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Tom's Guide
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
One of Liam Neeson's most overlooked action-thriller movies is about to leave Prime Video — but you still have time to watch it
Sometimes the simplest ideas on paper are the most successful in practice. Take 2019's 'Cold Pursuit' as an example. This elevator pitch for this action-thriller movie is relatively straightforward: Liam Neeson on a revenge quest in snowy Colorado. And it's just as enjoyable as that premise makes it sound. Liam Neeson's credentials as an action movie star have been well established. Even since featuring in 2008's 'Taken,' the Northern Irishman has gone on to star in more thrillers than I can possibly list here. While some of these have been duds ('The Ice Road,' 'Blacklight'), when Neeson gets behind the wheel of a well-oiled project, the results are usually pretty darn compelling. 'Cold Pursuit' is one such example, and it's currently streaming on Prime Video. However, it won't be sticking around much longer as the movie is set to be removed from the streaming service's library next week, on May 31. That gives you just over a week to watch, and if you've enjoyed Neeson's action output in the past, this is one flick you should make the time to stream. Nels Coxman (Liam Neeson) is a hardworking snowplow driver and valued community member in the ski resort village of Kehoe, Colorado. He lives an honest life with his wife (Laura Dern), but his simple existence is shattered when his beloved son dies, and the circumstances are suspicious. Learning that his son was tangled up with a ruthless drug cartel, led by a psychotic criminal named Viking (Tom Bateman), he sets out on a revenge-fueled mission to put those responsible for this son's death under the ground (or under the ice in this case). As Nels becomes completely consumed by his bloodthirsty mission, he swaps his life of law-abiding for uncompromising vengeance, and finds himself caught in the middle of a deadly turf war between rival gangs. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 'Cold Pursuit' is actually a remake of a Norwegian movie, 'In Order of Disappearance,' but in a rare move, the original director, Hans Petter Moland, returned to helm this English-language adaptation of his own original work. This gives 'Cold Pursuit' a greater sense of authenticity than some of the more cynical Hollywood reworks of international films. The material doesn't really challenge Neeson. He's done vengeful parent plenty of times in his career, and the whole good-guy-goes-bad shtick falls comfortably in his established wheelhouse. But the thing is, Neeson is such a magnetic presence on screen, and is so well suited to these types of roles, I just never tire of watching him methodically murder very bad men in brutal ways. Viewers who like their action-thrillers to be violent will also get a real kick out of 'Cold Pursuit,' because things get seriously bloody. Some of the kills are wince-inducing, and it most definitely earns its R-rating. A few of Neeson's other action efforts can be accused of being a little sanitized (likely for a more audience-friendly PG-13), but 'Cold Pursuit' is certainly not one of them. 'Cold Pursuit' is also surprisingly playful. This is a movie where you'll see people decapitated and quite literally fed to the fishes, but it has a real humorous streak. Naturally, it's very dark humor on offer here, but it's a mixture of tones that works surprisingly well. The movie's final death is a great example. I won't spoil it here, but it's violent, silly and sort of genius. However, I do wish the movie had made better use of its female cast members. Laura Dern has a supporting role as Nels' wife, and really feels like barely a bit part player. When you have somebody as supremely talented as Laura Dern in your cast, it's a real crime to give her so little to work with. Overall, the biggest appeal of 'Cold Pursuit' is watching Neeson switch from upstanding citizen to ruthless killer, and that's a role that few can do as well as the genre veteran. It's a simple idea, but it's well executed and the movie gives viewers exactly what it promises. As a reminder, 'Cold Pursuit' is set to leave Prime Video on May 31, so if the above has convinced you to add it to your watchlist, but sure to have it very top as you only have a limited time left to enjoy this compelling thriller on the Amazon-owned platform. Meanwhile, if you want some more Prime Video recommendations, here's a guide to the highest-rated movies added to the streaming service this month. If you want an alternative pick also featuring Mr. Neeson, be sure to check out 'In the Land of Saints and Sinners,' which might just be his finest work in the action-thriller genre to date. Watch "Cold Pursuit" on Prime Video until May 31, 2025
Arab News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘Esaaf,' first Arabic film in IMAX, eyes global release
In a groundbreaking moment for Arabic cinema, 'Esaaf' has earned its place in history as the first Arabic-language film to be screened in IMAX. Blending heart-pounding action with sharp comedy, the film offers a one-of-a-kind cinematic experience that sets a bold new precedent for the region's film industry. By leading the charge, 'Esaaf' opens doors for Saudi and Gulf talent to push boundaries and craft original, high-impact stories. Set in Riyadh, 'Esaaf,' meaning ambulance, follows two incompetent paramedics completely out of their depth, who unwittingly become embroiled in a kidnapping plot. Since its release in Saudi cinemas, 'Esaaf' has quickly captured the hearts of both critics and audiences alike. Its fresh mix of action and humor has sparked enthusiastic discussions online and drawn crowds across the country — including many families, who are embracing the film's dynamic energy and enjoying the shared experience it brings to the big screen. Supported by the General Entertainment Authority and Riyadh Season, 'Esaaf' is produced by Blacklight and House of Comedy in partnership with SMC. Talal Al-Anazi, CEO and co-founder of Blacklight, said: 'We're delighted by the overwhelming response to 'Esaaf.' This success not only validates our efforts but also inspires us to explore more bold ideas and larger-scale productions.' Lead actor Ibrahim Al-Hajjaj said: 'I've been blown away by the audience's reactions. Combining action and comedy through IMAX is something entirely new for local viewers, and I'm eager to see how it continues to evolve.' Christopher Tillman, vice president of international development and distribution at IMAX, said: 'This title marks our first step into the exciting and rapidly growing Arabic-language film market, which is full of thrilling and entertaining stories we're eager to share with audiences. With a high-level production team and a gripping, humorous story, fans can experience this laugh-out-loud thrill ride with the crystal-clear image and immersive sound exclusive to IMAX locations.' Behind the scenes, the production team has hinted at promising talks with international distributors — an exciting step that could see 'Esaaf' featured in global festivals and introduced to broader markets. The growing buzz around the film reflects a larger wave of excitement for Saudi-made content, reinforcing the Kingdom's rising influence on the global cinematic stage. Executive Producer Peter Smith is exploring international distribution to further underscore the potential of Saudi cinema.
Yahoo
23-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Liam Neeson Just Appeared In An Aussie Listings Ad For A Friend's Suburban Home. He Didn't Need To Charge As He's Worth $145 Million.
Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. He has a very special set of skills and is not afraid to use them to help out his friends. Liam Neeson lent his distinctive Irish brogue to provide the voice-over for a colleague's promo video to help him sell his home in the Melbourne suburb of Mulgrave. According to the Herald Sun, the friend in question is Dean Fay, who was the assistant director on the 2022 American-Australian action thriller movie 'Blacklight' starring Neeson. In addition, Fay's daughter, Lucy, is a freelancer who works behind the scenes in film and television and has worked on some of Neeson's projects while also being a full-time student. Don't Miss: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a ? Many don't know there are tax benefits when buying a unit as an investment — Neeson was happy to oblige Faye's request, adding some trademark dialogue to the promo clip, which starred real-life listing agents Ming Xu and Jing Chen, who suggested that Fay add a promo video to help sell his home of 12 years. 'I sent him a little script, and he said he had made a couple of little changes,' Fay said of enrolling his pal. 'Not many actors would do that for a buddy at the end of the day. He's a very generous guy.' The clip uses well-known phrases from Neeson's 2008 hit film, 'Taken,' which made the actor an unlikely action star in his late fifties. Neeson's career trajectory is unique and wildly diverse. He has acted in over 90 films and worked with a who's who of top-notch directors, including Steven Spielberg on 'Schindler's List," for which he was nominated for an Academy Award. Trending: CEO of Integris gathered a team of senior investment managers who have $34.22 billion in combined owned and managed assets in the West Coast — According to multiple websites, the 'Taken,' trilogy was a major payday for the actor, who is worth around $145 million. Neeson was reportedly paid $5 million for 'Taken,' $15 million for 2012's 'Taken 2,' and $20 million for 2014's 'Taken 3.' Forbes once named Neeson one of the highest-paid actors in the world, earning $19.5 million in 2014. The previous year, he earned $32 million. Recently, Neeson starred in numerous straight-to-streaming action thrillers that piggybacked on his 'Taken' success. It's kept him working while being much loved and profitable, considering their lower budgets, consistently doing well on streaming services. During the pandemic, Neeson, playing his now trademark grizzled loner with retribution on his mind, scored two No. 1 movies in three results haven't always been guaranteed when Neeson has stepped away from his hard-man roles. He earned $5 million for reportedly speaking only 142 words in 'Clash of the Titans' in 2010. His next movie is an even bigger risk. He plays the bumbling Frank Drebin Jr., made famous by the late Leslie Neilsen in a "Naked Gun" reboot alongside Pamela Anderson. Liam Neeson's primary residence is a sprawling 34,000 square foot. farmhouse mansion in Millbrook, New York. The home was built around 200 years ago, and Neeson purchased it in 1994 before he met his late wife, Natasha Richardson. The property is located 70 miles south of Albany in an area known for its harsh winters. On the odd occasion he isn't filming, the home has plenty to keep him busy, including an outdoor pool, a pool house, a tennis court, and a state-of-the-art movie theater. Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today. to decide which one is right for you. Lower interest rates mean some investments won't yield what they did in months past, but you don't have to lose those gains. Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities. , which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate. The best part? Unlike other private credit funds, Looking for fractional real estate investment opportunities? The features the latest offerings. This article Liam Neeson Just Appeared In An Aussie Listings Ad For A Friend's Suburban Home. He Didn't Need To Charge As He's Worth $145 Million. originally appeared on Sign in to access your portfolio
