In recent years, Liam Neeson's movie roles have been marked by similar characters in predictable action stories since he starred in Taken (2009), and his newest movie, The Marksman, is no exception. After the success of the first film in the Taken franchise centered on revenge, Neeson went on to reprise his role in two sequels, as well as act in several other action films. From Non-Stop to Cold Pursuit and Honest Thief, the Irish actor has the hardened hero role down to a science, frequently portraying characters on revenge missions or survival quests. However, critics see a pattern that's become a little too familiar, and the perception of some of his films has suffered because of it. 2c44m

The Marksman, starring Liam Neeson and directed by Robert Lorenz, made headlines earlier this year when it managed to gross a surprisingly strong $15 million at the domestic box office. While that total wouldn't normally be anything exceptional, it was an exceedingly strong showing for a modestly-priced thriller released when a great many theaters across the United States were still closed due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

How does The Marksman compare to other Liam Neeson action films? In the past decade, the Irish actor has fully dived into the genre after previously starring in biographical dramas such as Schindler's List, Michael Collins, and Kinsey. Neeson's movie career dates all the way back to the late '70s; however, the modern streamer may correlate him mostly with revenge-themed action flicks. Thematically, The Marksman represents a spin on a familiar narrative formula.

The Marksman, currently out in theaters, combines the classic tropes of a Western with some heartfelt family drama that tugs at the heartstrings. When farmer Jim (Liam Neeson) tries to protect a young boy who just escaped from cartels, he winds up in a legal battle that includes his own family as well.

Liam Neeson has said he is retiring from doing action movies. The Oscar-nominated actor’s career saw a resurgence after 2008’s Taken, which paved the way for Neeson to star in numerous action movies. Since then, Neeson has become known for playing variants of the rough and tough hero pursuing justice by any means necessary. 

The Marksman cast includes experienced actors with impressive action pedigrees and relative newcomers from both film and television. Action star Liam Neeson leads the way in a familiar genre that has provided some of his most memorable roles. The credits of Neeson’s co-stars in The Marksman include award-winning films, along with hit television and Netflix shows.

The Marksman takes its cues from road trip films and classic Westerns, but it is an intrinsically human film at its core. Out in theaters on January 15, it centers on the growing bond between a rancher named Jim (Liam Neeson) and a young Mexican boy named Miguel (Jacob Perez) who is on the run from cartels.