An “underrated” action thriller has been added to Netflix, and fans have called it “very entertaining”. Starring Liam Neeson, the film was released in 2020 and was met with negative critical reviews but positive audience reviews. Having been added to Netflix in July, the film might get a second lease of life as the action thriller becomes available to UK movie fans. Liam Neeson has become a staple action star since the Irish actor appeared in Taken in 2008.
Honest Thief was added to Netflix on July 7. The film follows Tom Dolan (Neeson), a successful bank robber who contacts the FBI to confess to the money he has stolen in the past in a bid to start over with a clean conscience. However, his plan for peace is thrown into chaos when he is double-crossed by two FBI agents. The film, although praised by many fans, didn’t make a huge splash when it came out five years ago, but has been given another shot at glory since being added to Netflix.
It is among a number of action flicks that have been added to the streaming service in recent days. Other titles that Netflix recently added include The Take starring Idris Elba and Skyscraper starring Dwayne Johnson.
While it received mixed reviews from critics, getting a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 41 per cent, it was reviewed much more positively by casual viewers and has an audience score of 87 per cent.
One viewer said of the film: “Underrated. There are any number of familiar plot points, but overall, the story feels somewhat fresh. Direction is good, disciplined. Camera angles/placement make for smooth cuts and action sequences. Not choppy at all, as so many action films tend to get. And nobody is going beyond the believable. The actors are staying within themselves, so to speak, as they should.”
Another shared: “Very entertaining, well written and lots of stars doing a fantastic job. Lots of action with a little bit of humor at just the right time.”
A third said: “An amazing movie but really, when has Liam Neeson ever disappointed us in a film? Good for all ages and just a tasteful film. The storyline is phenomenal so if you haven’t watched it then stop what you are doing and go watch it.”
As well as 73-year-old Liam Neeson, Honest Thief stars Kate Walsh and Anthony Ramos. While many of the reviews of the film and the cast’s performance were positive, not everyone was sold.
One negative review reads: “So bad! The whole movie is just lame cliche one liners. No story, no reason for any of the events that occurred. Honestly felt like watching a movie written by a 10 year old child.”
A second wrote: “Liam Neeson deserves better. Almost 2 hours of my life I’ll not get back.”