Absolution (Theatrical)

Liam Neeson has become one of the few actors who always gets me in the seat. If he has a theatrically released film, there’s very little chance that I will sit it out. It isn’t as if he has ever been one of my favorite actors (though he is very good), it’s just that I enjoy his style of film. The Taken films aside, since I would say about 2011 or so, I just find that the films staring him have some sort of strange quality to them. To be fair, some are far better than the others, but even the lesser ones have their charms. Absolution ultimately falls somewhere in the middle, but knowing in advance the style of film it is one may enjoy it a bit more. Oddly, the central premise about a hitman coping with a form of memory loss is very much like his recent film, Memory. I do have to wonder if the filmmakers didn’t know audience members wouldn’t make the connection. Maybe this was written well before that film? They may have not even cared. Be that as it may, the film is here, and I am here to review it.

Simply named Thug. Liam Neeson dons a slick mustache and a leather jacket here as an aging thug and a former boxer who hopes to reconnect with his family. That is after he learns of a rare brain disease, he has which causes memory loss. It’s so bad that he can’t even remember his phone number or home address. Even worse, he must write down the name and address of people on his job list. That is whether it’s to collect a debt or pick up a supply. The crime boss in which he answers to is played by none other than Ron Pearlman, who does a fine job here even if the role seems like he could do it in his sleep. In between jobs, he does try to reconnect with his estranged daughter played by Franki Shaw and her son played by Terrance Pulliam. He also meets a lady in a bar with whom he begins something of a relationship. As he tries to make amends, he must also continue to answer to the boss and deal with his memory loss on top of all that. Our lead character has quite a dilemma on his hands. I found myself mostly wrapped up in this all. It’s the kind of film that is elevated because of the stars and the sharp direction. In lesser hands it might’ve not worked as well as it does here.

Absolution gives us our share of action scenes, but the film is more concerned in studying these characters and their relationships. And I think it works on that level. It can seem a bit slower than what some might expect, but I was with it and interested to see just where it would all lead. Liam Neeson is a great actor and has such a presence that I cared about the outcome of his character and the others. The film is a bit downbeat to want to revisit often, but it’s a good little diversion for Neeson fans. He’s said countless times in the last few years that he is retiring, but I sure hope he sticks around for a little bit longer. He hardly looks his age, and certainly shows that he’s capable of carrying a film and maintaining our interest.

Neither the best nor the worst of Neeson’s recent output. I still recommend this film as it creates rich characters and maintains our interest. Truthfully, if you adjusted a few details, this could’ve easily been released in the 60’s or 70’s as it has something of a harder edge than most contemporary films. Whether you see if theatrically or stream it later on, the film earns a mild recommendation from me.