A Walk Among the Tombstones (1/13/2015)

Rated R for strong violence, disturbing images, language and brief nudity.

Starring Liam Neeson

Directed by Scott Frank

Just to be clear, this is not just a Taken sequel.

Based on Lawrence Block’s bestselling series of mystery novels, A Walk among the Tombstones stars Liam Neeson as Matt Scudder, an ex-NYPD cop who now works as an unlicensed private investigator operating just outside the law. When Scudder reluctantly agrees to help a heroin trafficker (Dan Stevens) hunt down the men who kidnapped and then brutally murdered his wife, the PI learns that this is not the first time these men have committed this sort of twisted crime…nor will it be the last. Blurring the lines between right and wrong, Scudder races to track the deviants through the backstreets of New York City before they kill again.

I’m a huge fan of Liam Neeson. Whether he’s a villain in a Batman film, being chased by a pack of wolves or rescuing a kidnapped victim…he is “the man.” He is tough as nails, cool under pressure and has some of the most memorable lines. In A Walk Among the Tombstones he just might be tougher, cooler and more memorable than some of his previous films.

When going to see a film starring Liam Neeson, I believe most audiences sit down in a theater expecting to see a lot of violence. Make no mistake about it; there is a lot of violence in this one. But the thing that makes this film stand out is the graphic nature and realism of the violence. Every punch and every gunfight sounds and feels realistic – causing me to cringe several times throughout the film.

The story made me cringe too. It is darker and more disturbing than his other films. It’s one of those stories that makes you want to stay inside, double lock every door and hug your family tighter.

Rookie director Scott Frank (who also wrote the screenplay) deserves to have more projects greenlit. He keeps the pace moving while slowly and methodically revealing the next subplot. He also did a great job of making me not compare this film to Taken. It feels very different and I have no problem saying that I thought this was a better-crafted film. Although I still wish he had a “certain set of skills” speech.

This film certainly isn’t for everyone, but with Liam Neeson playing another tough as nails every-man, I say it’s Theater Worthy.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
No. Like most of Neeson’s films this one is violent and dark. There are over 20 F-words and several other profanities.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. What are some words that you would use to describe Matt?


2. Would you say he is “perfect”?


3. Do you need to be “perfect” to help people?

Read Hebrews 13:16

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.


4. How did Matt live out this verse?


5. How can you live out Hebrews 13:16 this week?