The Ultimate Retribution Review: Uncovering the Epic Tale!

The most amusing aspect of Retribution is Jaume Collet-Serra's inclusion as a producer. Despite being best known for directing Black Adam, Collet-Serra has previously helmed two other Liam Neeson projects. The film's poster prominently states that it is from the same producers as Non-Stop and The Commuter. With Retribution, Liam Neeson has now portrayed the same character in a plane, a train, and an automobile. This fact is both funnier and more intriguing than anything found within the actual film.

Director Nimród Antal has had a more intriguing past. His American debut was the gritty and psychologically intense slasher film Vacancy. He also directed the highly underrated 2010 film Predators, which easily ranks as one of the better entries in the franchise. Additionally, he brought Metallica's Through the Never to life, despite it being a commercially unsuccessful venture. Unfortunately, Retribution stands as his least captivating project to date. Hopefully, he has now purged it from his system.

Retribution's title is strangely uninformative, failing to provide any indication of its story or tone. The movie revolves around Matt, a somewhat ambiguous financial expert who is praised for his knack for persuading clients to spend their money recklessly. When Matt's boss introduces him as "a credit to capitalism," it subtly hints that his moral integrity may be questionable. Reluctantly, Matt chauffeurs his moody teenage son and obnoxious younger daughter to school in his lavish Mercedes SUV. However, as he settles into the driver's seat, he unknowingly triggers a car bomb with a hidden pressure plate. Matt discovers a phone in his center console that won't stop ringing. On the other end of the line, a digitally altered voice warns him that he must comply with instructions or face death. As Matt's co-workers become targets, it quickly attracts the attention of law enforcement. Now, he must identify his captor and find a way to escape his dire predicament without ever leaving the confines of the driver's seat.

Retribution is a cross-cultural remake of a Spanish film called El desconocido, which translates to "unknown" or "The Stranger." The original film was well-received for its intensity and technical proficiency, making it a far superior feature compared to Retribution. In Retribution, certain details are added and motivations are altered, resulting in a weaker story. Liam Neeson's character, Matt, is portrayed as unethical, bitter, angry, and defensive, attempting to make the audience believe he has disturbing secrets. However, every revelation in Retribution diminishes the impact of the story. Although the car bomb scene maintains its intensity, there is never a genuine sense that Neeson's character is on the brink of exploding. The film tries to captivate through mystery, but it fails to deliver any satisfying resolutions. Overall, a full remake of Retribution would be wiser and more compelling.

At 71 years old, Liam Neeson was already starring in dad-centric action films 15 years ago when the first Taken made its transition from DVD release to the big screen. While the Taken films may not be renowned for their complexity or cleverness, the initial installment surpasses Retribution by a significant margin. Neeson's voice has become his greatest asset in his later years, as he spends most of the film growling, whispering, and shouting into a phone. This role seems tailored to his strengths, allowing him to remain seated throughout the entire movie. Retribution heavily relies on Neeson's performance, yet it is disappointing to witness such a talented actor bearing the weight of a feature that ultimately lacks substance. Neeson appears to be on autopilot, delivering a performance that he has already showcased countless times before.

The ultimate comparison point for Retribution is Speed. Ever since its first trailer, Jan de Bont's 1994 directorial debut has faced a barrage of jokes. However, Speed remains a timeless thriller with a brilliant concept. The story revolves around a deranged bomber who plants a deadly bomb on a city bus. Should the vehicle's speed drop below 50 miles per hour, it will explode. Speed is undoubtedly a bona fide classic. It may seem gloriously nonsensical, but every aspect of the film is meticulously crafted, earning it praise even from the harshest critics. On the other hand, Retribution diminishes the intensity, complicates the motivation, and weakens every single element of its presentation. Any glimpse of Retribution instantly reminds one of Speed. In conclusion, it would be much more worthwhile to watch Speed instead.

The film Retribution is better suited for a direct-to-TNT deal rather than a theatrical release. Although movies often experience an increase in streaming viewership after a theatrical run, even if they were not successful at the box office, watching Retribution on the big screen is unnecessary. In fact, it is not worth watching at all. Only those who are dedicated Liam Neeson fans may tolerate it. For everyone else, it is advised to avoid Retribution until it becomes available for streaming. Save yourself the trip to the theater and opt to watch the superior 2015 original or the much better film, Speed, from the comfort of your own home.