Liam Neeson Goes Off the Rails in Ice Road: Vengeance
Liam Neeson has carved a niche for himself as an action hero, but one has to wonder if he should rethink his relationship with public transportation. It seems that every mode of travel leads him into life-or-death scenarios—be it a plane in Non-Stop or a train in The Commuter. In his latest outing, Ice Road: Vengeance, Neeson tries to honor his late brother by taking a tour bus to Mount Everest, but, predictably, chaos ensues.
The Premise: A Journey Gone Awry
Following up on the 2023 thriller The Ice Road, directed by Jonathan Hensleigh, this sequel takes a wild turn. Neeson’s character, Mike McCann, returns, but the premise feels stretched thin. The only thing elevating his character to action-hero status seems to be his proficiency in driving hefty vehicles—and, of course, the weight of Neeson’s name.
Summary of Ice Road: Vengeance
- Release Date: Friday, June 27
- Cast: Liam Neeson, Fan Bingbing, Marcus Thomas, Grace O’Sullivan, Saksham Sharma, Bernard Curry
- Director & Screenwriter: Jonathan Hensleigh
- Run Time: 1 hour 53 minutes
- The Bottom Line: Time to get off the road.
A New Adventure in Nepal
In this sequel, Mike impulsively travels to Nepal to fulfill the dying wish of his brother, Gurty (played through flashbacks by Marcus Thomas). Upon arrival, he partners with his Everest guide, Dhani (played by the charismatic Fan Bingbing), and boards the "Kiwi Express" tour bus, driven by the irreverent Australian, Spike (Geoff Morrell).
This eclectic group includes a host of mountain trekkers: an American professor (Bernard Curry) and his cellphone-obsessed daughter, Starr (Grace O’Sullivan), whose pouty demeanor suggests she’d rather be anywhere else.
The Plot Takes a Dark Turn
The tranquility of their journey is shattered when local resident Vijay (Saksham Sharma) becomes the target of bumbling kidnappers led by the vicious Jeet (Amelia Bishop). Here we have the typical action movie setup: a crooked businessman, a land dispute over a vital dam, and of course, plenty of opportunities for Neeson to demonstrate his "driving skills."
High-Speed Chaos on the Mountain Roads
Prepare for a rollercoaster ride! While the film’s title suggests icy escapades, most of the action unfolds on perilous mountain roads. The sequences of car chases and shootouts stretch credulity, showcasing Mike and Dhani displaying combat skills that would rival any seasoned operative. A particularly transformative arc involves Starr, whose character flips from bratty to badass after losing her phone.
Despite the formulaic nature of the plot, with scenes of Neeson retrieving his brother’s ashes and vehicles precariously dangling off cliffs, the audience knows what to expect.
Neeson Delivers: A Familiar Performance
Neeson, comfortable in this formulaic role, still manages to evoke subtle emotions. His most striking moment comes not in life-threatening peril but when he corrects someone calling him American instead of Irish—a wink at his audience that feels both personal and contractual. Meanwhile, Fan Bingbing complements Neeson with her resilient spirit and dynamic presence, making her a memorable counterpart.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Ice Road: Vengeance is forgettable—even fans of the original might find it hard to recall vital details. It embodies everything one expects from a generic action sequel, leaving audiences to wonder how long Neeson will continue down this road. As he ventures further into action-land, one hopes he doesn’t end up eclipsed like Charles Bronson, who notoriously starred in multiple sequels of Death Wish.
For those craving high-octane thrills laced with predictability, Ice Road: Vengeance might scratch that itch. However, for the discerning viewer seeking depth and originality, it may be time to steer clear of this action vehicle.
Feel free to get to know Neeson’s earlier works and dive into the depths of cinematic thrillers. Hollywood Reporter offers extensive coverage of Neeson’s filmography, while Rotten Tomatoes provides a look at ratings and reviews for all his movies.
