A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014)

Genre: Drama / Thriller

Directed by: Scott Frank

Starring: Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, David Harbour

Running time: 114 minutes

Based on the novel of the same name, written by Lawrence Block, A Walk Among the Tombstones tells the story of Matthew Scudder, a recovering alcoholic and former police officer who is still haunted eight years later by the memory of the day when his drinking got him involved in a tragic incident on the job. He is then called upon by a drug trafficker who wants help finding the men who kidnapped his wife and killed her in spite of the ransom being paid.

A Walk Among the Tombstones is a very compelling crime thriller and drama. When it starts, there is a Dirty Harry feel to it, which I liked. Then, a more modern touch gets added to the mix, and that was pleasant. The film kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering where it would all lead. The action is not fast-paced, it is more deliberate, so as to set the tone and atmosphere and tell a good story.

Liam Neeson is very convincing as Matthew Scudder. I thought it was great that, with this role, they gave the Irish actor a chance to show a little more vulnerability. It made his character not so invincible, so it was easier to root for him. You did not know if he was going to win, and that made it all so much more interesting.

The story dragged on a bit at times, but, overall, A Walk Among the Tombstones is a very good movie. Certain scenes might be difficult to bear for some, but it is worth it if you can stomach such things as violence and a little blood.

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