Liam Neeson has carved a niche for himself as the stoic, revenge-fueled action hero audiences can't seem to get enough of. Blacklight, a 2022 thriller now dominating Netflix's global charts, is no exception. While critics have been less than kind to the film, audiences have embraced it, showcasing a growing disconnect between professional reviewers and everyday viewers when it comes to action cinema.
At its core, Blacklight is quintessential Neeson. He stars as Travis Block, a shadowy government operative embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens not only his life but the safety of his family. The plot, rife with familiar tropes, doesn't promise surprises—and delivers none. But for many fans, this reliability is the film's greatest strength.
A Legacy of Relentless Justice
Neeson's portrayal of the grizzled hero has become iconic since his breakout action role in Taken. In Blacklight, we see a continuation of the formula that made him a household name: a steely resolve, unflinching moral compass, and the requisite set of “particular skills” that turn him into a one-man wrecking crew.
Yet, the film's predictability is precisely where it falters for critics. With a paltry 12% on Rotten Tomatoes, Blacklight has been lambasted for its derivative plot and lack of ingenuity. Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times succinctly summarized the sentiment, quipping, “They should know the one thing you really don't want to do is mess with Liam Neeson's family, because the man has a very particular—taste in screenplays.”
But while critics groan at the rehashed storylines, audiences revel in them. The Rotten Tomatoes audience score sits at a far more generous 82%, revealing a key truth about Neeson's films: they deliver exactly what fans expect.
The Netflix Effect
Streaming has become a powerful equalizer in the entertainment industry, and Netflix's global reach ensures films like Blacklight find their audience. A Neeson action flick requires little marketing beyond his rugged visage and a tagline promising vengeance—it's a genre unto itself, and Netflix capitalizes on this simplicity.
The platform has repeatedly demonstrated that the court of public opinion often outweighs critical disdain. Just as Red Notice and Extraction drew massive viewership despite mixed reviews, Blacklight now enjoys a similar trajectory, climbing the charts thanks to its star power and accessible thrills.
Why Audiences Keep Coming Back
What makes Liam Neeson's action persona so enduring? Perhaps it's his ability to tap into universal themes of justice, family, and resilience. His characters embody a primal need to protect loved ones at any cost, a narrative hook that resonates deeply with audiences.
In Blacklight, this theme is amplified by Neeson's gravelly gravitas. Even when the screenplay stumbles, his presence imbues the film with a sense of urgency and gravitas that keeps viewers engaged. While the choreography and direction may not break new ground, they provide a solid framework for Neeson to do what he does best: deliver cathartic justice, one broken nose at a time.
Personal Impressions
Watching Blacklight feels like revisiting a well-worn comfort movie. It doesn't aim to challenge or innovate but to provide a familiar experience. And in a world rife with uncertainty, there's something comforting about the predictability of a Liam Neeson thriller.
That said, the film's lack of ambition is both its greatest asset and its biggest flaw. As much as I enjoyed Neeson's stoic determination, I found myself longing for a narrative twist or an emotional depth that Blacklight doesn't quite reach. Still, its success on Netflix proves that audiences value consistency over novelty, at least when it comes to their favorite action stars.
Blacklight is not a groundbreaking film, nor does it aspire to be. It's a showcase of Liam Neeson's enduring appeal, a reminder that some cinematic formulas, no matter how well-trodden, still hold immense power. As Neeson hints at the twilight of his action career, Blacklight serves as both a farewell tour and a testament to the lasting impact of his brand of justice.
What draws you to Liam Neeson's action films—his stoic performances, the thrill of justice served, or something else entirely? Share your thoughts!
