Let’s be honest, I’ve been known to frequent the odd Liam Neeson movie or two, so when an invite for his latest offering Backlight came in it was a no brainer.

The towering Travis Block (Liam Neeson) is a government agent. At first it’s a little confusing which side he’s on. Eventually we find out he specializes in removing FBI operatives whose covers have been exposed. So he’s a good guy then, isn’t he?

Having given his life to his job Block is contemplating slowing down to spend more time with his daughter Amanda (Claire van der Boom) and grand daughter Natalie (Gabriella Sengos).

Block’s projects are assigned by FBI Director Gabriel Robinson (Aidan Quinn). Robinson and Block have a past which has left one indebted to the other.

During what Block thought would be a fairly routine project, he uncovers a deadly conspiracy. As the action revs up Block realises the problem is amongst his own ranks at the highest echelons of power.

As Block delves deeper his actions soon see him in the crosshairs of authority, something he can handle but not when it also threatens his family.

The movie Backlight sees Neeson reunite with the director of Honest Thief for another action drama. The result is a passable rainy Sunday afternoon movie.

It was great to see some Australian actors in the mix. Van der Boom does a good job with a small part. It was also nice to watch an action movie shot in Australia.

I must admit to being a tad disappointed with Neeson’s last few movies, as they’ve become somewhat formulaic. How many versions of the same story can you watch? Similarly while it was good to see Quinn on the big screen again, he too seemed to mumble through what was asked of him. Ultimately I was left asking, is there an age when you no longer look good running?

Rating 2.5/5

For more information go to Event Cinema.