Review of A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014) by Barry P — 13 Oct 2014

A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES is a no nonsense, straightforward semi-throwback (and I mean that in the best way) to the crime yarns of the 1970s. Liam Neeson as it his most world-weary and cynical, but yet still retains a deep, wounded humanity; it's a treat to get to continue to enjoy Neeson in this type of mode, as he's such a terrific, dependable screen presence.

The script (by writer/director Frank) does a fine job of juggling the demands of the genre (which include following leads, interrogating suspects, having shootouts with villains, etc.) with some of the more introspective character work, all leading up to a quite satisfying denouement.

Also, the dialogue is of an unusually good variety, sometimes terse, sometimes darkly funny; there's also a surprising lightness of touch on display in the form of some much-needed (but understated) levity, which helps to make the very grim story (involving some quite sick kidnappers/murderers) into something that is never tough to sit through.

The movie also (miraculously) finds a way to give Neeson a streetwise kid sidekick who actually contributes to the plot and doesn't become annoying, which is quite an accomplishment. The musical score by Carlos Rafael Rivera is quite effective, too, and actually has interesting melodic content, not just the kind of atmospheric ambiance a lot of modern thriller scores then to employ.

A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES is not something you've never seen before, but it is wonderfully old school in its approach, and overall it's a very entertaining thriller.