Blacklight Is Liam Neeson’s Most Divisive Movie

Blacklight Is Liam Neeson's Most Divisive Movie

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  • Blacklight Follows a Government Conspiracy
  • Should You Watch Blacklight?

As a cinephile who has witnessed Liam Neeson’s remarkable transformation from Qui-Gon Jinn to Bryan Mills and beyond, I must say that Blacklight presents an intriguing chapter in the actor’s illustrious career. With its government conspiracy plotline and action-packed scenes, it seems tailor-made for fans of Neeson’s action-oriented roles.


Liam Neeson is most recognized for his ability to retrieve items that have been taken from him in an impressive and violent manner. However, it’s important to note that this versatile actor boasts more than 180 roles spanning different film genres, including his role as Qui-Gon Jinn in the Star Wars franchise, which is just a small part of his extensive acting repertoire.

Liam Neeson has garnered a significant fanbase due to his versatility, as evidenced by his roles in intense dramas like Schindler’s List, where he delivered an unforgettable performance as Oskar Schindler, and the Taken series, where he played Bryan Mills. However, Neeson’s career in the action genre has elicited varying responses, with Blacklight, a 2022 action-thriller, being particularly indicative of this split opinion. This article will delve into the controversial aspect of Blacklight and whether it’s worth watching for you.

Blacklight Follows a Government Conspiracy

As an ardent admirer, I’d rephrase it this way:

Although it might not sit well with many, history has shown us that occasional conflict is essential for preserving peace and stability. (Gabriel Robinson, Blacklight)

2022 saw a packed schedule for Liam Neeson, who starred as agent Travis Block in “Blacklight”, alongside his roles in various TV shows and films such as “Memory” and “Marlowe”. A familiar face, Aidan Quinn, best recognized from movies like “Legends of the Fall” and “Michael Collins” (where he also acted alongside Neeson), portrayed FBI director Gabriel Robinson. The ensemble cast included Taylor John Smith, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Claire van der Boom, Yael Stone, and Andrew Shaw.

Under the guidance of director Mark Williams, who has previously helmed two other feature films – the corporate thriller “A Family Man” and the action movie “Honest Thief”, “Blacklight” was released on February 11, 2022. Known more for his production work with over 30 movies to his credit, this film unfortunately didn’t fare well at the box office, earning approximately $8.5 million against its production budget of $43 million. Despite positive reviews from fans, it was a financial disappointment.

Blacklight Is Liam Neeson’s Most Divisive Film

Blacklight Is Liam Neeson's Most Divisive MovieBlacklight Is Liam Neeson's Most Divisive Movie

On Rotten Tomatoes, there’s a significant gap between what critics and fans think about the movie ‘Blacklight’. Critics have given it a rotten score of 11% based on 105 reviews, while audiences rate it higher at an 82% ‘popcorn meter’. In his review for ‘Film Frenzy’, Matt Brunson was particularly harsh, giving the film just 1.5 out of 5 stars and remarking that it lacks understanding in journalism, government, and cinema. Critics who were more lenient describe it as generic and formulaic, while harsher reviews call it ‘idiotic’ or a ‘disaster’. The movie is criticized for its low production value, poor editing, and overall failure to live up to the polished action-thrillers of Liam Neeson in this genre.

The audience response, leading to a higher rating, was generally favorable towards the production. Many attributed this to Liam Neeson, who continued his signature style and swagger as Travis Block, a role that echoed with fans of his previous action roles. Fans of conspiracy thrillers also found Blacklight an engaging blend of action and drama, which helped them overlook the film’s obvious flaws. Although it might be challenging to find someone who considers Blacklight as Liam Neeson’s best work in the action genre, there was a strong enough appeal for many to enjoy the movie for what it offered.

Should You Watch Blacklight?

Blacklight Is Liam Neeson's Most Divisive MovieBlacklight Is Liam Neeson's Most Divisive Movie

If you’re seeking top-notch Liam Neeson action movies, give the Taken series, The Grey, Non-Stop, Run All Night, or Cold Pursuit a try first. Blacklight, while it showcases Neeson in an impressive role as Travis Block, is not without its flaws and requires viewers to be already on board with him as an action hero. Alternatively, if you’re after a lighthearted, low-commitment movie for a fun night in, there’s plenty of action in Blacklight that will fill your evening. You can catch it streaming on Hulu.

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2024-09-23 23:31