If you put Alfred Hitchcock and Philip K. Dick in a blender, the result would be something like Unknown. Liam Neeson plays a biochemist about to present a paper at a conference in Berlin. But he almost dies in an automobile accident and ends up in a coma. When Neeson wakes up four days later, he has trouble remembering his past. His doctor is puzzled because Neeson has no identification on him. When Neeson confronts his wife (played by January Jones) she doesn’t recognize him. In desperation, Neeson turns to an elderly private investigator (a former East German spy) to help him sort things out. Unknown features some of the best car chases I’ve seen in years. All in all, Unknown managed to hold my interest even when the plot twists tested the limits of credibility. GRADE: B+
I don’t mind that Unknown, which builds on Liam Neeson’s newly minted status as a tortured action hero, is utterly ridiculous. Why? Because within the constraints of its absurdity, it always manages to play fair with the audience. -Jeff Bayer
I’m not sure I’d call all the coincidences in UNKNOWN “fair play,” Jeff. The scene in the parking ramp is a prime example.
I can’t resist a good amnesia thriller.
I found UNKNOWN suspenseful right to the end, Bill, even though I figured out what was going on about a third into the movie.
Picture did not come through for me, George.
I’m normally not a fan of these “conspiracy” movies but we will probably see this one next week. This week it is COMPANY MEN and THE FIGHTER (probably). Actually, the one I’m looking forward to – surprisingly – is CEDAR RAPIDS.
To buy into UNKNOWN, Jeff, you have to be able to accept some whopper coincidences. But, the cast is great and the director, Jaume Collet-Serra, deliver a stylish thriller.
I almost saw it and instead saw CEDAR RAPIDS, which I liked less than I expected. The humor wasn’t funny enough to overcome some of the raunchiness of it. It did have a certain sweetness and I guess the reviewers like it more than I did. So don’t go by me, Jeff.
I saw the trailer for CEDAR RAPIDS before THE COMPANY MEN started, Patti. It looks funny, but other reviews have mentioned the film’s Dark Side. Don’t go to Libya, Patti! I’d be worried sick!
I think it was Patti’s friends who were going to Libya if I remember correctly, not her and Phil.
I hope you’re right, Jeff. I wouldn’t advise ANYBODY to go to Libya right now. Chaos reigns!
One of my rules of life even before this was Stay Out of Libya.
Diane had put Africa on Patrick and Katie’s “No Fly” list, Jeff. Now we see why.
Bill likes a “good” amnesia thriller. I don’t, much. But for my money this was a not-all-that-good amnesia thriller.
See it – if you do – for the great car chases and Neeson, Bruno Ganz, Frank Langella and Diane Kruger. Don’t see it if you are looking for a believable plot.
The wheels within wheels plot appealed to me, Jeff. But, you’re right: in the final analysis the plot just doesn’t jell.