Unknown (Liam Neeson, Diane Kruger) : Movie Review

By all accounts Unknown should not be an enjoyable movie. The plot is thin; there are multiple implausible car chases and laughable narrow escapes. Yet I could not wipe the smile from my face for the entire film.

Liam Neeson plays Dr Martin Harris, botanist extraordinaire, attending a summit in Berlin with wife Liz (Betty Draper, I mean – January Jones). Through a series of unfortunate events, Martin and his taxi driver Gina (Diane Kruger) are involved in an accident as the car plunges into a river.

When Martin comes to he’s in a hospital with no identification and a scattered memory. As he begins to piece together his identity he makes the shocking discovery that an imposter, Aidan Quinn, has taken his name and his wife. As he attempts to prove he is the real Dr Harris he uncovers some truths he would perhaps have preferred not to.

In what is being called Taken 2, despite the fact that there is not a trace of a kidnapped daughter in sight, Neeson proves to be a strong leading action man yet again. Though this time he isn’t fuelled by rage and revenge, he is a thoroughly engaging character actor on screen.

January Jones as Liz is perhaps the weakest performance of the film; as she attempts to shake the Betty Draper image she does little but reinforce her limited range, shooting Draper dagger stares at Neeson on more than one occasion.

Diane Kruger as illegal immigrant Gina is delightful to watch, and as her bond with Martin strengthens one must assume her motivation to get out of Berlin is strong enough to place herself in danger by helping him.

Liam Neeson is Unknown

The rest of the supporting cast are satisfactory, Bruno Ganz in particular as the kindly elder investigator Martin hires; and Frank Langella is decent in his limited role. On the whole the performances are what you would expect from a film of this nature.

What proved most delightful about this film was the twist that popped up about two thirds in. Sure there are sign posts earlier if you’re paying attention, but the twist cemented this as a B-action movie for me, and as I took another handful of popcorn I completely gave in to this schlocky story.

The amount you enjoy this film will depend largely on the extent to which you’re prepared to just sit back and enjoy the film for what it is, mindless entertainment.

Usually I ask a bit more of films, sure they can have action but they should have a substantial story too; Unknown is the exception, the occasional film that you bend the rules for and just enjoy with no questions asked.

Though you’re sure to be laughing in places unintended by the filmmakers, and you might scoff on more than one occasion, Unknown is a fun film with fast pacing and a silly, yet satisfying conclusion.

WATCH OUT FOR | RATING : 3.5 out of 5