Liam Neeson’s Overlooked 2020 Action Thriller Is Finally Gaining Fans On Netflix
He’s an actor known for a distinct skill set: producing highly formulaic yet enjoyable action films and thrillers. That “he” refers to Liam Neeson, and I’m referencing his 2020 heist film “Honest Thief.” Upon its release, it grossed $32.6 million worldwide against a $30 million production budget (via The Numbers). It received poor critical feedback, earning only a 41% positive rating (via Rotten Tomatoes). Although the film faced heavy criticism from various professional reviewers, it is currently climbing the streaming charts, reaching number 10 on Netflix in the United States as of December 10 (via FlixPatrol), and likely to ascend further. Interestingly, it boasts an 87% user rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a disparity between critics and the average filmgoer.
What are the viewers saying? On Rotten Tomatoes, user reviews express that “Anything Liam is in rocks,” and describe this film as “very suspenseful, riveting.” While that’s not precisely how I would characterize it, it is an enjoyable film nonetheless. It also holds a 6 out of 10 IMDB rating, placing it right around average — neither outstanding nor awful.
Regarding the narrative, “Honest Thief” centers on a bank robber known for his crimes who seeks to surrender to improve his life but is betrayed by corrupt FBI agents. It features several notable actors alongside Neeson, including Robert Patrick, Anthony Ramos, Jeffrey Donovan, Kate Walsh, and Jai Courtney.
What accounts for the popularity of Honest Thief among viewers?
There’s likely no single factor causing “Honest Thief” to ascend the streaming charts. It might be the romantic subplot at the film’s core, the adrenaline-fueled confrontations between law enforcement and criminals, or simply the appeal of a typical Liam Neeson thriller for an entertaining viewing experience — akin to the movie “The Naked Gun,” which showcased Neeson with eight fingers to lampoon AI. Netflix’s recommendation algorithm could also be boosting its visibility for various reasons.
However, it’s not uncommon for an older film, even one that flopped at the box office, to find new life thanks to streaming services. From a 2022 crime thriller featuring Jake Gyllenhaal to an underrated sci-fi horror film set in space, home streaming is shining a spotlight on movies like “Honest Thief” and others in its genre. It may be simply due to its availability for streaming and the limited options currently, but based on user feedback, it might also be that viewers relish seeing Liam Neeson take down villains with his stoic, enigmatic, and deadly presence. “Agent Nivens, I’m coming for you.”
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