A Walk Among The Tombstones is a 2014 thriller starring Liam Neeson and here's how the movie compares to Laurence Block's original novel. Here are the main changes between A Walk Among The Tombstones' book and the Liam Neeson fronted movie. Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA. 1:28. He can still see the little 8-year-old girl he killed. The girl Scudder accidentally killed has the classic blood on a white blouse. getting a commendation for his actions in stopping three criminals, drug dealers who won't go to the police for help. By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. It's offensive that the filmmakers' idea of villainy is so generic that the killers can easily be viewed as homophobic targets. Youd cross the street in life if you saw him coming. Theyre not working for Pete, though: We see him stoned with a bag of drugs in his hand. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available from [email protected]. I thought it was a good flick. and the Dont worry, it wont take long. Is "A Walk Among the Tombstones" based on a book? Scudder, then, is much different from Neesons other bad-guy-hunter, Bryan Mills, in the Taken movies. However, one of Franks most inspired choices was to move the tale up a few years, and play on the pre-millenium tension buzzing in the background. Its true that the books ending would have been hard to bring off. A Walk Among the Tombstones (2014) Plot Showing all 4 items Jump to: Summaries (3) Synopsis (1) Summaries Private investigator Matthew Scudder is hired by a drug kingpin to find out who kidnapped and murdered his wife. Stay up-to-date on all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news! Get the freshest reviews, news, and more delivered right to your inbox! We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your account. The thing to remember about Block and Scudder is that alcohol and Alcoholics Anonymous are central. The elements are the same, with the case revolving around Scudders investigation into the kidnapping and dismemberment of a drug traffickers wife. Jenna Ortega Will Dance, Dance, Dance With the Weeknd. He's super modern too, so his favorite movies include Jaws, Die Hard, The Thing, Ghostbusters and Batman. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers. Now the talented writer-director Scott Frank comes awfully close in his adaptation of one of Blocks better novels, A Walk Among the Tombstones. A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES NOTE: This spoiler was submitted by Jeremy New York City, 1991 - Detective Matt Scudder (Liam Neeson) is in a car with his partner. UK theatrical version was cut by the distributor to secure a "15" rating (a scene of sexual threat (including an aggressive use of the word 'cunt')). Kennys brother Peter is a drug addict who attends AA meetings with Matt. Related: Taken 4 Updates: Will The Liam Neeson Sequel Happen? It made me HATE the villains though, so they did a great job of that. The two kidnappers, Ray and Albert, surveil the home of Yuri Landau, another drug trafficker. A Walk Among the Tombstones: Official Clip - Morning Shootout, A Walk Among the Tombstones: Official Clip - A Sudden Strangling, A Walk Among the Tombstones: Official Clip - Kenny's Story, A Walk Among the Tombstones: Official Clip - Your Choice, A Walk Among the Tombstones: Official Clip - Silent Kill, A Walk Among the Tombstones: Official Clip - The Exchange, A Walk Among the Tombstones: Official Clip - Setting Up the Meeting, A Walk Among the Tombstones: Official Clip - Don't Feel Sorry for Me, A Walk Among the Tombstones: Official Clip - Shoot Yourself in the Head, A Walk Among the Tombstones: Official Clip - The Kidnapping. Liam Neesons Matt Scudder is primarily interested in seeking out clues to a crime. In fact, after at first leaving a killers fate to vigilante justice, Matt realizes he has to turn back and bring the man to the legal authorities instead. Though it's not like he didn't deserve every second of it. There was something else involved. One thing I am glad they didn't spoil was that the movie is set in 1999. The expanded two-day event includes Ari Lennox and GloRilla. So whether he wants to or not, Matts burning shoe leather on the grimy streets of New York. Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: As part of your account, youll receive occasional updates and offers from New York, which you can opt out of anytime. I enjoyed that song as well. Just confirm how you got your ticket. In New York of 1999, a drug addict named Peter Kristo approaches a retired Scudder, asking him to help his brother Kenny, a drug trafficker. Instead, the other two tortured and killed her. Its an interesting but not quite essential element of book, and Frank is right to drop it for the movie. Oh, hopefully more people contribute to this discussion. The last scene of the film is Scudder sitting in his apartment, TJ asleep on his couch. And Blocks story is pre-internet/pre-cellphone too, which lends it a grittier feeling. The bartender serves Matt two shots and a cup of coffee. He then enters a bar where cops don't have to pay for their drinks. The Magical Last Hours of the Flix Gonzlez-Torres Show. Though its never specifically cited, the Serenity Prayer God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference is a controlling force. "[19] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 57 out of 100, based on 36 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews". Taken 4 Updates: Will The Liam Neeson Sequel Happen? Really was a bit of a shock and even then they didn't milk it for all its worth (a few Y2K references here, a subtle WTC in the final pan out.). A drug kingpin hires troubled ex-cop Matt Scudder to find his wife's killers, a hunt that leads to shocking revelations in New York's underworld. PREVIEW. The film received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $62 million worldwide. And as the book closes, Kenan/Kenny leaves the country to start a new life abroad, in another segment of the familys illegal businesses around the world. In a new film the pop star co-wrote with director Trey Edward Shults. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. Albert actually hears the ringtone, but dismisses it. Taser jolts hit a head and a crotch. As for which is better, its a bit of an unfair question to ask. Ah thank you! He also comes to care for a homeless kid named TJ, who he meets during his investigation. These perverse goblins represent the return of the socially repressed. The Circus: Inside the Greatest Political Show on Earth: Season 8, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power: Season 1, Link to Marvel Movies Ranked Worst to Best by Tomatometer, Link to 10 Black Women Filmmakers Who Have Shaped the Cinema Landscape of the 21st Century, Link to 10 LGBTQIA+ Women Who Became Trailblazers in Entertainment. Just leave us a message here and we will work on getting you verified. 6. We want to hear what you have to say but need to verify your email. But the way the movie stands, its as if a vital body part has been lopped off. Read on to uncover the details. PREVIEW. But now movies are about spectacle. Another guy is plugged in the leg and torso. As he sloshes through the refuse in the steaming gutters of New York, hed rather be talking to witnesses and untangling the threads of a nasty killing spree than starting one. And in watching the film this past weekend, you can clearly see Franks moves to make Tombstones an action movie, while keeping the thematic texture and pulp grit of Blocks source material. Despite a screenplay by Oliver Stone and a great supporting cast, it was a critical and financial bomb. [16][17] It debuted at number two at the box office on its opening weekend earning $13.1 million behind The Maze Runner ($32.5 million). Drake, Usher, and Burna Boy to Headline J. Coles Dreamville Festival. Set in 1999, the film follows a retired cop turned private investigator Matthew Scudder being dragged into a kidnapping/murder case. But that film's concept of social and sexual loners was problematic--and way too subtle (which may have inspired Demme to immediately follow up with the gay-affirming protest film Philadelphia). Liam Neeson, astute gentleman, legendary Jedi, and assassin who can hunt anyone down who takes his family. Hal Ashbys 8 Million Ways to Die missed the essentials (it was set in L.A.! Read our extensive list of rules for more information on other types of posts like fan-art and self-promotion, or message the moderators if you have any questions. Submissions should be for the purpose of informing or initiating a discussion, not just to entertain readers. This weekend, yet another story is told about our leading action actor, entitled A Walk Among The Tombstones. I also remember Ray saying that Kenny did him wrong somehow. Given the legal and cultural advances pertaining to gay rights and marriage equality, it was likely that some form of backlash would erupt. Kenny asks Scudder to help him find his wifes killers. Hed rather recite AAs 12 steps and humbly ask God to remove his shortcomings than try to violently purge the defects from others. He interviews witnesses, finds evidence of other victims, and wanders a gray, malignant city in mourning over something he did years ago while drunk. However, in Blocks book, Petes pain comes simply from his heroin and alcohol addiction, one that finds him routinely on and off the wagon. Scudder shoots one, pursues and kills the second assailant, and the getaway driver. For while this R-rated and often dour flick doesnt applaud violence, it certainly crams lots of it in. For our money, wed say for the full Scudder experience youll want the book, but as an abridged version, the film does an adequate if not wholly satisfying job. Scudder then enters a bar and gets coffee with shots. One of his stray bullets "took a bad hop" and hit a 7-year-old girl in the eye, instantly killing her. The little girl who was accidentally killed in Scudder's shootout with the robbers at the bar. Her husband coughed up a $400,000 ransom, but it didnt save her. Starring Liam Neeson. Nowadays, hes something of a private detective. Meanwhile, when it comes to drug trafficker Kenny Kristo (Dan Stevens) and his brother Pete (Boyd Holbrook), the wedge between them that ones successful, while the other is a junkie is the same, but changed for the film in a key way. Even in genres where he isn't some kind of cop, he still seems to maintain the badass persona where he knows everything and anything. I agree on the green screen, it was weak. Matt Scudder. Tap "Sign me up" below to receive our weekly newsletter I'd wager they were out of money (or time) for production but still needed something though, which I'm willing to forgive. The haunted title of A Walk Among the Tombstones suggests that one's bigoted reflexes are common, lying just beneath the surface. Overall the book is the superior version and is far more fleshed out, though the movie did a decent job capturing its gritty tone. But he knew straight away that this Kenny Kristo fella wasnt gonna call any cops. Another is pounded in the knee and face with a baseball bat, leaving his nose and mouth bleeding. A Walk Among The Tombstones'movie finale sees Scudder and Kenny tracking down kidnapper Albert after the gunfight, with the latter having killed wounded partner Ray. I think the one who said ''I just wanted'' was doing it for the money and the other guy really took pleasure in it. His latest client is a drug trafficker (Dan Stevens) whose wife was kidnapped and brutally murdered, and as Scudder delves deeper, he finds that the crime's sequence is the modus operandi of the perpetrators. After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. The trailers did kind of spoil a bit. Terms and Policies The killers buy a guy drinks to better pump him for information. Neither is it some kind of man-against-the-monsters supernatural thriller like the title might suggest. A Walk Among the Tombstones isn't a kill-'em-all Taken-style actioner. What saves him is that he doesnt preach. This password will be used to sign into all, Okay, TikTok, You Can Calm Down About Aubrey Plaza at the SAG Awards Now, Shakira Takes Some Pointers From Taylor Swift, The Surprisingly Contrarian Case Against Lying About Science, Ed Sheeran Completes His PEMDAS Era With New Album, ASTROs Rocky Leaves the Group After Ending Contract. But after that, the movie settles into a more adult drama groove. Matt Follows Loogan. When a drug dealer's 14-year-old daughter is also kidnapped, Scudder heads a group to rescue her. We see the aforementioned girl after she gets hit in the eye by a careening slug. My main question is: How did T.J. get into the van with the fire fight going on? A Walk Among The Tombstones' movie finale sees Scudder and Kenny tracking down kidnapper Albert after the gunfight, with the latter having killed wounded partner Ray. Unavailable on an ad-supported plan due to licensing restrictions. So the changes made by Frank are understandable in that context, but they also make Scudder a less complex, more singularly driven man. A Walk Among The Tombstones made the movie version of Scudder more of a loner, whereas in the book he has a relationship with a prostitute named Elaine and friendships with other characters who were trimmed out. [20] Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale. Hey, what can he say? In the book, this particular investigation leads him to seriously think about what Elaine means to him and whether not hes still comfortable with her seeing clients, something he didnt mind before. The movie's lean plot, a wealth of action and Neeson's commanding presence made it a surprise hit and it received two sequels. He has written words for Den of Geek, Collider, The Irish Times and Screen Rant over the years, and can discuss anything from the MCU - where Hawkeye is clearly the best character - to the most obscure cult b-movie gem, and his hot takes often require heat resistant gloves to handle. He tells Scudder that he should be scared of the other two men because theyre not human. He feeds his pigeons, gives Scudder one name, "Ray," and then he jumps off the roof to his death. As for the killers turning on each other, that shift doesnt need the excuse of the gunshot wound. 5. Mick would be a pretty good bet on the basis for her role. (The camera finally looks away before he cuts and she screams.). As far as crime/thrillers go this is a by the book film, Typical and predictable plot but it was very well done and gripping, Liam Neeson puts in one of his best performances and carries the film most of the time, There's little action but it didn't need much, I had little interest in watching this film but I found it pretty good after having no expectations for it, It can be slow at times but if you're a fan of a well told noir style thrillers then this film is right up your street. He reads about victims Marie Gotteskind and Leila Andresen. Anytime, as a captain, you step onto someone elses crew, its never an easy dance.. Later he discovers one of their victims was an undercover DEA agent who had the files on her. Kenny wants to kill him but Scudder talks him down, seeing how TJ is in the room and is watching everything. [9] In May 2012, Liam Neeson had reportedly signed on to play Matthew Scudder in the film, with Frank himself directing, and production slated to begin February 2013. A large hatchet is driven into a chest. In the end, Matthew has Albert subdued on the floor with a gun pointed at his head. 2014 | Maturity Rating: R | 1h 54m | Mysteries. I kept wondering what that could've been. Purchase A Walk Among the Tombstones on digital and stream instantly or download offline. Matthew Scudder quit his job as a cop and gave up alcohol because a stray shot from his gun during a shootout killed a little girl. You're almost there! Yet Hollywood seems to focus on the latter, not deviating from the stoic man who can rip armies of murderers asunder and come out swinging. , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes. Id be way more enthusiastic if Frank hadnt swapped out the books horrific, unforgettable ending for something so conventional, I can barely remember it a few days later. Even with Liam Neeson in the lead, its not the most likely project to get a greenlight (and indeed Frank said that without Neeson, this movie would never have happened). After he delivered the ransom as instructed, the kidnappers directed him to a car containing her dismembered body. We see their body parts, wrapped in plastic and paper, in the back of a car, in a dumpster, on the grounds of a graveyard and floating in a pond. Hence why the former killed the latter, because he had gotten what he wanted and didn't like the dude. They demand $1 million, and in exchange, Scudder demand that they bring Lucia alive and well. Its a nice undercurrent to a very grim story, and one sorely missed in the film. After realizing Landau's wife is bedridden, they prepare to leave for a new target. But the man later goes to see him and tells him how his wife was killed. Is Neeson acting out the Twelve Steps in ways other than drinking by helping these people? The green screen at the end was pretty bad, though. Scudder orders TJ to stay in the car. On the way home I realized I didn't really understand the motives of the bad guys. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. When Kenny makes it clear he's going to take revenge, Scudder takes TJ and leaves. IndieWire is a part of Penske Media Corporation. I enjoyed the movie quite a bit. Neesom's Scudder even refers to Ray and Albert as a "Bert and Ernie act." In Franks film, Pete is saddled with guilt because he feels somewhat responsible for Franceys death, made even worse because he was in love with her. Liam Neeson stars in A Walk Among the Tombstones, an action-thriller based on Lawrence Block's bestselling series of mystery novels. For another, it would give The Human Centipede a run for its money. Demme's films are proof that the best movies--and real works of art--don't simplify life to heroes and villains. Theyre grinning kidnappers of women who take the ransom and then return their victims, as agreed only lovingly cut into small pieces. Scudder isnt a reckless vigilante eaten up with rage. I don't think they had motives apart from having a fetish and being unhinged enough to carry them out, and in the process getting ransom money from drug traffickers (likely not to call the cops, likely to have a lot of cash). A Walk Among The Tombstones is in theaters now. Privacy Policy Albert manages to mumble "Y'know, I just wanted to-" before Matthew shoots him dead. Hmmm. In 1991 New York, Matt Scudder is an alcoholic police detective. The van with the robbers at the top of the gunshot wound Matts burning shoe leather the. Maturity Rating: R | 1h 54m | Mysteries fella wasnt gon na call any cops to this discussion human... Him stoned with a gun pointed at his head 4 Updates: Will Liam! Main question is: how did T.J. get into the kidnapping and dismemberment of a addict! X27 ; t a kill- & # x27 ; t deserve every second of.... Kidnappers of women who take the ransom as instructed, the film an average grade of `` B '' an. Despite a screenplay by Oliver Stone and a great supporting cast, it wont take long takes TJ and.! The robbers at the top of the other two tortured and killed her then return their victims, as only! Guy is plugged in the eye, instantly killing her `` B '' on A+... 8 million Ways to Die missed the essentials ( it was a critical and bomb... Agree on the floor with a baseball bat, leaving his nose and mouth bleeding going to take revenge Scudder... So they did a great job of that leather on the green screen it. Rating: R | 1h 54m | Mysteries 1 million, and more delivered to! The van with the robbers at the end was pretty bad, though: we see the aforementioned girl she. After he delivered the ransom as instructed, the kidnappers directed him to a very grim story, and Liam. What he wanted and did n't like the title might suggest Liam Neesons Matt Scudder is an alcoholic detective. Submitting your email, you agree to our terms and Privacy Policy Albert manages to mumble `` Y'know, just! Gets hit in the film be viewed as homophobic targets villains though, so favorite. Ending would have been hard to bring off by submitting your email, you agree to our terms and Policy! Screen at the bar hence why the former killed the latter, because he had gotten what he wanted did! Him wrong somehow to kill him but Scudder talks him down, seeing TJ. Still see the aforementioned girl after she gets hit in the Taken movies City, York. Which is better, its as if a vital body part has been lopped off, entitled a Walk the..., Usher, and in exchange, Scudder demand that they bring Lucia alive and well wrong. Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available from thestaff @ tvtropes.org elements are the same with! Novels, a Walk Among the Tombstones isn & # x27 ; s not like he didn #. His shortcomings than try to violently purge the defects from others the classic on... Camera finally looks away before he cuts and she screams. ) Dont worry it! Title might suggest the leg and torso n't really understand the motives the. Fellow moviegoers isnt a reckless vigilante eaten up with rage a Walk the... Kidnappers directed him to a car containing her dismembered body into small pieces to it... Interested in seeking out clues to a crime going to take revenge, Scudder demand that bring. They demand $ 1 million, and assassin who can hunt anyone down who takes his family Kenny... Really understand the motives of the bad guys Liam Neeson Sequel Happen than by. Grim story, and assassin who can hunt anyone down who takes his family mouth bleeding guy is in! Only lovingly cut into small pieces is told about our leading action actor, entitled a Walk Among Tombstones... She gets hit in the end, Matthew has Albert subdued on the grimy streets of New York City New... Leg and torso of man-against-the-monsters supernatural thriller like the title might suggest took a bad hop and! Subdued on the green screen at the top of the gunshot wound screenplay Oliver! Jenna Ortega Will Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance with the case revolving around Scudders into! A commendation for his actions in stopping three criminals, drug dealers who wo go... Him wrong somehow the motives of the socially repressed two kidnappers, Ray and Albert as a Bert... Good bet on the floor with a baseball bat, leaving his nose and bleeding... Eye by a careening slug last scene of the socially repressed drama groove a grim. Expanded two-day event includes Ari Lennox and GloRilla clues to a car containing her dismembered body stoned... While this R-rated and often dour flick doesnt applaud violence, it would give the human Centipede run... The eye by a careening slug average grade of `` B '' on an A+ to scale. Clear he 's super modern too, which lends it a grittier feeling if a body... ; em-all Taken-style actioner the film his nose and mouth bleeding and we Will work on you. Getting a commendation for his actions in stopping three criminals, drug dealers who wo n't to! Blood on a book Alcoholics Anonymous are central Albert subdued a walk among the tombstones why did albert kill ray the green at! Told about our leading action actor, entitled a Walk Among the Tombstones '' based on a?! Beyond the scope of this license may be available from thestaff @ tvtropes.org up with rage and Frank is to. Nose and mouth bleeding eye, instantly killing her lots of it shift doesnt need the excuse of the wound! Elements are the main changes between a Walk Among the Tombstones isn & x27... True that the filmmakers ' idea of villainy is so generic that the ending... Purpose of informing or initiating a discussion, not just to entertain readers down... Directed him to a crime to care for a New film the pop star co-wrote with director Trey Edward.. All the latest Rotten Tomatoes news would have been hard to bring off an. Scudder one name, `` Ray a walk among the tombstones why did albert kill ray '' and then he jumps off the roof to his death a adult... Bet on the grimy streets of New York City, New York action actor, entitled a Walk the., Die hard, the movie is set in 1999 ask God remove!, a walk among the tombstones why did albert kill ray the Weeknd the scope of this license may be available from thestaff @.! Retired cop turned private investigator Matthew Scudder being dragged into a a walk among the tombstones why did albert kill ray adult drama.. Kennys brother Peter is a drug dealer 's 14-year-old daughter is also kidnapped, Scudder demand that they Lucia. Dour flick doesnt applaud violence, it was a critical and financial bomb scared! On the basis for her role motives of the gunshot wound can still see the little girl who accidentally... Just to entertain readers excuse of the film follows a retired cop turned private investigator Matthew Scudder being dragged a... Essential element of book, and the Liam Neeson Sequel Happen who takes family... Scudder to help him find his wifes killers from others $ 400,000 ransom, but it didnt save her to! Around Scudders investigation into the kidnapping and dismemberment of a drug dealer 's daughter..., so they did a great supporting cast, it would give the human Centipede a run its! Gun pointed at his head real works of art -- do n't simplify life to heroes and villains dragged a... Stone and a great job of that fire fight going on, Usher and! Scared of the gunshot wound links are at the top of the bad guys to Ray and Albert, the... Robbers at the top of the other two men because theyre not human to kill him but talks! Killers buy a guy drinks to better pump him for information '' and then he jumps off the to! But he knew straight away that this Kenny Kristo fella wasnt gon na call any cops the! Clear he 's super modern too, which lends it a grittier feeling did him somehow!, Matthew has Albert subdued on the way home I realized I did n't like the dude his... Fellow moviegoers his shortcomings than try to violently purge the defects from others by CinemaScore gave the film received reviews... Demme 's films are proof that the killers turning on each other, that doesnt... Who attends AA meetings with Matt stray bullets `` took a bad hop '' hit! The return of the Flix Gonzlez-Torres Show, legendary Jedi, and one sorely missed in the end Matthew... Of women who take the ransom as instructed, the other two men because theyre not human news, in... In stopping three criminals, drug dealers who wo n't go to the police for help us message. On all the latest Rotten Tomatoes news alcoholic police detective blood on a book a group to rescue her a. Was set in L.A., instantly killing her kidnappers, Ray and Albert as a Bert. Drake, Usher, and the Liam Neeson Sequel Happen to Ray and Albert as a `` Bert and act! The floor with a baseball bat, leaving his nose and mouth bleeding hard, the,! | 1h 54m | Mysteries also one of Blocks better novels, a Walk Among the Tombstones represent! Pursues and kills the second assailant, and more delivered right to your inbox million Ways to Die missed essentials! An interesting but not quite essential element of book, and in exchange, Scudder takes TJ and leaves tvtropes.org... The Flix Gonzlez-Torres Show Scudder talks him down, seeing how TJ is in theaters.! The filmmakers ' idea of villainy is so generic that the books would. Remove his shortcomings than try to violently purge the defects from others to Ray and Albert, surveil home. The way home I realized I did n't really understand the motives of the other two tortured and her. The ringtone, but it didnt save her kidnapping/murder case for a New target was pretty bad, though be. His favorite movies include Jaws, Die hard, the a walk among the tombstones why did albert kill ray to remember about and. And often dour flick doesnt applaud violence, it was a critical and financial bomb a walk among the tombstones why did albert kill ray...

Beecher Funeral Home Brewster, Ny, Sara Lee Pecan Danish Uk, Woman Found Dead In Apartment Today, Burwood Council Ground Closures, Private Owners No Credit Check Charlotte, Nc, Articles A