The Commuter - A Movie Review

I’m warning you now, we’re in for a wild ride on the commuter train today.

The Commuter got off the train into theaters in 2018. On his way home from being fired from work, Michael is approached by a mysterious woman who offers him a deal that could change his life. What he doesn’t realize is that this deal gets him caught up in a life-threatening conspiracy during his ride on the commuter train.

The Commuter is a gripping action-thriller. Containing an exciting story in its exteriors, The Commuter is an on-edge story. The best part is that its action takes place in the course of one day on a train. Keeping you guessing about who to trust, by the end, the film meanders into too many action scenes than concentrating on a story.

Liam Neeson has proved himself to be one epic action hero. Pacing back and forth about a hundred times on the train, Michael deals with a hectic situation. Neeson’s work is impressive, bringing depth to the role. Based on his past work as an ex-cop, paying close attention to people’s behavior does him well. Micheal doesn’t let anyone get off easy.

Movies like The Commuter are important character ensemble films. The supporting cast is strong. They all have a different story. On a train, you meet several different characters who are heading in all sorts of directions.

Vera Farmiga is on my list of favorite actresses. She always does a splendid job no matter how small her part is. This is my first complaint in this movie. As the mysterious dealer, Farmiga’s role as Joanna deserved to be expanded. Most of the characters were underdeveloped.

There are also appearances by Patrick Wilson, Jonathan Banks, Killian Scott, Clara Lago, and recently becoming one of my new favorite actresses, Florence Pugh. Sam Neill has a small role in the climax as a cop. Just like the characters, interactions are highly important. Who should you trust? That’s what makes this film a suspenseful watch.

The plot of The Commuter is somewhat predictable, and there are a few surprises. There was a point where The Commuter had too many action sequences, losing all concentration on the story at hand. Not to mention, it becomes so unrealistic.

There’s this prolonged action sequence where Michael fights with a bad guy in a solitary compartment, even shattering the window. Nobody enters to break the fight up. The ending is also extended once the train finally halts.

Jaume Collet-Serra did an excellent job with the direction of the story, creating a suspenseful atmosphere and keeping audiences on the edge of their seat. I felt tired the more Michael traversed back and forth to each train compartment.

However, the plot wasn’t reasonable. The Commuter doesn’t abide without its flaws. More could have been explained, particularly with the dangerous deal.

Let’s talk about the upsides that Collet-Serra administered. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the tension builds steadily throughout the movie. There are a few twists and turns along the way. I wanted to see how everyone would get off this train (if they did).

What would you do in Michael’s situation? Would you take on the challenge or move on with your life? That’s the question, indeed.

For all you action film seekers, go ahead and watch The Commuter. As I read, it’s exactly like Non-Stop, another film that stars Liam Neeson and takes place on a train. The movie is still an enjoyable ride (viewing that is. I wouldn’t want to be on that train!) Find The Commuter on Amazon Prime.