of popcorn and a suspension of disbelief. Just make sure to buckle up—it’s a bumpy ride.

Retribution is available to rent or buy on all major streaming platforms.