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- Underrated Liam Neeson action thriller comes to Netflix as fans declare it ‘eye opening’ (irishstar.com)
Liam Neeson’s “Underrated” Thriller ‘The Marksman’ Hits Netflix This November
Fans of gritty action and Liam Neeson’s signature brand of stoic heroism have a new (or rather, newly available) film to add to their watch list. “The Marksman,” an action-thriller from 2021, is set to land on Netflix on November 14th, bringing a tale of a lone wolf turned protector to streaming audiences.
The film stars Neeson as Jim Hanson, a hardened Arizona rancher and former Marine whose quiet life is upended when he becomes the reluctant guardian of a young boy named Miguel. After a violent encounter with a Mexican drug cartel leaves Miguel’s mother dead, Hanson finds himself using his seasoned shooting skills to shield the boy from cartel pursuers, aiming to get him safely to Chicago.
What unfolds is more than just a chase; it’s a journey that tests Hanson’s abilities and forces him to confront his own past, all while an unexpected bond of understanding and compassion develops between the unlikely duo.
Upon its initial theatrical release, “The Marksman” garnered nearly $24 million globally. However, its reception was a mixed bag. While many critics and viewers lauded Neeson’s performance, some found fault with the plot and screenplay.
Despite the critical division, the film boasts a respectable 83% “popcornmeter” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with fans offering glowing endorsements. Some have called it a “must-see,” praising its realistic portrayal of cartel operations.
Others noted, “Not as much fighting as a normal Liam Neeson movie, but still a good movie. Definitely keeps you reeled into it.”
The film’s storytelling and Neeson’s consistent delivery also drew comparisons to classic Clint Eastwood movies from some viewers. One fan encapsulated the sentiment, calling it “an intense action flick with more than a few heartfelt moments thrown in for good measure.”
However, not all viewers were as impressed. Some found the plot “predictable” and expressed disappointment, particularly given Neeson’s involvement.
One critical viewer lamented, “I should have paid more attention to the critics’ reviews instead of giving in to the much higher audience reviews. Skip this one, folks.”
Others described it as “trite, formulaic, predictable, contrived — and devoid of suspense,” questioning its very existence. Another commenter suggested the film missed an opportunity to delve deeper into its villains’ motivations.
Regardless of past reviews, “The Marksman” offers another opportunity for audiences to weigh in when it becomes available on Netflix. Whether you’re a devoted Neeson fan or just looking for a new action flick, mark your calendars for November 14th.