13 years since Liam Neeson’s action star career transformation in Taken, the formula is still going strong, as are his knees! And one of his latest actioners, in director Mark Williams’ Honest Thief, now lands on Blu-Ray.
Neeson plays Tom Dolan, a man who has found love in Annie (Kate Walsh) but hides a secret, he is the mysterious master thief (dubbed “The In-and-Out Bandit” much to his chagrin) that has successfully eluded the cops for years. Now, older and wiser, he is ready to turn himself in and give all the money back. But some corrupt FBI agents have other plans.
The concept is not without shakier logical elements, and some of these beats sound rather familiar (because they are) but, like The Commuter and Non-Stop before it, Honest Thief has a throwback charm and knows precisely what it needs to do. Consequently, it is another very welcome entry into Neeson’s action CV.
Neeson can always be relied upon to lead these types of pictures and we have yet to tire of seeing him do so, and he remains on sterling form, this time as the criminal with a heart and moral code stronger than a bank vault.
The visuals are crisp and clear on this release, and the audio matches that high standard, as the dialogue is crystal and you feel every gunshot and bump. The extras, could certainly be beefier with only, subtitles, 50-minute cast interviews (from Jai Courtney, Kate Walsh and stunt co-ordinator Mark Vanselow) and a 20-second intro for the film from Neeson. That said, we’ve seen extras far skimpier.
Overall, Honest Thief does what is says on its bullet hole-riddled tin. A great, fun addition to your Neeson season collection.
