Retribution Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Liam Neeson drives his kids to school, but someone glues a bomb under his butt, forcing him to do chores for a disgruntled ex-employee while Berlin’s finest try to figure out if he’s just having a really bad day or is actually a supervillain.

🍿 Retribution: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Commute Turns Deadly

Matt Turner, a Berlin-based financier, is having marital and family issues. One morning, he drives his children, Emily and Zach, to school. An unknown number calls an unfamiliar phone in his car, informing him a bomb is under his seat, activated by pressure sensors and a radio frequency.

Following the Bomber’s Instructions

The caller threatens Matt, forcing him to follow instructions. Matt witnesses another client, Sylvain, killed by a bomb. He’s instructed to have his wife, Heather, retrieve EUR50,000. The plan changes, and Heather is directed to give the money to a man who is then arrested, implicating Matt.

Escalating Stakes and Police Suspicion

Europol agent Angela Brickmann suspects Matt after seeing news reports. The bomber reveals a EUR208 million slush fund in Dubai controlled by Matt and his partner, Anders Muller. Matt is forced to meet Anders, and the bomber orders him to kill Anders. When Matt refuses, Anders’ car is bombed, injuring Emily.

Final Confrontation

Matt is surrounded by police but escapes, determined to find the bomber. He demands a meeting, which reveals the bomber to be Anders. Anders planned to frame Matt for embezzlement, covering up his crimes. Matt crashes the car, killing Anders and freeing himself from the situation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Matt Turner (Liam Neeson): A workaholic financier who must follow the instructions of a bomber while driving his children to school to save their lives.
• Anders Müller (Matthew Modine): The CEO and Matt’s friend who is secretly the bomber trying to cover up his embezzlement scheme.
• Angela Brickmann (Noma Dumezweni): A Europol agent initially suspicious of Matt, but eventually helps him resolve the bombing incident.
• Emily Turner (Lilly Aspell): Matt’s daughter who is caught in the dangerous situation with the bomb in the car.
• Zach Turner (Jack Champion): Matt’s son, a moody teenager, who is also a passenger in the car with the bomb.
• Heather Turner (Embeth Davidtz): Matt’s wife who becomes involved in the bomber’s plan by being forced to retreive money.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Matt Turner: “Turbulence is inevitable. When everyone runs from the fire, you run to it.” – Matt tries to impart wisdom to his children while facing extreme duress, emphasizing courage in the face of adversity.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $6,937,696
• Worldwide Gross: $18,685,751

💥 Retribution Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this expecting a Liam Neeson action-fest, and while it had *some* action, it was more of a suspenseful thriller. I was definitely on edge, especially during the car chase scenes. The scene where he has to decide whether or not to kill his friend was intense! Overall, it was a decent watch, but not exactly what I anticipated. It’s the kind of movie that makes you think, ‘What would I do in that situation?’ which is always a plus.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Liam Neeson action thrillers”
  • “Viewers who enjoy suspenseful, contained thrillers”
  • “Those interested in films with a twist ending”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and explosions”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Themes of betrayal and financial crime”
  • “Parental guidance is suggested for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Retribution delivers familiar thrills, but ultimately struggles to elevate itself beyond a generic action flick. Neeson’s presence is solid, but the predictable plot and lack of originality hinder the overall impact.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While the premise is intriguing, Retribution fails to capitalize on its potential. The tension is inconsistent, and the characters lack depth. Neeson does what he can, but it’s not enough to save this remake from mediocrity.
• IGN: “Retribution is a serviceable thriller that provides some entertainment, but it never truly excels. The plot is derivative, and the pacing is uneven. However, Neeson’s performance and the explosive action sequences offer some redeeming qualities.

Audience Reactions

The suspenseful plot keeps you guessing until the very end.: Viewers appreciated the tense atmosphere and the constant threat of the bomb.

Liam Neeson delivers another solid performance.: Fans of Neeson praised his acting, even if the movie wasn’t his best.

Overall Consensus: Retribution is a decent thriller with a familiar premise, elevated by Liam Neeson’s performance, but ultimately hindered by its predictable plot and uneven pacing.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Retribution is a remake of the 2015 Spanish film ‘El Desconocido’ (also known as ‘Retribution’).”
• “This is the third remake of the original Spanish film, following a German and a South Korean version.”
• “The film was primarily shot in Berlin, Germany, utilizing the city’s recognizable architecture to enhance the thriller elements.”

🖥️ How to Watch Retribution?

As of October 2024, ‘Retribution’ is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for streaming availability on subscription services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Retribution, you might like these similar films:

• Speed (1994): Shares the core concept of a vehicle rigged with a bomb that will detonate if certain conditions are not met.
• Phone Booth (2002): Features a protagonist trapped in a confined space, forced to follow a mysterious caller’s instructions under threat.
• The Commuter (2018): Another Liam Neeson thriller where he becomes entangled in a criminal conspiracy during his daily commute, forced to take dangerous actions.

🛒 Retribution Related Products

• Liam Neeson 4-Movie Action Collection (Taken, Unknown, Non-Stop, Run All Night) [Blu-ray]: Relive Liam Neeson’s best action roles! This Blu-ray collection features four of his most thrilling movies, perfect for any fan of the genre.
• Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV Model Car 1:24 Scale: A detailed replica of the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV featured in the movie. Features opening doors and a detailed interior. A collector’s item for fans of the film and car enthusiasts.
• Berlin Travel Guide 2024: Explore the city where Retribution was filmed. Includes maps, insider tips, and attractions for an unforgettable trip to Berlin.
• Bomb Defusal Squad Game: Test your skills as a bomb disposal expert! Face increasingly difficult scenarios in this highly immersive and challenging game. Can you beat the clock and save the day?

🎧 Soundtrack

Retribution features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Berlin Ride” – performed by Harry Gregson-Williams
• “Pressure Cooker” – performed by Harry Gregson-Williams
• “Slush Fund” – performed by Harry Gregson-Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

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