The Commuter
“WH AT kind of person are you?”
The simple probing question in The Commuter is integral to the film’s psychology, demanding how far a man would go to obtain an easy hundred grand. Slow-paced at first, this action-thriller speeds up near the middle as quickly as a commuter train leaving the station, turning from a calm stroll to a wildly-climactic ride.
Set almost entirely on said train, this film does exceptionally well to draw from seemingly irrelevant moments at the start, requiring viewers to pay careful attention throughout. They play important contextual roles later on, turning an otherwise simple story to a fairly complex one.
Noteworthy is the creatively filmed shot of protagonist Michael MacCauley’s (Liam Neeson doing the stuff he does best) daily routine and the familiarity with which he goes about it.
This film embodies the intense, mystery, actionpacked vibes of Taken, Unknown, The Negotiator, Speed, Die Hard With A Vengeance, Murder On The Orient Express, Last Passenger and Source Code.
The twists and turns keep you surprised, guessing and wondering.
Though there may be a few slightly underwhelming moments and more than enough plot holes to keep critics busy, this film is an entertaining watch that will leave viewers pondering the kind of individuals they would be when faced with similar situations.
And you’ll also like the unique credits design at the end as well. – Edmund Evanson