The movie is entertaining. Then the plot unfolds. Then it keeps unfolding. And then once you realize the reason for what's happening, it just becomes stupid. Very stupid. And then almost like a kick to the nuts, the film winds up leaving you with questions that it never bothers to answer.



** (C)

An effectively mysterious thriller nearly undone by an implausible denouement that calls into question the plot's credibility. Although Unknown's ending is silly and not especially believable, most of what comes before helps to form an entertaining film with an intriguing mystery. Director Jaume Collet-Serra makes effective use of the Berlin locale and stages numerous exciting car chase and action sequences. Liam Neeson, although a little less badass here than his Taken character, is quite good. Diane Kruger does a good job not fading into the background as a sidekick, although January Jones can't really do much with an underwritten role. See it, be entertained, and forget it. B-

Well if I'm supposed to forget it after seeing it, then it doesn't really sound like a very entertaining movie if I'm required to do so, right???

If you like Taken, you should be fine. It's basicall Total Recall meets Frantic, in a great way. Liam is not Taken Liam, as is the action but has Liam ever been bad in anything? quite solid here. In a time when Thrillers are sparse, its one of the betters. People are actually flipping on the twist, come on! Its a very grounded theory for the most part and it works. 90s thriller twists have been much more ridiculous.

Solid B+

Unknown started out as a somewhat good mystery. Though when more of the mysteries began to be solved, it became a bit too ridiculous. A lot of the supporting characters (such as Frank Langella and January Jones) just seem absolutely unnecessary once many of the reveals are made. It also tried a bit too hard to be another Taken but it falls short. Liam Neeson does fine as does Diane Kruger but the final look back isn't satisfying enough. **

I AM MARTIN HARRIS!

Solid movie.

Fuck, that ending was terrible. And January Jones really cannot act - luckily she just has to be her cold, heartless self to play Betty Draper. What a waste of Bruno Ganz, too.

Liam can surely do better.

I found it interesting that the two supporting ladies were on opposite spectrums, January Jones was distinctly the worse piece of the film, Diane Kruger was easily the best. In between it was not the notion of the twist but the execution, it all seemed to just occur without any tension or significance being placed on the development, so the climax was indescribably flat. Plus the idea was kind of stupid in the first place. Riddled with plot holes and devolving into uninteresting action scenes, yea... should've taken advantage of the empty theater with my girlfriend rather than watch this whole thing.

.....Aren't you gay?

I'm bi, currently dating a woman.

why I laughed at Benjamin's last post, I don't know..

The plot flows, I don't get the implausibilities.

Once it starts unravelling it becomes predictable but it's still well acted and directed.

Meh. Wasn't crazy about this one. I found the outcome underwhelming.

5/10 ( C )

There's nothing fresh, original or great about it but it's kind of the perfect rental. Just about right for renting with modest expectations, a watchable star vehicle that moves along competently. Liam and Kruger make it an enjoyable journey though she's a bit miscast. The rest of the parts could have been played by almost anyone, the actors didn't make much of a mark. Though I was surprised to realize after it was over that the generic looking middle aged guy was Aidan Quinn. I'm used to him looking eternally 35.

I didn't like the final twist/reveal, it made it too routine and ensured a sequel, if there is one, will not be as fun. But I did enjoy this more than Taken.

Excellent thriller! Liam Neeson was made for action thrillers. I loved the twist ending as well. Came away feeling very satisfied with the entire experience. Though I can't decide if I like January Jones or not. She plays Betty Draper in everything. Though the roles she plays don't exactly call for much more.