By DAVID MATTESON
Packed with amnesia, car stunts and adrenaline pumping pursuits, Juam Collet-Serra’s Unknown opened in theaters Feb. 18.
The film’s plot is truly intriguing. Essentially, Dr. Martin Harris (Liam Neeson, Taken) and his wife (January Jones, Mad Men) are travelling in Berlin, where he is in a car accident and ends up in the hospital. When he gains consciousness he finds his wife does not recognize him; in fact, another man claims the identity of Dr. Martin Harris.
The rest of the movie is spent trying to decipher the mystery of Harris’s stolen identity. Along the way he enlists the help of Gina (Diane Kruger, Inglourious Basterds) the driver from his initial accident. Together they solve the mystery of why someone would steal the identity of the seemingly insignificant doctor. The final twist is unexpected, and occurs when Harris realizes who he truly is and the importance this role serves.
While the storyline draws viewers in, the film is filled with visually stimulating action sequences sufficient for any adrenaline junkie. Epic car stunts and fights are both entertaining and serve to fulfill Neeson’s role as a celebrated action flick hero. At some points, fans of the actor will feel as if they are watching a sequel to the 2008 blockbuster, Taken.
Neeson is the only actor to play his role well. Jones falters in her performance as Elizabeth Harris, and her cold demeanor early in the movie reveal her as the film’s villain. She is a one-dimensional actress who may have received the role because of her model-worthy beauty rather than for acting ability.
Overall Unknown is an action packed triumph, which is sure to entertain any audience. Four out of Five Stars
To watch the trailer click here.