Blacklight

When I think of a vigilante film, one actor that comes to mind is that of Liam Neeson. If you're questioning this, check out his resume: "Taken" '08, "The Grey" '11, "The Commuter" '18, "Honest Thief" '20, to name a handful. After viewing the trailer of "Blacklight", I realized that this was going to be, yet another one of the typical Neeson vehicles we've all grown to expect. But after I left the theater, I was actually amazed that it surpassed my expectations.

Trust, identity, and the danger of unchecked power push a covert operative to the edge in director Mark Williams' intense action thriller "Blacklight". Travis Block (Liam Neeson) lives and fights in the shadow. A freelance government "fixer", Block is a dangerous man whose assignments have included extracting agents out of deep-cover situations. When Block discovers a shadowy program called Operation Unity is striking down ordinary citizens for reasons known only to Block's boss, FBI chief Gabriel Robinson (Aiden Quinn), he enlists the help of Journalist Mira Jones (Emmy Raver-Lampman), but his past and present collide when his daughter, Amanda (Claire von der Boom) and granddaughter, Natalie (Gabriella Sengos) are threatened. Now Block needs to rescue the people he loves and expose the truth for a shot at redemption. Nothing and no one is safe when secrets are hidden in "Blacklight".

Others to round out the cast are Taylor John Smith as Dusty Crane, Yael Stone as Helen Davidson, Tim Draxl as Drew Hawthorne, Andrew Shaw as Jordan Lockhart and Zac Lemons as Wallace. 

This was rivetingly directed by Mark Williams ("A Definite Maybe" '16, "Honest Thief" '20). The major source of this filmmakers' experience is that of producing, but as for others in the biz, he crossed the line to attempt to do something different. So, in 2016, he decides to go out of his comfort zone and try his hand behind the camera. Surprisingly, with the limited experience, he has succeeded well giving his audience that thrill ride in each film he's directed, this film being of no exception, and will undoubtedly receive more work. It was surprisingly well written by virtual newcomer Nick May, and relative newcomer Mark Williams ("Honest Thief" '20, "Copshop" (story) '21, based on a story by Nick May and Brandon Reavis. While, if you've seen many films that Neeson has acted in, you've probably seen this, it doesn't negate the absolute thrill ride a moviegoer will get with this. Yes, there are some twists in this that isn't surprising, but the way Neeson carries out the methodical plan he devises to catch the'bad guy' is always intriguing. He's a man with issues: he's obsessed--has OCD, definitely has commitment issues, but he is an upright man whose in a world that he didn't realize until people came up missing. Nick May will truly receive more work, especially if he can stick with Williams. They definitely make an effective writing team. Was this a script that was flawless? Absolutely not, but considering that both are definite newcomers, especially May, the outcome was impressive. Really other than a couple of places of continuity issues and some inconsistencies, this story simply soared.

This is the quintessential flick to keep you on the edge of your proverbial seat. The intensity, stunts (car and physical) was thrilling and something that will allow one to be able to escape into. Grab the popcorn and enjoy this yarn. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                                Rated: PG-13                                              104mins.