Absolution movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Absolution

The newest action/crime/drama starring Liam Neeson is now playing in theaters.

RATING: R

LENGTH: 1 hour 52 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: C+

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about an aging gangster who attempts to reconnect with his children and rectify the mistakes of his past, but the criminal underworld won’t loosen their grip willingly.

The film was directed by Hans Petter Moland. He also played the character “Larry the Drunk.” Writing credits go to Tony Gayton.

THINGS I LIKED:

I’ve always been a fan of Liam Neeson, even though I recognize he basically plays the same character in all of his recent movies. Here we go again. He has lost a lot of weight and is definitely looking older and weaker in this. His mustache makes him look like a 1970s child molester. That being said, he gave an excellent performance.
Other cast members include Ron Perlman, Yolonda Ross, and Frankie Shaw.
The movie was filmed in Boston. I adore Boston.
There IS some action in the movie, but the scenes only add up to a few minutes out of the entire movie. Wham! Bam! Done!
Every character is damaged. You can feel the years of bad decisions and pain.
You will leave feeling immense sadness, but hopefully, determined to live a better life.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

It’s usually pretty fun watching Liam Neeson kick bad-guy butt, but in this movie, he IS the bad guy.
I couldn’t relate to any of the characters.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced action flick, this is not your movie.
It’s super sad watching people die with regret.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Tons of profanity, including a zillion F-bombs
We see an unmarried couple in bed.
Alcohol
We see a suicide attempt
A man goes to a brothel where we hear moans and see a naked couple going at for a split second.
Bloody, violent murders

THEMES:

Choices and Consequences
Redemption
Regret
Second chances
Aging
Revenge
Boxing
Chronic Traumatic Ecephalopathy (CTE)

FUNNY LINES:

“Being dead is just stupid.” – Thug (Liam Neeson)

INTERESTING LINES:

“Just don’t think about it. Just do what I taught you: look the other way and enjoy the music.” – Thug’s dad (Josh Drennen)
“Life’s a shxx storm, isn’t it?” – Daisy (Frankie Shaw)
“Life is hard.” – Thug (Liam Neeson)
“Come on, Man. Isn’t the money enough? Can’t you just walk away?” – Charlie Conner (Ron Perlman)
“You and me, we’re pieces of shxx. We live off pain and weakness. We’re bullies.” – Thug (Liam Neeson)
“You can’t change the world, xxx. The world don’t want to be changed.” – Gaberro (Javier Molina)
“I tried. I tried.” – Thug (Liam Neeson)