The Marksman Review
Liam Neeson is back on the big screen with “The Marksman,” a modern western of sorts. The story follows Jim Hanson (Neeson), a veteran of the Marine core, who is down on his luck. His wife is dead. His land is about to be turned over to the bank. And on top of everything, he is broke, in a world where money rules. One day, he comes across a mother and her child, who are evading the Mexican cartel. Blood is shed, and as a result, Jim goes on a dangerous road trip, evading the cartel at every turn while he attempts to get the boy to his immediate family in Chicago.
Neeson is right at home in this role, displaying the weariness and redemptive side of being a good man in a tough world. The film does a fine job of balancing Neeson’s advanced age, focusing on the character’s pinpoint accuracy and occasionally displaying physical strength. It’s a respectable showcase of an elder hero, which comes off as being relatively proper and realistic.
The film’s atmosphere is very impressive. At the onset, it takes place in Arizona, a location often connected to classical westerns. Director Robert Lorenz, who has a history of producing many Clint Eastwood films, shapes an uncomfortable atmosphere, swarming with painful inevitability. Cinematographer Mark Patten captures the hot, desolate landscapes with great confidence, showcasing flawlessly empty skies and extensive, unfilled land to convey rural spectacle and a minimization of assistance.
“The Marksman” doesn’t take much time getting to the point. It quickly releases simplistic information that provides generic clarification for the title character. The beginning of the film is somewhat uninspired, largely due to the sloppy, moronic portrayal of Border patrol agents. In all honesty, the story could’ve started in quicker fashion, cutting out this unwarranted section that goes too far into the realm of disbelief. Thankfully, this part of the narrative doesn’t last long.
The bond between boy and man grows steadily, paving the way for a respectable relationship, filled with convincing admiration. When the tense scenarios hit, there is a sense of danger, due to the preliminary setup of the antagonists and the intimidating performances from the actors who portray them. There’s not much in the way of flashy choreography, but the focus toward evading danger and strategically handling evil is bold.
In closing, I highly recommend “The Marksman.” It’s another notch on Neeson’s stellar cinematic belt. Once again, it’s evident that Neeson is a legendary performer, able to transcend viewership and life. Even in a global pandemic, he shines brightly on the big screen.
Verdict:
Level 4 (Very Good)
