#REVIEW: “A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Scott Frank’s first directorial Debut came from a 2007 under-appreciated Film called Lookout and after hearing that he was directing and adapting A Walk Among The Tombstones, I was beyond ecstatic to see what he had in store. Liam Neeson has proven time and again his status as a Hollywood Heavyweight and since his 2008 Hit Taken, he has been listed as the Go-To Action Star among his generation. A Walk Among The Tombstones, sees Neeson back and redefining himself once again as an Actor.

The Movie focuses on our Protagonist Matt Scudder (Neeson) who is a retired NYPD Officer and eight years sober. Still wanting to be apart of that life style he is a off the books Private Detective who helps people in exchange for favours. It is here that Kenny Kristo (Dan Stevens), who is a notorious Drug Smuggler, is introduced as we find out that his Wife has been kidnapped and unfortunately disposed of. This is where Kristo enlists the help of Scudder to find the Men responsible for the abduction and brutal killing of his Wife. Through this tale of suspense and mystery we follow Scudder on a trail to find the Men later known as Ray (David Harbour) and Albert (Adam David Thompson).

The power that Neeson brings new dimension to widely-adored Character  Matt Scudder as we see he is conflicted with his past as he tries to push his life forward. He is constantly struggling to decide how to proceed with his life decisions, and why he should help Drug Smugglers in finding those responsible. As well as the performance by English import Stevens, adds great dramatic effect to the Movie, but more specifically in the last ten minutes where his performance truly shines through.

A Walk Among The Tombstones is one of the better Novel Adaptations seen at the Movies in 2014 and even  at times feels a bit like watching HBO’s True Detective at times. How’s that for an endorsement?

eOne Films release A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES on Friday, September 19, 2014.