Interesting to see a lot of people criticising the ending -- I thought that was when it got good!
Most of the film's a bit dull and the realism claim is too high for the plot's implausibility, but when it goes all-out following that unforeseen twist (I don't believe anyone called that without a huge dose of luck -- it makes (enough) sense in retrospect, but there's nothing to suggest it), the tone of the entire film clicks better. No, it's not realistic or plausible, but not many action-thrillers are.
Not perfect by any means -- criticism of the dodgy dialogue, Jones' acting, etc, all still stand -- but I thought it was solid enough entertainment.
Fell apart completely at the end. January Jones gave one of the worst performances I've seen this year. The movie was quite enjoyable in the beginning, though.
Predictable and very poorly scripted, you know you have a bad one on your hands when 90% of the dialog is completed unnecessary. Show don't tell is the golden rule.
The problem with Unknown, and the reason if so often fails to surprise despite the script really needing to, is its casting. Liam Neeson's presence in an action thriller makes us distrust his reality as a botanist. January Jones' cold readings also make her impossible to believe. Diane Kruger is just recognizable enough, especially in the atypical role of a random cab driver, that you expect her to play a bigger one. And when Frank Langella shows up as a third-act "friend", come on now, movie. Recast this with unknowns (ha!) or actors playing against type, and you might have something. Whether you're surprised or not, a mystery is still a mystery, and while your imagination gets you part of the way, the answers aren't written on the wall. That's not a Berlin joke, but setting the story there, when it could almost have happened anywhere, tries to tap into Cold War paranoia at a time when that's no longer an issue. One imagines a version of the script that indeed WAS a period piece, I don't know. Not as brain dead as a lot of Neeson's action flicks, but there are still a lot of plot holes. It at least PRESENTS as a little more thoughtful and intricate, like a Mission: Impossible TV episode seen at an angle.
I don't watch many films in this vein, so I was not expecting the twist. I was thinking the film would have a more "Shutter Island" type ending. Was pleasantly surprised.
If you watch a movie planning to be cynical then you can always tear it apart. People on icheckmovies can be so full of shit. Take the movie for what it is, and judge it on that, not on what it isn't.
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Comments 1 - 15 of 31
Coco Loco
Lame but somewhat entertaining. Watch it if you're bored maybe, though be assured if you don't bother you're not missing much.icheckmoviesaccount
I liked it better when it was called Frantic.badblokebob
Interesting to see a lot of people criticising the ending -- I thought that was when it got good!Most of the film's a bit dull and the realism claim is too high for the plot's implausibility, but when it goes all-out following that unforeseen twist (I don't believe anyone called that without a huge dose of luck -- it makes (enough) sense in retrospect, but there's nothing to suggest it), the tone of the entire film clicks better. No, it's not realistic or plausible, but not many action-thrillers are.
Not perfect by any means -- criticism of the dodgy dialogue, Jones' acting, etc, all still stand -- but I thought it was solid enough entertainment.
everyonewantstolaugh
Fell apart completely at the end. January Jones gave one of the worst performances I've seen this year. The movie was quite enjoyable in the beginning, though.Bolado
If you don't mind total bullshit script, ends up pretty enjoyable.radicalbytes
Predictable and very poorly scripted, you know you have a bad one on your hands when 90% of the dialog is completed unnecessary. Show don't tell is the golden rule.maido
Just finished watching, very good movie, and Liam Neeson is just a great actor for this kind of roleZManny
i kind liked the movie.. its a almost impossible plot.. but this is the Movies so.. anything is possible..!!TimHeaney
"never go full retard"Siskoid
The problem with Unknown, and the reason if so often fails to surprise despite the script really needing to, is its casting. Liam Neeson's presence in an action thriller makes us distrust his reality as a botanist. January Jones' cold readings also make her impossible to believe. Diane Kruger is just recognizable enough, especially in the atypical role of a random cab driver, that you expect her to play a bigger one. And when Frank Langella shows up as a third-act "friend", come on now, movie. Recast this with unknowns (ha!) or actors playing against type, and you might have something. Whether you're surprised or not, a mystery is still a mystery, and while your imagination gets you part of the way, the answers aren't written on the wall. That's not a Berlin joke, but setting the story there, when it could almost have happened anywhere, tries to tap into Cold War paranoia at a time when that's no longer an issue. One imagines a version of the script that indeed WAS a period piece, I don't know. Not as brain dead as a lot of Neeson's action flicks, but there are still a lot of plot holes. It at least PRESENTS as a little more thoughtful and intricate, like a Mission: Impossible TV episode seen at an angle.xianjiro
about the only thing missing is January Jones' character -danisanna
Great action, Liam Neeson ... a bit predictable but not a bad action movie over all.amir147
I like "Liam Neeson" appearance especially his voice.. :DBesides this move has an innovation which merit LIKE!
jolly jolly jolly.. :))
MathianSim
I don't watch many films in this vein, so I was not expecting the twist. I was thinking the film would have a more "Shutter Island" type ending. Was pleasantly surprised.If you watch a movie planning to be cynical then you can always tear it apart. People on icheckmovies can be so full of shit. Take the movie for what it is, and judge it on that, not on what it isn't.
mandapuspi
Liam Neeson and slow-burning tension seem a match.Showing items 1 – 15 of 31