Doubting whether audiences do really know the existence of this crime film due to poor marketing, Liam Neeson's name alone however has no problem at all to draw a solid walk-ins, and surprisingly it turns out to be a compelling story compared to his previous roles. Unlike the other same genre, this does not filled with action-packed scenes, but progresses steadily and methodically in details just like a real investigation in daily life, making it appears to be a chilling drama thriller. Not much of plot twists, but certain creepy moments with solid scores, riveting performance from the hero himself and the supporting casts, nasty and eerie crime heavily based on drugs and alcohol, the surprisingly "muted" ending style are more than enough to guarantee an intense, enjoyable, old-fashioned and watchable psycho- thriller.
272 Reviews
Crime Cinema Relic
billygoat107124 September 2014
A Walk Among the Tombstones tells a pretty basic detective story. It doesn't necessarily offer us anything new, and that truly is the case here: it's just another episode of a private detective. Even with all of the twisted scenarios, there isn't anything else big or even daring to the picture. While some might be bothered with its lack of innovation, fans of these types of mystery films would still have the pleasure. It has been kind of rare to have such crime thrillers like this in cinemas today, and by its simplicity in storytelling, it sure does deliver things right. What matters to the experience in the end is it's a finely crafted piece of noir that nearly glosses over to the fact that it's just a relic, but a pretty decent one.
The film follows the classic roots of the genre, you won't find any sort of uniqueness around the storyline, but how it constructed each of its sequences still manage to be charming at the beginning and gripping along the way. It just lets the detective walk from one place to another to find clues and unfold questions. But it never lacks the tension, the film places its coldness to buildup an atmosphere that brings uncertainty to the fate of the investigation. The best thing about it is it's simple. It doesn't bother adding some mind-blowing or ridiculous twists, it just digs within a world where some evil can be found in any street. Settling with the characters is as well one of its finest moments, they may not have the most original arcs, but it is undeniably entertaining when it lingers to them.
The direction is predictably slick, and it totally benefits by it for making every scene of bleakness and violence emotionally effective. People shouldn't take for granted its decent camera-work that sharply displays its vital points. It gets even better when explores around its main man: Liam Neeson is now commonly used as an action hero, but here the film rather uses the better side of that reputation which is keeping the audience feel that he is a dangerous man to deal with, even without revealing much of the fists and gunpoint, it's still a totally compelling depiction of his character's cold, brooding personality.
My personal enjoyment to the film is how refreshing to see a mystery film this straightforward and unpretentiously dark in modern cinema. I mean I might as well seen one in any crime television series running today, but it's a lot fascinating to witness it in this form, plus a tone this gritty, a style so clever, and a performance from its main star that makes it more interesting. Again, you won't find anything groundbreaking to the film, but leaving that thought behind would make you realize that it is still a terrifically put together, unpredictably told crime thriller. And I bet that's already enough for this sort of entertainment.
The film follows the classic roots of the genre, you won't find any sort of uniqueness around the storyline, but how it constructed each of its sequences still manage to be charming at the beginning and gripping along the way. It just lets the detective walk from one place to another to find clues and unfold questions. But it never lacks the tension, the film places its coldness to buildup an atmosphere that brings uncertainty to the fate of the investigation. The best thing about it is it's simple. It doesn't bother adding some mind-blowing or ridiculous twists, it just digs within a world where some evil can be found in any street. Settling with the characters is as well one of its finest moments, they may not have the most original arcs, but it is undeniably entertaining when it lingers to them.
The direction is predictably slick, and it totally benefits by it for making every scene of bleakness and violence emotionally effective. People shouldn't take for granted its decent camera-work that sharply displays its vital points. It gets even better when explores around its main man: Liam Neeson is now commonly used as an action hero, but here the film rather uses the better side of that reputation which is keeping the audience feel that he is a dangerous man to deal with, even without revealing much of the fists and gunpoint, it's still a totally compelling depiction of his character's cold, brooding personality.
My personal enjoyment to the film is how refreshing to see a mystery film this straightforward and unpretentiously dark in modern cinema. I mean I might as well seen one in any crime television series running today, but it's a lot fascinating to witness it in this form, plus a tone this gritty, a style so clever, and a performance from its main star that makes it more interesting. Again, you won't find anything groundbreaking to the film, but leaving that thought behind would make you realize that it is still a terrifically put together, unpredictably told crime thriller. And I bet that's already enough for this sort of entertainment.
What everyone else seems to have forgotten...
A_Different_Drummer5 October 2014
... is that, long before Neeson became Hollywood's most late-blooming action hero, he was an actor.
A-C-T-O-R
And a pretty good one at that.
And that is what makes this film a lot better than the other reviews would have you believe.
Yes, I confess, a guilty pleasure, I loved TAKEN. But movies like TAKEN are a crapshoot, a gamble, a party trick where you are constantly trying to find something new and different to resonate with the audience, to make up for the fact that there is little substance to the project. (As was proved by TAKEN 2, one of the worst movies I have ever seen, with some of the most glaring editing mistakes).
Here we go old school. Written by one of the best writers of the last century and directed by Scott Frank, a man who certainly knows how to frame a scene for mood and impact. (At the half way point, a girl in a red hood crosses the street in front of the villains. The scene should not have memorable, but Frank makes it so).
An "old school" classic. Three quarters of a century ago, even Bogey would have taken this part. And been the better for it.
Young "Astro" who plays the ghetto-smart TJ steals all his scenes and, for those with a good ear, even channels the speech patterns of Will Smith, from any movie Smith ever appeared in. This kid has a future.
A-C-T-O-R
And a pretty good one at that.
And that is what makes this film a lot better than the other reviews would have you believe.
Yes, I confess, a guilty pleasure, I loved TAKEN. But movies like TAKEN are a crapshoot, a gamble, a party trick where you are constantly trying to find something new and different to resonate with the audience, to make up for the fact that there is little substance to the project. (As was proved by TAKEN 2, one of the worst movies I have ever seen, with some of the most glaring editing mistakes).
Here we go old school. Written by one of the best writers of the last century and directed by Scott Frank, a man who certainly knows how to frame a scene for mood and impact. (At the half way point, a girl in a red hood crosses the street in front of the villains. The scene should not have memorable, but Frank makes it so).
An "old school" classic. Three quarters of a century ago, even Bogey would have taken this part. And been the better for it.
Young "Astro" who plays the ghetto-smart TJ steals all his scenes and, for those with a good ear, even channels the speech patterns of Will Smith, from any movie Smith ever appeared in. This kid has a future.
Gloomy Crime Film
claudio_carvalho26 April 2016
In 1991, In New York, Matt Scudder (Liam Neeson) is an alcoholic police detective. In 1999, Scudder is retired from the police and is a private investigator without license. When his comrade Peter Kristo (Boyd Holbrook) from the rehab invites him to visit his brother Kenny Kristo (Dan Stevens), who is a drug dealer, Scudder learns that Kenny's wife Ann Carrie Kristo (Razane Jammal) had been abducted and cut into pieces by the kidnappers. Now Kenny wants to find the killer to revenge. Scudder initially refuses the case but then he accepts to investigate. Soon he finds that the killers have murdered other women connected to drug dealers and they get their files from the DEA. When the fourteen year-old daughter of a drug dealer is also kidnapped, Scudder heads up a group to rescue the teenager.
"A Walk among the Tombstones" is a gloomy crime film developed in slow pace, but with a complex story. The plot is realistic and the viewer follows Scudder investigation. The screenplay does not have a plot point with surprising revelations or action scenes; indeed it is indeed old- fashioned. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Caçada Mortal" ("Deadly Hunt")
"A Walk among the Tombstones" is a gloomy crime film developed in slow pace, but with a complex story. The plot is realistic and the viewer follows Scudder investigation. The screenplay does not have a plot point with surprising revelations or action scenes; indeed it is indeed old- fashioned. My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Caçada Mortal" ("Deadly Hunt")
Suspenseful and and intriguing thriller with energetic action and plot twists , being compellingly directed
ma-cortes3 October 2021
A well produced film about an ex-drunk Investigator callled Scudder : Liam Neeson , who becomes involved into a twisted criminal case while he is going to discover the killers . Liam Neeson plays an ex-cop with alcohol problems and dark past who has to confront dangerous enemies to save himself and his young friend , a fourteen year-old street kid . As he's hired by a drug lord : Dan Stevens , that's why he's initially reluctant to investigate the assigned case , but then he changes the mind and carries out the hard investigation. He discovers several pieces of a puzzle and Scudder has to solve who is the killer and whom goes to murder . Soon after, he finds that the murderers have killed other women connected to drug dealers and they get their files from the DEA. Lives are on the line ! . People are afraid of all the wrong things . His life on the line ! .
Thrilling and nail-biting movie with noisy action , shootouts , spectacular scenes , fights , violence and amazing finale . From start to finish the fractic action , twists and turns are continuous . As always , Liam Neeson is very good as the ex-cop and private eye who is caught-up in a risked investigation with fateful consequences . Liam playing in his usual style as Private investigator Matthew Scudder who is hired by a drug kingpin well played by Dan Stevens to find out who abducted and killed his wife. Neeson at his best , returning to high-profile roles in 2010 with big-budget films with plenty of action and violence such as : Team A (2010), Unknown (2011), The Grey (2011), Battleship (2012) and Taken I and Taken 2 (2012) , Cold Pursuit (2019) and fiinally The Marksman (2021) . Liam is well accompanied by attractive secondaries , such as as Dan Stevens , Sebastian Roche , Boyd Holbrook , Brian Bradley, David Harbour , among others.
It packs atmospheric and some dark cinematography by Mihai Malaimare shot in New York , using steadicam, at times . The musician Rafael Rivera composes a moving and rousing musical score fitting perfectly to the frenetic action . The motion picture was well directed by Scott Frank. He's a notorious writer and director who has made some nice films . As his first feature directed Josph Gordon Levitt in The Lookout (2007). Scott Frank was nominated for the 2018 Emmy Award in the Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special category for Godless (2017), but lost to William Bridges & Charlie Brooker for Black Mirror: USS Callister (2017). He wrote prestigious scripts as noir anthology, Fallen Angels (1993) and Frank also wrote the screenplay for Joanou's 1996 feature , Heaven's Prisoners(1996) . Rating : 7/10. Notable thriller , well worth watching . The flick will appeal to thriller enthusiasts . Essential and indispensable watching for Liam Neeson fans.
Thrilling and nail-biting movie with noisy action , shootouts , spectacular scenes , fights , violence and amazing finale . From start to finish the fractic action , twists and turns are continuous . As always , Liam Neeson is very good as the ex-cop and private eye who is caught-up in a risked investigation with fateful consequences . Liam playing in his usual style as Private investigator Matthew Scudder who is hired by a drug kingpin well played by Dan Stevens to find out who abducted and killed his wife. Neeson at his best , returning to high-profile roles in 2010 with big-budget films with plenty of action and violence such as : Team A (2010), Unknown (2011), The Grey (2011), Battleship (2012) and Taken I and Taken 2 (2012) , Cold Pursuit (2019) and fiinally The Marksman (2021) . Liam is well accompanied by attractive secondaries , such as as Dan Stevens , Sebastian Roche , Boyd Holbrook , Brian Bradley, David Harbour , among others.
It packs atmospheric and some dark cinematography by Mihai Malaimare shot in New York , using steadicam, at times . The musician Rafael Rivera composes a moving and rousing musical score fitting perfectly to the frenetic action . The motion picture was well directed by Scott Frank. He's a notorious writer and director who has made some nice films . As his first feature directed Josph Gordon Levitt in The Lookout (2007). Scott Frank was nominated for the 2018 Emmy Award in the Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special category for Godless (2017), but lost to William Bridges & Charlie Brooker for Black Mirror: USS Callister (2017). He wrote prestigious scripts as noir anthology, Fallen Angels (1993) and Frank also wrote the screenplay for Joanou's 1996 feature , Heaven's Prisoners(1996) . Rating : 7/10. Notable thriller , well worth watching . The flick will appeal to thriller enthusiasts . Essential and indispensable watching for Liam Neeson fans.
Complex, Human.
rmax3048236 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Liam Neeson is finally out of his "Taken" franchise and gets a chance to perform as a human being rather than just act. He's an unlicensed private detective who resigned from the NYPD after accidentally shooting and killing a little girl after drinking. He's since joined AA.
He's hired by a civilized-sounding drug dealer whose wife was kidnapped. The dealer wants to know who they are, since he's paid the ransom and the kidnappers tortured and killed her anyway, cutting her up into little pieces and distributing them in trash bags here and there. Neeson digs into the case a little and finds that two or three men have been doing the same thing for some time -- not just serial killers, but genuine menaces to humanity.
Neesom acquires a kind of acolyte, a black kid who has sickle cell anemia (don't worry; no bathos) and loves private eyes like Sam Spade. Neesom himself plays the role as subdued. Not subdued because he's not bothering to animate the character, but subdued in the sense that he seems like a perfectly normal, if wary, kind of guy. He's not the whirling dervish of the "Taken" movies at all. He can be coshed and beaten painfully and suffer from the beating for hours afterward. (Again, no bathos; this is part of his life.) No love interest, no spectacular shoot outs, nobody's head is wrenched off, no wisecracks. It's a tense and suspenseful movie about a good man trying to do something worthwhile and trying to cope with his weaknesses.
Neesom can be a fine actor given the right role. He has an endearingly lumpy face and his nose begins in the middle of his forehead. It's well worth catching.
He's hired by a civilized-sounding drug dealer whose wife was kidnapped. The dealer wants to know who they are, since he's paid the ransom and the kidnappers tortured and killed her anyway, cutting her up into little pieces and distributing them in trash bags here and there. Neeson digs into the case a little and finds that two or three men have been doing the same thing for some time -- not just serial killers, but genuine menaces to humanity.
Neesom acquires a kind of acolyte, a black kid who has sickle cell anemia (don't worry; no bathos) and loves private eyes like Sam Spade. Neesom himself plays the role as subdued. Not subdued because he's not bothering to animate the character, but subdued in the sense that he seems like a perfectly normal, if wary, kind of guy. He's not the whirling dervish of the "Taken" movies at all. He can be coshed and beaten painfully and suffer from the beating for hours afterward. (Again, no bathos; this is part of his life.) No love interest, no spectacular shoot outs, nobody's head is wrenched off, no wisecracks. It's a tense and suspenseful movie about a good man trying to do something worthwhile and trying to cope with his weaknesses.
Neesom can be a fine actor given the right role. He has an endearingly lumpy face and his nose begins in the middle of his forehead. It's well worth catching.
more dark thriller from Liam Neeson
SnoopyStyle27 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers
In 1991, NYPD detective Matthew Scudder (Liam Neeson) shoots three holdup men. In 1999, Matt is now a private eye and 8 years sober. Drug trafficker Kenny Kristo hires him to find the men who kidnapped his wife and killed her even after getting paid. He discovers other cases and suspects that the killers are connected to the DEA. He is helped by street kid TJ. The driver Jonas Loogan is guilt-ridden and commits suicide. Then the two psychopaths kidnap a young girl.
This is a dark, dark, dark thriller. It's so dark that there isn't much fun in the thrills. That's what's missing for me. This feels tired rather than exciting. It's not shocking or even disturbing. It is simply unrelenting. Liam Neeson has become the goto guy for this type of movies but maybe he's over-saturated. He does do phone calls in this one and that's always interesting.
This is a dark, dark, dark thriller. It's so dark that there isn't much fun in the thrills. That's what's missing for me. This feels tired rather than exciting. It's not shocking or even disturbing. It is simply unrelenting. Liam Neeson has become the goto guy for this type of movies but maybe he's over-saturated. He does do phone calls in this one and that's always interesting.
Excellent film
briandecarrun31 January 2015
Liam Neeson towers in this film, very believable and a brooding presence of regretfulness and one making a living without a path anymore in life but one whose street savvy and street instincts are still honed.
While still living with a moral code, his past and need to look out for the small guy, gets him dragged into a case where there are elements playing from various side, and one which raises a question on to what you should or should not do in the case of kidnappings, with Scudder(Neeson) showing how to take control and push forward.
This is a great detective thriller, keeps you engrossed, great script, strong acting and thoroughly enjoyable and
While still living with a moral code, his past and need to look out for the small guy, gets him dragged into a case where there are elements playing from various side, and one which raises a question on to what you should or should not do in the case of kidnappings, with Scudder(Neeson) showing how to take control and push forward.
This is a great detective thriller, keeps you engrossed, great script, strong acting and thoroughly enjoyable and
Not like Taken, but taken
kosmasp24 March 2015
This is a slow paced thriller, starring Liam Neeson who seems to be the new action star at the moment. An unlikely one and if you've seen Taken 3, you just hope they won't put him into to many foot chase scenes from here on out (or cut them better together). But it's not only about him, it's about other characters as well. Many on the wrong side of the law (obviously), but still not the real bad guys here.
The action scenes are little and come from time to time, this is more about telling a story (though there is not much to tell if you really think about it). There is tension and a lot of characters to keep track of on the other hand. It's nicely paced if you like your thrillers to take their time, if not you'll be bored from time to time.
The action scenes are little and come from time to time, this is more about telling a story (though there is not much to tell if you really think about it). There is tension and a lot of characters to keep track of on the other hand. It's nicely paced if you like your thrillers to take their time, if not you'll be bored from time to time.
Pointless
Vondaz20 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I went into see this movie with absolutely no background knowledge of what it was about or understanding that it was based on a series of stories. Had I been aware of this I might have saved myself the money and the time.
It's not that it wasn't acted well by Neeson or shot/directed well. It was other things that bothered me:
At the end I just went "meh" and walked out without any sense of satisfaction. So as I said - pointless.
It's not that it wasn't acted well by Neeson or shot/directed well. It was other things that bothered me:
- the signposts to Y2K - of what relevance was that to the story? In fact what was the purpose of setting it in the late 90s? To show us how life used to be before the internet and mobile phones took over our lives?If so, then fine make that point, but give it some relevance to the story.
- the 12 steps - of what relevance was that to the story? In fact (i) it was shot in such a way that the scenes distracted me and I can't remember any of them and (ii) I don't recall our hero carrying out any of them himself.
- the clichéd drunk cop goes clean to redeem himself. TBH we never see him struggle with temptation for a drink, so maybe it wasn't enough of a sacrifice to give any redemption?
- the clichéd smart-alec kid from the streets - he's street tough, but vulnerable, he's techno smart, but can't carry out a simple instruction. In fact why would any script writer worth their salt allow the line "stay in the car"?
- the clichéd climactic fight scene - why was the killer waiting for our hero to return? He'd already heard him say he was going. So why set up the elaborate body positioning in the hope he would return?
At the end I just went "meh" and walked out without any sense of satisfaction. So as I said - pointless.
Liam Neeson Is An Actor First and An Action Star Second
FilmMuscle22 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Credits roll, and a haunting cover of "Black Hole Sun" by Nouela plays (the same song from the trailer). Its mellow and dilatory tune perfectly encapsulates the bleak, somber tone of this chilling thriller where Liam Neeson isn't the invincible badass his reputation usually proclaims. We first meet Matt Scudder (Neeson) in a flashback in the early 1990's where he clumsily takes down three crooks in a murky New York City. Fast forward to 1999, and he's retired-apparently scarred by his own incompetence on that wretched day-laying back at his favorite restaurant when an acquaintance (Eric Nelsen) informs him of a significant (unofficial) assignment. Oh no, a retired, gloomy detective returns for one last job? And yet, the film astonishingly manages to feature these kinds of irksome clichés but executes them in such an exceptional way as to overshadow their familiarity with the underlying compelling storyline and arresting cinematography.
Long story short: a drug dealer's (Dan Stevens) wife has been kidnapped and chopped into bits and pieces only to be nauseatingly dispersed in a park's pond. The remainder of the narrative-about 25 minutes in-sees Scudder investigating and following the cunning tracks of two alarming killers. In that regard, the killers (David Harbour and Adam David Thompson) make for incredibly creepy villains, mirthfully indulging in the rape of young girls and innocent wives while videotaping the horror and asking for a substantial ransom from their respective families. Alas, the audience will be forced through disturbingly shot and edited sequences of helpless women exerting to lie still as execrable hands scale their flesh-close-ups of wide eyes and deathly pale skin.
On another note, many have been complaining that A Walk among the Tombstones isn't exactly the unpredictable and fast-paced mystery thriller they were expecting. However, that doesn't deem it a bad film, does it? Because it's clearly not attempting to (generically) fall into that category. Initially, I was also flabbergasted and immensely underwhelmed by David Fincher's Zodiac, presuming it to be a tense, brisk thriller; nevertheless, after a repeat viewing, I quickly realized that marketing-while, yes, manipulating audience expectations- shouldn't be an indicator of actual quality. If this particular movie was striving to be unpredictable yet you correctly predicted every single twist long before it came, then yes, it would've been a disastrous failure. Like Zodiac though, the movie is more about the grim and eerie atmosphere and, of course, the psychopathic killers themselves.
Aside from a few effectively humorous lines, this film is not the typical "crowd-pleaser expected from a post-Taken Liam Neeson picture, and the trailers clearly established that too. With that being said, it's still more exciting than a slow burn. As long as moviegoers accept its (effectual) dark aura and are successfully frightened by its imagery and subject matter, A Walk among the Tombstones will be a highly satisfying experience at the cinema. In fact, judging by its underwhelming box office results, I will even go so far as to say it might be the sleeper hit of this fall like Rush and Don Jon were last September.
Long story short: a drug dealer's (Dan Stevens) wife has been kidnapped and chopped into bits and pieces only to be nauseatingly dispersed in a park's pond. The remainder of the narrative-about 25 minutes in-sees Scudder investigating and following the cunning tracks of two alarming killers. In that regard, the killers (David Harbour and Adam David Thompson) make for incredibly creepy villains, mirthfully indulging in the rape of young girls and innocent wives while videotaping the horror and asking for a substantial ransom from their respective families. Alas, the audience will be forced through disturbingly shot and edited sequences of helpless women exerting to lie still as execrable hands scale their flesh-close-ups of wide eyes and deathly pale skin.
On another note, many have been complaining that A Walk among the Tombstones isn't exactly the unpredictable and fast-paced mystery thriller they were expecting. However, that doesn't deem it a bad film, does it? Because it's clearly not attempting to (generically) fall into that category. Initially, I was also flabbergasted and immensely underwhelmed by David Fincher's Zodiac, presuming it to be a tense, brisk thriller; nevertheless, after a repeat viewing, I quickly realized that marketing-while, yes, manipulating audience expectations- shouldn't be an indicator of actual quality. If this particular movie was striving to be unpredictable yet you correctly predicted every single twist long before it came, then yes, it would've been a disastrous failure. Like Zodiac though, the movie is more about the grim and eerie atmosphere and, of course, the psychopathic killers themselves.
Aside from a few effectively humorous lines, this film is not the typical "crowd-pleaser expected from a post-Taken Liam Neeson picture, and the trailers clearly established that too. With that being said, it's still more exciting than a slow burn. As long as moviegoers accept its (effectual) dark aura and are successfully frightened by its imagery and subject matter, A Walk among the Tombstones will be a highly satisfying experience at the cinema. In fact, judging by its underwhelming box office results, I will even go so far as to say it might be the sleeper hit of this fall like Rush and Don Jon were last September.
A Walk Among the Mystery, but lacking in some thrills
rgkarim21 September 2014
Liam Neeson, astute gentleman, legendary Jedi, and assassin who can hunt anyone down who takes his family. Yet Hollywood seems to focus on the latter, not deviating from the stoic man who can rip armies of murderers asunder and come out swinging. This weekend, yet another story is told about our leading action actor, entitled A Walk Among The Tombstones. Seeing the trailers earlier this summer, I got chills at the darkness and mystery the tale promised. If you know me by now though, there is always the skepticism of being let down by the actual film. What does this movie have in store? Read on to uncover the details.
We know that Liam Neeson can act the part of the sullen, rogue agent who defies all the rules and limits other cops seem to have. Once again, he is back still able to bring the smolder filled face of justice to the dark underbelly of whatever setting he's in. This film though goes one stop further down the dark hole, having Neeson dive into the darker pits of his soul to face the internal and external demons. He pulls it off flawlessly, almost as if he faces the very challenges in real life. Helping to support Mr. Neeson, is a variety of people, though we will only focus on a few others to spare room for other aspects. Providing comedic relief, and an outlet from his character's darkness is Astro, who has had a growth spurt since Echo. Astro has got a mouth, and thinks he is tough kid who knows the way of the world, yet gets a lesson about just how little he knows. He's funny, he's cocky, and Astro pulls off the immature role to the letter. Yet it's the two killers of Ray (David Harbour) and Albert (Adam David Thompson) who really mix well with Liam. Harbour's ability to play the insane serial killer is quite well executed in his delivery of threats and the tone of his voice. As for Thompson, he captures the menacing glare down pat, and knows some stage combat, but aside from that not much in store.
I'm sure you're saying though, I don't really care about the acting. How is the story? Well in a one word summary it is dark. It is also one of the more disturbing plots I've seen, that didn't cross into the soul destroying area. A Walk Among the Tombstones brings tension to the audience throughout the entire film in the hunting of the two disturbed beings. The hunt is in the form of heavy detective work involving talking to suspects, retracing footsteps and trying to piece information together. For once, the mystery has a bit of realism to it, forgoing the convenient pieces of information, for a process that involves actually working for clues. As the movie progresses, the ambiguous nature and seemingly simple motive starts to reveal itself. With each new clue, the mentality of the perpetrators becomes clearer, almost like one is watching an episode of Criminal Minds. Yet the unstable psyche and constant calls of the psychos continue to reestablish the terror of what will happen next. Sure, you have a good idea of what the outcomes will be, but there is just enough uncertainty to have you doubting your thoughts.
Mixed into the bag is some character development amongst the various players in the game, each with their own set of dark secrets that explains why they are scarred for life. Some of these points are relevant, but the mistake here is that they are played over and over again as they build up to the revelation, one of which you already know from the trailers. Other plot elements though are not so relevant or as big as they thought. Some hasty connections were an attempt to add another layer of depth to the story, but I felt the audience could have done without them. Still it gives the cast a little more depth, and provides some emotional depth to an otherwise monotone cast. Perhaps the strongest element of the character development though is the inspiration they have. Albeit a little cheesy in the presentation, there is a good message to those who may have a similar history as Neeson's character. The emphasis of facing your demons instead of running from them is a lesson many could use a refresher course in. Yet the message is drawn out, much like the background, and sometimes adds unneeded length to the movie.
As for the suspense of the movie, as mentioned I before it is the psychotic mindset of the killers that keeps you in suspense. The only problem with this though is that, with the exception of the last part of the movie, the damage has already been done. Unfortunately for the cast, many of the crimes have already been committed, which dulls the intensity of their acts and makes the film a little boring at first. On the opposite side of spectrum, is that some of the actions are a little too well done, especially at times of torture. As stoic as I am against the usual antics, this movie crossed the line a couple of times to really disturb me. Thus, if you are one who gets REALLY AFFECTED BY SCENES OF SUFFERING should turn a blind eye to this film, or at least until they become a little tolerant.
A Walk Among the Tombstones is a nice crime/drama to bide your time with. Those looking for a little pre-Halloween terror will get your fill with this movie, though in truth there are not a lot of technological aspects that make it theater worthy. Still if you are Liam Neeson fan, jump into this crime drama and be ready for a calmer film than his legendary Taken film. My scores for this film are:
Action/Crime/Mystery: 7.0 Movie Overall: 7.0
We know that Liam Neeson can act the part of the sullen, rogue agent who defies all the rules and limits other cops seem to have. Once again, he is back still able to bring the smolder filled face of justice to the dark underbelly of whatever setting he's in. This film though goes one stop further down the dark hole, having Neeson dive into the darker pits of his soul to face the internal and external demons. He pulls it off flawlessly, almost as if he faces the very challenges in real life. Helping to support Mr. Neeson, is a variety of people, though we will only focus on a few others to spare room for other aspects. Providing comedic relief, and an outlet from his character's darkness is Astro, who has had a growth spurt since Echo. Astro has got a mouth, and thinks he is tough kid who knows the way of the world, yet gets a lesson about just how little he knows. He's funny, he's cocky, and Astro pulls off the immature role to the letter. Yet it's the two killers of Ray (David Harbour) and Albert (Adam David Thompson) who really mix well with Liam. Harbour's ability to play the insane serial killer is quite well executed in his delivery of threats and the tone of his voice. As for Thompson, he captures the menacing glare down pat, and knows some stage combat, but aside from that not much in store.
I'm sure you're saying though, I don't really care about the acting. How is the story? Well in a one word summary it is dark. It is also one of the more disturbing plots I've seen, that didn't cross into the soul destroying area. A Walk Among the Tombstones brings tension to the audience throughout the entire film in the hunting of the two disturbed beings. The hunt is in the form of heavy detective work involving talking to suspects, retracing footsteps and trying to piece information together. For once, the mystery has a bit of realism to it, forgoing the convenient pieces of information, for a process that involves actually working for clues. As the movie progresses, the ambiguous nature and seemingly simple motive starts to reveal itself. With each new clue, the mentality of the perpetrators becomes clearer, almost like one is watching an episode of Criminal Minds. Yet the unstable psyche and constant calls of the psychos continue to reestablish the terror of what will happen next. Sure, you have a good idea of what the outcomes will be, but there is just enough uncertainty to have you doubting your thoughts.
Mixed into the bag is some character development amongst the various players in the game, each with their own set of dark secrets that explains why they are scarred for life. Some of these points are relevant, but the mistake here is that they are played over and over again as they build up to the revelation, one of which you already know from the trailers. Other plot elements though are not so relevant or as big as they thought. Some hasty connections were an attempt to add another layer of depth to the story, but I felt the audience could have done without them. Still it gives the cast a little more depth, and provides some emotional depth to an otherwise monotone cast. Perhaps the strongest element of the character development though is the inspiration they have. Albeit a little cheesy in the presentation, there is a good message to those who may have a similar history as Neeson's character. The emphasis of facing your demons instead of running from them is a lesson many could use a refresher course in. Yet the message is drawn out, much like the background, and sometimes adds unneeded length to the movie.
As for the suspense of the movie, as mentioned I before it is the psychotic mindset of the killers that keeps you in suspense. The only problem with this though is that, with the exception of the last part of the movie, the damage has already been done. Unfortunately for the cast, many of the crimes have already been committed, which dulls the intensity of their acts and makes the film a little boring at first. On the opposite side of spectrum, is that some of the actions are a little too well done, especially at times of torture. As stoic as I am against the usual antics, this movie crossed the line a couple of times to really disturb me. Thus, if you are one who gets REALLY AFFECTED BY SCENES OF SUFFERING should turn a blind eye to this film, or at least until they become a little tolerant.
A Walk Among the Tombstones is a nice crime/drama to bide your time with. Those looking for a little pre-Halloween terror will get your fill with this movie, though in truth there are not a lot of technological aspects that make it theater worthy. Still if you are Liam Neeson fan, jump into this crime drama and be ready for a calmer film than his legendary Taken film. My scores for this film are:
Action/Crime/Mystery: 7.0 Movie Overall: 7.0
A long, slow paced thriller with Liam Neeson
Dr_Sagan1 November 2014
The chances are you want to watch this movie because of Liam Neeson, who's popularity skyrocketed the last 4-5 years because of such movies as Taken and Taken 2.
Well, Neeson is the only reason that this movie doesn't suck entirely.
In this movie he is a traumatized ex-cop who hunts down a couple of psychopath killers. The pace of the movie is pretty slow. Don't expect Taken-like scenes in this one. No big surprises script-wise either. Pretty much standard stuff.
The music could be more suitable for a haunted house horror film, and although there are some scenes in a cemetery the title is misleading.
The narrative is somehow difficult to grasp. There aren't constant flashbacks as in other movies but for the first half of the movie many viewers are confused about the timeline of some events.
Also the movie is rather long. This simple premise could have been resolved in far less time than its 1h:54m running time.
Check it out only if you are a hardcore Liam Neeson fan.
Well, Neeson is the only reason that this movie doesn't suck entirely.
In this movie he is a traumatized ex-cop who hunts down a couple of psychopath killers. The pace of the movie is pretty slow. Don't expect Taken-like scenes in this one. No big surprises script-wise either. Pretty much standard stuff.
The music could be more suitable for a haunted house horror film, and although there are some scenes in a cemetery the title is misleading.
The narrative is somehow difficult to grasp. There aren't constant flashbacks as in other movies but for the first half of the movie many viewers are confused about the timeline of some events.
Also the movie is rather long. This simple premise could have been resolved in far less time than its 1h:54m running time.
Check it out only if you are a hardcore Liam Neeson fan.
B rate film
harvindersinghuppal3 October 2014
Hat's off to Liam Neeson for some outstanding performances in a host of films which i rate very highly (This guy is class so there's no need for me to list out the endless list of films he's aced in), this unfortunately is not one of those. - It's a low budget film - There are no other actors anywhere near Liam's class - Liam's own performance is compromised by a poor script, - The plot is pretty one dimensional, again the support cast were so poor there is little hope. Every actor is given a pass to cash in on their name for a quick buck (and i'm pretty sure this film didn't take too long to shoot), but please don't do it again in a hurry! I cannot understand the overall rating of 6.9 when i wrote my review, so i felt compelled to put my opinion forward.
The Annual Liam Neeson Action Film: A New Favorite Tradition.
PostingandToasting20 September 2014
Ahh yes...the time has come for one of my fairly recent favorite traditions...the annual release of a Liam Neeson movie where he is just being a bad a**. Ever since "Taken", the world has been re- introduced to Neeson as it's newest and truest action hero. For the most part during this little resurrection for Neeson, you know that despite any flaws the film might have, it ends up being great entertainment regardless and you overlook those things. The only minor grievance that one might have during this tradition, is that as much as you don't want to admit it, some of these Neeson movies just aren't as good.
Now before we go any further we have to discuss the exact trend of the Neeson films. I am only including the movies where Neeson is, for the most part, the only star and he is playing some grizzled, world weary, growling bad a** with a checkered past. This exempts movies like "The A-Team", "Clash/Wrath of the Titans", and ugh...."Battleship".....dear lord that was terrible....although it it is always nice to see Rihanna trying to be a bad a**, "Aloha, mother f***er!". Anyway, you get the picture. As for the examples of slightly less awesome Neeson bad a** movies, these are the ones like "Unknown", and some may even say "Non-Stop" but I actually enjoyed that one.
"A Walk Among the Tombstones" falls into that category. Many will go into this movie looking to see Neeson kicking dudes a**es left and right and they may be sorrily disappointed. "Tombstones" is more about the detective story and the darkness that the characters descend into as the film progresses. Neeson plays Matt Scudder, a retired cop/alcoholic turned P.I. after a case 8 years ago that left him emotionally and psychologically scarred. He is brought to meet drug dealer (excuse me, "trafficker") Kenny Kristo (worse drug kingpin name ever?) who wants to hire him to find the two men who kidnapped and murdered his wife despite paying them the money they asked for. Scudder, along with a spunky, homeless kid T.J, fish around for clues. Their relationship is interesting at first because it's unclear as to why Scudder continues to come into contact with this kid besides the fact that perhaps by helping this kid, he can make up for a lot of sins he has committed in his past.
The film can be slow at times, but Neeson is almost in every scene and his presence alone keeps you engaged in every step he takes. As you get closer and closer to the truth the film gets more disturbing. This film is unnerving for sure and is a mental disturbance more than anything. Even though it may not be as action packed as some of Neesons' past films (The Grey still doesn't get enough love) but it may be a pleasant surprise for other reasons. One of Americas guilty pleasures is loving serial killers (Dexter, The Killing, Hannibal, films and series, Se7en, etc.) so people may actually enjoy the film but for a completely different reason then they previously thought.
Oh, and don't worry, Liam still has some clever "bad a** one-liners" keeping up with the tradition...Can't wait till next year.
I joyously await your criticism for my overuse of bad a**.
6/10.
Now before we go any further we have to discuss the exact trend of the Neeson films. I am only including the movies where Neeson is, for the most part, the only star and he is playing some grizzled, world weary, growling bad a** with a checkered past. This exempts movies like "The A-Team", "Clash/Wrath of the Titans", and ugh...."Battleship".....dear lord that was terrible....although it it is always nice to see Rihanna trying to be a bad a**, "Aloha, mother f***er!". Anyway, you get the picture. As for the examples of slightly less awesome Neeson bad a** movies, these are the ones like "Unknown", and some may even say "Non-Stop" but I actually enjoyed that one.
"A Walk Among the Tombstones" falls into that category. Many will go into this movie looking to see Neeson kicking dudes a**es left and right and they may be sorrily disappointed. "Tombstones" is more about the detective story and the darkness that the characters descend into as the film progresses. Neeson plays Matt Scudder, a retired cop/alcoholic turned P.I. after a case 8 years ago that left him emotionally and psychologically scarred. He is brought to meet drug dealer (excuse me, "trafficker") Kenny Kristo (worse drug kingpin name ever?) who wants to hire him to find the two men who kidnapped and murdered his wife despite paying them the money they asked for. Scudder, along with a spunky, homeless kid T.J, fish around for clues. Their relationship is interesting at first because it's unclear as to why Scudder continues to come into contact with this kid besides the fact that perhaps by helping this kid, he can make up for a lot of sins he has committed in his past.
The film can be slow at times, but Neeson is almost in every scene and his presence alone keeps you engaged in every step he takes. As you get closer and closer to the truth the film gets more disturbing. This film is unnerving for sure and is a mental disturbance more than anything. Even though it may not be as action packed as some of Neesons' past films (The Grey still doesn't get enough love) but it may be a pleasant surprise for other reasons. One of Americas guilty pleasures is loving serial killers (Dexter, The Killing, Hannibal, films and series, Se7en, etc.) so people may actually enjoy the film but for a completely different reason then they previously thought.
Oh, and don't worry, Liam still has some clever "bad a** one-liners" keeping up with the tradition...Can't wait till next year.
I joyously await your criticism for my overuse of bad a**.
6/10.
decent flick with some brilliant photography
Jqn_Hgar1 October 2014
i just need to say that the guy who handled the cinematography for this picture is a genius and deserves some recognition even though i know for a fact he is not gonna win an Oscar for his work in this movie because simply it's not the kind of movies that gets the academy awards.
as my review for the rest of the movie i thought it was good from the point of view of a guy who misses the old days of the 70's to the 90's because honestly it's became an event to watch a realistic movie these years it's either a superhero movie or some kind of an adaptation to a teen favorite bestseller. i know i personally had great expectations for it especially when i saw the trailer but it fell short of my very high expectations (i expected something like those Korean brilliant thrillers like The Chaser 2009 or I Saw the Devil 2010) however it still doesn't disappoint and it delivers some very good and realistic action scenes with practical effects for a change. god i miss the 90's.
as my review for the rest of the movie i thought it was good from the point of view of a guy who misses the old days of the 70's to the 90's because honestly it's became an event to watch a realistic movie these years it's either a superhero movie or some kind of an adaptation to a teen favorite bestseller. i know i personally had great expectations for it especially when i saw the trailer but it fell short of my very high expectations (i expected something like those Korean brilliant thrillers like The Chaser 2009 or I Saw the Devil 2010) however it still doesn't disappoint and it delivers some very good and realistic action scenes with practical effects for a change. god i miss the 90's.
Different style
amalank26 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
A Walk Among The Tombstones stars Liam Neeson as a private detective who is hired by a drug-lord to investigate the murder of his wife and what he discovers goes deeper than what he sees.
First of all, don't compare this to some of Neeson's latest popular movies such as Taken and Unknown. This is different. Its not an action movie. It is supposed to be a thriller but it is not the kind of thriller that gets you on the edge of your seat. This is more like a drama type of movie.
The storyline itself is decent although it does move rather slowly and there are one or two things that are not really explained.
Overall it is enjoyable but its not the kind of movie you would go to the cinema to see. You may want to rent the DVD instead.
First of all, don't compare this to some of Neeson's latest popular movies such as Taken and Unknown. This is different. Its not an action movie. It is supposed to be a thriller but it is not the kind of thriller that gets you on the edge of your seat. This is more like a drama type of movie.
The storyline itself is decent although it does move rather slowly and there are one or two things that are not really explained.
Overall it is enjoyable but its not the kind of movie you would go to the cinema to see. You may want to rent the DVD instead.
Walk Like a Man
ferguson-618 September 2014
Greetings again from the darkness. Welcome to the annual off-season gift from Liam Neeson. Seemingly every year, he provides us with a February or September release that requires his particular set of tough guy skills. This time, he plays Matthew Scudder - of the popular Lawrence Block crime novel series (17 books).
Director Scott Frank (The Lookout) works to create a 1970's feel, although the film opens up as a flashback to 1991, and quickly fast forwards to 1999 NYC. There are no shortage of clichés here, but nothing is over the top; and the bleak, somber, usually rainy setting establishes the tone that fits with "unlicensed" private detective Scudder's preferred method of living and detecting.
Of course, Scudder is a recovering alcoholic and former cop, with a tragic, careless incident on his record and conscience. The film is so ever-bleak, that the moments of humor ... though often awkward and out of place ... are quite welcome. The only shining light of innocence comes courtesy of a sharp homeless kid named TJ, played by Brian "Astro" Bradley. TJ is a Philip Marlowe wannabe, and quickly assumes the role of Scudder's partner/intern/IT Department.
Bad guys are everywhere. Even the serial killers (David Harbour, Adam David Thompson) target the family members of criminals, so as to minimize the involvement of the proper authorities. As an improper authority, we can't ask for better than Liam Neeson. He works for "favors", not a paycheck.
Other support work comes courtesy of Dan Stephens ("Downton Abbey"), Boyd Holbrook, and creepy cemetery groundskeeper (is there another type?) Olafur Darri Olafsson, who creates yet another memorable character with limited screen time (see "True Detective").
Mr. Neeson gets plenty of telephone action, which plays right into the strength of Taken, and it's pretty amazing how much WALKING he does throughout the story. He looks great walking in his duster, but it seems a bicycle would be more efficient ... though admittedly, much less daunting. As a whole, though the movie is probably a bit familiar, it's the little details and the powerful Liam Neeson that makes it a welcome late summer release.
Director Scott Frank (The Lookout) works to create a 1970's feel, although the film opens up as a flashback to 1991, and quickly fast forwards to 1999 NYC. There are no shortage of clichés here, but nothing is over the top; and the bleak, somber, usually rainy setting establishes the tone that fits with "unlicensed" private detective Scudder's preferred method of living and detecting.
Of course, Scudder is a recovering alcoholic and former cop, with a tragic, careless incident on his record and conscience. The film is so ever-bleak, that the moments of humor ... though often awkward and out of place ... are quite welcome. The only shining light of innocence comes courtesy of a sharp homeless kid named TJ, played by Brian "Astro" Bradley. TJ is a Philip Marlowe wannabe, and quickly assumes the role of Scudder's partner/intern/IT Department.
Bad guys are everywhere. Even the serial killers (David Harbour, Adam David Thompson) target the family members of criminals, so as to minimize the involvement of the proper authorities. As an improper authority, we can't ask for better than Liam Neeson. He works for "favors", not a paycheck.
Other support work comes courtesy of Dan Stephens ("Downton Abbey"), Boyd Holbrook, and creepy cemetery groundskeeper (is there another type?) Olafur Darri Olafsson, who creates yet another memorable character with limited screen time (see "True Detective").
Mr. Neeson gets plenty of telephone action, which plays right into the strength of Taken, and it's pretty amazing how much WALKING he does throughout the story. He looks great walking in his duster, but it seems a bicycle would be more efficient ... though admittedly, much less daunting. As a whole, though the movie is probably a bit familiar, it's the little details and the powerful Liam Neeson that makes it a welcome late summer release.
A Methodical First-Rate Suspense Thriller
zardoz-1316 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
"Lookout" director Scott Frank's "A Walk Among the Tombstones" qualifies as a gripping but rather creepy thriller. Audiences didn't embrace this atmospheric murder mystery when Universal released it. This $28 million production coined $26 million domestically and another $26 million internationally, for a grand haul of $53 million. Presumably, audiences must have imagined that it would be like his far-fetched but entertaining "Taken" franchise. Actually, while he earned far less money than the "Taken" movies, "A Walk Among the Tombstones" is far more interesting with its offbeat anti-hero and its two warped murderers. Writer & director Scott Frank adapted Lawrence Block's thriller and created a number of compelling characters as well as sinister villains for his yarn about two enigmatic individuals who like to abduct women off the street in broad daylight, haul them away their van, and then carve them up for the sadistic pleasure that they derive from doing it. Squeamish spectators are warned in advance to approach this one with discretion. The villains contact people close to these unfortunate women and offer to return them for a ransom, but they refuse to hold up their end of the bargain. They kidnap a drug dealer's girlfriend, chop her up into brick-sized packages, and leave her in the trunk of an abandoned car.
Far from being an invincible champion like Bryan Mills in the "Taken" franchise, Matt Scudder (Liam Neeson of "Non-Stop") is a former NYPD detective with an alcohol problem. He attends Alcoholics Anonymous and Scott incorporates material from AA into his screenplay, particularly in a graveyard stand-off scene. It seems Scudder was minding his own business sitting in a bar when three killers barged in and blew away the bartender. When they saw him, the killers cut loose on Scudder. Scudder returned fire, pursued them into the street, and kept blasting away until he had killed them all. During this fracas, an innocent bystander—a seven year old girl--took one of Scudder's stray slugs through her eye and died instantly. Although he received a departmental commendation, Scudder quit the force after this incident. Since he has quit the force and joined Alcohols Anonymous, Scudder makes his living as an unlicensed private eye.
Peter Kristo (Boyd Holbrook), the brother of Kenny Kristo (Dan Stevens), approaches Scudder because he knows him from his AA meetings. Kenny needs help because two men have kidnapped his wife and he cannot go to the authorities. While he searches for these two homicidal fiends, Scudder befriends a homeless African-American urchin, TJ (Brian 'Astro' Bradley), and the kid serves as a gopher. Mind you, this suspenseful New York City saga is unconventional and somewhat off the beaten path that Neeson has taken since he became an action-hero in the first "Taken" movie. One of the creepiest characters is an accomplice who works as a grounds keeper at a cemetery. Scudder and he meet on the roof of a building where the grounds keeper raises birds. The grounds keeper tells Scudder how he meet the two men who had somehow acquired DEA files on certain drug dealers. After their conversation, the frightened grounds keeper, clearly fearing reprisal from the killers, steps off the roof and plunges to his death. Lenser Mihai Malaimare Jr. captures the grit and grime of the urban sprawl of jungle. The only drawback to "A Walk Among the Tombstones" is that you know the protagonist isn't going to die because Block has written so many novels about him. The two killers that he pursues are pure evil. Our hero is a vulnerable guy, and his ultimate fight with the villains in their basement is chilling.
Far from being an invincible champion like Bryan Mills in the "Taken" franchise, Matt Scudder (Liam Neeson of "Non-Stop") is a former NYPD detective with an alcohol problem. He attends Alcoholics Anonymous and Scott incorporates material from AA into his screenplay, particularly in a graveyard stand-off scene. It seems Scudder was minding his own business sitting in a bar when three killers barged in and blew away the bartender. When they saw him, the killers cut loose on Scudder. Scudder returned fire, pursued them into the street, and kept blasting away until he had killed them all. During this fracas, an innocent bystander—a seven year old girl--took one of Scudder's stray slugs through her eye and died instantly. Although he received a departmental commendation, Scudder quit the force after this incident. Since he has quit the force and joined Alcohols Anonymous, Scudder makes his living as an unlicensed private eye.
Peter Kristo (Boyd Holbrook), the brother of Kenny Kristo (Dan Stevens), approaches Scudder because he knows him from his AA meetings. Kenny needs help because two men have kidnapped his wife and he cannot go to the authorities. While he searches for these two homicidal fiends, Scudder befriends a homeless African-American urchin, TJ (Brian 'Astro' Bradley), and the kid serves as a gopher. Mind you, this suspenseful New York City saga is unconventional and somewhat off the beaten path that Neeson has taken since he became an action-hero in the first "Taken" movie. One of the creepiest characters is an accomplice who works as a grounds keeper at a cemetery. Scudder and he meet on the roof of a building where the grounds keeper raises birds. The grounds keeper tells Scudder how he meet the two men who had somehow acquired DEA files on certain drug dealers. After their conversation, the frightened grounds keeper, clearly fearing reprisal from the killers, steps off the roof and plunges to his death. Lenser Mihai Malaimare Jr. captures the grit and grime of the urban sprawl of jungle. The only drawback to "A Walk Among the Tombstones" is that you know the protagonist isn't going to die because Block has written so many novels about him. The two killers that he pursues are pure evil. Our hero is a vulnerable guy, and his ultimate fight with the villains in their basement is chilling.
A Decent Thriller, Neeson is Great w/Film Noir Vibe
brando6475 September 2015
I had zero interest in A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES when it was released. I never cared for the idea of Liam Neeson as an action star and tend to avoid movies where he's an action lead (no, I've never seen TAKEN
bring on the hate). I got the impression this was just another of them and paid it little attention until I happened to read some of the reviews. I was excited to find this was more of a film noir/mystery than the run-and-gun action I'd expected. It's based on one of a series of novels written by Lawrence Block that I'm unfamiliar with. Liam Neeson is Matt Scudder, a retired police detective and recovered alcoholic who now makes a living as a private investigator. Scudder is approached by a fellow Alcoholics Anonymous regular who hopes he might be able to help his brother. Hesitant at first, Scudder's instincts prove accurate when he discovers the brother is a wealthy drug smuggler. The man's wife was taken for ransom and murdered, and he wants Scudder to find those responsible. Scudder's uninterested until he discovers a pattern of previous missing persons and murders that fit the same description. Soon Scudder finds himself diving deeper into a criminal underworld in search of a serial killer (killers?) who target rich lowlifes and slaughter their loved ones in gruesome fashion. What follows is a tense, occasionally exciting, investigation that ultimately fails to bring any real surprises but works because of Neeson and usual power performance.
I found it interesting that A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES was set in 1999 and it was intent on making sure we never forgot it. Constant hints and mentions of Y2K serve to remind us whenever it can. I suppose it's so the audience doesn't start to question why Scudder and his associates in the film don't use more reliable modern tech. Still, it gives the film a weird, otherworldly period vibe. A lot of dark earthy tones, very few bright colors anywhere to be seen, late model cars and giant phones. The visual design is probably what I enjoyed most about it; A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES is great to look at. The story is all right but, in the end, it's not all that special. Its only unique element would be the fact that it's a familiar serial killer tale in which the victims are criminals (or criminally associated) themselves. Of course a criminal can't exactly go to the cops. Enter Matt Scudder. Scudder is an interesting character. The movie opens with a seemingly unrelated sequence that finds him chasing some thugs through Boston streets in an open firefight and I loved watching it unfold later in the film as an important moment in Scudder's career and some back story to explain why he became the man he is in the film. We get a hint at the complexity behind the character and, while this movie didn't blow me away, I'd be open to seeing further Scudder films.
I enjoyed A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES but I'll admit there's nothing exceptional about it. It fades from memory pretty fast once it's over. The film's cast doesn't have much in the way of standout performances. Neeson, as I said, is excellent because he rarely isn't. He's adopts an unofficial sort of young ward/sidekick in the form a homeless boy who latches on to him, excited at the chance of being a private detective. TJ (Brian 'Astro' Bradley) is a nice foil for Scudder: young and streetwise to counter his older, stoic personality. Dan Stevens, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and David Habour aren't bad. Just about everyone else leaves no lasting impression. It all comes down to the film basically being a Neeson showcase with an excellent noir- ish atmosphere. It's a decent little thriller but nothing to get excited about. Really, A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES would make a good rental or cable viewing but I doubt it'll show up on many top 10 of 2014 lists.
I found it interesting that A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES was set in 1999 and it was intent on making sure we never forgot it. Constant hints and mentions of Y2K serve to remind us whenever it can. I suppose it's so the audience doesn't start to question why Scudder and his associates in the film don't use more reliable modern tech. Still, it gives the film a weird, otherworldly period vibe. A lot of dark earthy tones, very few bright colors anywhere to be seen, late model cars and giant phones. The visual design is probably what I enjoyed most about it; A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES is great to look at. The story is all right but, in the end, it's not all that special. Its only unique element would be the fact that it's a familiar serial killer tale in which the victims are criminals (or criminally associated) themselves. Of course a criminal can't exactly go to the cops. Enter Matt Scudder. Scudder is an interesting character. The movie opens with a seemingly unrelated sequence that finds him chasing some thugs through Boston streets in an open firefight and I loved watching it unfold later in the film as an important moment in Scudder's career and some back story to explain why he became the man he is in the film. We get a hint at the complexity behind the character and, while this movie didn't blow me away, I'd be open to seeing further Scudder films.
I enjoyed A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES but I'll admit there's nothing exceptional about it. It fades from memory pretty fast once it's over. The film's cast doesn't have much in the way of standout performances. Neeson, as I said, is excellent because he rarely isn't. He's adopts an unofficial sort of young ward/sidekick in the form a homeless boy who latches on to him, excited at the chance of being a private detective. TJ (Brian 'Astro' Bradley) is a nice foil for Scudder: young and streetwise to counter his older, stoic personality. Dan Stevens, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, and David Habour aren't bad. Just about everyone else leaves no lasting impression. It all comes down to the film basically being a Neeson showcase with an excellent noir- ish atmosphere. It's a decent little thriller but nothing to get excited about. Really, A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES would make a good rental or cable viewing but I doubt it'll show up on many top 10 of 2014 lists.
Same as a single episode of a mediocre TV show
Motopsycho220 September 2014
We all love Liam Neeson as the badass action hero who kills bad guys in every scene. He cannot be stopped and will eventually overcome his enemies who are usually underestimating him massively. Ever since Taken, Liam has been typecast as this character in numerous movies such as Taken 2, Non-Stop, Unknown, etc. Well, he plays the exact same role in this one all over again. Now, there is nothing wrong with that if the writers had introduced something unique, something that differentiates this movie from previous Liam Neeson action movies. Not only they have failed entirely to differentiate themselves from a single episode of an everyday detective TV show but the pace of the movie is much slower than of a TV show and the character development is meaningless and entirely cliché.
The production team has simply put all their money betting on Neeson's reputation and success as an action hero. They are betraying viewer's trust by promising them something they know they are not capable of delivering. All the clichés of a Liam Neeson action flick exist in this movie and by watching a single episode of The Wire, CSI, Dexter, etc., you are already ahead in terms of the ticket price and your precious time.
The production team has simply put all their money betting on Neeson's reputation and success as an action hero. They are betraying viewer's trust by promising them something they know they are not capable of delivering. All the clichés of a Liam Neeson action flick exist in this movie and by watching a single episode of The Wire, CSI, Dexter, etc., you are already ahead in terms of the ticket price and your precious time.
Gritty Neo-Noir That Captivates Despite a Misstep or Two
LeonLouisRicci23 March 2015
An Excellent Screenwriter, Scott Frank, Directs this Neo-Noir with the Unlikely Action Hero, a 62 Year Old Liam Neeson. The Film is an Homage to the Noirs of Yore and it isn't Shy About it. Filmed in the Rain and On Gritty Streets and Dilapidated Buildings it Sets a Tone of Foreboding Not the Least are the Two Psycho/Sadist that Seem to Kidnap, Mutilate, and Rape Their Victims and Also Get Their Money.
They Will Get the Comeuppance, that is Never in Doubt, but Getting There is Thing of Novels and this is Pulp Pure and Simple. When the Movie is Dealing with the Psychos and the Drug Dealer Families it is at its Best. The Film Also Excels at Interesting Offbeat Characters that Populate the Mean Streets, Like a Weirdo Who Raises Pigeons.
However, the Movie is Not Without Some Missteps. The Inclusion of a Homeless Teen is Hokey. Can't Imagine Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe Parenting Such a Cliché. It is a Modern Sensibility that Doesn't Fit. It Doesn't Ruin the Movie but it Also Doesn't Help.
Speaking of Not Helping, the Ending Freeze Frame, 12-Step Recital is Another Modernism that is Not Welcome in Such a Downbeat, Scuzzy, Thriller. Once Again it Almost Ruins, but Not Quite, the Effective, Bleak, Camera Work that Had Framed the Film to That Point.
Overall, it is a Good and Stylish Attempt at a Throwback to the Detective Genre. Neeson does a Lot of Gumshoeing. The Aforementioned Missteps Aside, this is Good Entry Into the Film World of Detective Fiction that Came from a Popular Pulp Character that to Date has Walked Among the Missing and the Dead for 17 Books from Author Lawrence Block.
They Will Get the Comeuppance, that is Never in Doubt, but Getting There is Thing of Novels and this is Pulp Pure and Simple. When the Movie is Dealing with the Psychos and the Drug Dealer Families it is at its Best. The Film Also Excels at Interesting Offbeat Characters that Populate the Mean Streets, Like a Weirdo Who Raises Pigeons.
However, the Movie is Not Without Some Missteps. The Inclusion of a Homeless Teen is Hokey. Can't Imagine Sam Spade or Philip Marlowe Parenting Such a Cliché. It is a Modern Sensibility that Doesn't Fit. It Doesn't Ruin the Movie but it Also Doesn't Help.
Speaking of Not Helping, the Ending Freeze Frame, 12-Step Recital is Another Modernism that is Not Welcome in Such a Downbeat, Scuzzy, Thriller. Once Again it Almost Ruins, but Not Quite, the Effective, Bleak, Camera Work that Had Framed the Film to That Point.
Overall, it is a Good and Stylish Attempt at a Throwback to the Detective Genre. Neeson does a Lot of Gumshoeing. The Aforementioned Missteps Aside, this is Good Entry Into the Film World of Detective Fiction that Came from a Popular Pulp Character that to Date has Walked Among the Missing and the Dead for 17 Books from Author Lawrence Block.
Liam Neeson is brilliant!
yaseerrizwan21 February 2021
Very unnerving
Gordon-1120 September 2014
This film is about a private detective who held to solve the gruesome murder of a drug dealer's wife.
As Liam Neeson has made his name on thrillers, I expected "A Walk Among the Tombstones" to be similar. Though it lacks the continued thrill and mystery, it makes up for it in its intensely horrifying murders. The opening scene shows a beautiful woman being caressed, only at the last second of the scene do the viewers know what is really happening. After that, the film is a little flat until the second half. The ending tent minutes or so is very intense. I had palpitations and I kept shifting in my seat because the plot is very unnerving. I enjoyed watching this film.
As Liam Neeson has made his name on thrillers, I expected "A Walk Among the Tombstones" to be similar. Though it lacks the continued thrill and mystery, it makes up for it in its intensely horrifying murders. The opening scene shows a beautiful woman being caressed, only at the last second of the scene do the viewers know what is really happening. After that, the film is a little flat until the second half. The ending tent minutes or so is very intense. I had palpitations and I kept shifting in my seat because the plot is very unnerving. I enjoyed watching this film.
Im getting tired of these movies...
mr_iceman14 January 2015
Taken was great, and Taken 2 was OK. However I'm getting this feeling that Liam Neeson as a penchant for making phone call threats and seeking revenge in his trademark voice. This is fine for 1 movie, but seeing it a few times now (with this film too) makes it more repetitive than a washing machine.
The moral of the story is that 2 psychotic killers are kidnapping drug dealer's wives/girlfriends and making sure they enjoy every bit of them. This was the only decent part of the story until they happen to ask Liam (a retired cop) for help and the entire movie collapses like a straw house in a blizzard. Instead of these drug dealers with supposedly large ties with criminal groups summoning a group of thugs to beat the crap out of these 2 criminals, they in- list the help of a retired, old and washed-up former cop to assist them as they appear to be completely helpless and at his mercy.
Liam proceeds to do what he (thinks) does best, gets on the phone and starts with threats and blackmailing and the rest if history
i.e - one to skip
The moral of the story is that 2 psychotic killers are kidnapping drug dealer's wives/girlfriends and making sure they enjoy every bit of them. This was the only decent part of the story until they happen to ask Liam (a retired cop) for help and the entire movie collapses like a straw house in a blizzard. Instead of these drug dealers with supposedly large ties with criminal groups summoning a group of thugs to beat the crap out of these 2 criminals, they in- list the help of a retired, old and washed-up former cop to assist them as they appear to be completely helpless and at his mercy.
Liam proceeds to do what he (thinks) does best, gets on the phone and starts with threats and blackmailing and the rest if history
i.e - one to skip
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
