Liam Neeson has built a career on versatility—from Oscar-worthy drama in Schindler's List to the comedic charm of Love Actually, and of course, the adrenaline-pumping intensity of Taken. But even the most celebrated actors have their off days, and Neeson's latest action outing, The Mongoose, is shaping up to be one of them.
The film, directed by Neeson's longtime stunt double Mark Vanselow in his feature debut, follows a war hero who is wrongly accused of a crime and leads police on a wild car chase. It's a premise ripe for high-octane thrills, but critics are far from impressed. With a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 29% from 21 reviews, The Mongoose is now among Neeson's worst-rated films—a far cry from the glory days of Taken.
What Are Critics Saying?
Reviews have been overwhelmingly negative, with many pointing to a lack of focus and a script that feels rushed. ScreenRant's Alex Harrison gave it a 3/10, calling it "a lazy mess of a film, only made enjoyable by how unintentionally funny it is." Others have described it as "disorganized" and "unfocused," though some admit it has a certain B-movie charm that might appeal to undemanding viewers.
It's a tough blow for Neeson, who has been on a bit of a rollercoaster with recent releases. His previous film, The Fix (formerly Hotel Tehran), also flopped with critics, scoring a dismal 16% on Rotten Tomatoes—his joint-lowest since 2022's Blacklight. Clearly, the actor is no stranger to critical misfires, but The Mongoose was supposed to be a return to form.
A Star-Studded Cast Can't Save the Script
Despite the negative buzz, The Mongoose boasts an impressive ensemble, including Marisa Tomei (Spider-Man: Brand New Day), Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning), Michael Chiklis (The Senior), and Maurice Marvel Meredith (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters). Yet even this talented cast can't elevate a story that critics say lacks coherence and tension.
Audience reactions, however, tell a slightly different story. While the critical consensus is harsh, early viewer scores suggest that general audiences are more forgiving, perhaps enjoying the film on a purely popcorn level. It's a classic divide between critics and moviegoers—one that often sparks debate about what makes an action movie "good."
Is It Worth a Watch?
If you're a die-hard Neeson fan, you might still want to give The Mongoose a shot, especially if you appreciate his signature tough-guy roles. But if you're looking for a polished, tightly crafted thriller, you might be better off checking out some of the best action movies of the 21st century or diving into Prime Video's top thrillers that grab you from the start.
For now, The Mongoose serves as a reminder that even the most reliable action stars can stumble. Neeson's legacy remains intact, but this latest outing is unlikely to be remembered as one of his highlights. As the film continues its limited theatrical run, it's clear that critics and audiences are divided—but if you're in the mood for a guilty pleasure, it might just be worth a look.
