IN SEPTEMBER 2017, Liam Neeson announced he was retiring his “special set of skills” as an action movie star due to his advancing years and desire to take on more dramatic roles.
Speaking at that year’s Toronto International Film Festival, he insisted his recent foray into action thrillers was "all a pure accident".
“They're still throwing serious money at me to do that stuff,” he said.
"I'm like: 'Guy's I'm sixty-f******-five.' Audiences are eventually going to go: 'Come on.'"
Three years later, however, and little has changed for Neeson if the first trailer for Honest Thief anything is to go by.
The Northern Irish actor this time plays thief Tom Carter, a former marine turned bank robber dubbed the "In-and-Out Bandit", who has successfully stolen $9 million from several small-town banks without getting caught.
But now there’s a problem – Tom has fallen in love with Annie (Kate Walsh) and wants to come clean about his criminal past and work out a deal where he gives back the money and is allowed to forge a life with Annie.
Things get complicated, however, when the agents assigned to bring him in decide to take his stolen cash for themselves. Then they go after Annie, which is something they soon live to regret.
On the run and in possession of some unique skills, Honest Thief sees Neeson back in familiar Taken territory, right down to the presence of a scene involving him threatening someone over the phone.
Due for release this coming October, it nevertheless looks like essential viewing for anyone with an appreciation for Neeson’s action fare.
Anyone else might want to try seeking out his more dramatic recent efforts like Ordinary Love or Widows.
