Liam Neeson: Evolution of a Movie Badass
Liam Neeson returns to the big screen this year in the epic sequel to popular action movie Taken. The film, simply named Taken 2, pulls us back into the life of Neeson’s character, Bryan Mills, as he once again is faced with the task of retrieving his family from men seeking revenge for his actions in the original film. But the question that has us humming is, how did Neeson become to be such a force to be reckoned with on the big screen?
Neeson came on to most people’s radar over two decades ago with his outstanding performance as the hero in Schindler’s List. Since then, he has been cast in a number of popular action titles with important roles. In Star Wars: Episode One, he is Obi-wan Kenobi’s Jedi mentor; in Gangs of New York, he plays a knowledgeable priest; and in Batman Begins, he is a voice of reason as a mentor to none other than Bruce Wayne. However, not too long after this role, Neeson’s image shifted. He broke away from mentor roles where he was often the voice of guidance and started to embrace a more badass side of himself. He picked up titles such as The A-Team, Taken, Unknown, and The Grey, all of which show a strong, survival side of Neeson.
With many successful titles spanning the past two decades, Neeson shows no signs of slowing down. This year, he has four films hitting theaters. Earlier this year, he took on the role of the supreme Greek god, Zeus, in Wrath of the Titans, and showed his military skills as Admiral Shane in the film adaptation of popular board game Battleship. In July, he will be returning to the big screen as Ra’s Al Ghul in the anticipated The Dark Knight Rises, and later this year, Neeson will once again take on the role of a retired U.S. spy who must rescue his family in Taken 2. Check out the latest trailer below:
Perhaps its his unique raspy voice or his piercing blue eyes that makes him the perfect man to play all of these intense roles, but whether he is playing King of the Gods or a concerned dad with a “certain set of skills”, Neeson sure is someone I wouldn’t want to mess with!
- Brianna Kassorla, Young Hollywood Staff
About theboxeditorial
