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- The Marksman Is a High-Stakes Modern Western
- The Marksman Is Beloved by Audiences
- The Marksman Was Despised by Critics
As a seasoned movie enthusiast who’s seen more Westerns than I care to remember, let me share my thoughts on “The Marksman”. Having grown up on classics like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood, I found this film to be a refreshing take on the genre. Liam Neeson delivers a solid performance, embodying the stoic, weathered loner that we’ve come to expect from him, but with a depth that adds nuance to his character.
72-year-old Irish actor Liam Neeson is globally recognized for his action-packed roles, most notably the Taken series in which he fiercely rescues a loved one kidnapped by criminals. Yet, his diverse film career encompasses more than just action – it stretches into dramas like Schindler’s List where he made his breakthrough, romantic comedies such as Love Actually playing a recent widower, and even musicals such as Les Misérables where he portrayed the tender-hearted convict Jean Valjean.
As a devoted movie enthusiast, I must confess that while Liam Neeson has made quite an impact in various cinematic genres, his foray into Westerns might not be as widely recognized. Despite his versatility, he’s not typically associated with this genre, but he has graced the screen in a few Western productions. Notable exceptions include “Seraphim Falls” (2006), “A Million Ways to Die in the West” (2014), “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” (2018), “The Marksman” (2021), and most recently, “In the Land of Saints and Sinners” (2023). Among these, “The Marksman,” where he plays the leading role, is often praised as a standout performance, though it has also sparked some debate among viewers.
The Marksman Is a High-Stakes Modern Western
In the movie “The Marksman,” Liam Neeson portrays Jim Hanson, a former Marine who resides on a ranch now, keeping an eye out for border crossings and alerting his step-daughter Sarah (Katheryn Winnick). One day, he encounters a Mexican mother named Rosa (Teresa Ruiz) and her son Miguel (Jacob Perez), who are being pursued by a dangerous cartel. Tragically, Rosa is killed in a gunfight before him. As a result, Jim finds himself responsible for Miguel, with Rosa’s last request being that he takes Miguel to meet his family in Chicago and delivers the money she had on hand.
In the narrative, unexpected challenges surface, yet Jim ultimately succeeds in sheltering Miguel. The latter part of the tale centers on their journey to Chicago. Throughout this perilous car ride, a connection deepens between the adult man and the boy. Miguel finds solace in the rugged older companion he’s stuck with, while Jim derives satisfaction from instructing the child in various matters, including gun handling skills. Simultaneously, they are persistently pursued by a ruthless cartel leader, Mauricio (played by Juan Pablo Raba). He is determined to capture the child and exact his vengeance, with no obstacles too great to overcome.
The Marksman Is Beloved by Audiences
The Western film titled “The Marksman” is remarkably impactful. The story revolves around Jim, who feels compelled to fulfill a task, as per a dying mother’s wish. Regardless of his reluctance at times or the risks involved, he persists, demonstrating the classic traits of a Western hero. Liam Neeson skillfully portrays this character, conveying a sense of wisdom and perpetual concern through subtle facial expressions. Additionally, he shares a warm, convincing chemistry on screen with Perez.
In terms of visual style, the cinematography frequently adheres to the Golden Ratio and skillfully balances what’s revealed versus what remains concealed on-screen, effectively building tension. During the journey, viewers are taken from the desolate Mexican borderlands to dense forests, towering mountains, and bustling cities, with meticulous attention paid to location selection. These guidelines epitomize the essence of a classic Western, and Robert Lorenz is among the contemporary directors who demonstrate that the Western genre continues to thrive.
The Marksman Was Despised by Critics
As a cinephile, I must confess that “The Marksman” isn’t a cinematic tour de force that will be remembered for years to come. However, it seems to have garnered more than its fair share of praise from some quarters. The movie boasts a Tomatometer score of just 38% from verified critics on Rotten Tomatoes, in stark contrast to the 83% approval rating it received from general audiences on the Popcorn meter.
Instead, they determined the plot unoriginal and foreseeable, with the conclusion leaving much to be desired. It seems that stories involving former Marines, the Mexican border, and cartels lack novelty. In their journey towards Chicago, Jim and Miguel face the usual obstacles, and the villainous cartel leader is remarkably flat: he’s just cruel and psychotic with no clear motivation. The Marskman has been described as a poorly executed clone of 2018’s The Mule, which faced criticism for being a subpar film for Clint Eastwood but received praise from audiences.
The film ‘The Marksman’ demonstrates masterfully how contemporary cinema can breathe new life into traditional genres, creating a captivating, multi-layered narrative. However, some professional critics deemed it lengthy and predictable. Ultimately, whether a movie is good or bad depends on the personal taste of the viewer. Fortunately, ‘The Marksman’ has just become available on the free streaming platform Tubi, which includes advertisements. Therefore, why not give it a try and form your own opinion? As of now, The Marksman is currently streaming on Tubi.
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2024-09-14 03:01