Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Writer: Byron Willinger, Philip de Blasi, Ryan Engle (Screenplay) Byron Willinger, Philip de Blasi (Story)
Starring: Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Jonathan Banks, Sam Neill, Elizabeth McGovern, Killian Scott
Plot: A businessman is caught up in a criminal conspiracy during his daily commute home.
Tagline – Lives Are On The Line
Runtime: 1 Hour 44 Minutes
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Nicely Done Action
Story: The Commuter starts as hard working father and husband Michael MacCauley (Neeson) who commutes to and from New York city everyday for his job, only to get laid off five years from retirement. He was once a police office staying in contact with his former partner Alex Murphy (Wilson) who both don’t get on with the new Captain Hawthorne (Neill).
One his commute home, Michael is approached by Joanna (Farmiga) who makes him an offer to figure out who on the train doesn’t belong. Michael must race against time to solve the riddle with his child and wife in danger.
Thoughts on The Commuter
Characters – Michael MacCauley has commuted to work for years in New York City, close to retirement with his son about to go to college. His day isn’t going to go well, after getting fired, he is forced into figure out who a witness for a crime is on the train home, a train full of commuters. Michael is resourceful when it comes to getting the answers he needs and can handle himself in a fight. Joanna is the lady pulling the strings forcing Michael into completely the task, mostly used on the phone warning Michael about the rules. Murphy is the old partner of Michael, his connection in the force when he is trying to get help.
Performances – When we go into the performances, this movie revolves around Neeson’s performance and he is great throughout the film do his older man action style we like to see. We do have a big name supporting cast that all do their job well through the film.
Story – The story follows an everyday commuter that is left with using his knowledge of the same passengers to figure out just who is the stranger on the train, a witness for a big case. The idea of the stranger needing to figure out who is out of place on a train is a normal thing but having the regular commuter does make us more interesting because we don’t need to go through the whole interview every person idea. The bigger issues are good because we know as much as Michael and learn when it unfolds. The story is easy to follow and will be going to play along with as you are guessing along with Michael.
Crime/Mystery – The crime side of this movie adds to the mystery because Michael is forced to help cover up a crime, while needing to figure out who is behind it.
Settings – The film takes place on the train, this keeps the story contained through the whole film which is helping us know as much as Michael.
Special Effects – The effects are saved for one full sequences which looks good when needed.
Scene of the Movie – Crash sequence.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – The idea the we don’t learn enough about Michael’s past.
Final Thoughts – This is an entertaining action film that checks the boxes for the fans f the genre with ease.
Overall: Enjoyable action crime thriller.
Rating
