A Walk Among the Tombstones [DVD]

I should preface this review by admitting I'm a big Lawrence Block fan. The top shelf in my library, all 72 inches of it, contains paper copies of all his novels and stories. I've read all of them at least three or four times and plan to continue turning those pages. So when I learned Universal was releasing a DVD of Block's A Walk Among The Tombstones I was both thrilled and wary. The first movie made from Block's books, Whoopi Goldberg's Burglar was, in my view, a fun movie and a good Whoopi vehicle, but it was not good Lawrence Block. So I was apprehensive. I imagined Bruce Willis (at his darkest, as in Last Man Standing) doing a credible job of bringing Matt Scudder to the screen, but couldn't think of anyone else that would be up to the job. Then I learned it was Liam Neeson, and my hopes got an uplift. He could pull it off. He did pull it off. Boy did he pull it off! He got Matt Scudder like he was wearing his skin. And beyond that, the rest of the cast and crew measured up as well. T.J. was "close enough" in my view. I mean, they met on The Deuce, not in a library and that difference is reflected in the way they handled his character in the movie. But that's a minor issue, and does not detract from the fact this movie is nicely representative of the Block original.I'm not going to say anything about the plot, don't want to spoil it for you. But I will say this: if you like the movie, head for your nearest bookstore and check out Matt Scudder in print. If you start with the first book of the series, In The Midst of Death, and work your way up to Tombstones, (the 11th by my count), you'll have a greater appreciation for the character as Mr. Neeson so ably portrayed him here.

I'm always glad to try out films in the vein of Hard-boiled detective stories and Film Noir and I must admit that the over-abundance of various crime dramas and police procedurals have managed to wear me out a bit but A Walk Among the Tombstones was very refreshing. Not just for the examination of procedure but the victims of the events that Matthew Scudder gets involved with.The characters and events are based on a novel by Lawerence Block who also writes a rather long series of somewhat open-ended books with Scuddder as the primary protagonist. However you don't need to be familiar with either the author or any of the books to enjoy this film (or hate it).While I don't think that there's anything mind-blowing about the movie I thought that it was very well done, had strong performances (some fairly subdue but still good) from all the actors involved and managed to have a few moments of levity in an otherwise bleak story. The character is flawed enough that he seems real without being so flawed that he's a psychopath detective or drug addled cynic who has taken up crime fighting for... reasons. If you enjoy shows like Jack Taylor or 8mm, I think you may like this.So if you're looking for something you can simply enjoy on any given evening that isn't so dumb that you run the risk of losing IQ and not so pretentious that you'll immediately become a film snob I'd say give it a try.

"A Walk Among the Tombstones" is very entertaining. It's very dark and a little slow at times, but it's very good. I would recommend it to anyone unless I know they are squeamish. -SPOILERS - There are two crazy psychotic men who kidnap woman and torcher and kill them while holding them for ransom. It's not overly violent on screen, but you get the picture, they are brutal. It made $62.1 million at the box office with a $28 million budget.

I am just now coming back down to earth from this film!! I have recommended it to everyone I know! It is action-packed, high energy, intelligent and awesome overall! There are so many incredible and powerful scenes that I was blown away! This film delves into some very frightening concepts. Liam Neeson has floored me by his degree of skill, dedication and physicality. He is totally believable in this role (as always) and quickly has the viewer invested and cheering for his well-being. (I have seen most of his work and am close to deciding that THIS ONE IS HIS BEST!!)I have a brother whose philosophy is, "If a movie doesn't grab me within 10 minutes, I'm asleep." Lol. :-) While watching, "A Walk Among the Tombstones", I pressed "pause" and called him on the telephone. My statement to him was, "Have I got a movie for you!" This is no exaggeration, once you press "play", literally 60 seconds later, "Boom"!! The movie jumps off and the thrills, chills and suspense never stop! You will be on the edge of your seat, at times in disbelief and totally engrossed by the story, action and drama. In closing, if you like suspense, action and/or Liam Neeson -- get this film. You will not be disappointed.

Movie was ok

Bloody! actionPlease REMOVE THE TWIN TOWERS IN NYC AT THE END!!!

Entertaining movie, better in Blu Ray

I like about every movie Liam Neeson has made. Very good actor and he's very believable character, not the stupid acting in most movies now a days.