Cold Pursuit (2019)

Director: Hans Petter Moland
Stars: Liam Neeson, Laura Dern, Micheal Richardson
Runtime: 118 minutes

Synopsis: A snowplow driver seeks revenge against the drug dealers he thinks killed his son. Based on the 2014 Norwegian film 'In Order of Disappearance'.

Performances: 8/10
Screenplay: 7/10
Costumes/Makeup: 7/10
Editing: 8/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 6/10

Verdict: Expecting your traditional forgettable action flick starring Liam Neeson à la "The Commuter" or "Unknown"? You're going to be disappointed. Itching to watch yet another revenge story with the Irish actor in the lead? You're going to be... well... pretty satisfied.

I'm glad to say that "Cold Pursuit" is the first true surprise of the year, and serves as a great dark comedy reminiscent of the Coen Brothers' work. Director Hans Petter Moland, who also helmed the Norwegian film which served as this one's inspiration, did a great job setting up a gallery of interesting characters who are perfect parodies of themselves. Most of the comedic scenes are delivered in a smooth and organic way that never feels forced, making the movie's tone one you'll instantly fall in love with if, like me, you're into that style of comedy.

My only issue with the film's presentation is how similar it was to the Coens' 1996 hit "Fargo". What at first felt like a nice tribute to the Brothers' directing style quickly turned into a soft copy of it, and made me constantly compare both movies, taking me out of the film's universe at times.

Despite that hiccup, I'd still recommend checking out "Cold Pursuit" on the big screen. It's a breath of fresh air from your typical Neeson action flicks, and will surely make you laugh more than once. 

FINAL GRADE: 7/10