Every film Neeson is in, he somehow manages to be the butt kicker of the film. And for this film, he is more so the watchful eye of suspicion. He does a good job at giving audiences an intriguing performance but his action sequences are dry and miss an opportunity to go all out crazy.
Jaume Collet-Serra, director of "The Shallows", conducts the madness on the train. He uses dramatic elements of suspense but has the tendency to drift off into a bit of boringness. And with a dry screenplay, this film is mediocre for its nature.
The film's score, made by Roque Banos, is suspenseful but doesn't necessarily fit into the climate. It seems too dramatic for a film like this. I would say that this film would be better if the score wasn't so dramatic.
This film has the ultimate elements of suspense and thrilling qualities. That is what makes the film enjoyable to watch. It also offers mystery and thought-provoking storytelling.
Would you do anything to a stranger if it benefited you and you didn't know what it was you had to do? Whatever your decision is, it could have consequences like in the film. This film is one of the years first thrillers and action films. It's a good one, but it is a little familiar to other works of Neeson's.
Rate: B-
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Starring: Liam Neeson, Verma Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Elizabeth McGovern
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some intense action/violence, and language)
Runtime: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes
Synopsis:
Insurance salesman Michael is on his daily commute home, which quickly becomes anything but routine. After being contacted by a mysterious stranger, Michael is forced to uncover the identity of a hidden passenger on the train before the last stop. As he works against the clock to solve the puzzle, he realizes a deadly plan is unfolding, and he is unwittingly caught up in a criminal conspiracy that carries life and death stakes for everyone on the train.
 |
| Photo: Studiocanal Studios |
Malawski’s Movie Rating System
A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
C-= Meh
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.
