Blacklight movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Blacklight

This action-revenge movie is now in theaters nationwide.

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 48 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

If you love Liam Neeson as I do, this shoot-em-up movie is just more of the same fun, action, and nonsense. This time, Liam Neeson plays Travis Block, a government operative coming to terms with his shadowy past. When he discovers a plot targeting U.S. citizens, Block finds himself in the crosshairs of the FBI director he once helped protect.

The film was directed by Mark Williams who also helped write the screenplay with Nick May. Nick May was a U.S. Department of Justice attorney during the Obama administration.

THINGS I LIKED:

You get what you expect when you watch a Liam Neeson movie. It’s always fun to see him kick bad-guy butt and outsmart the criminals.
It always makes me laugh when Liam Neeson has intense conversations on his cell phone, especially while holding a gun.
The scenes with Liam Neeson and his granddaughter, played by little Gabriella Sengos, were a little forced but still sweet.
Emmy Raver-Lampman did a good job and can also be seen in Umbrella Academy: Season One [DVD] and Central Park
The topic of whether the American government is moral or trustworthy certainly is timely.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Yeah, there’s no way Liam Neeson can outrun anyone these days. Don’t get me wrong…I can’t either. With each installment of Liam Neeson movies, he does less hand-to-hand combat, replaced by less strenuous shooting and driving.
Some of the dialogue was extremely predictable and cheesy. What am I saying? The entire plot is predictable.
We have this kind of movie a million times over, especially by Liam Neeson.
Ultimately, this one is immediately forgettable.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

You see someone get hit by a car
Lots of violence
Lots of weapons
Some profanity

THEMES:

Government
Freedom
Family
Retirement
Truth

(L to R) Liam Neeson stars as Travis Block and Taylor John Smith stars as Dusty Crane in director Mark Williams’ BLACKLIGHT, an Open Road Films release. Credit : Ben King / Open Road Films

INTERESTING LINES:

“One day you wake up and realize you’re not sure who the good guys are anymore.” – (Liam Neeson)
“Spilling a little blood is necessary to maintain law and order.” – Gabriel Robinson (Aidan Quinn)
“Sometimes I think it’s better to live in the happiness of the unknown.” – Sarah (Caroline Brazier)
“The truth can be difficult but it’s better than the alternative.” – Travis Block (Liam Neeson)
“The truth needs to be told.” – Travis Block (Liam Neeson)