Liam Neeson is back with “Absolution” and plays an aging enforcer for a crime boss (Ron Perlman). Life has become complicated for Neeson’s character known as “Thug” as he has developed a bad case of memory loss to the point where he has to write down names and addresses he has known for years and has even forgotten the name of his boss and where he lives at times.
When his issue becomes so acute that he seeks help, he learns that he has C.T.E. which he at first attributes to his time as a boxer versus his profession, and learns that he has perhaps two years before his condition will require him to be cared for.
This sets a chain of events into motion where Thug has to make amends with his estranged daughter, son, and grandchildren, and also for recent events in his life that have troubled him including a causal relationship with a local girl.
This leads to a climatic final act after a long slow-burn to establish the characters where Thug looks to right some of the wrongs in his life and face his decline in the way that he thinks is best.
The film is slow-moving at first but the portrayal by Neeson is a nice change from the usual stoic tough guy roles as his situation adds vulnerability beyond the usual plot devices of trying to do right or save one’s loved ones.
“Absolution” entertained and made for a solid watch thanks to the work of Neeson and solid supporting cast. While there was not an abundance of action; what there was fit well with the characters and story and delivered a satisfying finale.
3 stars out of 5
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