Thescreescore – Liam Neeson, the undisputed king of action thrillers, has delivered countless iconic performances. Yet, one gem from his filmography, the 2014 neo-noir action-thriller A Walk Among the Tombstones, is experiencing a surprising surge in popularity on streaming platforms. Boasting a respectable 68% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this critically acclaimed film, written and directed by the masterful Scott Frank (co-writer of Minority Report and Logan), is finally receiving the widespread attention it deserves.
A Walk Among the Tombstones, adapted from Lawrence Block’s novel, showcases Neeson in a nuanced role as the alcoholic, world-weary former NYPD detective, Matt Scudder. Hired by a ruthless drug lord to find the killers of his wife, Scudder delves into the dark underbelly of New York City’s criminal underworld. The film masterfully blends Neeson’s signature action prowess with a compelling dramatic performance, perfectly capturing the gritty atmosphere and moral ambiguity of classic noir.
While initially met with positive reviews, A Walk Among the Tombstones somehow failed to achieve the same lasting cultural impact as Neeson’s other action blockbusters. This recent streaming success, however, presents a compelling opportunity. With Matt Scudder’s adventures continuing in a series of novels by Block, the potential for a sequel is undeniable. Both Frank and Neeson have previously expressed interest in revisiting the character. However, Neeson’s hinted retirement from action roles by the end of 2025 (via Variety) casts doubt on this possibility. Nevertheless, the renewed interest in A Walk Among the Tombstones might just be enough to tempt the legendary actor back into the fray. Only time will tell if we’ll see a return to the grim streets of New York City with Scudder. For now, audiences are rediscovering this hidden gem, proving that sometimes, the best stories are the ones that take their time to find their audience. Source: FlixPatrol, Variety, and thescreescore.com
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