Mark Williams
Nick MayMark Williams, Brandon Reavis
Stars: Liam Neeson, Aidan Quinn, Taylor John Smith
When it comes to Liam Neeson films you know exactly what you’re going to get, an action thriller with his character having a “particular set of skills”. Neeson plays Travis Block, a covert government operative who’s overcoming a shady past. When he discovers a secret plot targeting U.S. citizens called Operation Unity, Block begins to question the motives of the FBI director that he’s always protected and someone he’s known for years.
Block is frequently tasked with extracting undercover agents when their cover is blown. He’s seriously challenged when it comes to retrieving Dusty Crane (Taylor John Smith), an agent who’s taken to self-medication with pills and booze in a vain attempt to ease his guilty conscience about misdeeds in the line of duty.
Aidan Quinn plays the fittingly sinister FBI director Gabriel Robinson, who plans on taking out whistleblower Crane. Emmy Raver-Lampman is the determined investigative journalist Mira, who Crane seeks help to out the corrupt agents and director of the FBI who are a part of Operation Unity.
This is a long standing collaboration between Neeson and “Ozark” co-creator Mark Williams, who directed “Thief,” produced “Marksman” and returns to the director’s chair here, for “Blacklight”. There’s little I can tell you about ‘Blacklight’ that you couldn’t already guess, from his tough as nails attitude, to “They’re gonna need more men” to stop our vigilante, Neeson’s character will stop at nothing until he saves the day and the people that close to him.
“Blacklight” delivers on expectations, there are shootouts, car chases, and a lot of fight sequences. I have to admit though Neeson’s age definitely shows in this film, his agility, speed and fitness certainly isn’t up to the standard of his “Taken” days. Even with that being said, it’s always a pleasure to see Neeson still doing his thing.
‘Blacklight’ is in cinemas now.
neillfrazer@hotmail.com
