The Commuter Review: Intense, Yet Forgettable Train Ride

Introduction

In the realm of Hollywood typecasting, few have embraced their niche with the same unwavering commitment as Liam Neeson, who has firmly cemented his status as the go-to 60-year-old badass. The Commuter, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, promised another dose of this reliable formula: a family man down on his luck, thrust into an impossible situation. The setup is classic Neeson: an ordinary train ride turns extraordinary when a mysterious stranger, played by Vera Farmiga, offers a tempting sum to find a hidden passenger. The stage is set for a high-stakes, claustrophobic thriller, but does it deliver a memorable journey or just another stop on a familiar route?

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

From the outset, The Commuter leans heavily into the "Liam Neeson being Liam Neeson" appeal, and for many, that's enough. There's a morbid entertainment in watching him navigate this perilous scenario, even if the film itself falls short of greatness. The initial setup, detailing his everyday life, is a strong prologue, effectively grounding his character before the chaos erupts. However, the action sequences, while intense, suffer from a peculiar directorial choice: a "weird camera zooming digitally" that swirls around characters during fights. This technique, reminiscent of Kingsman: The Secret Service but less refined, often pulls the viewer out of the moment, making the movements feel "unnatural" and "out of Silent Hill." It's a jarring visual that detracts from the otherwise white-knuckle tension the film occasionally achieves.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

The core premise of The Commuter—a man on a train, racing against time to identify someone—is undeniably intriguing. Yet, the film struggles with its narrative pacing. For a significant portion, Liam Neeson's character feels "lost for 90% of this movie," making little to no progress. This lack of forward momentum can lead to checking one's watch, as the investigative process often feels stagnant. Furthermore, the movie attempts to broaden its scope beyond the confines of the train, introducing "sad things happen" moments, particularly in the final act. These additions feel "out of place" and don't quite mesh with the established tone, creating a disjointed experience that undermines the film's overall coherence. The supporting cast, including Patrick Wilson, Sam Neill, and Jonathan Banks, add familiar faces, but the plot struggles to fully utilize their presence within its convoluted mystery.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

The Commuter shares more than just its star with Jaume Collet-Serra's previous work, Non-Stop. It's the "same director," and the "same basic premise," yet it feels like a "more boring version" of its predecessor. While Non-Stop managed to maintain a relentless pace, The Commuter often loses its way. The film's January release slot might hint at a production that lacked the time for crucial refinements. The reviewer suggests that while some tweaks could have improved it, a truly better film would have required a "whole new situation" rather than minor adjustments. This speaks to a potential lack of creative freedom or perhaps a rushed production that prevented the filmmakers from fully realizing its potential.

The Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Commuter is a film whose premise you've likely "seen before." While it offers moments of genuine intensity and the undeniable draw of Liam Neeson in his comfort zone, it's not "remarkably great" and certainly "not that memorable." It's not a painful watch, but it struggles to leave a lasting impression, fading from memory almost as quickly as the credits roll. For those seeking a familiar, albeit flawed, action-thriller with a reliable lead, it might offer a diverting, if forgettable, journey.