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Blacklight Blu-ray Review

There’s nothing fresh about “Blacklight.”

In “Blacklight,” Liam Neeson once again plays a man with a certain set of skills. In this instance, he plays a Government fixer (Travis Block) who works with the FBI Director (Gabriel Robinson) to get agents out of dangerous situations and or help agents who had issues going deep undercover. Travis is initially pondering retirement as he wants to spend more time with his granddaughter, but when he gets caught up in a situation involving an FBI agent (Dusty) who has intel about a corrupt secret FBI program. Dusty wants to spill the beans to a journalist (Mira), but the FBI is trying to cover matters up. Can Travis and Mira uncover the truth?

Considering “Blacklight” is directed and co-written by Mark Williams (alongside Nick May) who is the co-creator of the acclaimed Netflix series “Ozark,” one would think “Blacklight” would bring something new to the table. It does not. Instead, “Blacklight” is just as generic as so many of the Liam Neeson starring modern movies tend to be.

Everything contained in “Blacklight” is by-the-numbers. It has a hackneyed story about corruption and cover ups, an eye rolling subplot about a fixer who can’t fix his own personal life, slapped together action scenes to drum up audience interest, topical political intrigue (which isn’t explored enough), and there are nonsensical character actions that are there strictly for drama. There were more than a few occasions in which Travis (who is supposed to be efficient, calculating and OCD) does things that make zero sense for his character. It’s that kind of sloppy writing.

Outside of Aidan Quinn (Gabriel Robinson) who turns in a decent performance, the cast is in poor form. Liam Neeson looks completely disinterested as Travis. Even his action scenes are stiff. Musical theater vet Emmy Raver-Lampman is miscast and out of her element here while Taylor John Smith also seems like odd casting here as Dusty (although his action scenes are convincing).

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a satisfactory hi-def transfer.

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? The action roars with life in this 5.1 track.

Extras:
* DVD copy
* Digital copy
* “Blacklight: Behind The Scenes” contains film clips, set footage, interviews, and story discussions.
* “Shooting Blacklight”- A short look at how some of the action was done.

May 1, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Action Movie, Blacklight Blu-ray Review, Liam Neeson, Mark Williams