Liam Neeson, the Action Star
Though Liam Neeson is typically associated with action movies now, his career wasn’t always defined by the genre. In the 90s and early 2000s, he appeared in a variety of films, including romantic comedies and dramas, such as Love Actually. However, his career changed after the release of the 2009 film, Taken.
Since then, Neeson has become known for his action movies, including Unknown, The Grey, Non-Stop, and Cold Pursuit, among others. Despite a few less successful sequels, Taken helped Neeson establish himself as a credible action star.
Recently, one of Neeson’s action movies, Run All Night, has seen an unexpected surge in popularity. The 2015 action thriller, which starred Neeson alongside Ed Harris and Joel Kinnaman, was initially met with mixed reviews and did poorly at the box office. The film grossed only $71 million worldwide on a $50 million budget.
Fast forward to today, Netflix data reveals that Run All Night has become the fifth most popular movie on the service in the U.S. for the week of December 2 – 8. This unexpected comeback is a testament to Neeson’s enduring appeal and his ability to still captivate audiences.
What Does Run All Night’s Netflix Success Mean for Liam Neeson?
Neeson is now 72 years old and has hinted that he plans to retire from action movies in the near future. However, this new success on Netflix speaks volumes about his ability to adapt and continue to entertain audiences. Even if he won’t be making more action movies, his past efforts will continue to live on through streaming services.
Whether or not Run All Night is a masterpiece, the film is a serviceable thriller with a reliable performance from Neeson and some compelling action scenes. While it may not be for everyone, the film is a testament to Neeson’s enduring power as a leading man and a symbol of the action movies we love.