The Marksman [2021]

The Marksman is sadly another forgettable movie by Liam Neeson built on the assumption that you can keep making TAKEN inspired sequels.

Let me start by mentioning this: I have no idea why the movie is named The Marksman, Jim (Liam Neeson) doesn’t do much marksman-ing until the last 15 minutes or so. In addition, the plot’s predictable, the story sometimes drags, and the ending isn’t for everyone. However, if you’re in the mood for Liam Neeson in action hero mode, The Marksman is well worth a watch.

To be honest, if it weren’t for Neeson, this movie wouldn’t even be watchable. As much as I criticized him in the last decade, he single handedly made this movie kind of watchable. If all you want is vaguely racist pulp with an incongruously thoughtful performance from the only star, then you might like this movie. Perhaps the greatest of Neeson’s particular set of skills is his ability to elevate a passable film into one that is worth 108 minutes of our time.

In general, The Marksman isn’t a particularly good or bad film. Neeson elevates the film and keeps it from going over-the-top into absurdity. However, both the film and its star show signs of genre fatigue.

Should you watch it?

The only two reasons to bother with this movie are the following: you either miss TAKEN and looking for nostalgia, or you’re related to Liam Neeson, and you have a duty to watch his movies.

Where can I watch it?

You can stream The Marksman on Amazon Prime Video.