Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Writers: Byron Willinger (story by), Philip de Blasi (story by)
Stars: Liam Neeson, Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson

The film ‘The Commuter’ pleasantly surprised me with its ability to maintain my interest throughout its duration. The trailer had already introduced us to Liam Neeson’s character, Michael MacCauley, an ex-cop turned insurance salesman, who encounters a mysterious stranger named Joanna, portrayed by Vera Farmiga. She presents him with a proposition – complete a task for a $100,000 reward, or his family will face dire consequences. While some movie trailers tend to reveal too much, in this case, it was necessary to showcase the intriguing aspects of the film.

However, mishandling such a premise can lead to a stale and uninteresting movie, as seen in the sequel to ‘Speed’ and ‘Under Siege.’ Fortunately, ‘The Commuter’ skillfully maintains its engagement. Within the first 15 minutes, the groundwork is laid, largely owing to Liam Neeson’s portrayal of Michael MacCauley. Now a 60-year-old insurance salesman with two mortgages and a son headed to college, he is facing a series of unfortunate events, including a severance package. We are provided a glimpse into his daily routine and interactions with other commuters, which later becomes significant to the plot.

The story unfolds when Michael, dejected and desperate, is approached by Joanna on his way home. Their exchange leads to an enticing offer, setting the stage for the next 90 minutes on the train, where Michael races against time to identify a fellow commuter and uncover the reasons behind this mysterious organization’s interest in that individual.

I will refrain from delving into the details of the plot or revealing any twists to maintain a non-spoiler review, as some of what I’ve mentioned is already present in the trailer. ‘The Commuter’ is well-crafted, offering an intriguing puzzle-solving experience.

Liam Neeson delivers another solid performance, portraying a character who grapples with past regrets and the weight of his current life choices. Unlike his more iconic action roles, Neeson’s MacCauley is a flawed individual, lacking the confidence he once possessed.

Vera Farmiga shines in her limited screen time as the apparent antagonist, Joanna. Her character is cold and calculating, with a clear agenda. Patrick Wilson, playing Michael’s ex-partner, Alex Murphy, is a refreshing presence, though I wish he had more screen time.

In conclusion, ‘The Commuter’ offers a thrilling and engaging cinematic experience. The pacing and direction by Jaume Collet-Serra are commendable, ensuring the film never loses its momentum. The close-quarter camera work on the train, especially during the fight scenes, adds to the realism. The supporting cast, including Jonathan Banks, Sam Neill, and Elizabeth McGovern, contribute to the overall weight of the film’s characters. If you haven’t yet watched ‘The Commuter,’ it’s a must-see for fans of thrilling, suspenseful cinema.

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