The Marksman

Liam Neeson's talent is wasted here. The story points are so predictable, with some being stupid. For someone who is alert to his surroundings (the hero lives on a border town), Liam's character never gave a thought as to how the bad guys keep ending up where they are. And to burn the cartel money while still basically on the run and the hero not having much money (he hasn't paid his mortgage for 6 months)!!?... Plain loco moves.

This is only the second film by director Robert Lorenzo. Who's he? Exactly. He is best known as an assistant director and producer of mostly Clint Eastwood films and some great ones like Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby. His first solo film is Trouble with the Curve where the main role is played, surprisingly, by Clint Eastwood himself. I really liked that movie. The difference between this and this film is the script, this time he wrote it himself and it is not good at all. It is often predictable, one-way, and uneven. Overall though, I can't judge the film with Liam Neeson where he plays himself badly. He will turn 69 this year, and he is still making films like this. I call this a typical Liam Neeson movie, if you've watched one in the last ten years, you've watched it all. A gloomy man with a difficult and vulnerable past who does not look for troubles but they find him, and he possesses special skills that he is forced to use. The good thing about movies like this is that you know you're going to get what you expected, and all of those movies are good or very good, they won't disappoint you. Same thing with this movie. If you're going to look for holes in the script or criticize the characters, then this is not the movie for you. If you're looking for a movie that will entertain you or take a break from your commitments for a hundred minutes, and you're a fan of Mr. Neeson like me then I can definitely recommend this movie to you.

This film was just ok . It did drag on a bit and could have been shorter . Liam Neeson seems to play the same sort of character in all his action films . The film has its moments but is more drama than action . The main villain is very good in his role . Watchable film but nothing amazing .

Many of the critical comments (and the relatively low rating) seem to revolve around the film not meeting a viewer's expectations. Fair enough, but it just underscores the flawed premise of the imdb ratings, which have grown increasingly unreliable. This film doesn't break new ground, but it is solid entertainment. Doesn't have enough action to make it an action thriller? Too bad. Taken on its own merits, it's watchable, reasonably compelling, and has great scenery. Liam Neeson is always good, and the kid and villain are quite good.

Enjoyable but in the end, sad film. Liam has a role where he can act his age, which is a plus (no sex with hot women half his age). You care about the characters. Sure, it is a bit contrived, but you need to have a story. But it has a bittersweet ending.