“A rancher on the Arizona border becomes the unlikely defender of a young Mexican boy desperately fleeing the cartel assassins who've pursued him into the U.S.”
The Good
Two words, Liam Neeson. I mean really don’t get the people who act like they have see enough of this guy, he is a national treasure. People just take for granted the fact that a guy who is damn near 70-years old, can play these action roles time and time again. Most of you will be lucky to make it from the couch to the fridge at 70, likely myself included. Liam Neeson is a beast.
The Marksman finds Neeson in familiar territory playing a very capable ex- marine recently widowed living in Arizona right on the border, often helping out Border Patrol when he comes across illegals crossing his property. Neeson stumbles across a dangerous situation involving a young boy and his mother desperately trying to escape the ruthless Cartel, forcing him to do something ill-advised for the greater good. We are familiar with Neeson placing his morals and values above all else, and that is all very much intact here. And as per usual, anyone dumb enough to get in his way, usually ends up dead.
It’s a fun ride watching him follow through on his promise to do the right thing, even if it means taking on some of the most dangerous men he has ever faced. I will never get bored of seeing Neeson play this role, so please sir, keep them coming!
The Bad
I mean, we have more or less seen this movie before. They aren’t reinventing the wheel by any stretch of the imagination, but they are sticking with a tried and true formula which sometimes means not taking too many chances. You won’t find any thing fresh and new here, but sometimes that’s okay.
The Verdict
The Marksman is entertaining throughout, well-acted, and features one of the best action icons of our generation. We will all be sad when he decides to officially retire from acting, but I figure at this rate he has at least another 10 years in him. If you’re in the mood for a fun action thriller, this will do the trick. If you have theaters open near you, get out there and support the movie industry!
TED TAKES RATING - 7/10
The Marksman is now playing in select theaters. Check out the trailer below.