Ever since that iconic Key & Peele quote, I’ve always admired Liam Neeson as a cherished pillar of modern action cinema. Before 2009’s “Taken” catapulted him into a new realm, he was renowned for his profound portrayals of historical figures. But after “Taken,” his career took an unexpected turn, and the phrase “a particular set of skills” became synonymous with Neeson. Now, he’s the go-to choice for grounded action films that rely on his exceptional ability to convincingly deliver punches. In the past 16 years, we’ve been treated to an abundance of action movies and thrillers capitalizing on Neeson’s martial arts finesse.
It’s only natural that when an actor like Liam Neeson becomes well-known for his action roles, not all movies will be equally successful. Nevertheless, he has starred in three standout films that truly showcased his skills in the action genre. These movies span various types of action cinema and some even represent distinct periods in the history of action flicks. Yet, they are united by the incredible impact of Liam Neeson’s action movies, a force so powerful that it inspired comedians Key & Peele to create an entire sketch dedicated to it.
Darkman
17 years prior to “Taken,” before “Schindler’s List,” Liam Neeson starred in Sam Raimi’s first straightforward superhero film titled “Darkman.” This movie combined elements of traditional superhero stories with classic Universal monster tales. In this movie, Neeson played a man who was so disfigured that he wrapped himself in bandages and transformed into the vengeful crime-fighter known as Darkman. Like many of Raimi’s directorial projects, “Darkman” blended nostalgic pop culture references. However, what sets the title character apart is Neeson’s portrayal of emotional depth. Despite his face being hidden, Neeson still conveyed a sense of intense anguish and turmoil through Darkman.
In addition, he portrays a compelling character in the action-packed scenes of the story. Despite emerging during Liam Neeson’s most prosperous period of dramatic acting, this actor brought the same degree of commitment to playing a crime-fighter battling villains in back alleys. Later, he would guide crime-fighters like Bruce Wayne/Batman, but Neeson’s comfort with action movie roles proved beneficial as he took on the role of a superhero himself in Darkman.
Run All Night
Jaume Collet-Serra and Liam Neeson frequently collaborated in the 2010s to produce action thrillers with a vibe similar to Taken, which resulted in successful films such as Unknown and Non-Stop. Despite one of their less profitable partnerships, they achieved a creative pinnacle with the 2015 film, Run All Night. Unlike its box office performance, this movie has stood the test of time as an exceptionally engaging crime thriller. In this production, Neeson portrays elderly assassin Jimmy Condon who struggles with his relationship with his adult son, Mike (Joel Kinnaman). A chain of brutal events puts Jimmy’s old adversary, Shawn Maguire (Ed Harris), on a quest for revenge against Jimmy by targeting Mike, who has distanced himself from the criminal underworld.
For that particular night, Jimmy and Mike are compelled to team up throughout New York City, escaping Shawn and the assassins he dispatched to pursue them. The experience turns out to be quite entertaining, as Collet-Serra demonstrates creative visual flair in creating enjoyable action scenes for this unlikely duo. Neeson delivers convincingly, portraying the complex issues within their strained father-son relationship, which adds depth to the action sequences. Moreover, Neeson excels at performing the over-the-top action beats in Run All Night, particularly a memorable climactic scene where Jimmy spins a rifle before firing it. Collaboratively, Collet-Serra and Neeson have produced outstanding work, but Run All Night stands out as their finest collaboration.
The A-Team
You might be surprised to learn that Liam Neeson himself isn’t particularly fond of his 2010 movie, “The A-Team.” Over time, he’s openly admitted that watching this film again leaves him puzzled about what was happening. Despite not being his preferred type of movie, it remains one of his most significant action films.
The absurdity of the original “A-Team” TV series and the larger-than-life action persona Neeson had established through “Taken,” which debuted 17 months prior, contribute to the over-the-top ridiculousness of “The A-Team.” This movie utilizes source material and actors who were already considered outlandish by viewers. Why not include action scenes involving a tank seemingly flying or helicopters casually navigating busy cities?
In simpler terms, Neeson didn’t enjoy “The A-Team,” but it remains one of his major action films due to its absurdity, which was influenced by the original TV series and his character in “Taken.” The filmmakers took advantage of the audience’s perception of the actors as outlandish and created scenes involving impossible actions, such as a flying tank or helicopters moving through busy cities.
In a rather absurd situation, Liam Neeson is the ideal choice to lead the way. Unlike Ryan Reynolds, he steers clear of witty, self-deprecating remarks amidst the chaotic blockbuster scene. This quality only adds to the enjoyment of the outrageously fun and chaotic style of “The A-Team”. Moreover, it’s fascinating how a serious actor like Neeson seamlessly fits into such absurd action sequences, making it all the more entertaining. To some, this might seem like trash; but for others who appreciate a blend of talented dramatic acting and sheer nonsensical fun, it’s pure treasure. Essentially, what appeared incomprehensible to Neeson was actually a captivating mix of dramatic prowess and delightful absurdity.
The A-Team is available to purchase or rent from digital retailers.
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2025-02-15 07:10