A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014) – Review

A former cop, Matt Scudder (Liam Neeson) provides private eye services to those in need. Consequently, he is asked by a shady drug dealer to find the people responsible for the kidnap and apparent murder of his wife. After some reluctance, Scudder eventually takes the job before slowly unravelling a larger web of secrets connected to the men responsible. Not the most noteworthy Liam Neeson release of recent years but certainly something a little different than most. It’s worth noting that A Walk Among the Tombstones is currently streaming on Netflix.

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 2.5 out of 5.

Director: Scott Frank
Writers: Lawrence Block
Starring: Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, David Harbour, Boyd Holbrook

Based on a novel written by Lawrence Block, A Walk Among the Tombstones isn’t your typical Liam Neeson led action-based picture. To my own surprise, this came across more as a detective story, accompanied by a somewhat intriguing but straightforward storyline and a fitting background score that complemented the overall atmosphere and tone of the flick greatly.

The one aspect of the movie that stood out as a positive among all else, however, was the dirty and gritty setting of the film itself. New York City in the United States, starred center stage for the entire one-hundred and fourteen minute runtime and was as prominent and urban as it typically is. Aside from showcasing the city from ground level, there were several skyline views across the city also included. Many could, and rightfully so, regard New York as a character within the release itself.

A minor negative I’d have to highlight would be the fact that the multitude of characters on display weren’t focused on enough, nor did any of them come across as memorable in any fashion. The rather slow pacing probably didn’t help matters, but I found myself struggling to find any of them compelling enough to become emotionally invested into.

In terms of the cast that played the vast array of characters, Liam Neeson adopted the role of Matt Scudder, while support reigned in from Dan Stevens, David Harbour and Boyd Holbrook, who portrayed Kenny, Ray and Peter, respectively. Elsewhere, Astro found himself playing TJ, a young streetwise youth that aided much of the investigative work.

All in all, A Walk Among the Tombstones didn’t come across as one of the finest releases of the 2014 calendar year, but if you’re sustainable to solid detective-based stories with one or two minor twists and turns along the way then this might be a good way of spending one evening. As previously noted, A Walk Among the Tombstones is currently streaming on Netflix.

“I do favours for people, and in return, they give me gifts.”

Matt Scudder – A Walk Among the Tombstones

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