|
www.filethirteen.com - : It's hard to believe that Liam Neeson is the problem with this film, but that's exactly the truth. Neeson, who is forced to play an artist who acts like a caveman, is the linchpin in the problem with this film. We are forced to believe that this distinguished sculptor (his retrospective announcement is framed and hangs on his wall - how many artists are really that shallow?) is a loving, yet misguided family man. Neeson doesn't seem to realize that his character is a walking anomaly and emotes dramatically throughout the piece. Eventually our ability to accept this character for what he is supposed to be is taxed to it's limit. We don't accept his actions from the plot's beginning and we come to suspect his ideals as well. Of course, Neeson is just doing his job and his job is to bring the poor script to the screen. But Neeson can be considered a failure in relation to his peers because they work through the material more ably than he. more...
|
|
|
www.boxoffice.com - : Starting as a good thriller with interesting family dilemmas, ''Before and After'' soon has everyone being so upfront and honest, even about their lies, that all drama is purged and the thrill is quickly gone. Liam Neeson comes on strong like a lion as Ben Ryan, an overly earnest father trying to protect his son (Edward Furlong) from the law, but his character exhibits such extreme emotions that he comes off as an abusive man so much so that the filmmakers make a point of saying he's not, over and over again. more...
|
|
Critic Reviews
