Liam Neeson’s latest film, *The Marksman*, has made a significant impact on Netflix, currently sitting at the top of its movie chart. This action film, released in 2021, features Neeson as a rancher and former Marine who takes on the responsibility of protecting a young boy fleeing from a dangerous cartel. However, the film has sparked a considerable divide between critics and audiences.
The Marksman: A Divisive Film
*The Marksman* boasts a polarizing rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a critic score of just 37%. In contrast, it has received a much higher audience score of 83%, creating a striking 46% gap between the two assessments. This disparity is indicative of a broader trend in Neeson’s action films, where critical reception often contrasts sharply with audience enjoyment.
Comparative Performance of Recent Neeson Films
Neeson’s filmography, particularly in recent years, has been characterized by a mix of critical responses. Below are some of his films from 2018 onward, showcasing their respective critic and audience scores:
- In the Land of Saints and Sinners: 83% critic score, 74% audience score
- Cold Pursuit: 68% critic score, 44% audience score
- Absolution: 56% critic score, 32% audience score
- The Commuter: 55% critic score, 40% audience score
- The Ice Road: 43% critic score, 31% audience score
- Honest Thief: 41% critic score, 87% audience score
- The Marksman: 37% critic score, 83% audience score
- Retribution: 30% critic score, 67% audience score
- Memory: 29% critic score, 80% audience score
- Marlowe: 25% critic score, 37% audience score
- Ice Road: Vengeance: 15% critic score, 24% audience score
- Blacklight: 12% critic score, 82% audience score
Audience Appeal vs. Critical Reception
The contrasting perspectives of critics and viewers can often be attributed to differing expectations. Critics tend to favor more sophisticated narratives, while audiences might be more lenient toward straightforward action films. This phenomenon helps explain the mixed reception of *The Marksman*, as well as many other titles in Neeson’s recent portfolio.
For those interested in a straightforward action experience, *The Marksman* delivers an engaging plotline with Neeson in a familiar heroic role. While it may not be a critical darling, the film has certainly found its audience and contributed to Neeson’s prolific output in the action genre.
