Run All Night (English, 2015)

Liam Neeson as Jimmy Conlon is the perfect fit for the ageing mobster who dons various roles like that of an alienated father, a best friend and a ruthless killer with considerable ease. If Taken was all about his specialized skills, Run All Night is all about his emotions and care for his son and his family. Neeson’s fascination to do these tough-guy roles that amalgamate vehemence and heartfelt family moments is insatiable as he skillfully portrays a man who doesn’t just pop to life as a slaughter engine but has the muscle memory to accomplish things.

Ed Harris is one of the few actors capable of looking outright dead-eyed while still possessing a certain poignant twinkle. He pulls in his weight and doesn’t seem to sacrifice the screen space to Neeson in his role as Shawn Maguire, the mob’s boss. The pair shares some intense passages in the movie, like the conversation at the restaurant – considering the drama surrounding the situation, brings genuine theatrical mass that entirely lifts the film.

Director Jaume Collet-Serra, who also directed Neeson in Non-Stop and Unknown, helms this tension-filled drama that spans 16 hours in Jimmy’s life. He has to be credited for not turning it into the potential cliché of the criminal redemption and he also doesn’t allow any melodrama to sink into his portrayal. Brad Ingelsby has to be equally credited for skillfully scripting this edge-of-the-seat thriller.

Martin Ruhe’s cinematography does deserve a mention like the terrific car chase scene – shot in a bit too much close-up mode has a visceral pace to it that makes it impossible for us to look away. He also splendidly uses picturesque locations of New York City to add more spice to the atmosphere of the flick.

Joel Kinnaman continues to be a standout amidst the ageing veterans while rapper Common, Vincent D’Onofrio, Boyd Holbrook and Bruce McGill are just about adequate and slip in pretty well into their parts.

The movie doesn’t exactly cover new ground – not that it tries to in the first place. A little more grit and a little less polish in some of its darker beats could have actually helped the movie gain more respect than it manages to muster.