Title: The Marksman
Director(s): Robert Lorenz
Screenwriter(s): Robert Lorenz, Chris Charles & Danny Kravitz
Released: 2021
Runtime: 1h 48m
● In case one is wondering, this is not a Taken clone despite Liam Neeson playing the lead role of what is in effect the lone warrior. It is not a shoot ’em up. The tone is closer to a Clint Eastwood film which is not surprising considering writer and director Robert Lorenz’s previous involvement as producer in Clint Eastwood films.
● Jim Hanson (Liam Neeson) is a widower and rancher in Arizona, the down-and-almost-out hero behind on his payments. He is also a former Marine and Vietnam veteran. At the border where he lives, there is actually a wall but illegal immigrants come through and border patrol does little. One day, he comes across Rosa and Miguel (Jacob Perez), a mother and her young son, who are running away from the cartel. Hanson is forced to defend the two and himself against the cartel.
● As Rosa is killed, the plot follows Hanson as he reluctantly takes care of Miguel. The film is not Hanson defending his home against the cartel. It is not a siege but rather a hunting road trip as he attempts to take Miguel to his relatives in Chicago.
● Whilst the plot is formulaic, which is not necessarily a bad thing as almost all works follow a formula, the main problem is that the plot is not thought out very well. For example, Hanson uses a credit card which allows the cartel to track him down. As if someone like him wouldn’t know that. Also, as the cartel thugs make their way across the country, they make way too much noise and leave behind bodies which would way too much attention even with useless and corrupted American law enforcement.
● It would make more sense if Hanson uses his credit card for misdirection or even setting a trap. If there is going to be nonsensical action for dramatic effect, then might as well turn it into a shoot ’em up. Instead, the film tries to be semi-realistic.
● Liam Neeson sells it as usual and Miguel is not the annoying boy. Jacob Perez has very few lines but he gives a solid performance without overdoing it.
● The cinematography and editing are fine. It is not particularly dark or gritty although it is arguably on the gloomy side of things given the premise. It is mostly conventional but there are a few wider shots that help set the mood of the film.
● Thematically, it is an obvious criticism of the cartels as well as the lack of capabilities and corruption of law enforcement agencies. It is also a criticism of the lack of support for veterans. Whilst these criticisms are valid and, to be fair, the film does not go on and on about it, the message can be more refined.
● Given the simple premise, the film is not long and is mostly tight. Visually, one could argue that it is quite balanced but one could also argue it lacks style. More and better-executed action sequences would make the work more satisfying even if it is not meant to be an action film. It definitely needs a fuller denouement.
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