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Not long ago, Liam Neeson was known as a serious actor. He took on serious roles in movies like Schindler’s List, Michael Collins, and Les Misérables. Lately, though, the Oscar-nominated actor has let loose a little, taking on roles in everything from summer action movies like The A-Team to fast-paced thrillers like Taken. But although Neeson tends to make almost any movie watchable, he’s about the only thing worth watching in his new thriller, Unknown.
Neeson stars as Dr. Martin Harris, an American professor who’s traveling to Berlin with his wife, Elizabeth (January Jones), for a biotechnology summit. When they arrive at their hotel, he realizes that his briefcase was left behind at the airport, so he catches a cab to retrieve it. But, on the way to the airport, the cab is in a serious accident, leaving Martin in a coma.
Four days later, he awakes in the hospital. Although his memory is a bit fuzzy, he soon remembers who he is—and why he’s in Berlin. Against his doctor’s advice, he races to his hotel, only to find that another man (Aidan Quinn) has stolen his identity—and not even his wife believes him.
Determined to prove his identity and get his life back, Martin tracks down Gina (Diane Kruger), the cab driver who saved his life. With some help from a former member of the secret police (Bruno Ganz), they begin to put the pieces together.
Neeson may have proven himself as an unlikely action star in the gritty crime thriller Taken—but Unknown is no Taken. Instead, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a winter action movie: brainless action with a laughable plot (think Mel Gibson’s Edge of Darkness).
Though Neeson is as badass as ever as the hard-hitting doctor—and he and Kruger make a pretty good team—even he often seems perplexed by the ridiculousness of it all. At times, he even appears to be channeling Harrison Ford’s crusty, over-the-top old professor from Extraordinary Measures. But he’s absolutely Oscar-worthy compared to Jones, who’s nothing short of distractingly bad as his wife. Still, you can’t really blame either of them—because they weren’t given a whole lot to work with.
Sure, there’s plenty of action—and the story is even slightly suspenseful (albeit in the most contrived of ways). But, in order to enjoy it, you’ll have to overlook a whole lot of gaping plot holes and unintentional comedy. And although the film’s concept is actually pretty clever, the execution feels awkward and silly.
Unknown does have a couple of likeable stars—as well as plenty of chase scenes and (best of all) a satisfying explosion or two. But even if you love Liam Neeson as an action hero, feel free to hold off and catch this hokey thriller on Blu-ray.
