Is 'Ice Road: Vengeance' the Next Big Liam Neeson Action Hit on Netflix?
Liam Neeson returns in "Ice Road: Vengeance," a sequel to his 2021 action thriller, "The Ice Road," which has quickly climbed to the No. 1 spot on Netflix. While action-thriller fans are flocking to watch, critics haven't been as kind. This article breaks down what to expect from this latest action flick.
What is 'Ice Road: Vengeance' About?
The film follows Mike McCann (Liam Neeson) as he travels to Nepal to fulfill his brother's wish of having his ashes scattered on Mount Everest. During a tour, their bus is hijacked, forcing McCann to revert to his old, violent habits to protect the innocent. He gets embroiled in a larger conspiracy, battling mercenaries while trying to honor his brother's memory.
Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, the film also stars Fan Bingbing, Bernard Curry, Geoff Morrell, and Mahesh Jadu. It is described as prioritizing brawn over brains, a typical Liam Neeson action romp.
Should You Stream It or Skip It?
While "Ice Road: Vengeance" delivers the promised Neeson-kicking-butt-in-a-snowy-setting experience, the problem is that Neeson has delivered this same experience more effectively in the past. Alternatives like "Non-Stop," "The Grey," and "Cold Pursuit" offer similar thrills but with stronger scripts. For something more thoughtful, consider "In the Land of Saints and Sinners."
Many reviewers are claiming that this is not just another popcorn action movie, the overall consensus is negative. The film holds a measly 17% score on Rotten Tomatoes, due to the plot being lazy, the action being bland, and the characters being thinly-sketched. The CGI is also said to be a flop, along with it being a redundant sequel.
Unless you’re a Neeson completionist or found Mike McCann particularly compelling in the first film, there’s little reason to recommend this over his other action movies. The movie is predictable, and received some of the worst reviews of his career.
Why "Ice Road: Vengeance" Is Still Trending on Netflix
Despite negative reviews, "Ice Road: Vengeance" has debuted at No. 1 on Netflix's movie chart. Here are some potential reasons:
- Liam Neeson's star power: He remains a draw for action fans, even in less successful movies.
- Fan Bingbing's action presence: Her performance adds a dynamic element to the film.
- Emotional closure for the character: The film offers a resolution to Mike McCann's grief.
Rotten Tomatoes Scores
| Movie Title | Critic Score | Audience Score |
|---|---|---|
| Ice Road: Vengeance | 17% | 29% |
| Run All Night | 59% | 56% |
| The Commuter | 51% | 40% |
In conclusion, while "Ice Road: Vengeance" may not be a critical darling, its Netflix success shows that viewers are still eager for Liam Neeson action. However, there are several superior alternatives within Neeson's filmography.
