Review | Review: Neeson’s again with the abilities once more, in ‘Blacklight’

About midway by means of “Blacklight,” Liam Neeson’s 54,796th motion film, somebody asks his character how lengthy he’s been doing his job.

“Oh, probably too long,” he replies.

Sorry to flag this — however it’s simply such a simple goal. Of course, one can charitably surprise if there was any satirical intent behind the road, provided that Neeson — we nonetheless love him, however extra on that in a sec — is mere months from turning 70.

But most likely not, as a result of that may presume refined thought had gone into the script, and there’s simply no proof of that. It’s nearly as if the dialogue have been momentary, laid down throughout filming to mark the motion, with the intent of going again later and sprucing it. Only, they forgot the sprucing half.

But again to our star. Despite his slower gait, he’s Liam Neeson, so sure, we nonetheless consider, implausibly, that he can do that motion stuff. He doesn’t run rather a lot, however he can shoot massive weapons and blow up automobiles with grenade launchers to make a degree, and we don’t chuckle when he warns a robust man accompanied by armed and nasty bodyguards that “You’re gonna need more men.”

Really, although, somebody ought to reply: “You’re gonna need better material.” Because there’s the rub. It’s not Neeson that’s the issue.

Still, that is what we get for now, so let’s overview the principles: In your fundamental Neeson motion movie, he’s the grizzled, broken good man — or wanna-be good man — however doesn’t essentially work for the great guys. And when he realizes they’re not the great guys, he will get offended. Also: He loves his household. Also: His household will probably be threatened. Also: He’ll do what it takes to avoid wasting them. With his expertise.

We start at a protest in Washington, D.C., the place a progressive politician (too) clearly modeled on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – her title is Sofia Flores – is rallying the plenty. Hours later, she’ll die in a hit-and-run. A horrible accident. Or is it?

Meanwhile, Travis Block (Neeson) is being referred to as into motion. An off-the-books authorities “fixer,” he makes a speciality of extracting undercover brokers from unhealthy conditions. His boss: None aside from FBI director Gabriel Robinson (a blustery Aidan Quinn), an previous Vietnam comrade.

Block lives alone, in a smooth, low-lit and minimalist house, however needs a extra steady relationship along with his daughter, Amanda, and particularly his little granddaughter, Natalie. There’s an effort to indicate he suffers from OCD and PTSD and another issues. He has to repeat every thing thrice. His fridge and closets are lined with equivalent gadgets. And he’s paranoid about his granddaughter’s security, checking the perimeter at her party. “All clear?” the little woman asks. She is aware of the drill.

Meanwhile we’ve Mira (Emmy Raver-Lampman), a journalist searching for her subsequent massive story who thinks she could also be onto one thing. She has a tantalizing new supply, an agent risking his life to succeed in her. Her self-involved British editor is skeptical, although. In truth, he says at one level: “If you do find something, tread lightly.”

Wait, what? “Tread lightly” on a doubtlessly explosive scoop? It’s solely one of many methods through which the portrayal of this (fortunately) fictitious information group is absurd. Also, like Block’s house, the newsroom is low-lit and smooth and uncluttered. Right. And later, one other prime editor says in a information assembly: “Sometimes I think it’s better to live in the happiness of the unknown.” Sorry, however what sort of a information group IS this? Was there no guide funds?

Anyway, all of it involves a head when Block realizes what his superiors are as much as. He groups up with Mira to resolve it. Needless to say this ups the hazard, and now his household’s in danger. And everyone knows what occurs when a Neeson character’s household is threatened.

Director and co-writer Mark Williams retains the motion shifting fairly nicely, most successfully in a showdown inside a house with one other smooth kitchen and a extremely good wine rack. And whereas most characters not named Block get cartoonish therapy, the one who fares finest is Mira, whom Raver-Lampman infuses with welcome humanity and gumption (a veteran “Hamilton” theater performer, hers is a profession to observe.)

As for Neeson, what can we are saying? He might maintain doing this ‘til he’s 80, however certainly there’s one thing higher on the market. As the movie’s closing music goes, “every story needs a hero.” True. But each hero additionally wants a narrative. A greater one.

“Blacklight,” a Briarcliff/Open Road launch, has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America “for strong violence, action and language.” Running time: 105 minutes. One star out of 4.

MPAA definition of PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned. Some materials could also be inappropriate for kids beneath 13.

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Follow Jocelyn Noveck on Twitter at www.twitter.com/JocelynNoveckAP