1 out of 5 stars
One unexpected bonus for Australia during the pandemic was that our country became a leading centre of film productions. Many studios found their way down under to take advantage of the country’s landscape and picturesque cities. Blacklight was one of those projects that was able to transform the streets of Melbourne into a convincing replica of Washington DC.
Behind the scenes of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Travis Black (Liam Neeson) saves the souls of federal agents who have lost their way. Due to the deep undercover work of many law enforcement officers, some eventually become influenced by the darker side of the work. FBI Director Gabriel Robinson (Aidan Quinn) relies on his hired guardian angel to find these agents and he brings them back on the straight and narrow. This seasoned officer has served for over 20 years as a saviour for numerous people and has determined that it is time to retire.
Even though Director Robinson tries to hold Block off from retiring as long as he can, things get tense when secrets begin to come out in the open. One of the agents that need saving, Dusty Crane (Taylor John Smith), decides to go to the press with all he knows about the secret dealing of the FBI. Travis must do all he can to protect the young agent while serving his country faithfully. Their cat-and-mouse pursuit leads to mayhem around the city that puts reporter Mira Jones (Emmy Raver-Lampman) in jeopardy. Especially as she begins to share all she knows of the agency and relies on the veteran agent to help her get this information out to the public.
Despite being filmed on the shores of Australia, there is little to celebrate within this well-worn story of agency corruption. Director Mark Williams (The Accountant) has been at the helm of many of Liam’s latest films and has done very little to add to the legacy of this great actor in the twilight of his career. This paint-by-numbers screenplay has potential, but fails to capitalise on many of the nuances that made Neeson's past films effective. The corrupt bureaucrat and the mental health struggles of agents are so familiar that most fans could have written the final act. One that appears to have suffered from budget cuts or production issues, because the sudden ending is so frustrating that it could lead to a revolt within Neeson’s faithful fanbase.
There was a time when Liam Neeson was associated with great artistic works like Silence and Schindler's List, which led to the actor being nominated for many awards. It is unfortunate to see his talents wasted on films that hope to reignite the franchise-building machine of Taken. Understandably, this might be the type of film that audiences prefer to see of the ageing star. Yet, we can all hope for a time when this great actor can be allowed to show his abilities once again.
REEL DIALOGUE: We are all looking for a saviour
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. - Acts 4:12
Travis Block claims to be the saviour of souls, but in the end, he shows that he is merely a man. He has weaknesses and limited abilities, even though his intentions are good.
It is a familiar storyline that reminds us that we all need saving at different times in our lives. Regardless of your religious affiliation, during times of great struggle, there is a need for outside help. Even with all of the best intentions of law enforcement and the governments of the world, there is still a need for help from others.
At the heart of the human condition, the saviour figure is needed in our lives' smallest to the greatest times. During tough times, where do you turn for help?
For he (Jesus) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1: 13-14
Other portions of the Bible to consider in this search for a Saviour: Luke 1:47, 1 John 4:14, 2 Peter 3:9
