Blacklight: Unraveling a Web of Secrets
“Blacklight” plunges us into a shadowy world where the line between justice and corruption blurs. The sudden and suspicious death of a congressional candidate cracks open a conspiracy, revealing a dark operation within the FBI — the elimination of anyone deemed an obstacle. Travis Block, portrayed by Liam Neeson, is far from a typical agent. Haunted by his past and consumed by paranoia, he operates as an off-the-books fixer for the agency. But when Dusty Crane, a young and idealistic FBI agent, seeks to expose the truth about the agency’s clandestine assassinations to intrepid reporter Mira Jones, Travis finds himself caught in the crossfire. As the truth inches closer to the light, FBI Director, played by Aidan Quinn, desperately tries to bury it, even if it means committing unspeakable crimes.
Liam Neeson: Action Veteran
Liam Neeson’s reinvention as an action star has seen him embody a familiar archetype: the retired military man pulled back into the fray. “Blacklight” isn’t the first time he is working with director Mark Williams, after “Honest Thief”, it sees, now at 69, Neeson once again utilizing his signature action style as he seeks to deliver justice. The stunts appear more labored, the performance feels somewhat repetitive. Like his films “The Marksman” and “The Ice Road”, “Blacklight” sticks to the formula. Director’s new film echoes the style of “Honest Thief,” bearing an air of TV production value, with the plot of the film focusing on political machinations. Of course, his character has to run, shoot, and, between these action sequences, safeguard his daughter and granddaughter from harm.
Action Genre Fatigue
At a time when it was exciting and new, these action movies now seem primitive and repetitive. “Blacklight” aligns perfectly with the standard espionage action blueprint. This blueprint typically comprises a troubled protagonist of older age. Either a paranoid person who brings too much fear to the family, or a cautious professional with enough recognition when facing political elites and agents. Standard investigation plot lines occur throughout the film to connect fragmented plot points. A modicum of generic action also takes place in shootouts and car chases. The critical mass of the topic of American government comes together but fails to impact the White House. Instead it focus’ on individual figures, resulting in paranoid and conspiratorial issues resolved with violence.
From Thriller to Tedium
The film starts with journalists who are keen on investigating the FBI, but this quickly evolves into a B-movie. A cheap plot device of kidnapping relatives is introduced. The movie devolves with the plot’s inability. It lacks impulse and action. Veteran actors add creaking and gasping to the cold product. Lacking any action ending instead with a simple car chase., It seems Liam Neeson is just acting on instinct.
“Blacklight” falls short, and tries to address today’s issues about Donald Trump and social media. The special service is trying to regain control. But it comes together with director Williams lacks bold actions. The film uses action scenes from past movies that do not come together to make a new movie. When Neeson’s character is told to quit, he said, “No, not an option”. Which means new movies are coming from the senior actor who refuses to retire. However, it would be wise to listen to other people.